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Breed Characteristics
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Boxer
| Other Names | German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
| Weight | Males: 60 - 70 lbs. (27 - 32 kg) Females: 53 - 65 lbs. (24 - 29 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | Males: 22 - 25 in. (56 - 63 cm) Females: 21 - 24 in. (53 - 61 cm) |
| Coat | The Boxer is a short-haired breed, with a shiny, smooth coat that lies tight to the body. |
| Colour | The recognized colours are fawn and brindle, frequently with a white underbelly and white on the feet. These white markings, called flash, often extend onto the neck or face, and dogs that have these markings are known as "flashy". "Fawn" denotes a range of colour, the tones of which may be described variously as light tan or yellow, reddish tan, mahogany or stag/deer red, and dark honey-blonde. In the UK and Europe, fawn Boxers are typically rich in colour and are often called "red". "Brindle" refers to a dog with black stripes on a fawn background. Some brindle Boxers are so heavily striped that they give the appearance of "reverse brindling", fawn stripes on a black body; these dogs are conventionally called "reverse brindles", but that is actually a misnomer—they are still fawn dogs with black stripes. In addition, the breed standards state that the fawn background must clearly contrast with or show through the brindling, so a dog that is too heavily brindled may be disqualified by the breed standard. Boxers that resemble flashy traits are referred to as "flashy" plus the other colour that they have such as brindle (ex: flashy-brindle). The Boxer does not carry the gene for a solid black coat colour and therefore purebred black Boxers do not exist. |
| Litter Size | 2 - 10 puppies, average 6 |
| Life Span | 11-14 years |
| Origin & History | Although the Boxer is a relatively modern creation, not having been standardized into the modern breed until the last years of the 19th Century, the breed’s ancestors are several hundred, and perhaps several thousand years old. The Boxer is a member of a family of dog breeds which is sometimes known as the Mastiffs, Molossers, Alaunts, or Dogues. This family is known for having brachycephalic (pushed-in) faces, tremendous size, great strength, and a strong protective instinct. This family is quite ancient, between 2,000 and 7,000 years old depending on which origin story is to be believed. Because these dogs were created in a time long before written records were kept of dog breeding (and possibly before the invention of writing itself) very little is known of their origins. Most of these theories are little more than pure speculation, or the evidence supporting them is inconclusive at best. Some of the most prominent have these dogs being descended from ancient Eurasian livestock guarding dogs, Ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian war dogs, Tibetan guard dogs, the Greco-Roman Molossus, the Celtic Pugnaces Brittaniae (possibly the English Mastiff), or a breed known as the Alaunt which was kept by a barbarian tribe known as the Alans who invaded the Roman Empire. However it was that these dogs were first developed, by the fall of the Roman Empire they were found throughout Europe and the Near East. One of the places where they became most common and beloved was in the lands of the Holy Roman Empire, an area which comprised most of the lands inhabited by German-speaking peoples (as well as several others). In more modern times, German speakers came to know the Mastiff-type dog as the Bullenbeiser, or Bull Biter, or more rarely the Barenbeiszer, or Bear Biter. Although most countries used Mastiffs as livestock or property guardians, Germans preferred to use the breed for hunting. These powerful dogs were used to bring down Europe’s most dangerous quarry; large and fearsome beasts such as the bear, boar, wolf, and bison. The original Bullenbeiser was probably very similar to other Mastiffs, especially those of Italy and France, although possibly more athletically built. At some point, the Bullenbeiser was crossed with some variety of sighthound to develop the Deutsche Dogge, better known in English as the Great Dane, which became a very accomplished hunter. The success of the Great Dane meant that there was a reduced need for giant Bullenbeisers, and the breed gradually shrunk in size. At the time, Germany was divided into thousands of distinct polities, some only a few square miles in area. Many of these states had their own nobility, and many German nobles kept Bullenbeisers for hunting. The Bullenbeiser was pure bred for a number of centuries, although there were probably many distinct localized varieties. The breed was highly valued because of its toughness and likelihood for survival during a hunt. Whereas most dogs would be killed quickly by a boar, the Bullenbeiser was smart and tenacious enough to control the animal until it could be killed. In the 1700’s, John E. L. Riedinger of Augsburg was quoted as saying “The Doggen (Great Dane) and Bullenbeisser, however, knew instinctively how to tackle the game from behind and hold it in a way that kept them from serious injury yet gave the hunters time to reach the kill therefore they were more valuable to the hunt and were accordingly highly prized and painstakingly bred." Unfortunately, the breed did not have great tracking ability and scent hounds were used to locate the boar, often at the cost of their lives. In the 18th and 19th Centuries, social change gripped the German-speaking lands. Larger states began to unify the country at the expense of smaller ones. Additionally, new philosophies such as democracy and republicanism led