Breeding Philosophy
All boxers are not created equal.
Each of my litters is created with the intention of being better than the last. The direction of my breeding is always moving forward. Selections are based upon years of professional training and commitment to raising boxers as utility, working dog, as the breed was intended. Following this mindset naturally has produced boxers that are also pleasing to the eye. Like in the wild, Form follows function.
Anyone reading this can put two creatures together and produce offspring, this is common practice of many breeders in North America. The commitment of searching out specimens with the best attributes of the breed and then building upon these characteristics generation after generation is truly a lifetime endeavor. This is not an over night process that comes by chance pairings in someone's back yard. The internet is littered with breeders who do not take their responsibility as a gatekeepers of the breed to heart. I have dedicated over 25 years to producing Boxers, that posses both intelligence and courage unmatched by most breeders in the World.
I am not attempting to recreate the boxer breed, the contrary is true, my program is focused on preserving the boxer's integrity as a valuable working dog. The original purpose of the breed which many have forgotten. The Boxer, has always been to serve as a guardian and protector of its family. A dog with intelligence, strength, nobility and courage to defend its family from harm. These traits must be carefully selected and developed by capable and knowledgeable breeders.
Please browse our site, study our boxer type, read about our dogs, learn about them, and then give us a call to discuss your future boxer from us.
Each of my litters is created with the intention of being better than the last. The direction of my breeding is always moving forward. Selections are based upon years of professional training and commitment to raising boxers as utility, working dog, as the breed was intended. Following this mindset naturally has produced boxers that are also pleasing to the eye. Like in the wild, Form follows function.
Anyone reading this can put two creatures together and produce offspring, this is common practice of many breeders in North America. The commitment of searching out specimens with the best attributes of the breed and then building upon these characteristics generation after generation is truly a lifetime endeavor. This is not an over night process that comes by chance pairings in someone's back yard. The internet is littered with breeders who do not take their responsibility as a gatekeepers of the breed to heart. I have dedicated over 25 years to producing Boxers, that posses both intelligence and courage unmatched by most breeders in the World.
I am not attempting to recreate the boxer breed, the contrary is true, my program is focused on preserving the boxer's integrity as a valuable working dog. The original purpose of the breed which many have forgotten. The Boxer, has always been to serve as a guardian and protector of its family. A dog with intelligence, strength, nobility and courage to defend its family from harm. These traits must be carefully selected and developed by capable and knowledgeable breeders.
Please browse our site, study our boxer type, read about our dogs, learn about them, and then give us a call to discuss your future boxer from us.
Boxer History
The boxer breed has its origins in Europe. The boxer as we know it today was developed by breeders in Germany, before that, the breed was made of a variety of hunting dogs called bullenbeiser. These bullenbeiser were supplied to nobility for hunting pleasure by the peasants who lived and farmed the nobles land. At that time dogs were closer looking to bulldogs and mastiff type features. The dogs were were highly effective in capturing game and were trainable dogs that were pleasant to be around. These traits are said to have saved them from instinction. In the late 1800's the Germans began specifically breeding for traits that produced today's boxers type. Here in the United States, boxer clubs shy away from the breed's history as a working utility dog or hunting dog. It must be because of the image of any breed doing utility work, which can involve biting people or animals is not good for its public image.
In Germany, the boxer can still be seen used as a working Police K9. Yes, the breed is highly intelligent, formidable and can be as easily trainable as a German Shepherd. This is why the Boxer is categorized in the American Kennel Club under the Working Group (https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boxer/).
Here at Chicagoland Boxers, we focus on producing a highly intelligent, trainable and healthy boxer that can perform at the highest level of any working dog sport; Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Herding, Lure Coursing, Nose Work, Obedience & Rally, Therapy and Tracking and IPO/RINGSPORT, or IPG.
What this means for you, is that your boxer puppy from us will be easy to train, loyal and protective to your family. Over all, it will be one of the best dogs that you will ever own.
The boxer breed has its origins in Europe. The boxer as we know it today was developed by breeders in Germany, before that, the breed was made of a variety of hunting dogs called bullenbeiser. These bullenbeiser were supplied to nobility for hunting pleasure by the peasants who lived and farmed the nobles land. At that time dogs were closer looking to bulldogs and mastiff type features. The dogs were were highly effective in capturing game and were trainable dogs that were pleasant to be around. These traits are said to have saved them from instinction. In the late 1800's the Germans began specifically breeding for traits that produced today's boxers type. Here in the United States, boxer clubs shy away from the breed's history as a working utility dog or hunting dog. It must be because of the image of any breed doing utility work, which can involve biting people or animals is not good for its public image.
In Germany, the boxer can still be seen used as a working Police K9. Yes, the breed is highly intelligent, formidable and can be as easily trainable as a German Shepherd. This is why the Boxer is categorized in the American Kennel Club under the Working Group (https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boxer/).
Here at Chicagoland Boxers, we focus on producing a highly intelligent, trainable and healthy boxer that can perform at the highest level of any working dog sport; Agility, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Herding, Lure Coursing, Nose Work, Obedience & Rally, Therapy and Tracking and IPO/RINGSPORT, or IPG.
