Boxer

BOXER  Origin: Germany  Particular uses: Companion dog, guide dog, guard dog  Life expectancy: 11 years  Male height: 57 - 63 cm.  Male weight: 28 - 32 kg approx.  Female height: 53 - 59 cm.  Female weight: 28 - 32 kg approx.  FCI-Standard: No. 144 - Group 2

History of the Breed
The breed's origin is German.  The Boxer breed is very young.  It was achieved approximately a century ago through the crossing of several breeds.  The blood of at least five breeds runs through the veins of a Boxer: the Bullenbeiszer (bullbiter), the Barenbeiszer (bearbiter), the Belgian Brabanter, the Polish Danziger and the English Bulldog.  As you see, all of them are ancient hunting dogs with wide, upturned muzzles.

The Boxer was a breed little known outside of Germany until after the Second World War when the soldiers brought individual dogs back to their homes.  The first case written into the book on the origin of the breed was in 1895.

Character and Temperament
A Boxer should have solid nerves, be sure of itself, and remain calm and balanced.  Its character is of the greatest importance and you should pay the most solicitous attention to those aspects of its education.  The affection and loyalty paid to the owner and all its family are exceptional, as is its vigilance and boldness as a defender.  But even when its family is out of danger, it is a dog with a distrustful nature with respect to things foreign. 

It is a cheerful and friendly dog when at play, but fearless when aroused.  It is easy to train as it is docile, secure and bold.  It possesses a frank character, without falsity or hypocrisy and it conserves these qualities as it ages.  The Boxer requires constant attention, exercise and lots of love from its owners.  If the dog feels lonely, bored or neglected, that is when it is usually problematic.

The Boxer breed is very strong and predatory.  To avoid the development of the hunting instinct in this dog, you should wear it out with a lot of exercise and lots of games.  The female is more aggressive than the male.

Appearance of the Dog
The Boxer breed has a compact, powerful body with a shiny coat that lies tight to the body.  Its front legs are powerful, straight and very muscular.  The hindquarters are also very powerful and well-angled.

The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, bending upwards.  It has a wide, black muzzle, with very open nostrils.  Boxers have floppy ears.  Their eyes are very dark and extremely expressive, transmitting an inexhaustible energy and tremendous intelligence.