to major disruptions in the established social order. The end result was that most of the pre-existing German nobility lost their traditional lands and rights. Similar changes were happening across Europe, and in many countries the hunting dogs of the nobility were no longer cared for and became extinct as a result. The Bullenbeiser, had it not been for its versatility and adaptability would likely have suffered that same fate. Well-suited to many other purposes besides hunting, the German nobility either gave or sold their Bullenbeisers to other members of other social classes who also found the breed to be useful fulfilling a variety of roles. The toughness and prey drive that made the Bullenbeiser a ferocious hunter of wild game also made it a skilled cattle drover and butcher’s dog. Workers in the German agricultural and meat industries began to use these dogs to drive cattle and other livestock wherever they were needed to go, to market, to the slaughterhouse, or into a different pen. The breed’s loyalty and protective instincts made it a popular choice as an urban guardian and occasionally as a police dog. The aggressive nature of the dog meant that it was sometimes used in blood sports such as bear baiting, bull baiting, and dog fighting. Because the Bullenbeiser was now kept by those who could not easily afford to keep a breed as large as a Mastiff (even a small one) the Bullenbeiser continued to shrink in size. By the early 1800’s, the Bullenbeiser had become a medium-sized dog which was very similar in appearance to the English Bulldog, which at that time was a very different animal. It has long been suggested that the Bullenbeiser and the English Bulldog had major influence on each other’s breeding, but any actual connection is now unclear. What is clear is that both breeds were brachycephalic, incredibly muscular, athletic, and aggressive. During the 1800’s, one of the most distinct varieties of Bullenbeiser was a type supposedly developed in the Belgian city of Brabant. These dogs, known as Brabanters, were considerably smaller than most other Bullenbeisers, and traditionally had their ears cropped and tails docked. The smaller Brabanter became popular and slowly began to replace larger Bullenbeisers across Germany. The Brabanter’s rise in popularity coincided with the importation of foreign breeds into Germany. One of the most popular imports was the English Bulldog. These dogs were crossed with the Bullenbeiser to improve the tenacity and fearlessness of the breed. Some of the most notable side effects were the introduction of white coats and stockier bodies into Bullenbeiser lines. Prior to this time, all Bullenbeisers were either Brindle or Fawn with black markings. Other breeds were also crossed with Bullenbeisers, possibly including Bull Terriers and mixed-breed dogs. By the end of the 19th Century, the Bullenbeiser was considerably smaller and more variable in appearance than its ancestors. In the mid-1800’s, dog shows became incredibly popular and there were movements to standardize and pedigree the many native breeds of Britain. This movement spread across the channel, first to France and then to Germany. At the time, Prussia had just completed the unification of most of the German-speaking regions creating the modern nation of Germany in the process. German nationalism was very high at the time and there was a strong drive to standardize and promote native German dog breeds. There was also a desire to create new and “perfect” breeds based on the recent scientific discoveries such as the Theory of Evolution. German breeders wanted to standardize the Bullenbeiser, as well as return the breed to its older form. These efforts were centered in the city of Munich, where the first Boxers were exhibited at a dog show in 1895 and the first Boxer club was founded later that year. This club created the first written Boxer standard between 1902 and 1904. These dogs were called Boxers and not Bullenbeisers, although the reason has been lost to history. While frequently claimed that the breed was named by a visiting Englishman, who noticed the breed’s propensity to stand on its rear legs and make punching motions with its forelegs, this is most likely not the case. There are instead two different, and equally likely, explanations. Boxer and Box had entered the German language from English at the time and were commonly used to describe punching or boxing, and the breed may have been named as a result. Alternatively, Boxer may have been the name of an individual dog or dogs, which early breeders favored. It is known that Boxer was a common dog name in both England and Germany at the time. To standardize the Boxer, German breeders selected the most desirable Bullenbeisers and English Bulldogs, as well as a few dogs of unknown origin. At first, the Boxer was probably about half Bullenbeiser (primarily from Brabanter lines) and half English Bulldog. However, breeders began to greatly favor the introduction of greater amounts of Bullenbeiser blood. This was done primarily to eliminate the white from the coat and to create a more athletic and lean dog. No doubt a certain amount of nationalist pride factored in as well. As was the case with many other German breeding efforts of the era, early Boxer breeders used a tremendous amount of inbreeding in their program, and most of today’s Boxers descend from a very small number of dogs. By the time of World War I, the Boxer was probably closer to 70% Bullenbeiser/other German breeds and 30% English Bulldog. The first Boxers were exported to the United States in the closing years of the 19th Century. The American Kennel Club (AKC) was quick to recognize the breed as a member of the Working Group, granting