A medium sized, smooth-haired, sturdy dog of
short square figure and strong limbs. The musculation is very clean and powerfully
developed, standing out practically from under the skin. His movements are alive with
energy; the gait although firm is elastic; the stride, free and roomy; the carriage, proud
and noble.While the origins of the Boxer are obscure, the
Molossian type dog (believed to have been the early ancestor of the breed) was used as a
war dog as early as 2000 BC by the Assyrians.
During the middle ages in England, this basic stock developed into three
principle types. In Germany one type was know as the Bullenbeisser (bull-biter). The
Bullenbeisser was the only hunting dog in Germany. The small Bullenbeisser or Bradanter
was bred and trained to hold in check the bull and to obtain a grip on the nose that he
held tight. Until bull biting was outlawed in the 19th century, the Boxer, as
well as other breeds, was used for this purpose.
The Boxer was one of the first breeds used for police work in Germany.
The demands of police work highlight the qualities of a Boxer — intelligence,
fearlessness, agility, and strength.
The Boxer has enjoyed wide popularity in the United States especially
since the early 1940s.
