Generalitati despre rasa

Boxer-ii sunt caini foarte prietenosi, putandu-se bucura atat de tare incat isi misca intreg bazinul cand dau din coada. Renumit in Statele Unite inca din anii 40, Boxer-ul este un caine de casa excelent care si-a primit numele de la obiceiul lui de a fi un luptator, stand pe membrele din spate si boxand cu labele din fata.
Istoricul si originea
Exista cateva teorii cu privire la originea boxer-ului. Una dintre teorii, emisa in anii 1800, sustinea ca Boxer-ul a fost creat in Germania, in urma incrucisarii dintre un caine tip mastiff, Bullenbeisser, si bulldog-ul englez. Unul dintre primele exemplare de Boxer a fost Blanka, un Boxer in totalitate alb. Considerata un caine esential in dezvoltarea rasei, Blanka a dat nastere la numerosi pui. Una dintre fiicele sale, Meta von der Passage a devenit un membru important in pedigree-ul Boxer-ului. Se considera ca aproape toti Boxer-ii ar proveni din Meta.
O alta teorie nu este la fel de credibila. Ea sustine ca Boxer-ul ar fi o rasa de caini mult mai veche, care ar proveni din caine de lupta tibetani.Indiferent de originea lor, Boxer-ul este un caine utilitar si a fost una dintre primele rase, in Germania, antrenate pentru a efectua activitati in cadrul serviciului de politie. Curajul si vitejia lor i-au facut sa devina caini mesageri pe campurile de lupta in timpul primului si celui de-al doilea razboi mondial.
Recunoscut prima data de catre American Kennel Club in 1904, Boxer-ul nu a avut succes in randurile familiilor americane pana in anii `40.
Aspectul exterior si dimensiunile
Boxer-ul este un caine de talie medie, cu un corp patratos, dar cu o alura ce exprima noblete. El este o combinatie de putere si agilitate cu eleganta si stil. Rasa are un spate scurt, membre puternice si un bot scurt si patratos cu maxilarul inferioar iesit in afara si cu cute faciale. Muschii acestui caine sunt bine dezvoltati, fermi si bine evidentiati sub pielea intinsa.
Majoritatea Boxer-ilor din Statele Unite au cozile amputate si urechile clupate, dar in unele tari, aceste operatii estetice sunt interzise.Blana sa este scurta, lucioasa, neteda si aderenta la piele. Poate fi dungata, cafenie sau bruna, cu sau fara pete albe. Boxer-ii complet albi nu sunt foarte frecvent intalniti deoarece crescatorii, in general, ii elimina din cadrul programelor de reproducere datorita predispozitiei lor crescute la surditate. Boxer-ul adult are o inaltime la nivelul greabanului de 56-63 cm la mascul si de 53-61 cm la femela. Greutatea corporala variaza in functie de sex, fiind de 27-32 kg la mascul si de 24-29 kg la femela.
Personalitatea
Boxerul este un caine precaut si atent cu strainii, dar curios si isi va etala curajul neinfricat daca se simte amenintat. Boxer-ii se pot adapta aproape oricarui mediu de viata, atata timp cat sunt in compania oamenilor.Boxer-ii sunt caini foarte inteligenti, dar pot fi si violenti si de nestapanit. Din acest motiv, dresajul de supunere este obligatoriu. Boxer-ului ii place antrenamentul si va invata rapid. Unele exemplare, bine educate si dresate, au fost utilizate pentru insotirea persoanelor cu diferite handicapuri, la fel de bine ca si pentru paza.
Relatiile cu familia si casa
Boxer-ul este un caine prietenoas, devotat familiei sale. Caracterul sau este in primul rand jucausi, si mai apoi rabdator cu copiii. Este tolerant vis-a-vis de poznele acestora si adora sa se joace. Boxer-ul este un protector nativ si, daca este dresat, poate fi un bun caine de paza si protectie. Fara o educatie adecvata, unii Boxer-i au tendinta de a fi prea prietenosi, preferand mai degraba sa linga sau sa se joace cu intrusul decat sa fie prudent si rezervat cu acesta.
Aspecte particulare
Cainii boxer nu necesita o ingrijire speciala, dar necesita un antrenament consistent si consecvent. Blana sa scurta necesita o minima de ingrijire. Desi, sunt animale de companie excelente, cainii din rasa Boxer au tendinta de a se lupta intre ei, in special daca celalalt Boxer este de acelasi sex. Cea mai mare problema in ceea ce-i priveste pe Boxer-i este frecventa crescuta a cancerului in comparatie cu alti caini de rasa.
Boli si afectiuni curente
Torsiunea (dilatatia) gastrica este o afectiune brusca ce pune in pericol viata cainelui, asociata umplerii stomacului cu aer si torsionarii acestuia. Epilepsia este o afectiune a sistemului nervos care se dezvolta intre varsta de 2-5 ani. Discopatia intervertebrala este o afectiune ce implica discurile vertebrale situate intre vertebre. Cainii afectati prezinta durere. In cazuri grave, severe se poate produce paralizia membrelor posterioare. Dilatatia cardiaca este o afectiune cardiaca care are ca rezultat marirea, subtierea muschiului cardiac ce formeaza peretii inimii. Mastocitoamele sunt tumori maligne care se pot dezvolta atat la nivelul pielii, cat si in organele interne.In plus, desi acestea nu apar foarte frecvent, urmatoarele afectiuni au fost de asemenea, relatate: Hiperadrenocorticismul este o tulburare care afecteaza glandele adrenale (suprarenale). Cand sunt supraactive, glandele adrenale secreta in exces cortizol, producand starea de boala. Criptorhidismul este o tulburare manifestata prin lipsa migrarii unuia sau a ambelor testicule in scrot. Hipotiroidismul apare atunci cand glanda tiroida nu functioneaza adecvat. In lipsa unei cantitati suficiente de hormon tiroidian, imbolnavirea se poate produce. Axonopatia progresiva este o boala degenerativa a sistemului nervos, care multumita eforturilor crescatorilor de Boxer, este astazi, rara. Cainii Boxer este predispusi diferitelor tumori si cancere, afectiunii oculare cherry eye, demodeciei, atopiei, acneei, surditatii si incontinentei urinare.Durata medie de viata a Boxer-ului este de 9-10 ani.

