About The Boxer Breed

Temperament

The Boxer is an unique mixture of guard dog and playful dog. This breed is mainly a hearing dog that alerts his master to strange sounds. The Boxer does not bark aimlessly or without reason. He is cautious when first meeting strangers but warms up considerably after being assured the person means no harm. The Boxer is very warm and loving to his family. He likes to play with toys and children especially. A striking characteristic of this breed is the gentleness that is exhibited toward small children, elderly people, and sick people. They are patient and spirited, but also protective, which makes them a popular choice for families. Due to their personality traits they have succeeded as couriers during war time, and service dogs such as those for the blind. Some people consider Boxers hyper, but his high energy makes life exciting for his owners. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing to box with its front paws. Boxers do not make good outside dogs due to their short coats and desire to share company with his owners. They are great indoor dogs with their meticulous cleaning habits. The Boxer requires little grooming but needs daily exercise to release his high energy and to stretch his long legs. It is no surprise that with his great qualities the Boxer has a large following in this country. Some of this information was acquired from "The New Boxer" by Billie McFadden and was published by MacMillan in 1989.

Health

According to a UK Kennel Club health survey and a 20 year study by the University of Georgia:
Cancer accounts for approx 40% of Boxer deaths, followed by old age (21.5%), Neurological at 18%, cardiac 6.9%, and gastrointestinal related issues 6.9%. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumors. The Median lifespan was 10.25 years.

The Boxer is the 5th breed most likely to die from cancer. This includes lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes), mast cell tumors (skin cancer), mammary gland and breast cancer, soft tissue sarcomas and bone cancer. Boxers are the #1 purebred dog most likely to develop mast cell tumors.

Neurological diseases included diseases of the brain and spinal cord, such as inter-vertebral disc disease that can lead to paralysis, strokes; seizures, degenerative myelopathy, encephalitis; laryngeal paralysis and tumors of the brain and spinal cord.

History

The Boxer's ancestry goes back to a line of dogs that existed in Europe in the 1500's called the "Bullenbeisser". The Boxer, along with many other breeds of dogs, is also a descendant of the old fighting dog of Tibet. During the past hundred years, the cross-breeding of the "Bullenbeisser" with the Great Dane and the English Bulldog resulted in the present day Boxer. The early ancestors of Boxers were used for bull-baiting and bear-baiting. These ancestors were bred to be agile and quick on their feet to avoid being gored during confrontation with wild, dangerous animals. Fortunately, the baiting of wild animals became outlawed during the 1800's. Although the Boxer's early ancestors ultimately became extinct, in the 19th century the Germans used the lines to develop a good solid working dog, they were used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game until the hunter could arrive. The Germans added other breeds such as Bull Terrier and Giant Schnauzers into the Boxer mix. These early Boxers were used as fearless, intelligent, and tenacious guard dogs. Many variations between individual Boxers existed since so it has so many different ancestors. In 1895, the first Boxer Standard was created. This Standard helped provide a blueprint for breeders to follow. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930's. Over time they have developed into the sleek, sophisticated Boxer that we know today.

Coat & Color

Coat
They have a short shiny coat that lays smooth and tight to the body and require little grooming. Boxers do not make good outdoor dogs due to their short coat and desire to be with their family, but they are great indoor dogs due to their meticulous cleaning habits.
Color
The colors are fawn and brindle. Fawn shades vary from light tan to mahogany. The brindle ranges from sparse but clearly defined black stripes on a fawn background to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although clearly, shows through (which may create the appearance of reverse brindling). White markings, if present, should be of such distribution as to enhance the dog's appearance, but may not exceed one-third of the entire coat. They are not desirable on the flanks or on the back of the torso proper. On the face, white may replace part of the otherwise essential black mask, and may extend in an upward path between the eyes, but it must not be excessive, so as to detract from true Boxer expression. The absence of white markings, the so-called "plain/classic" fawn or brindle, is perfectly acceptable, and should not be penalized in any consideration of color. Disqualifications Boxers that are any color other than fawn or brindle. Boxers with a total of white markings exceeding one-third of the entire coat.