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. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are essential for the Boxer, who can be boisterous or highly strung if left unchecked. Despite its early usage in the baiting ring, these aggressive traits have since been bred out, developing a breed that is docile and gentle. Protective of its family and home, the breed is otherwise relaxed and welcoming of new situations and people, and a cheerful, fun-filled character. The breed is known to be temperature sensitive.

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. 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. The Boxer possesses distinctive facial features, including open nostrils and an under-biting jaw. 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 was first exhibited in Munich in 1895 at a dog show intended for St. Nowadays, the Boxer breed is widely seen in police work, search and rescue, competitive obedience and as an effective watch and guard dog. 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. When the practice of baiting was finally ended, the traditional Boxer became a protection dog, appearing later in the theatre and circus. The Boxer was developed in Germany and introduced across Europe during the 19th century, reputedly originating from interbreeding between the Mastiff and the Bulldog. Traditionally used for bear and bull baiting, the Boxer we recognise today is a direct descendent of the now extinct Bullenbeisser.

Boxer dog black