9781422279298

The Boxer was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, but had to wait 43 years to win the Westminster Kennel Club show. The first Boxer to win Best in Show was Warlord of Maxelaine, in 1947. He was a son of Utz. Probably the greatest American Boxer of all time was Bang Away of Sirrah Crest—and all four of the great German dogs appear in his pedigree. He was born in 1949, and first spotted as a puppy at a show judged by Friederun Stockmann, who declared him the best Boxer in America. He completely changed the look of the Boxer breed, mak- ing it more streamlined and adding style and flair in the show ring. Everyone wanted to breed to him, and he fathered 81 champions. He appeared in Life, Collier’ s , and Esquire magazines, and was so famous that when he flew to shows, pilots let him ride up front like a human passenger. He was defeated only five times, and retired with 121 Best in Show wins—a record for all breeds.

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