What Is an English Boxer?

Originally developed in Germany as a working dog, Boxers are now a popular pet dog breed in the United States due to their intelligence, loyalty and playfulness. According to the American Kennel Club dog registration statistics, boxers were the seventh most popular breed in 2010. Boxers are also popular in other countries, such as Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. While there is only one boxer breed, boxers bred in the United Kingdom may differ in appearance from those in the United States due to the United Kingdom's animal welfare law and different show standards.

  1. Origin

    • Developed in Germany in the 19th century from the crossing of two German mastiff-type dogs and the bulldog, the boxer was originally used to hunt wild boar and bison and engage in dog fighting. Boxers arrived in the United States after World War I and started becoming popular by the late 1930s. The breed received its name from its habit of standing up on its hind legs and fighting with its opponent with its front paws, as if it is boxing.

    Difference

    • As all boxers descend from the same line developed in Germany, there is no major genetic difference between a boxer bred in the United Kingdom and one bred in the United States. The difference that some people refer to is actually just a difference in show standards upheld by the different kennel clubs. For example, the American Kennel Club's show standard for male boxers is a height of 23 to 25 inches without any mention of weight. In contrast, the United Kingdom's The Kennel Club states that male boxers should have a height of 22 1/2 to 25 inches and weigh 66 to 70 pounds. The United Kingdom's The Kennel Club specifies that the boxer's dark mask must be confined to the muzzle, while the American Kennel Club does not. Most other differences are subjective and a matter of wording. In the United Kingdom, the boxer should have an appearance of "great nobility" while in the United States, the boxer should have "strength and agility with elegance and style." Therefore, an English boxer may simply mean a boxer bred in the United Kingdom or one that satisfies the country's show standard.

    Appearance

    • The boxer is a stocky, medium-sized dog with short hairs, taunt muscles, a short back and a broad skull. Its coat ranges in color from yellowish brown to black with white markings. Its muzzle is always black. Boxers have cropped or natural ears. Cropped ears stand up to a tapered point while natural ears lie flat against its cheeks. A boxer whose tail has not been docked to a stump when young will develop a long tail that is upright when alert. In the United States, the show standard is to have its ears and tail cut short. In the United Kingdom however, ear cropping and tail docking was declared illegal in 2007. Thus, boxers bred in the United Kingdom after 2007 will have natural ears and tails.

    Personality

    • Boxers are alert, self-assured and intelligent dogs. They are loyal and affectionate and are especially patient with children. Boxers are curious dogs that do not shy away from friendly strangers but will fight back if threatened. They are easily trained and get along well with other pets if socialized properly. Their courage, alertness and loyalty make them good watchdogs.