Boxer

This Boxer is a medium sized dog. The short close-lying coat is found in two equally accepted basic colour classifications, red and brindle. Puppies for the first few weeks of age will appear darker than their eventual true colour. Genetically, brindles may produce reds when bred, but red mated to red cannot produce a brindle. The background colour, whether fawn or brindle, is often splashed with attractive white markings but they should appear only on muzzle, neck, chest, legs or underbelly.

The Boxer’s background is found in feudal Germany. Here a small courageous hunting dog with mastiff type head and undershot bite was used to secure a tenacious hold on bull, bear or boar pending the hunter’s arrival. He then went through periods of utility dog for peasants and shop-owners. His easy trainability even found him performing in circuses. In the 1880’s descendants of this type were bred to a taller, more elegant English import, often white in colour, and the modern Boxer was established.

The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most careful attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household his alertness and fearless courage as a defender and protector. The Boxer is docile but distrustful of strangers. He is bright and friendly in play but brave and determined when roused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honestly and loyalty. He is never false or treacherous even in his old age.

The Boxer should be considered an indoor dog as he is unusually sensitive to temperature extremes both hot and cold. The Boxer needs very little grooming, and it is easily done by the owner. A rubber curry comb, or light culling with a hacksaw blade will take out loose hair and prevent it shedding on furniture or clothes.