In spite of his look of being a somewhat ferocious and powerful opponent, the Boxer is, underneath this exterior, a friendly and playful dog. Boxers make wonderful pets, which explains why they are rising so rapidly in popularity.
Although the first Boxer imported into the United States arrived only 75 years ago, and the breed was slow to catch on with the public, within recent years it has risen to new heights in this country, according to American Kennel Club registrations.
The Boxer gets his name from the way he has of playing —or fighting—with his forepaws. Puppies are often seen crouching and then sparring with their paws much like two fighters in the ring.
The Boxer was bred as a companion and guard dog, not for specialized work like herding or pulling sleds. Today he is a wonderful all-around dog. Early breeders in Germany wanted to prove the breed's usefulness, however, so Boxers were trained and gained recognition as police dogs. Today, too, the Boxer ranks second to the German Shepherd as a guide dog for the blind.
Although the Boxer as a distinct breed is only about 100 years old, has become well established and standardized in that time. In the 19th century, Bull dogs were imported to Germany from England and crossed with the "BullBiters" being bred there. By selective breeding toward one type, today's Boxer has evolved from those ancestors. Throughout Europe for hundreds of years there have been a number of breeds of mastiff origin: heavy, powerful dogs used for bull or bear baiting in the market place as well as for hunting big game. The English Bulldog, the present day Mastiff and the Great Dane are other descendants, each breed being developed along specific lines.
As a hunting dog which had to seize his prey and hang on, the Boxer had to be short and compact, with an undershot, or outthrust, jaw and fearless temperament. He was also bred for intelligence, and so, inspite of his fighting backgroung, he is not one to pick a quarrel. When the need arises, however, he is more than capable of defending himself.
As a hunting dog which had to seize his prey and hang on, the Boxer had to be short and compact, with an undershot, or outthrust, jaw and fearless temperament. He was also bred for intelligence, and so, inspite of his fighting backgroung, he is not one to pick a quarrel. When the need arises, however, he is more than capable of defending himself.
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