Boxer - The breed was developed in Germany by crossing the Bullenbeiszer and Barenbeiszer Mastiffs. Originally quite freocious, it was used for bull-baiting and hunting. In the latter part of the nineteenth century they were crossed with Bulldogs, thus softening their looks and eventually perfecting the lines and character of the breed we know today.
It received the name "Boxer" from its habit of striking out with its front legs.