Boxer (dog).

Boxer (dog). Boxer (dog), breed of working dog, developed in Germany during the second half of the 19th and early part of the 20th centuries from a number of breeds, principally the bulldog and terrier types. The ancestors of the breed were used originally for dogfighting and bullbaiting; in later years, because of the courage, strength, and agility of the boxer, it was selected for police work in Germany and was used as a guide for the blind. Introduced in the United States about the beginning of the 20th century, it became one of the most popular dogs in the country. Unusually faithful, intelligent, and alert, the boxer makes a splendid pet. Among its physical characteristics are a massive head; an undershot jaw; a muzzle with a characteristic black mask; ears that are rather long and set high; dark-brown eyes; a broad, black nose; a strong, round, and muscular neck; a deep chest; and well-muscled hindquarters. The dog has a short, glossy, smooth coat that is any of various shades of fawn or brindle in color, with white markings. The male is from 56 to 61 cm (22 to 24 in) in height at the withers and weighs about 30 kg (about 66 lb); the female is from 53 to 58 cm (21 to 23 in) in height and weighs about 28 kg (about 62 lb). Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.