Boxer Breeders, Breed Clubs and Rescue
Red and White Boxer with European Cropped Ears
The Boxer was developed in Germany towards the end of the 19thC, probably by crossing Great Danes and Bulldogs. There are some fascinating photographs of early dogs, all of which have cropped ears which of course changes their expression considerably, but they show the characteristics which we recognise today and suggestions of the Bulldog with much shorter legs and a pugnacious, battered expression.
The first show in Germany in 1896 had twenty entries, and they look a very mixed bunch. The Boxer was bred to guard and the origin of his name is a bit of a mystery; possibly it derives from his habit of playing using his front feet, or it could be a corruption of the German word beisser, a shortening of bullenbeisser meaning ‘bull biter’. He has also been used in his homeland for police work.
He has developed from the rather ungainly early dogs to a dog of lovely balance and elegance, with good bone and well-developed flat muscle and a short coat, glossy and smooth and forming a tight jacket. He needs careful feeding to keep him looking his best as his coat hides nothing; a fat or skinny Boxer are equally unappealing. When boarding we always feed twice a day, as they are a breed where the weight can simply melt away, and it also seems to improve the utilisation of the food.
Temperament and Training
His temperament is fearless; he is a bold and confident dog and totally without any kind of nervousness. He is strong-willed and needs to be negotiated with in order to attain dominance over him; his guarding instincts need to be focused, though he is not challenging in the manner of some working breeds. However, he is a real member of the family; he delights in company and loves to play and will go wherever you go and enjoy himself enormously. All working dogs present a degree of challenge, but the Boxer probably not as much as many; he does need to be perfectly clear about who is boss but once the ground rules are established you will find a lovable, playful and utterly loyal new addition to the family circle.
Coat Care and Colour Patterns
The coat is simplicity; a brush with a soft bristle to remove dead coat and that’s it. The colour should be fawn – in shades from dark red to light fawn or brindle with any white not exceeding one third of the ground colour.
Breeders
Breed Clubs
Rescue and Rehoming
In the unfortunate event you need to re-home your dog, or you are looking to give a home to an older dog, contact the Breed Clubs for their assistance. It is always wise to speak to people who are expert in the breed so you can get the best possible help.