Boxers are silly, sweet and mischievous. They clown around with family and friends, are patient and playful with children, but show a deliberate and wary face to strangers, responding with unmatched courage to anything that threatens their loved ones. Those characteristics are why people love them. 

He might have a worried look on his wrinkled face, but the Boxer isn't worried about being loved: he's one of most popular dogs in America. And that’s no surprise, since this is a joyful, loyal companion who truly bonds with his human family. A well-bred, well-socialized Boxer is friendly with children and people he knows, suspicious and alert but not aggressive with strangers, and always ready for a walk, a game or just some quality time on the sofa with you.

The Boxer is a wonderful choice for an owner who will train him consistently, firmly and fairly, and who can have a sense of humor about the dog's stubborn streak. This breed also needs plenty of exercise to keep his high spirits in check – the Boxer is a big dog and can do a lot of damage if he's bored or lonely.

He's willing and able to participate in almost any organized canine activity, including agility, obedience and flyball. While all dog-child play requires supervision, Boxers are generally good with children and make great family dogs.

The Boxer's face is unmistakable: wrinkled and worried-looking, the expression belied by his square jaw, noble head and jaunty walk. He's a big dog, weighing up to 70 pounds (sometimes more), with females being quite a bit smaller than males. His short coat sheds, but otherwise he’s an easy-care dog.

The Boxer comes in shades of tan and brindle, as well as white. There is considerable controversy surrounding the white Boxer, largely because for generations, breeders killed their white puppies instead of trying to find homes for them as pets. This is widely considered to be unacceptable now, and more white Boxers are becoming available for purchase and adoption.

White Boxers are not albinos and their coloration is not the result of a genetic mutation as it sometimes is in other breeds. In Boxers, white is just a color. Like most all-white animals, white Boxers are at increased risk of deafness, although only a small number of white Boxers will be deaf. There is no evidence that white Boxers have any other color-related health problems, nor is their color associated with any temperament issues.

White dogs tend to burn in the sun and may be at increased risk of skin cancer. (Sun block is recommended!)

White Boxers are not some rare variety of the breed that command a higher price. Around a quarter of all Boxer puppies born are white. Be very cautious when dealing with a breeder selling a white puppy as something unique that merits a higher price.

Other Quick Facts about Standard PureBoxers 

• Standard pure Boxers are big dogs with a big streak of mischief in their makeup. You’ll need a sense of humor to live with one.

• Boxers are great watchdogs but not aggressive toward people unless the situation calls for it.

• Boxers are athletic and excel in many dog sports, including agility and herding.

• Boxers are lovers, not fighters, but they won’t back away from a showdown if another dog starts something.

• Standard Height: 21.5 to 25 inches at the shoulder

• Weight: 50 to 110 pounds

•  Life Span: 8 to 12 years​