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The well-conditioned middleweight athlete of dogdom, the Boxer is a powerful dog with an intelligent and alert
expression. While they are instinctive guardians, the Boxer loves to be with his people. This personality has allowed them to succeed as
couriers during war time and as seeing-eye dogs for the blind. Appearing in both fawn and brindle colors, the Boxer currently ranks as one
of the most popular dogs in the United States according to AKC® Registration Statistics.
A Look Back
Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were originally used for dog fighting and to run down and hold large game such as wild
boar and bison until the hunter could arrive. The breed is known for standing up on its hind legs and batting at its opponent, appearing
to box with its front paws. Imported to America after World War I, they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s.
Right Breed for You?
One of the breed's most notable characteristics is its desire for human affection, especially from children. They are patient and spirited
with children, but also protective, making them a popular choice for families. The Boxer requires little grooming, but needs daily
exercise.
If you are considering purchasing a Boxer puppy, learn more here.
Character and Temperament
These are of paramount importance in the Boxer. Instinctively a hearing guard dog, his bearing is alert, dignified, and self-assured. In
the show ring his behavior should exhibit constrained animation. With family and friends, his temperament is fundamentally playful, yet
patient and stoical with children. Deliberate and wary with strangers, he will exhibit curiosity, but, most importantly, fearless courage
if threatened. However, he responds promptly to friendly overtures honestly rendered. His intelligence, loyal affection, and tractability
to discipline make him a highly desirable companion. Any evidence of shyness, or lack of dignity or alertness, should be severely
penalized.
Size
Adult males 23 to 25 inches; females 21½ to 23½ inches at the withers. Proper balance and quality in the individual should be of primary
importance since there is no size disqualification.
Color
The colors are fawn and brindle. Fawn shades vary from light tan to mahogany. The brindle ranges from sparse but clearly defined black
stripes on a fawn background to such a heavy concentration of black striping that the essential fawn background color barely, although
clearly, shows through (which may create the appearance of reverse brindling). White markings, if present, should be of such distribution
as to enhance the dog's appearance, but may not exceed one-third of the entire coat. They are not desirable on the flanks or on the back
of the torso proper. On the face, white may replace part of the otherwise essential black mask, and may extend in an upward path between
the eyes, but it must not be excessive, so as to detract from true Boxer expression. The absence of white markings, the so-called "plain"
fawn or brindle, is perfectly acceptable, and should not be penalized in any consideration of color. Disqualifications: Boxers that
are any color other than fawn or brindle. Boxers with a total of white markings exceeding one-third of the entire coat.
(resource: http://www.akc.org/breeds/boxer/index.cfm)
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