Boxer History

The Boxer's ancestors belong to the Mastiff family of dog breeds known for their remarkable courage and massive size. These dogs were used to hunt lions and wild boar as far ago as 2000 B.C. Later, these dogs were named Mollosian, after the city of Molossis (modern Albania). From there they were brought to the British Isles and then to Rome (second century A.D.). These dogs resembled the English Mastiff of today.

In the Middle Ages, a new lighter and faster type of dog was developed by crossing the ancestors of modern Deerhounds, Irish wolfhounds and Great Danes. It was brought to Germany where it soon became popular among court aristocrats as a hunting and watchdog and was called "Englische Dogge". These dogs were the ancestors of the modern Great Dane, or Deutsche Dogge.

Another variety of the Molossian, of smaller size but heavy built, with cropped ears and tail, was called "Bullenbeisser", or "bull-biter", also became very popular for their intelligence, alertness and high trainability. The Bullenbeissers were also used as hunting hounds. With the decline of hunting, the Bullenbeisser was mainly seen around cattlemen where he was used to round up cattle. He was bred and trained to hold in check the most fiery bull and to obtain a grip on the nose which he held, regardless of the animal's efforts.

The Bullenbeisser's popularity was strong and steady, the dog being outstanding in the field, which included animal baiting and fighting. In those days these were entirely acceptable forms of entertainment and sport. It is from the Brabanter, a smaller type of Bullenbeisser, that the Boxer is believed to have been bred. The Brabanter is almost entirely of German descent, although an occasional Bulldog crossing was used in those days.

The Deutscher Boxer Club was created in late 1890's. The development of the breed continued which resulted in producing a powerful dog of well balanced temperament, elegance, striking coloring and nobility.

In the United States, the first Boxers were shown at Westminster dog show in 1925. The American Boxer Club was created in 1939. Many devoted and talented Boxer fanciers played a part in the breed's development and rapid rise to popularity: Cirral Kennels, Barmere Kennels (often referred to as "father of American Boxers"), Sumbala Kennels, Box M Kennels and many other kennels.

Boxer Puppies