Breed Profile: Boxer

The boxer descends from the Brabanter bullenbeisser (BB), an ancient hunting and bull-baiting dog that originated in Belgium during the Middle Ages. The BB was a favorite hunting companion of southern German noblemen. After the Napoleonic Wars dispersed the aristocracy, local butchers and cattle dealers used the breed to drive livestock and physically bite-hold animals. This work required independent thinking—a trait perpetuated in modern boxers. Popular belief holds that the early 19th-century BB was bred with an early bulldog, resulting in the foundation of today’s boxer.

The first boxers came to the United States in 1904 and more arrived after World War I. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1904. By 1938, the boxer had become one of America’s best-loved breeds.

The following description is of an “ideal” boxer. Not all boxers fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

The boxer is one of the most good-natured breeds. He has a great love of people and gets along well with other pets. The typical boxer is self-confident, playful, courageous, loyal, and affectionate.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a boxer is going to fit in with you and your family.

A boxer loves being with his family and will want to be included in all activities. A boxer will generally be playful and affectionate with his owners but may be restrained with strangers—at least until he gets to know them. A boxer craves human affection and is an all-around companion dog, happily fulfilling his role as playmate, friend, and if necessary, watchdog and protector. Boxers are one of the breeds that are best suited to children—the boxer adores playing with kids and considers himself one of them, but still senses that small children need gentler play. It’s important, however, to make sure that children know the proper way to interact and play with a dog.

The best environment for a boxer has more to do with lifestyle than location. This dog needs to be with an owner who provides the physical and mental stimulation he needs to channel his boundless enthusiasm. A boxer can live happily in an apartment, as long as his owner takes him for long walks, trains him in basic obedience, and finds safe outlets to channel his energy. On the other hand, a boxer living in the country without training, control, and interaction will likely wander or get into trouble.

The boxer is an active dog who enjoys a great deal of physical activity. To a boxer, any time is playtime, and he will want to play with you often. A boxer can receive adequate exercise from enthusiastic play in the morning and evening, and a vigorous midday walk. A fenced yard to play in is ideal for this breed, but walks and light runs can do just as well.

Boxers are very trainable, but even with training, they still can be a handful. Some chase anything that moves—squirrels, cats, other dogs, even people—and ignore your attempts to call them back. They tend to get bored easily, so keep training fun and interesting, and always maintain respect and a kind attitude. Positive reinforcement and instilling a sense of accomplishment can help them reach their potential.