Standard rasa

FCI-Standard N°144 / 09.07.2008 / GB


BOXER
(Deutscher Boxer)

TRANSLATION : Mrs C. Seidler, revised by Mrs Sporre-Willes and R. Triquet. Revised by J. Mulholland 2008.

ORIGIN : Germany.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 01.04.2008.

UTILIZATION : Companion, Guard and Working Dog.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 2 Pinscher and Schnauzer- Molossoid breeds- Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs.
Section 2.1 Molossoid breeds, mastiff type.
With working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY : The small, so called Brabant Bullenbeisser is regarded as the immediate ancestor of the Boxer. In the past, the breeding of these Bullenbeissers was in the hands of the huntsmen, whom they assisted during the hunt. Their task was to seize the game put up by the hounds and hold it firmly until the huntsman arrived and put an end to the prey. For this job the dog had to have jaws as wide as possible with widely spaced teeth, in order to bite firmly and hold on tightly. A Bullenbeisser which had these characteristics was best suited to this job and was used for breeding. Previously, only the ability to work and utilization were considered. Selective breeding was carried out which produced a dog with a wide muzzle and an upturned nose.

GENERAL APPEARANCE : The Boxer is a medium sized, smooth coated, sturdy dog of compact, square build and strong bone. His muscles are taut, strongly developed and moulded in appearance.
His movement is lively, powerful with noble bearing. The Boxer must be neither cumbersome nor heavy, nor light or lacking in body substance.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS :
a) Length of body / Height at withers : Square build, which means that the horizontal line of the back is perpendicular to the vertical line passing through the point of shoulder and to the other vertical line passing through the point of buttock, thus defining a square outline.
b) Depth of brisket / Height at withers : The chest reaches to the elbows. Depth of chest is half the height at withers.
c) Length of nose bridge / Length of head : Length of nose bridge in relation to skull should be 1 : 2 (measured respectively from tip of nose to inner corner of eye and from inner corner of eye to occiput).

