Boxer Dog Registration

General Appearance

The Boxer is a well-balanced, muscular dog with smooth contours and noble bearing. The breed combines strength and agility with elegance and endurance. The expression is alert and intelligent, reflecting its spirited and playful personality.

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Size, Proportion, Substance

• Height:

  • Males: 23–25 inches at the withers

  • Females: 21.5–23.5 inches

• Weight:

  • Males: About 65–80 lbs

  • Females: About 50–65 lbs

• Proportion: The body is square, meaning height at the withers equals the length of the body from the point of the shoulder to the point of the buttock.

• Substance: Compact and powerful without being coarse or heavy.

Head

• Expression: Intelligent, alert, and inquisitive.

• Skull: Clean and proportionate with a slight stop.

• Muzzle: Broad, deep, and powerfully developed. The length of the muzzle to the skull is approximately 1:2.

• Nose: Broad and black with wide nostrils.

• Bite: Undershot bite is characteristic; the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw and curves slightly upward.

• Ears: Set high, naturally floppy or cropped to stand erect (cropping is optional).

• Eyes: Dark brown, expressive, and not too small. Eyelids should have black rims.

Neck, Topline, Body

• Neck: Round, strong, muscular, clean, and slightly arched.

• Topline: Level and firm.

• Back: Short, straight, and muscular.

• Chest: Deep to the elbows with well-sprung ribs.

• Body: Square build with a strong loin and short coupling.

• Tail: Set high, carried upward, and typically docked (though docking is now discouraged or banned in many countries).

Forequarters

• Shoulders: Long, sloping, and well-muscled.

• Forelegs: Straight and parallel, with strong pasterns.

• Feet: Compact with arched toes and tough pads.

Hindquarters

• Thighs: Strong and well-muscled.

• Stifles: Well bent.

• Hocks: Straight when viewed from the rear, not cow-hocked or sickle-hocked.

• Feet: Similar to front feet—compact and arched.

Coat

• Texture: Short, smooth, and tight to the body.

• Color:

  • Fawn (from light tan to mahogany)

  • Brindle (black stripes on a fawn background)

  • With or without white markings

• White Markings: Permissible and often found on the chest and feet. Excessive white (over one-third of the coat) is considered undesirable in conformation shows but does not disqualify the dog as a pet.

Gait / Movement

The Boxer’s gait is free, powerful, and energetic. The stride is ground-covering with strong drive from the rear. The dog moves straight and true, with a proud carriage of head and tail.

Temperament

Boxers are intelligent, playful, loyal, and affectionate with family. Known for their exuberance and protective instincts, they are natural guardians. They are eager to please and highly trainable, making them excellent family companions, therapy dogs, and working dogs.

• Disposition: Friendly, patient, and alert

• Energy Level: High

• Trainability: Very high

• Socialization: Crucial from an early age to ensure a well-rounded temperament

Faults

• Narrow head or muzzle

• Excessive white markings (more than one-third of the coat)

• Weak or sloping back

• Shyness or aggression (Boxers should be confident and social)

Disqualifications

• Blue eyes or eyes of different colors

• Dudley nose (lacking pigment)

• Over or undersized in weight or height outside of breed norms

• Cow-hocked or sickle-hocked hind legs

 

Ideal Owner

Boxers are best suited to active families or individuals who can provide regular exercise, companionship, and consistent training. Their playful nature and protective instincts make them great with children and loyal to their human pack.