History of the Boxer

The ancestors of the Boxer dog were known since the 16th century. It was however, due to selective breeding by Georg Alt, in the 1880s Munich, Germany that produced the beginnings of the Boxer breed. Breeding a small Bullenbeiser bitch to a local Bullenbeiser dog, both of which were mastiff type dogs now extinct, produced a parti colored dog subsequently bred to an English Bulldog. That breeding produced a male and female. The male was shown and later on became the first Boxer entered into the German Stud Book. The sister, a white dog, produced a daughter, Meta von der Passage. Most Boxer dogs today trace their heritage back to this bitch.

The head of the Boxer dog has become more refined in Britain and North America than its European counterpart. Its shape is of the utmost importance.

Male Weight: 65-80 lbs. (29.5 - 36.4 kg).
Height: 22½-25 in. (57-63½ cm) at withers.

Female Weight: 50-60 lbs. (22.7-29.5kg).

Height: 21-23½ in. (53-60 cm) at withers.

Watchdog: Good

Protection: Good

Life Expectance: 8-10 years.

The Boxer dog is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, well developed muscles. The gait of the Boxer dog is energetic, firm yet elastic, the stride free and ground covering, the carriage proud. Instinctively the Boxer breed is a guard dog, his bearing is alert, dignified and self-assured. With his family and friends, his temperament is playful, patient, stoical and very loving of children. The Boxer dog is wary with strangers, exhibiting curiosity but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened. Grooming a Boxer puppy or adult is easy, just a periodic brushing, will suffice, and for exercise, he likes a good daily walk. The intelligence and loyal affection of the Boxer dog, his willingness to learn, make him a highly desirable companion. Obedience training can be lots of fun for you and your young Boxer puppy and very worthwhile since any untrained puppy can become unruly. They are capable of being trained for a large number of purposes.

The character of the boxer can be summed up in one word – CLOWNS! They have a “welcome home wiggle” that has them bending in half with excitement when you greet them! They are great car companions, intelligent, playful and fantastic with kids!

Instinctively a "hearing" guard dog, they are alert, dignified and self-assured. With family and friends, their temperament is fundamentally playful, yet patient and loving with children. Boxer’s will exhibit curiosity but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened. However, they respond immediately to friendly people. Their intelligence, loyal affection and acceptance of discipline make them highly desirable companions.