Bouncy, fun-loving and strong. Boxers are high energy dogs that you just can't help but fall in love with. We've put together a Boxer breed profile to give you some information on their history, temperament and nature. Check it out.
What dog breed group are Boxers in?
Breed group: Working dogIt's all in the name with this one, dogs of the working breed group are developed specifically for a certain job, task or activity. Strong, intelligent and agile dogs this kind excel at guarding property, pulling heavy items and search-and-rescue - though maybe not all at the same time.
Due to the nature of some of their roles, working dogs are thought of as some of the most heroic pooches in the world, as they help their human pals in all manner of situations - sometimes even life or death. Their build, strength and intelligence has helped Boxers to excel in this group, historically being prized as a great guard and tracking dog.
Boxer breed history
The boxer dog of today is likely a descendant of the German bullenbeisser (meaning bull biter) from the 19th century. Bullenbeissers were expert hunters of boar, deer and bears but when this job became obsolete these dogs fell out of favour.
Being bred with bulldogs and mastiff-types in the late 1800s gave them a new lease of life, with a smaller, sleeker frame giving the new boxer plenty of admirers. Retaining strength and intelligence, the boxer became favourable for protection and war duties, working with the forces as a messenger and pack carrier. Following wartime of course, the breed either remains on duty with the police or army, or plays the role of dutiful protector of the house and family.
Boxer breed characteristics
It's no secret that this breed is known for its smartness and agility, but this lovable pooch also has a sweet disposition, friendly nature and playful streak.
At a glance, Boxers are:
- Alert
- Quick thinking
- Intelligent
- Strong
- Agile
- Friendly
- Playful
- Child friendly
- Affectionate
- Easy to train
- Highly energetic
- Mischievous
- Loyal
What are Boxers bred for?
Boxers where originally bred to make the historic bullenbeisser a relevant dog again, maintaining its strength, intelligence and agility on a smaller frame which would have made them the perfect, medium-sized guard dog. Over the years though this pooch has played the role of athlete, cattle dog, guide dog and more, really taking the term 'working dog' to heart. These days, they might be part of this breed group, but most boxer pups will find themselves in loving family homes, protecting garden boundaries rather than compounds.
What sort of owner would they suit?
Boxers are pretty adaptable dogs, happy to live in a country estate, small house or even a flat. Although, they are high-energy, bouncy dogs who do require a good bit of exercise so potential owners will need the time to take them on plenty of walks - more so if you are in an urban environment.
They're quite independent dogs so given the chance they'd probably end up wandering off or chasing other animals (in a friendly way of course); as such owners need to make time very early on to train their boxers with 'stay' and 'leave it' commands and to socialise their pups from an early age. Known very much as the clowns of the dog world, boxers thrive being around people and children in particular who will happily play and praise their silly antics.