AKC Boxer

The first AKC Boxer was registered in 1904, eight years after the Boxer was recognized as a breed in Germany, its country of origin, and two years after the first official standard for the new breed was adopted. Actually, the Boxer is a descendant of the old German Mastiff type breeds: the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer, originated for bull baiting, pit fighting, pulling carts, and hunting big game. The Boxer is a smaller version of these large and powerful dogs. This breed originated in an attempt to preserve the strength and working abilities of the old-time dogs in a friendly and affectionate dog with a similar appearance.

The present-day AKC Boxer is a replica of the old standard according to which Boxer dogs should look ferocious and powerful. The Boxer of nowadays is a medium-sized breed. Boxer males vary from 22 to 25 inches at the withers; females are 21-24 inches. The weight of the Boxer varies from 53 to 70 pounds. The body of the Boxer is compact and square; the head is large in proportion to the body; the muzzle is short; the limbs are well-boned. The eyes in these dogs are dark; the nose is large, with open nostrils.

Ear cropping in the AKC Boxer is optional; the tail is usually docked. In some countries, ear cropping and tail docking are banned, and Boxers are left in their natural shape. In the UK, there appeared a Boxer bloodline with a very short tail.

Appearance in this breed is of secondary importance to working abilities and temperament. High quality Boxers should be very intelligent, easy to train, obedient, and eager to serve the master. In spite of their formidable appearance, Boxers are very friendly and tolerant to children. Though protective and suspicious to strangers, they will not hurt intruders, but will keep them out. Known visitors are welcomed boisterously by any Boxer. Boxers like to be around the family; they are very playful and clownish. Only positive methods of training work with this intelligent breed. Specially trained Boxers are used in police and military work. A high quality AKC Boxer is good at obedience, agility, schutzhund, and conformation.