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT : The Boxer should be fearless self-confident, calm and equable. Temperament is of the utmost importance and requires careful attention. Devotion and loyalty towards his master and his entire household, his watchfulness and self-assured courage as a defender are famous. He is harmless with his family but distrustful of strangers. Happy and friendly in play, yet fearless in a serious situation. Easy to train on account of his willingness to obey, his pluck and courage, natural keenness and scent capability. Undemanding and clean, he is just as agreeable and appreciated in the family circle as he is as a guard, companion and working dog. His character is trustworthy, with no guile or cunning, even in old age.

HEAD : This gives the Boxer his characteristic look. Must be in good proportion to the body and appear neither too light nor too heavy. Muzzle should be as broad and powerful as possible. The harmony of the head depends on the balance between muzzle and skull.



From whichever direction the head is viewed, from front, above or sideways, the muzzle must always be in the right proportion to the skull i.e. it must never appear too small. It should be clean, not showing any wrinkle. However, natural folds are formed in the cranial region when alerted. From root of nose, folds are always indicated running in a downward direction on both sides. The dark mask is confined to the muzzle and must be in sharp contrast to the colour of the head so that the face does not appear sombre.

CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : The cranial region should be as lean and angular as possible. It is slightly arched, neither too round and short, nor flat; nor should it be too broad. Occiput not too pronounced. Furrow in forehead only slightly marked, must not be too deep, especially between the eyes.
Stop : The forehead forms a distinct stop with the bridge of nose. Bridge of nose must not be forced back into the forehead as in the Bulldog, nor should it be downfaced.

FACIAL REGION :
Nose : Nose is broad and black and only slightly turned up with wide nostrils. Tip of nose is placed slightly higher than root of nose.
Muzzle : The muzzle is powerfully developed in three dimensional volume, neither pointed nor narrow, nor short or shallow. Its appearance is influenced by :
a) Shape of jaw. b) Position of canine teeth. c) Shape of lips. The canines must be placed as far apart as possible and must be of good length, making the front of the muzzle broad, almost square and forming a blunt angle with bridge of nose.
In front, the edge of the upper lip rests on the edge of the lower lip. The part of the lower jaw with lower lip curved upwards, called the chin, must not markedly protrude over upper lip, seen from front. Nor should it be hidden by the upper lip but should be well defined from front and side.



The canines and incisors of the lower jaw must not be visible when mouth is closed, neither should the tongue show. Median groove in the upper lip (philtrum) is clearly visible.
Lips : The lips complete the shape of the muzzle. The upper lip is thick and padded and fills the space formed by the undershot lower jaw; it is supported by the lower canines.
Jaws/Teeth : The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper jaw and is curved slightly upwards. The Boxer is undershot. The upper jaw is broad where it joins the cranial region, tapering only slightly towards the front. The teeth are strong and healthy. The incisors are as even as possible, set in a straight line. Canines wide apart and of good size.
Cheeks : Cheeks are developed in proportion with the strong jaws without markedly bulging. They merge with the muzzle in a slight curve.
Eyes : The dark eyes are neither too small nor protruding or deep set. Their expression conveys energy and intelligence and must not be threatening or piercing. Eye rims must be dark.
Ears : The natural ears are of appropriate size. They are set on wide apart on highest part of skull. In repose they lie close to the cheeks and turn forward with a definite crease, especially when the dog is alert.

NECK : Topline runs in an elegant arch from the clearly marked nape to the withers. It should be of ample length, round, strong and muscular.

