Traditionally used for bear and bull baiting, the Boxer we recognise today is a direct descendent of the now extinct Bullenbeisser. The Boxer was developed in Germany and introduced across Europe during the 19th century, reputedly originating from interbreeding between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. When the practice of baiting was finally ended, the traditional Boxer became a protection dog, appearing later in the theatre and circus. Its intelligent, eager and vigilant nature was utilised during WWI, where it was involved in military work, as a pack-carrier, guard, and messenger dog. Nowadays, the Boxer breed is widely seen in police work, search and rescue, competitive obedience and as an effective watch and guard dog. The Boxer was first exhibited in Munich in 1895 at a dog show intended for St. Bernards.
Possessing an athletic and muscular build, the Boxer is typically recognised for its proportioned body, head and limbs, high-set ears that are either cropped or natural, and short, smooth coat in colour variations of fawn, tan, brindle, black and mahogany, usually with white markings. The Boxer possesses distinctive facial features, including open nostrils and an under-biting jaw. Characteristic traits, such as the dog's tendency to stand on its hind legs and 'box' with its front paws, derive the breed's name. A popular family dog, the Boxer is notorious for mirroring its owner's mood and expressions, and has an easy, affectionate temperament that accounts for its wide employment as a therapy, service and guide dog for the blind. The breed is known to be temperature sensitive.
Protective of its family and home, the breed is otherwise relaxed and welcoming of new situations and people, and a cheerful, fun-filled character. Despite its early usage in the baiting ring, these aggressive traits have since been bred out, developing a breed that is docile and gentle. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for the Boxer, who can be boisterous or highly strung if left unchecked. Unsuited to living outdoors away from its family, the Boxer thrives with human company and is compatible with other house pets when introduced to them gradually. The average Boxer will weigh 28-35 kg, depending on its gender, with a life expectancy of 10-15 years when shown appropriate care.
Despite being generally robust and healthy, the Boxer is susceptible to a number of breed-specific ailments, including cardiac complaints and weaknesses, arthritis and epilepsy. Additionally, the breed is particularly prone to cancer and mast-cell tumours, deafness and allergy-related illness.
my family are the proud owner of 2 white boxers. Buster who is 7 and Rocky who is 8 months. Our lives would be empty without them in it
We have three boxers, two boys and a girl.the boys are brindle, Harley and Bow.The girl is fawn, Bumble. Never owned boxers before,but always wanted one, but couldn't see our life without one now.x
From Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
I have had boxers all my life, grew up with them, and absolutely love them ta bits. They are very loyal, fantastic with children, excellent guard dogs, very intelligent, and keep you warm at night. I wouldn't be without a boxer in my life, the two I have now are from a rescue, and I would definitely recommend a boxer as a all round , caring, loyal, intelligent member of the family.
From Warwickshire, United Kingdom
We have one red and white boxer who is 3. He is the first dog I've had and he is great..I have never herd anyone say they don't like the breed!
He loves playing with other boxers and goes on regular boxer dog meets which are set up through the facebook group 'boxer dog play dates uk' loads of members on here from all over the country.
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Hi Julie Laverick :)
I have 3 Boxers and one that shrunk in the wash! He's a little black pug but I'm not sure he knows that. They eat together, sleep together and play together. Boxers love children and always watch over them. Both Buddy and The Pug and Tia, my beautiful deaf white girl and Mercedes are rescues from the Lincolnshire Essex and Trent Boxer rescue. The same rescue as Julie's Boxers are from. All my Boxers have come through the same rescue for the last 25+ years. What can I say.. I was smitten by the breeds clever, comical and caring personality and also their real love of being close to me :)
Lynne
From Worcestershire, United Kingdom
I used to have 2 Boxers, a male and a female, both lived to be 13 years old and were typically boisterous and very loyal. I now have two more Boxers, a male called Bob and a female called Cassie; Cassie is 18 months younger than Bob. They're quite different in build and nature - Bob is slim, muscular and very excitable, whereas Cassie is bigger built, although she's not fat, and I think that in a previous life she was probably a black bear!! She's a very dark brindle, has huge paws and ambles around much like a bear does, although she can keep up with the athletic Bob when they're racing around. In my experience Boxers are enthusiastic, often very lively, mostly keen to learn, incredibly loyal, and an absolute delight to have around.
From Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Boxers are a unique breed who bring nothing but fun and laughter. Being a first time boxer owner I had my doubts but they were quickly quashed by that gorgeous squishy face. Undoubtedly there a handful and choosing a boxer to bring into your home is a decision not to be made lightly... but if you can love a giant slobbery clumsy ball of fun then give that boxer some love
From West Midlands, United Kingdom
Bronson is out 3rd boxer. He is stunning to look at and he is my 2 year old grandsons best friend. It was instant love with them both. Bronson is only 4 months old and spoilt rotten
From Suffolk, United Kingdom
I had my first Boxer, Miki, when I was 18. I am now retired and have Maple, with Major, Measles, Merlin and Midge in between.
As far as I am concerned there is no other breed that comes near for character, temperament and devotion. As a breed they adore children and their human family. As long as they are included they are clean happy and content. They are the only breed I know that set out to make you laugh
From Lancashire, United Kingdom
I have a white female boxer called Bailey and she is the most loyal and is my best friend she is 9yrs old now and still acts like a puppy I would be lost without her❤
From Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
I have had boxers for the last 23 years of my life. I cannot imagine my life without a boxer companion, wouldn't have any other breed... (sorry)
They are very bouncy and energetic dogs, so they need good exercise. No matter what age they are they think they are still a puppy and would try to get on your lap.
Very intelligent and loyal, very strong as well, great with kids.
Might be destructive at home... my 2 out of 4 were...
Quite poor health, prone to cancer, heart issues, eye ulcers, thyroid problems but their will to live and fight is amazing
I had my first boxer from a pup, then rescued 3 boxers (not at once)
They slobber, break wind and snore but I would not want any other breed.
Boxers give you so much joy, make you laugh. Great personalities
From Hampshire, United Kingdom
Our Hudson came from Binfield rescue centre in Wokingham Berkshire. We only went to exercise a dog and donate my long deceased chocolate Labrador’s doggy paraphernalia . We came back with him that day. He was 4 years old and now 7. Apart from the slobber and to realise he loves his food as much as my choccie lab did he is an amazing affectionate and loveable woof. At home he loves to be near you so he sleeps in our room.
I feed him on a combination of skinners sensitive dried complete and wet nature diet. Once or twice a week he has raw minced dog food which includes bits of bone . This combination seems to help create solid poos and no skin allergies so far. It also helped bring back bald patches that were on either side of his legs when we first rescued him; though this may have been trauma from having to move homes.
Outside in the woodshe loves to chase everything and does disappear for several minutes if we don’t keep an eye on his movements. However he does amazing headers with a cheap light football or small plastic kiddies ball bought from Aldi’s. This keeps him amused for ages on a field.
He socialises well with all dogs and does not retaliate. This is probably down to our dog walkers and all the different breeds he meets.
Like a Labrador he loves to lean and sit on your feet to get attention.mHe is great in pubs and restaurants. He loves to sit and people watch.
He was diagnosed last year with spondylitis so is on a regular anti inflammatory Rimadyl.
He also has hyperplasia where the gums have grown over the teeth and his canines are worn right down. It doesn’t stop him dragging and chewing branches. The vet said not too worry as most boxers have terrible teeth. If you get one from a pup I would suggest regularly cleaning them. We tried but found it a trial with him.
Despite some of his medical probs I say get a boxer . We are constantly stopping to say how handsome he is and well behaved. Some say he should even be signed up for a football team when seeing him play with his ball.
My Boxer is an energetic loving intelligent entertaining scallywag... he certainly cheers us up after a hard day in the office.🤓
From East Sussex, United Kingdom
my boy is me and my shadow not really a boxer shape but his parents were both boxers my partner says he has part mastiff such large paws so gentle and loyle 10 years old now and showing it .hes so good with children and loves it when anyone comes to visit
From South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Kaos is our 2nd boxer and he is a long-term foster with us from NAYBR (Notts & Yorkshire Boxer rescue). His date of birth is an estimation. We have had him since 18.2.17. Our first boxer was Jack who we had from a puppy. He passed away on 14.2.17 at the grand age of 13. Yes, there was 4 days between Jack crossing the rainbow bridge & Kaos coming to live with us!! Kaos had just been rescued from a farm where he was about to be shot. He was living in a rat-infested barn in a cage that he was unable to stand or turn around in. He was only 21kg & had muscle wastage. We had to gradually walk him & on grass as his pads were soft because his bedding had been soaked in urine. We took him on as the rescue had put out a plea as he was struggling in kennels & he was depressed & they wanted his last days to be in a loving home. Well, we gave him so much love that he is like a different dog now & he is far too busy enjoying life. He has lots of doggy friends & he has been an amazing boy. He helped us at a time when we had a massive hole in our hearts & home & he helped us to get through the pain of losing our beloved Jack. It was the best thing we could have done & it was the best outcome for Kaos too. Boxers are clever, lovable, cheeky, funny dogs & they are true family dogs. I would recommend that you do your research before taking on a boxer especially a pup but I doubt I would have another pup as there are so many boxers that come into rescue for different reasons that need a loving home. They like to be part of the family & are very sociable so like to go out with you. They tend to not like being left for long periods and can be destructive if they get bored. Other than that they are clowns & will bring you much laughter & love. For me, this is the only breed that I would have now.
From Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
In my opinion there isn't a finer breed. I grew up with boxers. I can't imagine life without one!
At the moment I have Brie who is number 8 but is my first rescue/deaf boxer.
I had decided to foster to see if I could still manage one following a few years of ill health. It soon became apparent that she wasn't going anywhere else! I had thought that I couldn't love a rescue as much as all the others who I had known from pups, but I was wrong!! She arrived with a lot of problems & at one point I contacted the rescue to arrange a transfer to another foster home as I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew! But after I'd calmed down I told them I'd changed my mind, got in touch with a fantastic dog trainer & although she's been hard work I'm SO glad she's mine!! 🙂🐾💜👍🏼
From United Kingdom
Not my choice of breed but they seemed to have picked me. Rescued 2 now & found l am perfectly matched with their skill & foibles.
Notably boisterous & fun loving, both have made an undying connection with me. Shown me their faithfulness, loyalty, obedience & whole-hearted companionship, completely committed, no question.
Would not change it for the world, Boxers are the ones for me.
Perfect for family, trusted protectors, well-natured, friendly, sociable & constant source of love, joy and entertainment.
Mine's goes everywhere with me, on public transport, by car, train, boat. They're happiest at my feet, wherever l go, they come with me.
Can be left at home, on their own & trusted to behave, just prefer not too.
l hope l miss them more than them me, because l cannot wait to be back in their presence.
From Cheshire, United Kingdom
Lily came to be fostered aged nearly ten but has stayed. Diesal came a year later to be fostered and has stayed, he's nine. We have had five Boxers now, all brilliant with children, great fun and highly intelligent. They spoil you for other breeds! Not suitable if going to be left alone for more than three/four hours, a bored boxer will get up to mischief. If you're thinking of getting one, try the rescues first, they are brilliant at matching the right dog to a family and remember most rescue dogs are in there for a good reason both ours come from family break-ups.
From Cheshire, United Kingdom
Lily came to be fostered aged nearly ten but has stayed. Diesal came a year later to be fostered and has stayed, he's nine. We have had five Boxers now, all brilliant with children, great fun and highly intelligent. They spoil you for other breeds! Not suitable if going to be left alone for more than three/four hours, a bored boxer will get up to mischief. If you're thinking of getting one, try the rescues first, they are brilliant at matching the right dog to a family and remember most rescue dogs are in there for a good reason both ours come from family break-ups.
From Somerset, United Kingdom
I am the owner of beautiful white boxer. My fiance has mixed boxer with great dane. I must say that if you expect from dog to be calm, quiet and lay all day I wouldn't recommend boxer. They are almost never tired, always playful, jumpy so the training is crucial. If you are leaving them for more than 4 hours they will eat all your house. They are extremely sociable, they will follow you everywhere. And about general care, cleaning ears and eyes, clipping nails, easy and simple. They have very short coat so you don't need to brush it.
From Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
Boxer are THE best breed ever! I grew up with them and even though my sons have been trying to convince me to 'downsize' to a Frenchie due to my health issues I cannot envisage life without a boxer!
Berta is my number 9 and my second rescue. 🐾💜🐾
From West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
We are on our 4th Boxer and she is unlike any we have had before, but not in a bad way. She is called Lola and she is absolutely gorgeous, not that I or my husband are biased. We had and bred Cavaliers for a number of years but then decided to get a bigger breed of dog. All of our Boxers have been very individual and different characters. Lola is the cleverest of them all and is very sensitive, despite being loopy. She is now 5 years old and has calmed down somewhat from when she was a puppy. We love her to bits and our life is continually being enriched due to her.