Boxer Breed Information
Learn all about Boxer dogs, read about the Boxer breed information, find out about the Boxer Breed Standard, Boxer behavior and more.
Boxer Dog (German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer) Breed Introduction
The Boxer, also called the German Boxer or Deutscher Boxer, is a medium-sized, square-built dog. The dog has a short back and tight-fitting coat. Lively and agile, the dogs have even been used as guide dogs for the blind and police dogs in K-9 units.
Here are the characteristics of the Boxer breed as determined by the American Kennel Club’s published breed standard.
Boxer’s Behavior
Recommended for: Family pets, guard dog, companion dog
Playful yet patient and generally well-behaved. Though Boxer dogs mature late, according to Wikipedia, they can be trained. After all, the breed still provides guide dogs to the blind.
Remember that breed only provides a general clue as to any individual dog’s actual behavior. Make sure to get to know dogs well before bringing them into your home.
The Boxer’s Physical Characteristics
- Size: Dogs: 23-25 inches; females: 21Ω-23Ω inches
- Coat: short, shiny, smooth and close to the body
- Color: fawn and brindle
- Eyes: Dark brown
- Skull: slightly arched, not rounded, and flat
- Muzzle: proportionately developed in length, width, and depth
- Nose: broad and black
The Boxer’s Origins and History
Country/Region of Origin: Germany
Original purpose: hunting
Name: the breed is called “boxer” because of the supposedly pugnacious temperament of many boxer dogs, according to the American Heritage Dictionary.
Historical notes: According to Boxer World, the breed was developed from a mastiff-type breed called bullenbeiser (bull-baiter). The dogs were bred to hunt and hold prey.