Brief History

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.

This is the Boxer

The Boxer dog of today is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs & well developed muscles.
Male Weight: 65-80 lbs. (29.5 - 36.4 kg) Height: 22½-25 in. (57-63½ cm) at withers
Female Weight: 50-60 lbs. (22.7-29.5 kg) Height: 21-23½ in. (53-60 cm) at withers

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.
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 and very worthwhile since any untrained Boxer 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 are most definitely the clown of the canine world. They have a "welcome home - butt wiggle" that has them bending in half with excitement when you greet them! The famous Kidney Bean dance or The Bean as most Boxer enthusiasts have dubbed it, is a true Boxer trademark. They are great travel companions, intelligent, playful and a loyal friend.
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.

One of the primary characteristics that must be taken into account when considering a Boxer is the high energy level common to the breed. Boxers are lively, active dogs, and may be too boisterous for some households. The proper balance of rest and exercise is essential.

Boxers are extremely "people-oriented" and have a great need for human companionship; insufficient attention may resort in "bad" behavior in an attempt to gain attention.
The Boxer is a house dog. While they may enjoy regular play and exercise outdoors, they are not suited for outside living on a day to day basis. Their short coats cannot protect them from long exposure to cold temperatures and their short muzzles make them susceptible to extreme heat.
The Boxer is a natural guardian of his home & family.
As with any breed, obedience training is essential for a well-mannered, disciplined companion. Boxers are an intelligent, clever breed. It is important to remember that an intelligent dog can devise many ways of getting into trouble than a dull one. Boxers must be trained in a firm but fair manner - they do not respond well to harsh treatment.
The Boxer's short, tight coat requires little grooming, however like most breeds; they DO shed yr round, more so as the temperature changes in spring and fall. The degree of shedding varies with the individual Boxer. Some lines are prone to skin allergies.
Some Boxers, especially those with "loose lips" may drool. Usually this is only an occasional occurrence, but some may find it unappealing. They do snore so if you are a light sleeper and the sound of a contented Boxer sawing logs next to you is unappealing then this breed is not for you.
The official standard (as far as showing Boxers go) of the Boxer calls for cropped ears. But cropping ears in Boxers is a personal preference. Many pet owners opt not to have this procedure done due to the necessary aftercare and taping to ensure the ears stand properly. If your Boxer is of pet quality then there is no need to have this procedure done.
Finally, a Boxers digestion is sometimes less than perfect. They do tend to be a breed with a sensitive stomach. Even when fed a high quality food, SOME may have rather frequent and noxious episodes of passing gas. Sometimes the elimination of corn from their diet is all that is needed. This, of course, varies with the individual and may not occur at all. But in most instances expect some degree of gas.  But if you can live with the few minor issues mentioned above,  then a Boxer is the perfect dog for you!

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