The American Boxer Club , the parent club of the American Boxer, developed a Standard that describes what the ideal Boxer should be. However, we think the ideal Boxer is the one who becomes a full-fledged family member, whether champion-bred or not. Boxers are definitely the clowns of the canine world! They are intelligent and resourceful and just a touch strong-willed, which means they are not the right dog for everyone. They are listed as one of the best breeds with children - usually #1 or #2 on such lists, along with the Golden Retriever.

Boxers are usually fawn (brownish red) or brindle (fawn with black stripes), but many are white or check (white with fawn or brindle patches). White boxers are not rare at all, although you will often see newspaper ads for 'rare white boxers.' While there are some health problems associated with white boxers (See "Boxer Health: Deafness" ), they are, in general, just as healthy as any other boxer. See The White Pages for a wonderful website dedicated to the white boxer.

Boxer temperaments are usually very even. They are not quick to anger, and are generally very patient. For a very accurate profile of the boxer personality, click here.

For a short video of Boxers, click here .

   

Today's Boxers are not just couch potatoes! Many Boxers serve as service dogs for owners who are blind, deaf, in wheelchairs, suffer from seizures or have other physical limitations. As a matter of fact, the first dog ever trained to guide a blind person was a Boxer! These dogs have often made the difference between life and death. Boxer therapy dogs visit hospitals and nursing homes, touching the lives of those who may have had to give up their own dogs and need a doggy "fix."

Boxers are found in virtually every available activity offered by the AKC. Conformation showing is not an option for a rescue boxer, but Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Flyball and other activities are enjoyable for both dog and owner. There are even Boxers who have passed the AKC Herding Aptitude Test!

Boxers are extremely sociable, and usually welcome well-meaning strangers. However, they are quick to recognize when someone does not mean well, and are alert to potential danger to their family members. The determined look of a Boxer in "protective" mode is almost always sufficient to deter a potential assailant or burglar.

The Boxer's history is rich, both in Europe and in America. Originally developed as an Army and police dog, the German Boxer was very nearly wiped out during World War II.  Thanks to the efforts of a remarkable woman, Friederun von Miram-Stockmann, the breed was saved. Frau Stockmann's book My Life with Boxers has been translated from the original German into English, and is available through Amazon.com. For a short history of the Boxer breed, click here .

Although the Boxer is an excellent family pet, there are health issues with which pet owners should be familiar. Most breeds have genetic health issues that are peculiar to, or prevalent in, that breed - and Boxers are no exception. For information and links to information about these issues, please click on the "Boxer Health" link. 

There are a number of informative and interesting books about the boxer. For a list of recommended reading, click here .