Boxer Research Paper
Noble, self-assured, fearless, the Boxer stands out as one of the most impressive of all breeds (Hannibal 7). But he has something else in his favor. The Boxer is lovable, friendly, and playful; in fact, he is a true clown at heart (Hannibal 7). These two sets of characteristics, which, at first glance, seem diametrically opposed to each other, sum up the true charm of the breed (Hannibal 7). The Boxer will be your loyal protector, but he will also be your family friend (Hannibal 7). The Boxer is also playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, devoted, demonstrative, and outgoing; it is a perfect companion for an active family (Coile 117). The AKC or American Kennel Club recognized the breed soon after, but only in the 1940’s did the breed begin its steady rise to the top of the popularity charts, eventually peaking as the 4th most popular breed in America (Coile 117).
It all started in the Munich area of southern Germany in the closing years of the 19th century (Hannibal 7). The Boxer descends from the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, an ancient hunting and bull-baiting dog originating in the Belgian town of Brabant during the Middle Ages (Gallagher 1). The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabanter Bullenbeiser (Coile 116). Bullenbeiser means Bull-Biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest, hanging onto it until the hunter arrived to kill it (Coile 116). This required a strong but agile dog to breathe while its jaws were clamped onto an animal (Coile 116). Around the 1830’s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisser with Mastiff type dogs for size, Terriers for tenacity, and finally, Bulldogs (Coile 116). The result was a tough agile dog with a stream-lined body and strong grip (Coile 116). When Bull-Baiting was outlawed, the dogs were mostly used as butcher dogs in Germany, controlling cattle in slaughter
It all started in the Munich area of southern Germany in the closing years of the 19th century (Hannibal 7). The Boxer descends from the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, an ancient hunting and bull-baiting dog originating in the Belgian town of Brabant during the Middle Ages (Gallagher 1). The Boxer derives from two central European breeds of dog that no longer exist: the larger Danziger Bullenbeiser and smaller Brabanter Bullenbeiser (Coile 116). Bullenbeiser means Bull-Biter, and these dogs were used to chase large game through the forest, hanging onto it until the hunter arrived to kill it (Coile 116). This required a strong but agile dog to breathe while its jaws were clamped onto an animal (Coile 116). Around the 1830’s, German hunters began a concerted effort to create a new breed, crossing their Bullenbeisser with Mastiff type dogs for size, Terriers for tenacity, and finally, Bulldogs (Coile 116). The result was a tough agile dog with a stream-lined body and strong grip (Coile 116). When Bull-Baiting was outlawed, the dogs were mostly used as butcher dogs in Germany, controlling cattle in slaughter
Cited: Page Coile, D. Caroline. Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Hauppauge, NY: Barron’s Educational Series, 2005. Gallagher, Cynthia P. Boxers. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, INC., 2006. Hannibal, Sharon. Living With a Boxer. New York City, Ny: Barron’s Educational Series, 2002. Mehus-Roe, Kristin. Dogs for Kids!. Irvine, CA: Bowtie Press, 2007. Webster, Noah. The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster INC., 1991.