A popular breed which is strong and has plenty
of stamina. It enjoys human company and is especially good with
children. A non-aggressive and reliable guard dog. Boxers are susceptible
to a number of ailments, particularly skin cancers and rheumatism.
They also slobber a lot.
Description & History
The Boxer comes from Germany and was virtually
unknown outside its own country until after the Second World War.
The Boxer is descended from the Barenbeisser and the Bullenbeisser
- both breeds which were closely related to the Mastiff. These dogs
were all-rounders. With fine muscular physiques and strong broad
jaws, they were originally used for bear and bull-baiting. They
were courageous hunting dogs that were capable of dealing with big
game such as wild ox and wild boar. Also they were used on the farms
as cattle dogs. The present day Boxer was developed in Munich towards
the end of the nineteenth century.
The English Bulldog and the small Mastiff type
dogs were used to further develop the breed. The name "Boxer" was
established about the same time. In 191O the breed standard was
formalised. The Boxer was one of the first breeds to be used by
the German police. Also they were successfully trained as guide
dogs for the blind. The breed had a small but strong following in
America before the Second World War, but did not receive the same
support in Great Britain until after the war. The British Boxer
Club was founded in 1936. An energetic breed, they tend to retain
their youth and thoroughly enjoy an active life for a lot longer
than some breeds.