Boxer

Boxers have long been famed for their devotion and loyalty to their family, as well as their vigilance and unshakeable bravery as defenders.

About the Boxer

Boxers are fearless, self-assured, calm and well balanced. Although they pose no threat to their family, they’re often suspicious of strangers and know no fear when riled.

Boxers are obedient, making them easy to train. Undemanding, clean and loyal, they are as suited to the role of family and companion dog as that of defence and utility dog.

Source: key facts and characteristics sourced from Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Breed specifics

Country: Germany
Group: FCI Group 2, AKC Working Group
Size category: Large
Avg life expectancy: 9–10 years

Alert / Confident / Enthusiastic / Even-tempered / Friendly / Independent / Loyal / Lively / Protective

Key facts

Makes a great guard dog
Needs moderate training
Needs a lot of exercise

Origins of the breed

Boxers are directly descended from Bullenbeissers, which were bred by huntsmen to help catch game. The dogs’ jaws therefore had to be as wide as possible, with widely spaced teeth for biting firmly and holding on tight.

Bullenbeissers that had these characteristics were used as breeding stock; function and utility were the only breeding criteria at the time. The results of this selection were dogs with broad muzzles and upturned noses – the Boxer as we know the breed today.