Tiller- (Skansen's- Ira in the M
I DO Exist...To- Drive You Batty | 
 | | Barked: Fri May 28, '10 9:14am PST |  | |  | | WTF is up with Mulder?  Boredom?
Well, let me entertain. I've pulled my Koehler book out, where he briefly discusses breeds of PPD potential waaay back a half century ago. Keeping in mind, Mulder, this guy was a military and PPD icon. He definitely promotes the Chesapeake Bay Retriever...obviously is impressed. Bemoans popularity ruining whatever potential the Weim could have had. Scoffs at the Briard somewhat, as well as, interestingly, the Airedale (who had become a very popular pet in this country, with breeding to reflect that). Gives props to the Standard Schnauzer, and a long favored line for the Kerry Blue....."has the demoralizing agility that can make a person look ridiculous." Also gives props to the Chow, and.....grip yourself here, Muldie.....the DALMATIAN! Oooo, say it ain't so, Pongo!  The Disney trainer thinks you have merit as a badarse!
And I will say, I will quote the Am Staff paragraph in its entirety, just to reflect a different time and in what esteem this breed was held -
"The Staff is another one of those breeds that is brought to the highest levels of usefulness by OB training. When he has had such training, he is one of the greatest of all dogs. To the great surprise of those who view him only as a fighting dog, he accepts the presence of other animals and will focus his outstanding abilities on the job of being a companion and protector. He has the senses, intelligence and strength to do many different jobs. No other breed has such a documentable record of gameness. Because of his overall strength and hard bite, a Staffordshire can be much smaller than the averages given below and still be all the dog needed to be a manstopper."
To the subject at hand, it may surprise you to learn that the very first PPD dog I came to know was a Boxer. He was white, built like a rhino, and owned by a huge black man. They were quite a thing to see together! He was everything you could want. Steely nerved, he could be around chaos and not flinch. Extremely devoted to his guy, who he never took his eyes off of. Maybe it was because he was my "first," but I remain awesomely impressed by him.
Buuuut First of all, there is a huge difference between a German working Boxer and the American Boxer. However, also a huge difference between what a Boxer *was* and what he is now. Boxers got super popular as pets at a time when the whole PPD thing was finding its bearings in commonplace society. Koehler's comments back then reflect what was the thought of that time, and what was truly embraced....that the Boxer was one of the most ideal breeds with children. That was his fame. He had a lot more "hook" there than with the protection people.
I think, Mulder, one thing to always keep in mind that when breeds "split," it is not always for this *one* reason. I can't quite say the Boxer "split" as much as he is now holding on. He's always been a playful dog....that is in his character. He's also a bully, so he's game as a determined warthog....tough as nails and with a "when hell freezes over" sort of a style. And loyal. VERY loyal, very in love with his people. But that German sensibility of "responsible," and that deeply seated character have not been a Boxer thing for an eon. Discretion not quite in line, biddability not quite in line, work ethic not quite in line. So all told, not quite in line.
If you want to refer to the Staffy comments above, one thing Koehler is giving plaudits to is a very high level of discipline that can be brought to the fore through OB training. That is a Staff's stock and trade essentially....what separates from so many other bully types, who all told are appreciably less stable/more stubborn and self-inclined when really drilled in obedience.
From Germany now, you will get a tougher edged Boxer, for sure. American Boxers are often too happy pants in their characters. For Schutzhund, though....what Schutzhund is NOW.....you probably could develop either, with props given to the German side as they are less jokesters than the Americans are. As protection dogs, though, the Boxer was falling by the wayside a lot sooner than show and pet crazes had much to do with it. He's a great guy, but a fairly self indulgent dog. You can even see reflections of this in the Bullmastiff, who today remains a fine guardian breed. But when he makes his mind up, he's not going to be swayed by anything, including his handler, and is much too sensitive to be agitated and not have it penetrate his thick skin to the point where he is unreliable. The "tightest" of the bullies definitely is the Staff. |  |  | |  |
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If you do a search on "hero" Pit types, you will find plenty who kick it when it deserves kicking. Indeed, I think a year ago here someone posted an account of a STRAY having a go at someone attacking a woman. Not even her person, and the dog had enough troubles of her own. As for that bite....OUCHIE! 
