Strangers at the dog park, veterinarians, or trainers sometimes tell owners that their Boxers "don't look like purebreds" or "are not complete Boxers."
While you can't rely on appearance alone, you can usually tell whether a Boxer is a purebred or a mix by examining the dog's characteristics and seeing how well they match the breed standard.
Sometimes the characteristics of a Boxer can differ from the classic Boxer look, not because it is a Boxer cross, but because it has been "regularly bred" or comes from a lineage unknown to the person taking the test.
If you got your adult Boxer from a shelter or from a breeder that wasn't registered and didn't give you any papers, your best bet might be to try a DNA test.
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What Characteristics to Look for in a Boxer Dog
Boxers are highly recognizable dogs, not least because they are among the most popular breeds in the United States each year (ranked #14 by the American Kennel Club in 2020).
Why You Shouldn't Own a Boxer: 12 Breed Cons
They have distinctive qualities that set them apart from other dogs and are consistently found in Boxer after Boxer, defining the breed.
If the dog in front of you is a Boxer, you will see:
- A deep chest that tapers to a narrow waist.
- A lean, muscular physique that exudes athletic ability.
- A square, “square” head
- Nose cuts the “brachycephalic”
- Large, dark eyes with an alert, intelligent, kind expression.
- Short, tight coat, fawn or brindle, with or without white markings
- A height that puts them at the top of the scale for technically "medium" sized dogs.
- A friendly and inquisitive attitude with a fun approach to life and a definite sense of humor... combined with a fearlessness when challenged.
What should an ideal boxer look like?
What It Might Mean If Your Boxer Doesn't "Look Thoroughbred"
If your Boxer doesn't look as expected, possibilities include:
- Your Boxer is purebred but has "poor conformation" - i.e. he is not bred to standard and does not represent classic Boxer characteristics
- Your Boxer is purebred and well bred, but not a "show quality" specimen.
- it's a boxing cross
- Are you noticing the difference between European or British and American bloodlines, e.g. American Boxers tend to be leaner and more graceful with longer noses, while German Boxers are more stocky with shorter snouts.
american vs. european boxers
- You might be looking at a photo of the dog that distorts its features or colors.
- It's a development phase and your Boxer will grow in its features.
Boxing pup with an egg head?
"Flying Nun" Ears on Boxer Puppies
- How your dog's care has influenced its physical condition, e.g. Neutering or spaying a Boxer under two years of age makes dogs taller by interfering with the closure of the bony plates, abnormally prolonging the growth phase. Spayed/neutered dogs are also more likely to be overweight
When should I neuter or spay my boxer?
- Your dog sports one of the less common but still acceptable coat color variations within the Boxer breed standard.
boxer coat colors
- Your Boxer has natural ears and a long tail, which may not seem "right" to those who are used to seeing their Boxers with their ears surgically cropped and tails docked, as is the norm in the US, but illegal for animal cruelty reasons in many from the rest of the world, including the homeland of the German boxer
Why do boxers cut their tails?
Signs that a Boxer dog may not be purebred
There are many "safe ways" to supposedly tell if a Boxer is purebred.
Some people have the idea that the roof of a purebred Boxer's mouth will always be pink, not black.
Others insist that the small lower front teeth will always be crooked in a true boxer.
The most reliable indicators that may suggest that your Boxer is not a purebred include:
- Absence of black mask on the muzzle.
- "Very long" nose, i.e. no "squashed" face (although American boxers have longer snouts than European bloodlines)
- The muzzle angle is too high or too low
- Head shape without "box"
- Lacks Boxer temperament (character is as distinct a Boxer trait as appearance)
What is the boxer's temperament?
Signs of an "ill-mannered" boxer
Your Boxer can be 100% genetically pure but have one or more "flaws" as a result of being "poorly bred" by a non-professional breeder.
