The Boxer is a refined version of the old bullen-beisser (literal translation bull-biter) which has been streamlined in body and sweetened in temperament. His ancestors are thought to have been early Great Danes and English Bulldogs. A similarity to the Boston Terrier, the French Bulldog and the old butcher's dog indicate a definite relationship,

He may have acquired his name through a variety commonly called the boxl or through a bas-tardization of beisser. Identifiable and in demand all over the world, the breed has been in its present form since the late 1800s. The promotion of the breed in 1894 by three Germans, Friedrich Robert, Elard Konig and R. Hopner, brought the Boxer to world prominence.

The breed has always been highly favored in its native land and, upon reaching America after the First World War, received steady admiration in the Western World.

White markings are considered "flashy," and should not cover more than one-third of the dog. Occasionally, however, an all-white puppy crops up in a litter of colored dogs. Boxer ears are cropped and the tail docked, but once these puppy cosmetics are performed, he demands little time for grooming. These dogs can be sensitive to extremely high or low temperatures; thus care must be taken during very hot or cold days.

The breed's clean-limbed sturdiness makes it a versatile worker. Boxers have served as police assistants, dog guides or simply defenders of their masters' property.

The stub of the tail wags the rest of the dog. Warm, sleek and loving, they are marvelous children's playmates. Boxers can be rowdy or well-behaved, depending on demeanor and owner demands, but they are always affectionate pets.