Boxer
Playful, athletic working dog known for its energy and devotion to family.
| Size | Weight | Height | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large | 50 - 80 lbs | Over 21 inches | 10 - 12 years |
| (These are estimates and may vary.) | |||
Origin: Germany
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May be a good fit if you:
- Are looking for a breed that generally does well with children.
- Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
- Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.
Things to consider:
- This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.
- This breed tends to need plenty of regular physical activity.
The Boxer was developed in Germany in the late 19th century, with ancestry tracing to the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct type of powerful hunting dog. Bullenbeissers were used to pursue large game such as wild boar and hold the animal until hunters arrived. As hunting methods changed, these dogs lost much of their original role, and smaller Bullenbeisser types contributed to the development of the modern Boxer. Breeders in and around Munich began establishing the Boxer as a distinct breed during the 1890s. The first Boxer club was founded in Munich in 1895, helping standardize the emerging breed. Boxers subsequently found work beyond hunting, including as guard, military, police, and service dogs. Their name is often popularly linked to the way they use their front paws during play, although the exact origin of the breed name is uncertain. Today the Boxer's working-dog confidence remains, but its exuberant, affectionate personality has made it equally familiar as a family companion.