General Appearance - The ideal Boxer is a medium-sized, square built dog of good substance with a short back, strong limbs, and short, tight-fitting coat. His well developed muscles are clean, hard and appear smooth under taut skin.

In judging the Boxer, first consideration is given to general appearance to which attractive color and arresting style contribute. Next is overall balance with special attention devoted to the head, after which the individual body components are examined for their correct construction, and efficiency of gait is evaluated.

Neck, Topline, Body -

Neck - Round, of ample length, muscular and clean without excessive hanging skin (dewlap). The neck has a distinctily marked nape with an elegant arch blending smoothly into the withers.

Topline - Smooth, firm and slightly sloping.

Body - The chest is of  fair width, and the forechest well defined and visible from the side. The brisket is deep, reaching down to the elbows. The ribs, extending far to the rear, are well arched but not barrel shaped.

The back is short, straight and muscular and firmly connects the withers to the hindquarters.

The loins are short and muscular. The lower stomach line is lightly tucked up, blending into a graceful curve to the rear. The croup is slightly sloped, flat and broad. Tail is set high, docked and carried upward. Pelvis long and in females especially broad.

Substance - Sturdy with balanced musculature. Males larger boned than their female counterparts.