Comparison of American & German Boxers

Boxers are one of the most identifiable --- and popular --- dog breeds on the planet, according to the American Kennel Club's registration statistics. You know them when you see them; the pug faces, the strange stance that makes them look like they are leaning forward and the coloring. They are often brown-to-black with white on the faces, legs and chest. But there are actually four standard breeds: American, United Kingdom, Northern European and Southern European and all have features that set them apart from one another. The American and Northern European breeds are the most common.

  1. First Appearances

    • German boxers look quite a bit different from the American breed. First of all, ear cropping and tail docking have been banned in most Northern European countries, so the style of the dog has changed significantly there. Here in the United States, an owner of a German boxer could have the ears cropped and tail docked, but to remain true to the breed's current look, many refrain from those procedures. The ears and tail modifications aren't all that separate the two breeds. The build of the German boxer is significantly different from the American breed.

    Body Styles

    • The American, or North American, boxer is considered more elegant. Its neck has a pronounced yet elegant curve without extra skin. Germans (or Northern European) have a straight necks with loose skin. The body style is noticeable as well. From the side view, American boxers have more of a square look. The German breed has a much more pronounced forward-leaning appearance.

      The rear of the European boxer isn't as developed as that of the American and is actually quite a bit shorter. For some aficionados of boxers, this gives the European dogs, both Northern and Southern European, the look of being unbalanced.

    Developing the Breeds

    • When the Northern European breed was being created there was much emphasis placed on the look of the head and face and to some extent the chest and that, many believe, came at the detriment of the rest of the dog. Hence the more elegant look of the neck in the American breed that is not only curved, but doesn't have any extra, or loose, skin.

      Although both the German and American boxers are quite muscular, the German's look is more boned and muscled, leaner, as compared with its North American cousin's larger, more balanced body style.

    Show Dog or Family Dog?

    • Both breeds have good temperaments around humans, but the German boxers have been bred to bait other dogs so they cannot be let loose among them. American boxers have level temperaments around people and other dogs and would be a nice addition in a home with more than one dog as a pet.

      Breeders and people who like to show these dogs at competitions will look for the breed that fits their preferences for appearance, primarily. But for the casual owner who is looking for a pet that will be good with people and other dogs, the American breed is the best choice.