American Boxer Bulldogs

Although the Boxer is a relatively modern breed, not being standardized until the late 19th century, its ancestors are several hundred, possibly even several thousand years old. The Boxer belongs to a family of dog breeds known as Mastiffs, Molossers, Alaunts, or Dogues, which are characterized by brachycephalic (pushed-in) faces, tremendous size, strength, and a strong protective instinct. This family of dogs is ancient, dating back between 2,000 and 7,000 years, though their origins are largely speculative and poorly documented.

Many theories suggest that these dogs were descended from ancient Eurasian livestock guarding dogs, Egyptian and Mesopotamian war dogs, Tibetan guard dogs, the Greco-Roman Molossus, the Celtic Pugnaces Brittaniae (possibly the English Mastiff), or a breed known as the Alaunt, kept by the Alans, a barbarian tribe. Despite the uncertainty of their origin, by the fall of the Roman Empire, these dogs were widespread across Europe and the Near East.

The Mastiff-type dogs became particularly popular in the Holy Roman Empire, a region that included most German-speaking peoples. In Germany, these dogs were initially called Bullenbeiser, meaning “Bull Biter,” or occasionally Barenbeiszer, meaning “Bear Biter.” While most countries used Mastiffs primarily as livestock or property guardians, Germans preferred them for hunting. They used the dogs to hunt large and dangerous prey such as boar, bear, wolf, and bison. The Bullenbeiser was likely a similar type to other Mastiffs, though possibly more athletic. At some point, the Bullenbeiser was crossed with sighthounds, leading to the creation of the Deutsche Dogge, or Great Dane. This breed became very successful in hunting, reducing the need for the larger Bullenbeisers, and the breed gradually shrank in size.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, many small German states had their own nobility, who kept Bullenbeisers for hunting. The breed was valued for its toughness and survival instincts. The Bullenbeiser was highly prized for its ability to hold large game at bay until the hunters could arrive, as described by John E. L. Riedinger in the 1700s. However, its tracking abilities were limited, and scent hounds were used for tracking, often at the cost of their lives.

Social and political changes in the 19th century led to a decline in the use of Bullenbeisers for hunting. As the nobility lost their land and wealth, many of these dogs were sold or given to workers in other industries. The Bullenbeiser became a skilled cattle drover and butcher’s dog, known for its loyalty and protective instincts. Its aggressive nature led to its use in blood sports, such as bull-baiting and dog fighting. Over time, the breed shrank in size and resembled the English Bulldog, though any connection between the two breeds remains unclear.

In the mid-1800s, a distinct variety of the Bullenbeiser emerged in the Belgian region of Brabant, known as the Brabanter. These dogs were smaller and more popular, and their rise coincided with the importation of English Bulldogs into Germany. The Brabanter was crossed with the English Bulldog to enhance the breed’s tenacity, and this introduced white coats and stockier builds into the breed. Other breeds, including Bull Terriers and mixed-breeds, may also have been introduced.

By the end of the 19th century, the Bullenbeiser had become a smaller, more variable dog, and the breed continued to evolve as it was crossed with various other breeds. In 1895, the first Boxer was exhibited in Munich, and the breed began to be standardized. The Boxer name likely came from the breed’s tendency to stand on its hind legs and make punching motions, though some suggest it may have been named after an individual dog. The breed was developed by mixing Bullenbeisers, English Bulldogs, and other breeds, with early Boxers being about half Bullenbeiser and half English Bulldog. Breeding efforts favored the Bullenbeiser blood to eliminate the white coat and create a more athletic dog.

Boxers were first imported to the United States in the late 19th century, gaining full recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. Despite initial rarity, the breed’s popularity grew, particularly after World War I. The German army used Boxers in various roles during the war, and American soldiers returning from Europe brought Boxers back to the U.S., fueling interest. The Boxer’s playful and loyal nature, along with its clownish personality, made it popular with families. By the 1940s, the breed was firmly established in the United States.

Today, the Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in America. In 2010, it ranked seventh in AKC registrations. While still a capable working dog, most American Boxers serve as loyal companions. They are used in various roles, such as seeing-eye dogs, police dogs, military dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. They also compete in dog sports like obedience, agility, and flyball. However, the breed’s popularity has led to an increase in irresponsible breeding practices, so prospective Boxer owners must carefully select breeders who prioritize health and temperament.

There are noticeable differences between American and German Boxer lines, particularly in terms of size and head proportions. While the two lines are generally considered the same breed, there may be future moves to separate them. Additionally, the issue of white Boxers remains a point of debate, with some fanciers breeding them despite their exclusion from official breed standards due to health concerns, particularly deafness. Nonetheless, the Boxer continues to thrive as one of the most beloved and versatile breeds worldwide.

Due to its great popularity, the Boxer is among the most well-known and recognizable dog breeds in America. Although considered one of the smallest members of the Mastiff/Molosser family, this is only due to the immense size of breeds such as the English Mastiff and Saint Bernard. The Boxer is actually medium to large in size. AKC standards call for male Boxers to stand between 22½ and 25 inches tall at the shoulders, while UKC standards require males to be at least 23 inches tall. Both major kennel clubs state that the ideal female Boxer should stand between 21½ and 23½ inches tall at the shoulder. Boxers should appear sturdy and muscular, but never thick. Rather, the breed should look fit and athletic, though not quite lean. The average male Boxer weighs between 60 and 70 pounds, and the average female weighs between 55 and 65 pounds. However, overweight Boxers can weigh significantly more, with some reaching 100 pounds. The Boxer is a squarely built dog, and breeders place a premium on balance and proportion. Everything about a Boxer’s appearance should suggest athleticism and capability, from its deep chest to its well-developed musculature.

