Rhodesian Boxer

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large, muscular, and well-balanced dog that combines strength with elegance in a powerful athletic frame. Males typically stand between 25 and 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh around 85 pounds, while females measure 24 to 26 inches and weigh approximately 70 pounds. The breed presents a powerful yet athletic appearance with a strong, straight back and well-developed hindquarters that enable impressive speed and endurance. The chest is deep and moderately broad, providing excellent lung capacity for sustained physical activity. The overall proportions convey a dog built for both strength and agility. The most distinctive feature of the Rhodesian Ridgeback is the ridge of hair running along the spine, growing in the opposite direction from the rest of the coat. This ridge should be clearly defined, tapering from just behind the shoulders to the hip bones, and must contain two identical crowns or whorls directly opposite each other. The coat itself is short, dense, and sleek with a glossy appearance, requiring minimal grooming throughout the year. Coat color ranges from light wheaten to red wheaten, with a small amount of white permitted on the chest and toes but excessive white markings are considered undesirable according to breed standards. The head is of fair length with a flat skull that is broad between the ears. The muzzle is long and deep, with powerful jaws capable of significant bite strength. The eyes are round, bright, and sparkling, reflecting the breed's intelligent and alert nature. Eye color harmonizes with the coat color, typically ranging from amber to dark brown. The ears are medium-sized, set fairly high, and carried close to the head. The tail is strong at the base and tapers toward the tip, carried with a slight upward curve but never curled. The feet are compact with well-arched toes and tough, elastic pads suited for various terrains.

The Boxer is a medium to large-sized dog presenting a square, muscular profile that exemplifies strength and athleticism in every aspect of its build. Males typically stand 23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 65 and 80 pounds, while females measure 21 to 23 inches and weigh 50 to 65 pounds. The breed's distinctive appearance features a compact, powerful body with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The back is short and straight, leading to a slightly tucked abdomen that contributes to the breed's athletic silhouette. The overall impression is one of balanced proportions and functional strength. The Boxer's head is perhaps its most recognizable feature, characterized by a blunt, broad muzzle with an undershot jaw where the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw. This brachycephalic structure gives the Boxer its characteristic expression. The skull is slightly arched with a defined stop, and the cheeks are well-developed without appearing bulging. The eyes are dark brown, medium-sized, and forward-facing, conveying an intelligent and alert expression. Ears are set high on the head and, when uncropped, fold forward with a definite crease. The nose is broad and black with wide nostrils. The Boxer's coat is short, tight-fitting, and smooth with a natural sheen that lies close to the body. Coat colors are restricted to fawn and brindle, with fawn ranging from light tan to deep mahogany red. Brindle consists of black stripes on a fawn background and can vary from sparse striping to heavy striping that almost obscures the base color. White markings are common and acceptable up to one-third of the coat, typically appearing on the chest, face, and feet. The tail is set high and traditionally docked in countries where the practice remains legal. The feet are compact with well-arched toes and hard pads well suited for an active lifestyle.