American Boxer Dogs Vs. German Boxer Dogs

Boxers first became popular in the US after World War II, when returning soldiers brought some home. They are crossbreeds of English bulldogs and the now extinct Bullenbeisers. They are medium-sized dogs and, based on American Kennel Club 2009 Statistics, they are the sixth-most popular breed in the U.S. Boxers derive their name from their habit of using their front paws in play or during fights.

  1. Appearance

    • Boxers are medium-sized dogs. A male German boxer stands from 26 to 28 inches, weighing 65 to 90 pounds, while a female German boxer reaches anywhere from 24 to 26 inches and weighs 60 to 85 pounds. American boxers are slightly smaller, the males 23 to 25 inches tall and the females averaging at 21.5 to 23.5 inches. Both breeds have either fawn or brindle coats. Boxers with white markings on their coats are considered flashy, but an excessive amount--more than a third of the coat--leads to disqualification from dog show registries. White boxers are more prone to sunburn, skin cancer and other related diseases and will sometimes lose their hearing over time. The lower jaw is slightly heavier than the upper jaw and protrudes slightly. They have broad chests and wide skulls.

    Temperament

    • Boxers are commonly used as guard dogs, but both breeds are very playful and energetic and often double as family dogs. They are very patient with children, although due to their exuberance they may accidentally injure a small child. While friendly, many boxers do not get along with smaller dogs and cats. They are naturally suspicious of strangers, but are friendly when approached honestly. Boxers require strict obedience training from an early age, before they become too unmanageable.

    Diet

    • Unlike many dogs, boxers are able to practice self-control as they eat and will leave food untouched if not hungry. Both breeds can suffer from hip dysplasia, and in order to counter this, owners should consider feeding their boxers dog food formulated for large dogs even though boxers are technically considered medium. Like all animals, they require plenty of fresh water to be available at all times.

    Exercise

    • The German boxer breed is suspected to have descended from a type of Tibetan fighting dog. Their reputation for fierceness and savagery has diminished, and they are now recognized as being very gentle and friendly when unprovoked, but they remain energetic and require long daily walks. Otherwise, they become restless and destructive, which is both frustrating and expensive for their owners. They are not well-suited for living in apartments. The ideal home would include a well-fenced backyard, so that they have room to exercise even when left alone.

    Functions

    • As noted earlier, boxers make very good family guard dogs. German boxers are currently being used as police K9 companions and as an extra security measure, harking back to their original use in Germany as war dogs. While American boxers can and often are used as security dogs, they are more often found as family pets because of their retention of playful, puppy-like traits well into adulthood and their more stubborn, disobedient temperaments.