Flaws in boxers include:
- A tongue that protrudes from the mouth when at rest, i.e. not just when panting
- An overly pronounced bite or lack of bite
- Teeth visible when mouth is closed
- Blue eyes or brown eyes but “very light”
- Incorrect head placement, i.e. "flying" ears instead of ears that sit in perfect triangles against the side of the head
- Too much forehead wrinkle ("wet") or too little (wrinkles should appear when ears are erect)
Technical failures don't always mean the puppy came from an irresponsible breeder.
It could simply mean that this particular dog is not "show quality", i.e. it does not represent the breed at its best and should not be bred.
These boxers probably still have the personality of the winning boxer, although bad breeding can extend to temper.
These dogs may lack stability and are more likely to develop behavior problems.
Proper reproduction does not begin or end with genetics.
Layers:
- maternal nutrition
- Wean the litter to a fresh, natural raw diet
- Special attention to the initial development and socialization of puppies in the first weeks of life.
…everything that prepares dogs to reach their full potential as Boxers.
24 unmissable questions to ask your boxing creator
DNA Testing: How to Tell if a Boxer Is Purebred
DNA testing is available for owners who are wondering about their dog's lineage.
It can also indicate whether a dog may have an increased chance of developing some of the illnesses seen in boxers.
What diseases are boxers prone to?
In partnership with Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine, Embark calls itself "the world's most accurate DNA test."
Embark's Health + Race Kitdetects more than 200 genetic diseases, as well as race and ancestry.
You'll also get a "wolf score" for your dog and a family tree, allowing you to potentially connect with your Boxer's relatives.
No blood work or vet visit required, just a swab you can do at home and send off.
Results are usually available in two to four weeks.
Please note that while a DNA test may satisfy your curiosity, it is not a substitute for documents provided by a registered breeder.
Without this documentation, a dog has no traceable lineage and will never officially be considered a purebred.
Commercially available DNA testing is also not a substitute for proper health screenings that are performed as part of any reputable Boxer breeding program, as described in the next section of this article.
Does it matter if your boxer is purebred or not?
It's tempting to think that it doesn't matter if a boxer is purebred or not.
After all, most of us don't want to show our dogs or breed them.
On one level, a boxer's purebred statusesirrelevant: once brought home, the dog is a member of the family and will be loved regardless of its pedigree or lack thereof.
However, education is very important when it comes to health.
It's not so much about the dog's appearance and whether its nose is too long or too short to please a ring judge.
More worrisome are the bad breeding practices that tend to accompany boxers of uncertain lineage.
The value of getting your Boxer from a breeder who is not only registered but reputable is that this person has likely devoted his entire life to breeding, gaining valuable experience and specialist knowledge.
And if this breeder is truly ethical, the focus will have been just as much, if not more, on breeding long-lived, vitally healthy dogs, as well as good-looking dogs.
Breeder registration introduces a greater degree of liability and increases the likelihood that every effort has been made not to breed dogs that carry hereditary disease genes.
Rigorous testing and careful selection of breeders and breeders help to mitigate the health risks created by the reduced genetic diversity that necessarily occurs in purebred dogs.
Purebred dogs, unlike mongrels, are produced by repeatedly breeding the same relatively small number of dogs (inbreeding) to provide uniform, desirable traits.
A reputable breeder will have run a battery of tests on your Boxer's parents and several previous generations to ensure that dogs with hip and elbow dysplasia, various heart abnormalities, and genes for degenerative myelopathy are excluded from breeding programs.
Joint care in boxers
Does the boxer have a heart murmur? Do not panic. read this
This is what the expression "breeding" means.
As Kaco Boxers told Boxerforums.com, “Articles are not just for those interested in showcasing or creating. They are so much more than that. They help protect the breed we all love."
A poorly bred but purebred Boxer is more likely to end up with one of the diseases the breed is prone to, as a result of the breeder not bothering to perform a health check.
Boxer Health Check
A Boxer cross is usually the result of random matings, but it at least benefits from what is known as "hybrid vigor".
Hybrid vigor refers to the protective effect of the increased genetic diversity created when dogs of different breeds are mated.
How to Be Sure to Get a Purebred Boxer Puppy
The best way to ensure that you get not just a purebred Boxer, but one that is as healthy as possible, is to do your research and find a reputable, ethical registered breeder.
