Boxer

Breed Type: Working

Weight: 65 to 80 lbs for Males, 50 to 65 lbs for Females

Height: 22.5 to 25 inches for Males, 21 to 23.5 inches for Females

Coat type: Short and smooth coat.

One of the most popular breeds in the United States, Boxer is characterized as a stocky, medium-sized, short-haired dog, with a short and smooth coat. An active, athletic breed, the canines exhibit a friendly and cheerful disposition. Its name has emerged from the way the dog uses its front paws for just about everything. A Boxer uses its paws for almost everything - right from grabbing its toys to the food bowl. Its playful nature makes it extremely adorable and a perfect house companion. To know more about the history, appearance and personality of Boxer, browse through the following lines.

History
A part of the Molosser dog group, the breed came from Germany. In the late 1800s, a dog of Mastiff descent, Bullenbeisser was bred with the Bulldogs, of England. Used as a hunting dog for centuries, the Bullenbeisser hunted for bear, wild boar, and deer and held them until the hunters came. With the passage of times, the faster dogs were preferred for hunting purpose. During this time, smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant, in northern part of Belgium. Boxers are believed to be successor of the Brabanter Bullenbeisser. Year 1894 saw the stabilizing of the breed, thanks to Roberth, Konig, and Hopner, the three Germans, who decided to stabilize the breed and put it on exhibition at a dog show.

A year later, in 1895, the dog breed was first exhibited at St. Bernards in Munich. In 1896, Deutscher Boxer Club, the first Boxer Club was founded. In 1902, the club printed first ever printed publication of about Boxer. Eventually, in the late 19th century, the breed was introduced to other parts of Europe and United States. It was only after the two world wars that the breed became popular. The returning soldier took the canines along with them, introducing Boxers to a wider audience. The dog soon became as one of the most loved companion, show dog as well as a guard.

Appearance
Flaunting a compact and powerful body, Boxer has a square-built and muscular physique. Its extremely sleek and shiny tight coat is available in fawn, brindle, white and various shades of red, with white markings. Boxers usually have a lean and unwrinkled body which is in proportion to their head. The lower jaw of the canine extends beyond its upper one, curving in an upward direction. This is the reason that neither its teeth nor tongue is visible when the mouth is closed. The dog has a large, black nose with open nostrils and dark eyes. The neck of the Boxers is generally strong, muscular and round in shape, while the ears are mostly erect in triangular shape. Boxes have a docked tail that is usually carried high.

Personality
Extremely energetic and playful, Boxers make affable and friendly pets. The breed boasts of high level of intelligence and an eagerness to learn and to please. Though a boxer might be moody and stubborn at times, mostly it is a very happy, keen and alert dog. One of the distinctive characteristics of Boxers is its protective nature, as its bonds very closely with the family. However, this does not make the breed aggressive. Boxers exhibit a loyal and affectionate nature and are known for gelling well with children. The Boxer is a pleasant combination of playfulness, alertness, loyalty, affection, intelligence and amiability. Though the canine can be properly trained, it is important that the training should start early and the owner should be firm and consistent with it.