Most Boxers make good show dogs, as they are easily trained.   Their natural exhuberance and eagerness to please, together with their boundless energy, give them an edge in the showring.

If planning to show your dog yourself, use lots of praise and make the experience fun.   Some Boxers become bored easily with repetitive work and baiting is a viable option when the boredom sets in.

Temperament is of utmost importance in the Boxer as the majority of Boxers are sold as companion animals.  His clean habits and short coat make the Boxer ideal as a house dog.

The well bred Boxer can be easily trained to be a good housedog, and they are at their best as part of a family as they thrive on human companionship. They are wonderful with children and a great protector of their own territory when it is necessary.

The trait in his temperament that makes him distrustful of strangers, does not mean that he is a shy dog....it just makes him a good guard dog.  If properly raised and trained the Boxer will be alert, dignified and self-asssured; playful, yet biddable.   He must, above all else, be easy to live with!

Gentle with Children

Boxer Standards around the world, agree that a Boxer is an easy dog to live with....

(Australia)
"The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most careful attention.  He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household, his alertness and fearless courage as a defender and protector.  The Boxer is docile but distrustful of strangers.  He is bright and friendly in play but brave and determined when aroused.  His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion.  He is the soul of honesty and loyalty.   He is never false or treacherous even in his old age."

(United Kingdom)
"Equable, biddable, fearless, self-assured."

(U.S.A./Canada)
Character and Temperament
"These are of paramount importance in the Boxer. Instinctively a "hearing" guard dog, his bearing is alert, dignified and self-assured. In the show ring, his behavior should exhibit constrained animation.   With family and friends, his temperament is fundamentally playful, yet patient and stoical with children. Deliberate and wary with strangers, he will exhibit curiosity, but, most importantly, fearless courage if threatened.  However, he responds promptly to friendly overtures honestly rendered. His intelligence, loyal affection and tractability to discipline make him a highly desirable companion."

(F.C.I.)
"The Boxer should be free of nervousness, self assured, calm and balanced. Temperament is of utmost importance and requires most careful attention.  Devotion and loyalty towards his master and his whole own people, his watchfulness and fearless courage in defence have long been famous. He is harmless with his family but suspicious towards 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 sense of smell. Undemanding and clean, he is just as agreeable and valuable in the family circle as he is as a guard, companion or working dog. His character is trustworthy with no guile or cunning, even in old age."

TEMPERAMENT TESTING IN PUPPIES - VOLHARD - Puppy Aptude Test > > >