This type of breeder will provide you with documents detailing your puppy's pedigree that goes back at least five generations, naming the specific dogs your puppy is descended from.
These documents will allow you to register your dog as a purebred Boxer.
Remember that a "limited registration" just means you don't have the right to breed your dog, something many breeders stipulate to maintain control of their bloodlines and prevent "backyard" breeding by illegal owners.
Without documents, a Boxer can be purebred, but will always be considered officially mixed, in the sense that the dog's offspring will not be able to register as a purebred Boxer.
After choosing a breeder, the next challenge is choosing the right pup from the litter.
5 Steps to Choosing the Right Boxer Puppy
The presence of a pronounced "clever bump" or "egg head" in a young Boxer puppy is believed to lead to better head shape in the adult dog.
"Other" types of boxers
There are a variety of Boxers that look a little different from the standard fawn or brindle specimen.
The extensive Boxer family includes dogs that are still purebred Boxers such as:
- White Boxers (they do not meet the US breed standard which requires no more than one-third of the body to be white, but these dogs are 100% Boxer)
Are white boxers less healthy?
- Bobtail Boxers (produced by crossing Boxers with Corgis to introduce the gene for a naturally short tail)
When Boxer met Corgi. How the bobtail was born
- "Black" briefs (actually just very dark "reverse" or "seal" tabby
The curious case of the black boxer. Or is it?
It also includes some dogs that are firmly in the Boxer crossbreed category, such as:
- "Mini Boxers" (produced by crossing Boxers with a smaller breed, often a Boston Terrier)
Are mini boxers real?
And then there is:
- Longhaired Boxers (We're as intrigued as you are by these luxurious anomalies. Their owners say DNA tests show they're 100% Boxer, but they can also arise from crossbreeding.)
Long-haired boxers: what is the fluff about?
Reasons sometimes confused with boxers
Sometimes a boxer "doesn't look purebred" is due to observer error.
Breeds that are sometimes confused with Boxers by those not familiar with Boxers or other breeds include many of the "bully" breeds such as:
- bull arabs
- american bulldogs
- pit bulls
- terrieres de boston
conclusion
If something doesn't feel right with a Boxer and you don't have papers, you might start to wonder if your dog is a purebred.
Often a fairly reliable conclusion can be reached by comparing the dog's characteristics to the breed standard, but a DNA test is the closest thing to certainty.
Anyway, there are many things worse than not being a purebred, and a Boxer cross may well be healthier than a bratty purebred Boxer.
Should you create your own boxer?
References
American Boxer Club, Official Standard for the Boxer, 2005
American Boxer Club, Recommendations for evaluating the health of boxers in the breeding program
Federación Cynologique Internationale, German boxer, 2008
FAQs
How do you test the purity of a Boxer? ›
If you do not have papers but want to know if your Boxer is a purebred, you may certainly inspect your Boxer dog to see if he or she meets the AKC dog breed standards, however this will not give you solid proof by any means. Currently, DNA testing is the best method to determine if your dog is a purebred.
What color is a purebred Boxer? ›The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings.
What are the 3 types of Boxer dogs? ›As you can see, there are different types of boxers dogs including the three breeds or bloodlines of American boxer, German boxer, and English boxer, the fawn, brindle, black and white colors, and boxer mixes.
Is there such thing as a purebred black Boxer? ›No Such Thing as a Black Boxer Dog
These dogs are sometimes referred to as "reverse brindles," but that is actually a misnomer—they are really fawn colored with a large quantity of black stripes. The boxer dog breed does not carry the gene for a solid black coat; therefore, purebred black boxer dogs do not exist.
Official Standard of the Boxer General Appearance: The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square-built dog of good substance with short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin. His movements denote energy.
What 2 breeds make a Boxer? ›History: Boxers are descendants of extinct bullenbaiser breeds crossed with mastiff, bulldog and possibly Great Dane and even a terrier. They were developed in Germany in the 19th century, initially as bull baiting dogs and later as butcher's helpers, controlling cattle in slaughterhouses.
