Boxer Biography - What Are The Origins Of Our Favorite Breed???
The Boxer: Early Origins
The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Known for its superb skills and its balanced behavior, it has the ability to serve multiple roles. Because of this, these dogs are kept both as pets and working companions. How this breed came about is a story in itself. This article will talk about the early origins of the boxer breed.
~1700s - The story of the Boxer first started in the 1700s in Germany. It is a direct descendant of the now-extinct dog breed Brabanter Bullenbeisser. This dog, first developed in Brabant, Belgium, is well-known as a hunting dog. In fact, its name literally means bull biter. The Bullenbeisser plays different roles based on its unique traits and abilities, and most of its roles are still played by its descendant, the Boxer. Other than bull baiting, these dogs are also used for hunting different animals. In fact, German nobles use these dogs to hunt for wild boars. But beyond being a hunting dog, the Bullenbeisser was also very popular as a pet. In fact, its called the butchers dog because this breed is considered a favorite by butchers and cattle dealers. Not only are these dogs very loyal to its owner and its family, its also a very capable guardian.
- 1800s - In order to create the Boxer, the Bullenbeisser was mated with the Bulldog, a breed of British origin and armed with its own distinct characteristics. It is from this cross that the Boxers of today were created. The combined characteristics of these 2 dogs made their descendants an even more formidable force in hunting.This breed has proven to be so popular that by the 1850s, the boxer is recognized as an official dog breed in Germany. And as this century comes to a close, clubs for Boxer owners have emerged. In 1895, the first Boxer club in Germany, the Boxer-Klub e.v. Sitz Munchen (German Boxer Club), was established.
~1900s - For any dog breed to gain legitimacy, a breed standard must be established. This is what exactly happened in 1902, when a detailed breed standard for the Boxer was released. During this time, the breed also started to spread beyond the German borders. By this century, the Boxer has exploded in popularity, with different nations adopting these strong and intelligent dogs in their home. Right now, the Boxer is constantly among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in America.
~Why the Name Boxer - Its a curious question being debated by different dog enthusiast circles. But how did the name Boxer come about? There are various answers that aim to explain this. Here are some of the most popular answers. There are some people who believe that the name of this dog came from the dogs stance when standing up. Some people say that when the Boxer stands up on its hind legs, its stance imitates that of a boxer (pugilist). Another theory considered as plausible is that the name boxer came from an alteration of the German words used to describe this dog. Boxl, boxerl, and baxer are 3 German words used to describe this dog, and any of these words may be the root of the Boxers name.
~Popular Pooches - In the United States between 1946 and 1956, Boxers became hugely popular. In all-breed shows, the Boxer entry frequently was the largest. Boxers now consistently rank in the top 10 in popularity among AKC-Registered dogs. Part of the credit goes not out to show breeders but to the U.S. military personnel stationed in Germany who fell in love with Boxers and brought them (or at least their love for them) home. While some dog breeds gained fame due to appearances in movies or TV shows -- like collies with Lassie and German Shepherd dogs with Rin Tin Tin -- the Boxer won the hearts of Americans with good looks, intelligence and a pleasing personality. In the world of Boxers, every dog is a star.
~Bull-baiter, hunter, butchers dog, guardian, pack dog, war dog, show dog: What is the Boxers true role? - Friederun Stockmann stated it best in her book 'My Life with Boxers' (Classic Pet Books): is real job is to be a house and family dog and to be a friend to children. That is the paradox of the Boxer: Bred to be lethal, he has transformed into the most charming and free-spirited of companions. To the wolf, he owes his spirit; to the mastiff, his strength; to the hunting dog, his determination; to the guard dog, his sense of honor.
