About Boxers

History
The Boxer breed originated in Germany. Theory has it that Boxers are descended from from the Molossian Hound, which was a guarding, fighting, and herding dog raised by the ancient Greeks.

Today the term Molosser describes a several breeds that possess similar traits, characteristics and common lineage. These breeds are the Bulldog breeds, the Mastiffs and the Mountain Dogs. All these breeds are characterized by thick skin, large bone, large heads with short blunt muzzles, pendulant ears, massive jaws, and a high threshold of stress pain.

In Germany dogs of this type came to be known as Boxers, maybe because the dogs are known to stand on their hind legs and spar like human boxers, or because their heads are rather box shaped.

Eventually German breeders established guidelines for confirmation, breeding, and improvement of the breed. Germany founded the first Boxer club in 1895. The first Boxer show took place in Germany in 1904. The Boxer was introduced to the United States in 1903. The breed began gaining popularity in the 1940s.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) has placed Boxers in the Working Dog category.

Character, Temperament, & Care
Boxers have lots of great traits. They are large, strong, enthusiastic, alert and watchful, fun loving, loyal, good natured, and highly intelligent dogs. They are even tempered and stoic so do well with small children. Boxers are well suited to life with a family or individuals. They can be stubborn, enthusiastic, impish, and overly confident so beginning obedience training while your puppy is small is a wise idea. Boxers are instinctive guard dogs but quickly warm up to friendly strangers. The Boxer's expressive face with its wrinkled forehead, expressive eyes, over shot jaw and hanging jowls makes it a charming and endearing pet.

Boxers have been used as guard dogs, circus dogs, hunting dogs, fighting dogs, police dogs, seeing eye dogs, couriers on battlefields, hearing ear dogs, therapy dogs, agility dogs, and competitors in obedience shows

Boxers need regular exercise and interaction with their owners to be happy and healthy. They do well in homes or apartments as long as they are given regular exercise.

Thanks to their short hard coat Boxers need little grooming aside from brushing and an occasional bath.

Because of their short coat Boxers need protection from cold weather. And, because of their short muzzle they are also susceptible to hot and humid weather. So your Boxer will need protection from summer heat. These factors make the boxer an great choice for a house dog.