What does a full breed Boxer look like? ›The Boxer is a short-haired breed, with a smooth coat that lies tight to the body. The recognized colors are fawn and brindle, frequently with a white underbelly and white on the feet. These white markings, called "flash", often extend onto the neck or face, and dogs that have these markings are known as "flashy".
Is a Boxer a bully breed? ›Bully breed is a generic term used to identify a variety of terrier-type dogs such as American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers and French Bulldogs.
What is the rarest color of Boxer? ›What Is the Rarest Color of Boxer Dogs? Contrary to popular belief that white is the rarest color for Boxers, seal brindle Boxers are the real gems. The tight patterns of a dark streak of hairs give an illusion of solid black coat color.
Do Boxers need another dog? ›Boxers do perfectly well as the only dog in the household. They have high needs for companionship and connection with their owners. As long as they're getting plenty of attention, lots of mental stimulation and adequate exercise, they are more than content to by the sole apple of your eye.
How often should you bathe a Boxer dog? ›
Your boxer will need a full bath every few months with a mild dog shampoo. Bathing more frequently can cause dry skin and itching. Your boxer may get dirty in between baths, but usually a good wipe down with a wet washcloth will get him or her back into shape. You will also need to clean your boxers ears.
How much is a full blooded Boxer worth? ›The Average Cost of a Boxer Puppy
What is this? A healthy Boxer puppy costs between $1,000 and $3,500 from a reputable breeder. However, if you're looking for a show-quality puppy, expect to pay beyond this range. Some factors that affect the Boxer dog price are age, breeder's reputation, and appearance.
And like other dogs, it's common for puppy Boxers to have blue eyes, despite their coat colors. However, the vast majority of them develop brown eyes as they age.
How long do purebred Boxers live? ›Boxers live 10-12 years on average.
They are considered a large breed of dog as well, with some male boxers reaching almost 80 pounds when fully grown. This is likely why the boxer life span is closer to 10 years rather than 15. Most large dogs live shorter life spans than small dogs.
Boxers are so different to other dogs that they are almost like a separate species. They are short-nosed, square-headed dogs, with a stubborn, self-confident personality. They are big, strong, muscular animals, and they do need to be well trained, so that their natural exuberance is kept under control.
What breed is Scooby Doo? ›Scooby Doo is a Great Dane, one of the biggest dog breeds. The character was created by Iwao Takamoto, animator at Hanna-Barbera Productions. Takamoto studied the breed when developing the character, but took plenty of liberties for the fictional series.
Should a boxers ribs show? ›With most adults, the ribs will not show, however they may be slightly visible when the dog turns or positions himself a certain way. At a healthy, adult weight, you will be able to feel the ribs, but not clearly see them. Once your Boxer reaches the 3 year mark, he/she will have their adult physique.
What are Boxer dogs afraid of? ›Boredom, Loneliness And Inactivity. Boxers are people-focused dogs. If left alone for prolonged periods, particularly in a confined space like a crate, they may understandably experience distress and exhibit behaviors consistent with separation anxiety.
What age should Boxers start training? ›Amateur boxing can be practised from 13 to 39 years old. However, to continue until age 39, you must have obtained your first license before age 34. It will be more challenging (with a few exceptions) to obtain a first amateur boxing license at the age of 37 or 38 years.
What age do Boxer dogs calm down? ›Boxers are late to mature (that means they act like puppies and do not tend to “settle down” until the age of 3 or 4 years). Boxers require daily exercise! Taking a quick walk down the street is not sufficient.
Can Boxers be left alone? ›
If necessary, a Boxer can be left home alone for the average work day without any problems, but it requires careful planning and you need to gradually ease your dog into it.
How big do purebred Boxers get? ›According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards, a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall. A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds.
What are the 4 types of Boxers? ›Primary styles. There are four generally accepted boxing styles that are used to define fighters. These are the swarmer, out-boxer, slugger, and boxer-puncher. Many boxers do not always fit into these categories, and it's not uncommon for a fighter to change their style over a period of time.
