The Boxer has become extremely popular in recent years. And there are numerous good reasons why it appeals both to purists and families alike.

Medium-sized, smooth and delightfully odd looking, the Boxer is a German breed, and closely related to almost all types of Bulldogs. Besides his Bulldog legacy, the Boxer also has a pretty old terrier strain in his blood.

You get a quick idea of the Boxer’s intelligence, courage and toughness when you realize that the Boxer was one of Germany’s first police dogs. Today, some Boxers guide the blind, which again gives you an idea of their intelligence and reliability.

A Boxer trotting down the street forces you to take notice with its proud and noble bearing. Because it’s both extremely agile and fearless, it makes a wonderful guard dog.

Another great advantage from the family point of view is that the Boxer has an extremely short, low-maintenance coat. This is one of the few breeds where minimal grooming really is adequate! If you want your Boxer to shine, simply rub a soft cloth over his coat a few times. He can even sleep on the rug or the couch (not that we recommend it) without the rug or couch turning into something that resembles a boneless second dog.

It’s good to remember that though the Boxer is extremely loyal to his own, he isn’t overly fond of strangers. A well-bred Boxer will be distrustful of someone he doesn’t know, but never vicious. On the other hand, he pours out his soft little heart to his family.

Because of the Boxer’s strength, intelligence and energy level, he’s one of the dogs that thrives on training and mental stimulation. Take your Boxer to obedience school and give him a job (train him to find your keys, for example). The trained and occupied Boxer is an unforgettable delight.