How to Identify a Boxer Dog

Last Updated: February 12, 2021

Boxers are a popular breed from the working group.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Once big-game hunters, today, they are used for many jobs, such as athletes, police dogs, and guide dogs.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Boxers share traits with other breeds, but by knowing what distinguishes them, they can be easier to identify. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Boxer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Observing the Body Structure

1
Check the dog's size. Boxers are medium-to-large sized dogs, males standing at 23–25 inches (58–64 cm) and females at 21.5–23.5 inches (55–60 cm).^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source} Males weigh 65–80 pounds (29–36 kg), females weighing about 15 pounds (6.8 kg) less.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
2
Look at the tail. The tail of a Boxer is set high and carried upward.^{[5]
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Research source} For show, a Boxer's tail should be docked short,^{[6]
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Research source} but otherwise, one may be seen with a natural long tail.

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3
Inspect the eyes. Boxers have dark brown eyes that aren't too small. They are frontally placed and give the dog a quality of expressiveness.^{[7]
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4
Examine the ears. The ears of a Boxer are set at the highest point on the head's side and can be either cropped or uncropped.^{[8]
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- Cropped ears are cut long and tapering.^{[9]
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  Research source} When the dog is alert, the ears are raised.
- Uncropped ears fold down and are thin, lying flat and close to the cheeks. They are moderately sized and fall forward with a crease when alert.^{[10]
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5
Notice the overall build of the dog. Boxers are square-built dogs with well-developed muscles, strong limbs, and short backs.^{[11]
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Research source} A Boxer's gait is described as a free stride of movements that denote energy, being "firm, yet elastic." ^{[12]
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Did you know? Boxers move smoothly and gracefully and have a powerful forward thrust, just like the athletes they're named for. They spar with their front paws when playing or defending themselves.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Assessing the Coat

1
Check how the coat appears and feels. Boxers have very short coats. Their short fur is shiny and smooth-lying, lying tight to the body.^{[14]
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2
Examine the coat color. A Boxer's coat is fawn, ranging from light tan to mahogany, and brindle.^{[15]
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Research source} A brindle coat varies from sparse but clear black stripes over fawn to a heavy concentration where the fawn barely, but clearly, comes through.^{[16]
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Research source} This may give off the appearance of reverse brindle.
3
Look for white markings. Though solid fawn without any white markings is also seen in Boxers, many have white markings. These should "enhance the dog's appearance," and, when on the head, may replace the usual black "mask" and extend upwardly between the eyes.^{[17]
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- For show, a Boxer's white markings must not make up more than one-third of the dog's coat,^{[18]
  X
  Research source} though some Boxers may have almost entirely white or solid white coats.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Understanding the Temperament

1
Watch for energy. Boxers are big dogs, so they require an active lifestyle. They are playful and need a lot of daily exercise to release their energy.^{[19]
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2
Notice intelligence. Because Boxers are an intelligent breed, they may be quicker to train. Additionally, they can grasp new concepts from simple training methods and don't require new challenges.^{[20]
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3
See if the dog is fearless. Boxers are brave and devoted. They have a strong desire to guard and protect, which makes them excellent guard dogs.^{[21]
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4
Check for loyalty. After forming a bond with a Boxer, they become very affectionate. Boxers are loyal to those close to them and are overall very friendly.^{[22]
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5
Recognize calmness. Boxers are full of energy, but as long as they get the exercise they need, they can be calm. Once a Boxer has released their excess energy, they may be more calm and relaxed.^{[23]
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