Are Boxers smart dogs? ›Boxers are excellent service dogs.
With their innate attachment to humans and their intelligence, Boxers are often used as guide dogs for the blind and even as alert dogs for people who suffer from epilepsy, alerting them to an imminent seizure.
However, boxers are high-energy dogs who require plenty of exercise to remain calm. Without exercise, they may become hyper or aggressive. Similarly, without proper training or socialization, boxers may exhibit fear-based aggression, particularly with strangers and children.
Are Boxers clingy? ›Are Boxers Clingy? Boxers will lavish you with affection but they are also strong willed, independent dogs that don't ordinarily become clingy. Good breeding will assure your puppy comes with a steady, balanced Boxer temperament that embodies all the best aspects of the breed.
Are Boxers the nicest dogs? ›A Boxer is very patient and tolerates children very well. A Boxer is very affectionate and loving. A Boxer is protective of his family and will look out for your kids. A Boxer loves to play and will happily run around with your children all day long if given the chance.
What makes a Boxer flashy? ›Flashy Boxers
A Boxer with prominent white markings on a significant portion of the coat is described as being “flashy” or having “flash”. According to the American Boxer standard, flash is not necessary but, when present, should be “of such distribution as to enhance the dog's appearance”.
A: While the AKC does not recognize the use of white boxers for breeding, they do offer an American Kennel Club Limited Registration and will assign the dog an AKC number for use in performance events, such as obedience and agility.
Are black Boxer puppies rare? ›So called “black” Boxer dogs are highly sought after by some owners and sometimes advertised as a rare kind of Boxer. Technically, though, black Boxers don't exist. Solid black Boxers are a genetic impossibility, because the Boxer breed does not carry the gene for black coat color.
Do Boxers whine a lot? ›
Boxers are intelligent dogs that learn quickly. There's a chance you might have taught him to whine every time he wants something and never stop until he gets his way. This is often taught during puppyhood or during the first few days of being in your home.
Do Boxers like to cuddle? ›Boxer. Boxer's are known to be on the quieter side, but they remain extremely dedicated to their human and love to show them through snuggling. They are often referred to as “shadows” as they will follow you around the house and mature faster than other dogs, slowing down around the age of three or four.
Is a Boxer a good first dog? ›Perfect dog breeds: Boxers
Boxers require little grooming and are known to be very protective. Thanks to their high intelligence and great alertness, they will provide great protection. You don't have to worry about leaving them with children – boxers get along with everyone in your home, including other pets.
Your Boxer will need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This should be split into a few walks with plenty of opportunities for sniffing around and exploring. You should also give your Boxer plenty of time to exercise off lead somewhere secure so they can have a good run around.
How often should I brush a Boxer? ›Boxers are naturally clean animals who groom themselves with their cat-like licking skills. Brush the Boxer with a rubber curry brush weekly to remove dead hair. Use in a circular motion and brush gently into the coat.
How often should I brush my Boxers teeth? ›Dental hygiene
It is imperative for you to ensure that your boxer maintains a good oral hygiene throughout the day. Brush him at least once a day to alleviate the concerns of any gum infections or tartar accumulation.
Yes, professional boxers get paid whether they win or lose a fight. In almost all cases, both fighters will receive compensation regardless of the outcome.
Who is the richest Boxer in the world? ›As of July 2022, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was the world's richest boxer, with a total net worth of around 400 million British pounds. Boxer-turned-entrepreneur George Foreman ranked second, with a large share of his net worth coming from outside the sport.
What is the cheapest dog breed? ›Eye color in dogs is determined by the amount of melanin found in the iris. Brown eyes contain a high concentration of melanin, while green or blue have less. Most dogs have brown eyes, but there are breeds with pale blue, speckled, golden, or hazel colored eyes. The rarest color of all is green.
Can Boxer dogs see in the dark? ›
Do Dogs Have Night Vision? Yes, dogs can see in the dark, but not in the way that you could see if you used night vision goggles. More studies are needed as there is still much to learn about how a dog “sees” and interprets the world around them.
