Boxer

The Boxer is a German mastiff-type breed of medium-to-large size — an athletic, playful working dog with a square muzzle and an expressive face.

History

It was developed in Germany from the Old English Bulldog and the now-extinct Bullenbeisser, bred for working and guarding. The strong jaws and flat face are hallmarks of that ancestry, and place it among the brachycephalic breeds.

Temperament

The breed is known for being high-energy, playful and people-oriented, often described as clownish well into adulthood. It bonds closely and does poorly without company or a job.

Care and training

It needs plenty of daily exercise and enjoys training that channels its energy. The short coat is low-maintenance, but the flat face means heat should be managed carefully.

Health

Known tendencies include certain heart conditions and a higher cancer risk than many breeds, along with the heat sensitivity of a short muzzle. These are patterns for the breed rather than a verdict on one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.