the Boxer full recognition starting in 1904. However, the breed did not immediately catch on in its new homeland. Although imports continued until World War I, the breed remained quite rare. Among the most important of these early Boxers were a number of dogs from the Von Dom Kennels of Germany. This kennel was operated by Friederun and Philip Stockmann and beginning in 1910 produced some of the most influential of all Boxers. The Stockmanns’ dogs and their descendents comprise all four of the “Four Horsemen of Boxerdom,” the four Boxer sires who are considered the most influential in American Boxer breeding. The “Four Horsemen of Boxerdom” are Sigurd and his grand offspring Lustig, Utz, and Dorien. During World War I, the German Army co-opted the Boxer, which was already in use as a police dog. The Boxer served loyally and with distinction as a messenger, guard dog, attack dog, and beast of burden. American soldiers serving in Europe likely encountered Boxers, but the breed’s popularity in America was not much impacted by the war. This may be due to the great surge in popularity experienced by the German Shepherd, also introduced to the American public as a result of the Great War. Importations and breeding continued in the interwar years but the Boxer remained comparatively unpopular in the New World, although the American Boxer Club (ABC) was founded in 1935 to promote and protect the breed. World War II resulted in a massive shift in the Boxer’s fate in America. As in World War I, the Boxer served the Germany Army in World War II, and in the same roles. For whatever reason, American troops were much more impressed with the breed in World War II and a number acquired these dogs in Germany and brought them home with them. Others who didn’t own one when they left Germany wanted to when they returned to America. The breed experienced a huge surge of popularity after World War II and has never given up its prominent place with in America since. In 1943, the ABC held its first breed specialty. In 1948, the United Kennel Club (UKC) granted full recognition to the Boxer. The Boxer quickly earned a reputation for being intensely loyal and affectionate with its family, as well as being a silly and playful clown. For many years, the Boxer has ranked as one of the 10 most popular dog breeds in terms of AKC registrations, and has long been one of the most common dog breeds in the United States. Unfortunately, this popularity has not come without complications. A number of disreputable breeders have bred Boxers solely for the profit they believe that they can make from the puppies, with little or no regard for temperament, health, or conformation to standards. This has led to the creation of many Boxers with unstable temperaments, poor health, or who do not meet breed guidelines. Other well-intentioned but inexperienced breeders have also contributed to the problem. For these reasons prospective Boxer owners should carefully select a Boxer breeder before they acquire one of these dogs. Another major problem for the Boxer breed is that many families who are unfamiliar with these dogs acquire them without doing the proper research. Many of these Boxers end up in animal shelters or breed rescues when their owners discover that they are not capable or willing to meet the needs of this breed. In recent years, there are increasing differences between American and German Boxer lines. These differences would probably not be especially noticeable to an average person but are quite noticeable to Boxer fanciers. German Boxers are generally more heavily built and have proportionately larger heads than their American counterparts. However, the two lines are considered to be the same breed by essentially all major canine organizations and offspring of crosses between the two are still considered purebred. While at the current time there is no major sentiment to formally separate the Boxer into two breeds, there may be in the not too distant future. There is also a division among Boxer fanciers as to the status of several Boxer color variations, primarily white Boxers. Boxer standards limit which colors are acceptable, with primarily white dogs excluded. There are a number of reasons for these exclusions, historical, aesthetic, and health (white Boxers are very frequently deaf in one or both ears. It was a traditional practice to euthanize all white Boxer puppies, but this is rarer now. Most kennel clubs find it highly undesirable to breed dogs that do not ideally conform to breed standards but some fanciers do so anyways. These fanciers have their own similar reasons, primarily aesthetic and health (larger gene pools usually means healthier dogs). While there isn’t much popular sentiment to separate non-conforming colored Boxers into their own breeds, it is possible that either such a movement will develop in the future or Boxer standards will change. As it has for many years, the Boxer is currently one of the most popular breeds in America. In 2010, the Boxer ranked 7th out of 167 total breeds in terms of AKC registrations. The Boxer was developed as a multi-purpose working dog, and the breed serves many different roles today. Outside of the United States, a large number of Boxers serve as seeing eye dogs, police dogs, and military dogs, although other breeds are greatly favored for those purposes in America. Inside America’s borders, Boxers are regularly used as search and rescue dogs, service dogs for the handicapped, therapy dogs, and guard dogs. Boxers also compete at the highest levels of Obedience, Agility, Conformation, and Shutzhund Competitions, as well as being some of the most successful competitors in a number of canine sports such as flyball. Although the breed remains multi-talented and a very capable working dog, the vast majority of American Boxers now serve no other purpose besides companionship. Unlike many other working dogs, when Boxers are properly trained and cared for they make exceptional companion dogs and accept this role with great pleasure. |