Why does my Boxer still look like a puppy? ›Boxers generally mellow out as they reach adulthood. As a slow maturing breed, Boxers can look like adults but still be very much puppies, mentally. They are not considered fully adult until two or even three years old.
Why do Boxers lean on you? ›More often than not, Boxers lean to communicate that they love you and want to be close to you. Boxers are known for their affectionate natures and their tendency to bond firmly with their human families.
How old is the oldest dog Boxer? ›The oldest boxer ever was a male named Maccabee, who lived to be 16 years and nine months old. Maccabee was born October 28, 1999, and died on July 28, 2016. He was owned by Jessica Kolis and lived in Northern California. Maccabee was healthy for the first 8-10 years of his life, then began developing health issues.
Who was the oldest Boxer? ›Boxer DNA Tests Aid Understanding Of Heart & Neurologic Diseases. Boxer breeders are fortunate to have genetic tests for the well-known heart disease arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and the progressive disorder degenerative myelopathy (DM).
What do boxers get tested for? ›Blood Test
All fighters in all bouts shall be tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV by a laboratory approved by the Commission. The initial test for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV shall be conducted within 180 days prior to competition.
The Root of the Behavior
More often than not, Boxers lean to communicate that they love you and want to be close to you. Boxers are known for their affectionate natures and their tendency to bond firmly with their human families.
Boxers are intelligent, high-energy, playful dogs that like to stay busy. Their temperament reflects their breeding. They prefer to be in the company of their owners and are loyal pets that will fiercely guard their family and home against strangers.
Why do they oil up boxers? ›Why do boxers use Vaseline during a fight? Most boxers will find themselves battered and bleeding after a few rounds in the ring. Vaseline mixed with coagulant can be applied to the open wounds to limit the amount of blood that is lost. The coagulant slows the bleeding and the Vaseline protects the damaged area.
Are boxers known to be aggressive? ›
Boxers can be friendly and gentle companions who welcome new friends and are kind towards children. However, boxers are high-energy dogs who require plenty of exercise to remain calm. Without exercise, they may become hyper or aggressive.
Do you need good eyesight to be a boxer? ›On defense, a boxer must closely observe an opponent's every move, gesture, and muscle twitch to gauge danger, recognize feints, and prepare protection. Having 20/20 vision is an advantage for a boxer, but having less-than-stellar visual skills can erase this advantage.
Do boxers get tested for drugs? ›Many boxers sign up to be tested by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA). There are a few, like bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, who are tested 24/7/365 by VADA, but the vast majority are tested only during training camp.
What are the 4 types of boxers? ›Primary styles. There are four generally accepted boxing styles that are used to define fighters. These are the swarmer, out-boxer, slugger, and boxer-puncher. Many boxers do not always fit into these categories, and it's not uncommon for a fighter to change their style over a period of time.
What is a boxer's mentality? ›Boxers have to be calm and collected, and with a clear mind, before they step into the ring. When a boxer is distracted by external factors and comes into a fight with a clouded mind, he is prone to making critical mistakes. Which is why it is of utmost importance to clear the mind before climbing into the ring.
What should boxers avoid? ›- Red meat: Beef, lamb, pork.
- Processed meats: Hot dogs, sausage, bacon.
- Animal fats: Lard, bacon fat, the skin of poultry.
- Whole-fat dairy products: Whole milk, butter, shortening, heavy cream, cheese.
- Oils: Coconut oil and palm oil.
While many Boxers can show signs of dominance or aggression toward other dogs or family pets, they can also display the same type of behavior toward their owners. You will need to come up with a strict training process for your pup, especially in the first year of his life, if you want to avoid these issues later on.
What is the best age to become a Boxer? ›According to Specialists in sports medicine, boxing classes are better to start from 9-10 years. As boxing is too hard, a sport starting too early can put the students off. But it is better to start early to get a better chance of discipline, muscle memory, stamina, and to endure good habits.