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!" Boxer is a complicated animal. More than any other dog, his moods mirror those of his mas- ter. His sensitivity is astonishing. While he is a great clown, always ready to run and play, he is also a dog of great fortitude and courage if threatened. His frontally- placed, large dark eyes are almost human in their expression, and in them you can clearly read his state of mind. His demean- or speaks to his nobility, body and soul. A dog with these sensitivities is no windup toy; he is not an animal who can always be counted on to do what is expect- ed. He is not a dog for everyone, and if you’re thinking about owning a Boxer, you must decide whether the characteristics of the breed will appeal. Th e Boxer is often the very de fi nition of “independence.” While he may mellow with age, a Boxer is a physically active dog. He loves to roughhouse—although not a natural retriever by nature, he will fetch an object and cheerfully dare you to take it back. Sometimes these games escalate into “Let’s not come when called.” Not the breed’s most endearing trait. He likes his space—he will refuse to move over if you attempt to push him aside. He has a ten- dency to jump, and there is considerable muscular force behind these loving greet- ings. Th is agile leaping is no doubt a part of his genetic heritage: His name derives from the German word “boxen”, which, of course, means “boxer.” Although it cannot be de fi nitely proven, the name probably derives from the Boxer’s habit of playing with his front paws. He uses these paws almost like hands—to poke, to punch, or to gently cradle those he loves. One cannot underestimate a Boxer’s strength. Th ough of medium size, usually between 22"-25" at the withers (depending
on gender), he is quite capable of knock- ing an adult man to his knees. It is there- fore imperative to train a Boxer to curb his natural tendencies to leap and make body contact. Remember, he was bred to over- power wild bear and bison in the forest, so these instincts come quite naturally to the Boxer. Happily, he has no interest in “holding” humans with his strong under- shot jaws. He will, however, grip a play toy with unshakable enthusiasm, and one of his great delights is to pull with you in a cheerful tug-of-war. Until he is trained, the Boxer will also have an instinctive desire to pull on his leash; he could eas- ily drag you down the street. It is obvious
that he must be fi rmly instructed in “civi- lized” behavior. He is not a dog for the proverbial “little old lady”—until he has learned his manners. While I have called your attention to the Boxer’s physical strength, it must be said that all his clownish and rough-and- tumble ways are usually tempered with good judgment. While he may gallop right at you as if to mow you down, he will turn (usually) aside at the last delicious moment. Nonetheless, he may be too much dog for the smallest of children, although he will love them beyond measure. In fact, Boxers are among the most patient, tolerant and loving of children’s pets, and will often
194 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2014
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