BOXER

Boxer. smooth-haired working dog breed named for its manner of boxing with its sturdy front paws when beginning to fight. The boxer, developed in Germany, includes strains of bulldog and terrier in its heritage. Because of its reputation for courage, aggressiveness, and intelligence, it has been used in police work but is also valued as a watchdog and companion. It is a trim, squarely built dog with a short, square-shaped muzzle, a black mask on its face, and a shiny short-haired coat of reddish brown or brindle. It stands 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) and weighs 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg). See the Table of Selected Breeds of Working Dogs for further information.