The tail of the Boxer was traditionally docked to between one and three inches in length, and this practice still persists in most parts of America. However, tail docking is falling out of favor and is even banned in some countries. The natural tail of the Boxer varies in appearance, with most having long, narrow tails, although they may range from nearly straight to sharply curved.

The Boxer is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a shortened or pushed-in face. The head is proportional to the size of the body, neither too light nor too heavy. The head is square in appearance with a flat skull. The muzzle is short, but not as short as that of the English Bulldog or Pug. The ideal ratio of muzzle length to skull length is 1:2, meaning the skull should be twice as long as the muzzle. The face of the Boxer is quite wrinkled, and the breed has pronounced jowls. These features are not overly exaggerated and should not extend to the head or neck. Boxers should have a pronounced underbite, but their teeth should not protrude when their mouths are closed (though some Boxers may have visible teeth). The eyes are of average size, not set deeply into the head. Traditionally, the ears of Boxers were cropped and pricked so that they stood straight up. However, this practice is now falling out of favor and is subject to legal bans. The natural ears of the Boxer are of medium length, fold forward, and drop close to the cheeks. A Boxer’s expression varies; some may appear friendly and happy-go-lucky, while others seem intense and intelligent.

The coat of the Boxer is short, smooth, shiny, and lies flat against the body. There is substantial debate among Boxer fanciers regarding the breed’s acceptable colors. However, all agree that the Boxer comes in at least two color varieties: fawn and brindle. Fawn dogs can range from light tan to mahogany. Brindle dogs may have a base color anywhere from light yellow to dark red, with black stripes running down their bodies. The striping can range from very light to so dense that the dog may appear almost black. Both fawn and brindle Boxers must always have a black mask, a marking of black fur covering the entire muzzle and most of the face. Many Boxers also have black markings on the ears. It is generally agreed that some white is acceptable on Boxers, but only if it constitutes less than 30% of the dog’s coat. White markings are most commonly seen on the feet, chest, and stomach, while markings on the flanks or back are considered undesirable. The white should never overwhelm the black mask. Boxers with proper white markings or no markings at all are treated equally in the show ring.

Some Boxers are born almost entirely white, which does not meet kennel club standards, and these dogs are generally considered undesirable for breeding. However, many fanciers prefer them. Boxers with significant amounts of white on their coats, but not enough to disqualify them in the show ring, are sometimes called “flashy” Boxers. Occasionally, Boxers are born with black and white markings resembling those of the Boston Terrier. These dogs are usually heavily brindled, and as long as they don’t have excessive white, they are acceptable. However, dogs that are entirely black are treated similarly to primarily white Boxers and are excluded from the show ring and breeding lines.

The short coat of the Boxer is very low maintenance. This breed typically does not require professional grooming; only regular brushing is necessary. Bathing should be done only when necessary to avoid stripping the coat of its natural oils and chemicals. Owners should also regularly clean the wrinkles on the face and the ears to prevent the accumulation of dirt, grime, food, water, and other particles that can lead to irritation or infection.

The Boxer is known to suffer from a number of serious health problems, and many of these dogs have relatively short lifespans. Estimates of the breed’s life expectancy vary, ranging from 8 to 14 years. A health survey conducted in the United Kingdom indicated that the median age of death for Boxers was 9.8 years. The leading causes of death were cancer, which was responsible for 38.5% of Boxer deaths, old age at 21.5%, and cardiac and gastrointestinal problems, each contributing 6.9%. A major concern for many Boxer breeders is the decreasing average life expectancy of the breed, largely due to rising rates of cancer and heart problems. Boxers suffer from common health issues seen in purebred dogs in general (such as hip and elbow dysplasia), as well as problems typical of brachycephalic breeds (including wheezing and shortness of breath). The breed also faces several breed-specific issues. While Boxer breeders are working with veterinarians and geneticists to address these concerns, solutions remain a long way off.

Cancer is the most serious health problem affecting Boxers. The breed suffers from higher cancer rates than almost any other dog breed and is particularly susceptible to various types of cancers, many of which can be fatal. Boxers are also prone to benign tumors in addition to cancerous ones. Like in humans, cancer is caused by the rapid growth of abnormal cells. Although the causes of cancer are not fully understood, environmental factors play a major role, and genetics is one of the leading contributors. Treatment options for cancer in Boxers vary depending on the type, location, and stage at diagnosis, but most treatments are expensive, uncomfortable for the dog, and tend to prolong life only for a short period.

Given the breed’s susceptibility to skeletal and visual problems, it is highly recommended that owners have their dogs tested by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). Both organizations conduct genetic and other tests to identify potential health issues before they manifest. This is particularly valuable for detecting conditions that may not appear until the dog is older, making it especially important for prospective breeders to test for genetic defects and help prevent their spread.

A full list of health problems experienced by Boxers includes:

• Cancer
• Benign Tumors
• Cardiomyopathy
• Boxer Cardiomyopathy
• Sub-Aortic Stenosis
• Gastric Torsion/Bloat
• Ovarian Cysts
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin Allergies
• Respiratory Allergies
• Arthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Snoring
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of Breath
• Flatulence
• Heat Sensitivity
• Deafness
• Degenerative Myelopathy