Box-a-Shar

The Box-a-Shar is a hybrid breed that is the offspring of a Boxer and Chinese Shar-Pei. Boxers were bred in Germany and their ancestors were the German Bullenbeisser (descended from Mastiffs) and the Bulldog. It is believed the Boxer is among the descendants of the old fighting dog of the high valleys of Tibet and is related to practically all recognized breeds of the Bulldog type. They have strong jaws and a powerful bite which were used for holding down prey like bears and wild boar. The Boxer is regarded as part of the Molosser group who all descend from a large Shepherd dog known as a Molossus. These dogs were believed to have been the favored war dogs of the Ancient Romans and Greeks. Boxers were used for fighting and bull baiting until this was banned. During World War 1 they carried messages and were also used as guard dogs. The American Kennel Club registered the first Boxer in 1904. Boxers today still have the strength and bravery of their ancestors but their loyalty and affectionate natures have made them popular family pets and they are also used as service and therapy dogs. The Chinese Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China around 2000 years ago and are known for their wrinkled faces and bodies and their blue black tongues and mouths. The name means "sand skin" and refers to the texture of its short, rough coat.They were bred for their strength and used on farms for hunting although later became fighting dogs. They were brought to the United States in 1973 and accepted in the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1988. In 1991 they were recognized by the club as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. They are also known as Chinese Fighting Dogs.