Like many other dogs that are popular today, the Boxer has its origin in Germany. It isn't certain what he owes his compact muscular form to; some breeders claim he is a cross between the English Bulldog and the Great Dane. Another group says it wasn't the Dane at all but one of the Terrier family. One thing is sure, the Boxer has some Bulldog in him.
He not only looks somewhat like the Bulldog, but he also has his courage and strength. Most Boxers today are as gentle as lambs under ordinary conditions. But, if they have to fight, they usually win. Because of their gentleness, their reserve of power, they are good companions for children.
It was from his manner of lighting that the Boxer got his name. It comes from his habit of using his front paws like a prize-fighter when playing or fighting. Of course, he doesn't punch, his blow is more like a slap. And, if the going gets rough, he'll use his teeth like all other dogs.
Like the Spaniels, the Dobermans, and some of the Terriers, the Boxer has a docked tail. This is a tail that has been cut off so that only a few inches of it remain. Today, dogs' tails are cut off for appearance more than anything else. But at one time, people in Europe cut off the tails of dogs - all dogs - because they thought it would prevent rabies.
Another superstitious reason for cutting off dogs' tails was that the owners believed it gave the dog courage. A more logical explanation is that tails were cut so that the dogs wouldn't catch them on briars and underbrush when out hunting.
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