Boxers

Standard

The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square-built dog of good substance with a short back, strong limbs and a short, tight-fitting coat. His well-developed muscles are clean, hard and appear smooth under taut skin. His movements denote energy. The gait is firm yet elastic, the stride free and ground-covering, the carriage proud. Developed to serve as guard, working and companion dog, he combines strength and agility with elegance and style. His expression is alert and his temperament steadfast and tractable.

The chiseled head imparts to the Boxer a unique individual stamp. It must be in correct proportion to the body. The broad, blunt muzzle is the distinctive feature and great value is placed upon its being of proper form and balance with the skull.

In judging the Boxer first consideration is given to general appearance and overall balance. Special attention is then devoted to the head, after which the individual body components are examined for their correct construction and the gait evaluated for efficiency.

Adult males 23 to 25 inches; females 21 1/2 to 23 1/2 inches at the withers. Proper balance and quality in the individual should be of primary importance since there is no size disqualification.