Miniature Boxer

The Boston Terrier is a compact, well-proportioned dog often referred to as the American Gentleman due to its tuxedo-like markings and dignified demeanor. The breed standard divides Boston Terriers into three weight classes: under 15 pounds, 15 to 20 pounds, and 20 to 25 pounds, with height proportionate to weight, typically ranging from 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The body presents a distinctly square appearance when viewed from the side, with the length from chest to rump approximately equal to the height at the withers. Despite their small size, Boston Terriers display solid bone structure and a muscular build that projects strength without appearing bulky or coarse. The Boston Terrier's coat is short, smooth, and fine in texture, lying close to the body and requiring minimal grooming beyond regular brushing to control moderate shedding. The distinctive tuxedo pattern features white markings on a background of black, brindle, or seal, which appears black but has a red cast when viewed in sunlight. Required markings include a white muzzle band, white blaze between the eyes, and white forechest, with additional white on the collar, legs, and face being desirable. The symmetry of these markings contributes significantly to the breed's elegant appearance. The short coat provides little insulation, making Boston Terriers sensitive to temperature extremes. The head is one of the breed's most distinctive features, being square and flat on top with no wrinkles, featuring an abrupt brow and well-defined stop. The face is shortened due to brachycephalic structure, with a broad, square muzzle that is short in length but not excessively so. Large, round, dark eyes are set wide apart and positioned squarely in the skull, conveying an alert and kind expression that indicates the breed's high intelligence. The ears are small and stand erect, either naturally or cropped where permitted, resembling bat ears that contribute to the breed's appealing expression. The tail is naturally short and may be straight or screw-shaped, set low and never carried above the horizontal.

The Boxer is a medium to large sized dog that combines substantial power with athletic grace, presenting a striking appearance that reflects its versatile working heritage. Males typically stand 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 80 pounds, while females measure 21.5 to 23.5 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds. The body is square in proportion when measured from the prosternum to the rear projection of the upper thigh equaling the height from the ground to the withers. Well-developed muscles are clean, hard, and appear smooth under taut skin, creating the rippled, athletic appearance characteristic of the breed. The overall impression is one of balanced power without any appearance of heaviness or clumsiness. The Boxer's coat is short, shiny, and smooth, lying tight to the body and showcasing the breed's muscular contours. This sleek covering requires minimal grooming but provides little protection from cold weather, making the breed sensitive to temperature extremes. Acceptable coat colors are fawn and brindle, both with or without white markings. Fawn ranges from light tan to deep mahogany, while brindle consists of black stripes on a fawn background that vary from sparse to very heavy. White markings should not exceed one-third of the entire coat and typically appear on the muzzle, chest, and feet. White Boxers occur but are not accepted for showing due to increased health risks. The head is the Boxer's most distinctive feature, with a blunt, broad muzzle that is short in proportion to the skull but maintains adequate length for proper breathing. The lower jaw protrudes beyond the upper, curving slightly upward, creating the breed's characteristic undershot bite. The skull is slightly arched when viewed from the side, with a definite stop and wrinkled forehead that contributes to the breed's alert, curious expression. Dark brown eyes are forward-facing and of moderate size, conveying intelligence and alertness. Ears are set at the highest points of the sides of the skull and may be cropped to stand erect where permitted or left natural to fold forward. The neck is round, strong, and muscular, and the tail is set high and typically docked where legal.