Description

A powerful dog, full of energy.

Head

Lean and in proportion to its body; with lower jaw extending beyond the upper jaw, not showing teeth or tongue when closed; the boxer also sports a large black nose with open nostrils.

Eyes

Dark

Ears

Set high, docked to a point.

Tail

Short and carried high; in America and continental Europe, the boxer's tail is cropped, but left natural in the UK.

Body

Square-set; straight parallel front legs; a strong, round and muscular neck, no dewlap.

Coat

The short coat lies close to the body and should be glossy.

Colour

An essential black mask, together with fawn; brindle and fawn which is allowed in a range of shades from light yellow to deer red; white marking are also allowed.

Sizes

Dogs height 55.9-63.5 cm (22-25 in) bitches height 53.3-58.7 cm (21-23.5in); dogs weight 30-32.3kg(66-71lb), bitches weight 24.1-25kg (53-55lb)

Origin

Developed in the mid-nineteenth century in Munich, the German Boxer club being formed in 1896.

Personality

Renowned for its great loyalty and protectiveness, good-natured ; not long-lived.