| Personality | The Boxer is happy, high-spirited, playful, curious and energetic. Highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn, the Boxer is a good dog for competitive obedience. It is constantly on the move and bonds very closely with the family. Loyal and affectionate, Boxers are known for the way they get along so well with children. A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets such as cats. Animals such as rodents, ducks, chickens and other farm birds may be too tempting, however, they can be taught to "leave it" but it is still not recommended they be left alone with them. It has been said that the name Boxer came from the way the Boxer likes to use his front paws for just about everything. If you have ever watched a Boxer go about his business you may have noticed the way he paws at his toys, food bowl and you for that matter, in a very playful cat-like way. While participating the sport of Schutzhund, Boxers are known to jump up and use their front paws as if they are boxing. They are very clownish and playful. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home. Known visitors will be welcomed. They are always keen to work and play. Boxers need lots of human leadership. Teach the Boxer not to be boisterous and especially not to jump up at people. This breed is noted for courage and makes a great guard dogs. Boxers have a wide use in military and police work. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. They are extremely athletic, sometimes even in their old age. This dog needs to go on a daily pack walk. Daily mental and physical exercise is paramount. Without it, the Boxer will become high strung. This breed requires a dominant owner. Training should start young and be firm and consistent. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. Meek Boxer owners will find their dogs to become stubborn. If they do not take you seriously they will be sneaky, demanding, boisterous and hard to control. Teach the Boxer dominating another dog is not acceptable. Any signs of dominance need to be immediately corrected by the owners in a calm, but firm, confident way. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Boxer is known to suffer from a number of very serious health problems and many of these dogs have very short lifespans. Different sources give different estimated life expectancies for Boxers, ranging from 8 to 14 years. A health survey conducted in the United Kingdom indicated that the median age of death of Boxers was 9.8 years. The leading causes of death were cancer which was responsible for 38.5% of Boxer deaths, old age which was responsible for 21.5% of Boxer deaths, and cardiac and gastrointestinal problems at 6.9% each. Of greater concern to many Boxer breeders is the fact that the average life expectancy of Boxers seems to be decreasing, largely due to increasing cancer and heart problem rates. Boxers suffer from most health problems common to purebred dogs in general (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, etc.) and brachycephalic dogs in particular (wheezing, shortness of breathe, etc.), as well as having a number of breed specific problems. While Boxer breeders are working with veterinarians and geneticists to solve these problems, they remain a long ways off. Cancer is the health problem of greatest concern to Boxer owners. This breed suffers from higher cancer rates than almost any other breed. This breed suffers from very high rates of many different cancers, most of which are potentially fatal. Boxers are also particularly susceptible to benign tumors as well as cancerous ones. As is the case with humans, cancer is caused by the rapid growth of abnormal cells. The causes of cancer are not entirely understood, and environmental factors are known to play a major role in the development of many cancers. However, genetics is one of the leading causes of many cancers. The treatment options for a Boxer with cancer vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, as long as the point at which it is detected. However, most are expensive and uncomfortable for the dog and often only prolong the dog’s life for a short time. Because skeletal and visual problems have been known to occur in this breed it is highly advisable for owners to have their pets tested by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). The OFA and CERF perform genetic and other tests to identify potential health defects before they show up. This is especially valuable in the detection of conditions that do not show up until the dog has reached an advanced age, making it especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog to have it prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to its offspring. |
| Grooming | The Boxer's smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary, for it removes the natural oils from the skin. Some Boxers try and keep themselves clean, grooming themselves like a cat, although some cannot resist rolling in another animal’s poop, which calls for a bath. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | An active, athletic breed, Boxers need daily work or exercise, as well as a long brisk, daily walk. They also enjoy fetching a ball or other sessions of play. |
| Other Considerations | Boxers will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Boxers are temperature sensitive, getting easily overheated and chilling very quickly. |