BODY : Square body resting on sturdy, straight legs.
Withers : Should be marked.
Back : Including loin should be short, firm, straight, broad and muscular.
Croup : Slightly sloping, broad and only slightly arched. Pelvis should be long and broad, especially in bitches.


Chest : Deep, reaching to elbows. Depth of chest is half the height at withers. Well developed forechest. Ribs well sprung but not barrel-shaped, extending well to the rear.
Underline : Running towards rear in elegant curve. Short, taut flanks slightly tucked up.

TAIL : Set on high rather than low. The tail is of normal length and left natural.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS : Front legs, seen from front, must stand parallel and have strong bone.
Shoulders : Long and sloping, connected firmly to body. Should not be too loaded.
Upper arm : Long, making a right angle to shoulder blade.
Elbows : Neither too close to side of chest nor turned out.
Forearm : Vertical, long, lean and muscled.
Carpus (wrist) : Strong, well defined, but not exaggerated.
Metacarpus (Pastern) : Short, almost perpendicular to ground.
Front feet : Small, round, tight, well cushioned and hard pads.


HINDQUARTERS : Very muscular, the muscles brick hard and visible under the skin.
Hindlegs : Seen from rear : straight.
Thigh : Long and broad. Angles of hip and knee are open but as little as possible.
Knee (Stifle) : When dog is standing, should reach sufficiently forward so that it would touch a perpendicular line from point of hip to ground.
Lower thigh : Very muscular.
Hock : Strong and well defined but not exaggerated. Angle approximately 140 degrees.



Metatarsus (Rear Pastern) : Short with slight inclination, 95-100 degrees to the ground.
Hind feet : Slightly longer than front feet, tight; well cushioned and hard pads.

GAIT / MOVEMENT : Lively, full of strength and nobility.

SKIN: Dry, elastic without any wrinkles.

COAT

HAIR : Short, hard, glossy and close fitting.

COLOUR : Fawn or brindle : Fawn comes in various shades from light fawn to dark deer red but the most attractive shades are in the middle range (red fawn). Black mask. The brindle variety : fawn background of varying shades has dark or black stripes running parallel to ribs. Stripes must contrast distinctly to ground colour. White markings should not be discarded. They can be quite pleasant.

SIZE AND WEIGHT :
Height at the withers : Dogs : 57-63 cm.
Females : 53-59 cm.

Weight : Dogs : over 30 kg when height at withers is ca 60 cm.
Bitches : about 25 kg when height at withers is ca 56 cm.

FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Behaviour / Temperament : Lack of spirit.
Head : Lack of nobility and typical expression, sombre face, Pinscher or Bulldog type head. Dribbling, showing of teeth or tongue. Muzzle too pointed or slight. Bridge of nose falling away. Leather or weather nose, pale nose leather. So called, “hawk eye”, lack of pigment in haw.

In uncropped ears : Flying, half erect or erect ears, rose ears.
Wry jaw, slanting teeth, incorrect position of teeth, poorly developed teeth and unsound teeth due to illness.
Neck : Short, thick and throaty.
Body : Front too broad or low to the ground. Sagging body, roach or sway back. Lean, long, narrow, sagging loin, loosely coupled body.
Arched loin, croup falling away. Narrow pelvis, hollow flanks, pendulous belly.
Tail : Low set on, kink tail.
Forequarters: French front, loose shoulders, loose elbows, weak pastern, hare foot, flat, splayed feet.
Hindquarters : Weak muscles. Too much or too little angulation, down on hocks, barrel hocks, cow hocks, narrow hocks, dewclaws, hare foot, flat, splayed feet.
Movement : Waddling, insufficient reach, pacing, stilted gait.
Colour of coat : Mask extending beyond muzzle. Stripes (brindling) too close together or too sparse.
Sooty ground colour. Mingled colours. Unattractive white markings such as a entirely white head or white on one side of the head. Other colours and white markings exceeding one third of the ground colour.

ELIMINATING FAULTS
Aggressive or overly shy.
Naturally stumpy tail.

Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.