What this means for you, is that your boxer puppy from us will be easy to train, loyal and protective to your family. Over all, it will be one of the best dogs that you will ever own.
Our Focus on Head Type
We breed for a head type that is traditional and considered classic in the breed by of opinion from most International judges. Our boxers are known for a shorter muzzle, technically its length is 1/3 the length of the skull as you can see in picture one (Haggler du Champ des Legendes, USA-BOX YOUTH WINNER '12). Our muzzles are short but have adequate width for functionality. This detail gives power and maintains ability when on task; fetching heavy objects, catching things (Frisbee or bad guys). Our dogs are bred to have the darkest features as possible; cornea and pupil, eye lids and overall color, this objective gives the dog its classic expression and signals genetic health. We focus on eye shape that is not slanty but roundish with dark pigmented haws (inner eyelid). The nostrils are dark and as wide/open as possible to allow maximum air intake for breathing during high periods of activity, thus giving them endurance. Our dogs chins should be strong and even with top lip, never will we breed a dog with a weak chin that is behind the top lip. Our dogs also do not drool, due to the their flews (cheeks) being of correct length, too much flew promotes saliva to drain out of the mouth causing a drooling dog. A dog with too much flew will struggle with grasping things in its mouth and ultimately fang itself during training.
We breed for a head type that is traditional and considered classic in the breed by of opinion from most International judges. Our boxers are known for a shorter muzzle, technically its length is 1/3 the length of the skull as you can see in picture one (Haggler du Champ des Legendes, USA-BOX YOUTH WINNER '12). Our muzzles are short but have adequate width for functionality. This detail gives power and maintains ability when on task; fetching heavy objects, catching things (Frisbee or bad guys). Our dogs are bred to have the darkest features as possible; cornea and pupil, eye lids and overall color, this objective gives the dog its classic expression and signals genetic health. We focus on eye shape that is not slanty but roundish with dark pigmented haws (inner eyelid). The nostrils are dark and as wide/open as possible to allow maximum air intake for breathing during high periods of activity, thus giving them endurance. Our dogs chins should be strong and even with top lip, never will we breed a dog with a weak chin that is behind the top lip. Our dogs also do not drool, due to the their flews (cheeks) being of correct length, too much flew promotes saliva to drain out of the mouth causing a drooling dog. A dog with too much flew will struggle with grasping things in its mouth and ultimately fang itself during training.
Body Style
We strive to produce a balance between height and length in our boxers; achieving a square build. Too tall, and they lose power and agility. Too short, they lose their grace and stride while moving. The boxer is a medium dog, in which they must be capable of covering distance efficiently and gracefully. They must be athletic and powerful when moving, giving the impression of effortless command of ability in their stride. In doing so, the boxer needs a deep chest to house powerful large lungs that allow for maximum intake of oxygen during strenuous activity. The neck should be strong, well-muscled and powerful enough to easily hold its head over the shoulders while carrying heavy objects. Last but not least, the boxer should have medium to substantial bone and appear sturdy and strong. This is not a weak breed, but one that should look impressive and capable both in appearance and at task.
We strive to produce a balance between height and length in our boxers; achieving a square build. Too tall, and they lose power and agility. Too short, they lose their grace and stride while moving. The boxer is a medium dog, in which they must be capable of covering distance efficiently and gracefully. They must be athletic and powerful when moving, giving the impression of effortless command of ability in their stride. In doing so, the boxer needs a deep chest to house powerful large lungs that allow for maximum intake of oxygen during strenuous activity. The neck should be strong, well-muscled and powerful enough to easily hold its head over the shoulders while carrying heavy objects. Last but not least, the boxer should have medium to substantial bone and appear sturdy and strong. This is not a weak breed, but one that should look impressive and capable both in appearance and at task.
Our Breeding Females
We select our breeding females very carefully. The selection process starts at birth, we only choose the strongest females from the litters. These dogs posses pronounced survival instincts, which are indicators of other valuable traits needed to produce quality dogs. At a young age we evaluate how they handle stress, and their aptitude is tested in other categories such as problem solving skills, prey & combat drive, scent work and willingness to work. Overall, our breeding girls are balanced both physically and in temperament, very stable, strong nature with a sturdy build. All our females come from excellent bloodlines and mature to be great mothers.
Temperament; Loyal, Family Guardians
Boxers are known for their loyalty and love of their family. We look for dogs that enjoy the company of their family, are affectionate, loyal and loving and tolerant of small creatures and young children. Being a dog that is easy to live with, is a trait that is given paramount importance when selecting our breeding prospects. Our family dogs must be first and foremost, trustworthy when unsupervised with children, and show natural protectiveness for their family.
Boxers are known for their loyalty and love of their family. We look for dogs that enjoy the company of their family, are affectionate, loyal and loving and tolerant of small creatures and young children. Being a dog that is easy to live with, is a trait that is given paramount importance when selecting our breeding prospects. Our family dogs must be first and foremost, trustworthy when unsupervised with children, and show natural protectiveness for their family.