The
Boxer is known for his beautifully chiseled head, always perfectly
proportioned to the body, which is medium sized and square.
The muzzle must be broad and blunt, but harmonious with the form and
balance of the skull. The style of the boxer defines the
breed, and this dog is both elegant and of good substance. He
is square with a short back, powerful limbs and a shiny coat
clinging to his muscular curves. Intelligent in expression and
strikingly elegant, the Boxer possesses a chest which is of
fair width, and an obviously well defined fore chest; his back is
short, straight and connecting the withers firmly to the
hindquarters; loins short and muscular; slight tuck up but always
curving with grace; patterns slightly slanting; the shoulders must
be neither loose nor loaded. The hindquarters balance the fore
in angulations, never steep or over angulated; the thighs are hard
and developed, not overdone or light; hocks well let down and not over angulated.
This construction is essential for a dog who must move with
a powerful and efficient drive. In color the Boxer is fawn or
brindle, black-masked, with white to enhance his appearance with no
more than one third of his body and never solid white. Males
stand not less than 22 to 25 inches while females are about one inch
less.
The Boxer is a strong
bonding dog whose devotion and affection for his people compose his
being. These are playful, energetic family dogs that make
great watchdogs. Despite his size, brawn and spine-chilling
bark, the Boxer does not function well as a guard dog, since most
Boxers will lick their intruders or invite them in wanting to
play. although his name doesn't agree, the Boxer is a lover,
not a fighter. Dogs in the States are regarded highly for
their steady dispositions and absence of drooling. They are so
human-childlike that they make a delightful addition to a home
without children, or great playmates for a home with children.