Boxer
The Boxer is a German breed of dog known for its strong jaws, short muzzle, powerful neck, and energetic personality.
Genu, Species & Subspecies – Canis lupus familiaris
Common Names – Boxer, German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer
Boxers are intelligent and curious dogs, with a lot of energy and a playful nature. They are typically good with children. They are not naturally aggressive, but can exhibit fierce protectiveness toward their family. They are somewhat stubborn by nature, and can be difficult to train if not using a method that relies on positive reinforcement.
Boxer litters typically produce between 6 and 8 puppies, and gestation lasts around 9 weeks. Though genetic diversity reached a low point in the 1980s due to inbreeding, the gene pool has since rebounded.
Boxers are medium sized dogs that can be brindle, fawn, or white in coloration, usually with patches of white on the feet and underside. Their most distinctive features are their squared muzzle and pronounced underbite. Boxers have an alert, erect stance and a deep chest.
Boxers date back to the late 1800s, and were first bred in Germany. They originated as a mix of two breeds which have since gone extinct: the Old English Bulldog and the Bullenbeisser (which was a kind of Mastiff). There’s some debate over where the name “Boxer” originated. It was long believed that it referred to the dog’s method of “boxing” with its paws during a fight, but this behavior is not typically engaged in by the breed. It may simply be a reference to one of the original sires that led to the formation of the breed, who was named simply “Boxer”.
Boxers are popular dog breeds, frequently landing in the top ten most popular breeds in the United States. They are used as working dogs, guard dogs, and companion dogs.