Here in Australia the Boxer is a member of group six, the 'Utility' group.
Being in the utility group simply means that the breed is
versatile and can be trained in a variety of disciplines. Many boxers have excelled in obedience, agility, conformation, endurance, tracking,
search and rescue, etc. all over the world for many years.
They are an athletic, affectionate, independant and intelligent dog.
They love the company of their 'family' and if the family is having
fun, so is their boxer. They are a dog that likes to please as long as the activity that is required of them is considered
a time of play.
The Boxer originated in Germany and was traditionally used for
hunting wild boar and deer.
Later the breed was used as a guard dog assisting the night
watchmen, and then as an escort dog to the horse and carriage and bicycle. As the story goes, they were proven to be successful
in a range of tasks.
Today the Boxer has one of the most distinctive shapes of all dogs.
He has an appearance of great nobility with his square build , strong bones , and powerful well deveolped muscles.
Their short, glossy coat is smooth and tight to the body.
They come in two colours only, but each is allowable in varying shades.
A pure Boxer will either be fawn ( from light golden to a dark deer red) or Brindle ( any variation of the fawn background
colour) with black tiger-like striping. The black striping may be light and few or so thick and heavy that it appers
as though the background colour is black with brown stipes.
Some people refer to this as the reverse brindle.
Flashes of white are acceptable and even desirable on either the fawn
or brindle boxer as long as the amount of white doesn't exceed one third of the coat colour.
Both fawn and brindle Boxers will bear a black mask.
The Boxer's handsome chiselled head, and striking silhouette never
fail to exite comments from passers by as he trots jauntily by your side with neck arched and tail held erect.
The boxer is most famous for his character. He is rightly recognized
as an extrovert!
He is bright and friendly in play but brave and determined when aroused.
Highly notable is his desire for human affection.
He is happiest when he is with people- especially children.
This is his greatest wish, to be watching protectively over their play.
He truly is a dog for all seasons, suiting the need for household guardian,
attractive companion and the child's playmate and loyal friend.
However, please keep in mind that they are a boisterous , energetic,
playful dog and through their sheer exuberance will jump on , bounce around and lick small children.
They may be trained to refrain from these activities but one must keep
in mind that these are typical characteristics of the breed, if they are not suitable to your lifestyle and you have
neither the know-how or inclination to spend time carefully training a boxer then we suggest you consider another breed.
It has been said that we, as humans, relate well to the boxer on an emotional
level partly because they mimic our feelings, but also because they are short nosed or 'flat' faced as are we, which
means that we are more proficient at interepting their expressions and therefore their feelings.
Hmmm..I tend to think that they are so ' in your face' and such
a big part of your life that we and they just get to know each other really well.
Hence the ability to read each others emotions. Just like having
a really close friend or family member....
