Size:
Adult males 23 to 25 inches; females 21½ to 23½ inches
at the withers. There is no disqualification for size
but, again, balance and proportion are critical.
Proportion:
The body should be square, when seen from the side. A
horizontal line could be drawn from the front of the chest
to the rear of the upper thigh. That line should be equal in
length to an imaginary line that runs from the top of the withers
to the ground.
Substance:
The ideal boxer is sturdy and muscled. Males are larger boned
than females.
Head:
The muzzle should be one third the length of the head from
the eye to the tip of the nose, and two thirds as wide as the
skull. The head not show deep wrinkles . However the forehead
will display wrinkles when the dog's ears are perked. There
are also wrinkles from the lower edge of the stop running down
both sides of the muzzle.
Expression
Intelligent and alert.
Eyes:
Eyes should be dark brown and large. They should be neither
too protruding nor too deep set. The eyes and wrinkled
forehead lend the Boxer a quality of expressiveness.
Ears:
Cropped ears should be set high and trimmed rather short rather
than long and tapering. Un cropped ears should be moderately
sized and fall forward when the dog is alert. Alert un
cropped ears display a definite crease.
Skull:
The top of the skull should slightly arched rather than rounded. It
should not be flat or too broad. The forehead consists of a
slight dent between the eyes. It forms a distinct stop at the
muzzle. The cheeks should be fairly and should carry on the
clean lines of the skull as they taper and curve slightly into
the muzzle.
Bite and Jaw Structure
The Boxer has an undershot jaw. Teeth and tongue should not
be visible when the mouth is closed.
The upper jaw is broad. The lips, which complete the formation
of the muzzle, should be even in front. The upper lip is thick
and padded and is supported laterally by the canine teeth of
the lower jaw. When viewed from the side the muzzle is broad
and squarish with moderate layback. The chin should be visible
from the side as well as from the front.
Neck:
The neck should be round, well proportioned to the rest of
the body, muscular and clean, lacking a dewlap. The neck should
have a distinctly arched and elegant nape that blends into
the shoulders.
Back:
The back is short, straight, muscular, firm, and smooth.
Body:
The chest is fairly wide. When viewed from the side the
fore chest should be visible. The brisket reaches to
the elbows. he depth of the body at the lowest point of the
brisket equals half the height of the dog at the withers. Ribs
should extend to the rear and be arched without being barrel
shaped.
Loins are short and muscular. The lower line tucks up slightly
as it blends into the rear. The croup is slightly sloped,
flat and broad. Pelvis should be long and broad. The tail is
high set and carried upright.
Coat:
The ideal Boxer's coat is short, shiny, smooth and lies tight
to the body.
Character and Temperament:
The ideal Boxer's bearing is alert, dignified, and self-assured
while exhibiting plenty of animation. Generally speaking Boxers
are playful, patient and stoical with children. The Boxer's
behavior around strange is deliberate and wary. He exhibits
curiosity and, when threatened, fearless courage. He
is quick to warm to friendly overtures. A Boxer's intelligence,
loyal affection, and desire to please makes him a great companion.