The Boxer is a medium-to-large dog that was bred originally in Germany. The Boxer is a crossbreed between the Bulldog and Bullenbeisser dog (which is now extinct). It has smooth, short fur and an agile, athletic build.
Generally, this breed is known to be loyal and energetic with a playful and sweet temperament. They are children-friendly, especially if they are well-socialized when they are young and have an instinct to protect their family.
Boxer Dog Breeds
Here are the different types of Boxer dog breeds and their key differences:
#1. German Boxer Dog
The defining characteristic of a German Boxer dog is that they are more robust and larger compared to other Boxers. This breed is preferred because it has a frame that is slightly larger than the American and UK Boxer, according to the Boxer growth curve. The large and dense bones help to give the muscles of this breed a more pronounced definition.
The thigh width of this breed is slightly wider than others.
For German Boxers with pure bloodlines, the length between their skull and snout is in the ratio of exactly 1:2. Compared to other types, the snout is wider than the UK Boxer and smaller than the American Boxer.
#2. United Kingdom Boxer Dog (British or English Boxer)
The defining characteristic of the United Kingdom Boxer dog is that they have high knuckles on top of small feet which makes them the most elegant among all Boxers. This breed was developed in 1948 as a pure breed by the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.
The UK Boxer is more sleek, lithe, and athletic than other Boxer breeds which makes it stand out. It has a stylized body and a slender musculature that allows for precise movements and further agility.
When this dog is hunting and charging, it does not lose its gracefulness, which is a typical feature of this breed. British Boxers have the highest knuckles compared to other Boxers and are thought to be the smallest with shorter and thinner legs. But this does not prevent them from having good speed or strength.
#3. American Boxer Dog
The defining characteristic of the American Boxer dog is that they have a wider snout and a shiny and tight coat with no wrinkles. This breed of Boxer was the last one to be created in the Boxer line, but it was the first one to be officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
You can easily recognize this breed compared to others because adult dogs do not have wrinkles. Also, their coat is stronger, brighter, and denser compared to German and English Boxers.
The shape of the American Boxer’s knuckles, paws, and ankles makes it stand differently from the British Boxer. However, you can easily confuse German Boxers with American Boxers because they both have the same stance.
Boxer Dog Colors
- Brindle Boxer Dog – The Boxer brindle has a fawn fur with dark stripes that can be scarce (one or two stripes) to dense. They have white fur on the chest and legs.
- White Boxer Dog – Technically, these Boxers are not albino even though they are almost all white. They may have fawn-colored fur or brindle patches on top of the head, near the eyes, ears, and base of the tail. White Boxers do not have a black mask which is common in nearly all Boxers.
- Black Boxer Dog – Though they may appear black, these dogs have reverse brindles. Meaning they have thick brindle stripes that make it difficult to see the fawn-colored coat underneath.
- Fawn Boxer – These boxers are very common, and their coat color ranges from solid light tan to deep red. Compared to other Boxers, Fawn Boxers normally have more white on their chest and legs.
Crossbreeds
#1. Boxer Bulldog Mix (Bulloxer)
This is a crossbreed between the American Bulldog or English Bulldog and Boxer. They are extremely playful and highly energetic and are known to be a loyal, protective, happy, and friendly breed.
#2. Boxer Beagle Mix (Boggle)
This is a crossbreed between a Boxer and a Beagle. They are athletic, strong, very playful, and confident.
#3. Boxer Terrier Mix
This is a crossbreed between the Boxer and Boston Terrier. They are loyal, active, highly intelligent, and mischievous.
#4. Boxer Lab Mix
This is a crossbreed between the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. They make a great family companion. They get their playful and energetic personality from the Boxer and their loving and loyal nature is from the Labrador.
#5. Pitbull Boxer Mix (Bullboxer)
This is a crossbreed between a Pitbull and a Boxer. They are extremely loyal, friendly, and easy-going, and because of their athletic nature, they make a great running buddy.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information that you need to know about the different breeds of Boxers, the coat colors, and the crossbreeds. Understanding the specific characteristics of your Boxer breed will enable you to give them proper care.
