Like bulldogs and mastiffs, boxers have ancestors that can be traced back to the Assyrians as far back as 2000 BC. These dogs were strong, courageous dogs that were of great help to the Assyrians during wars. Centuries later, these dogs were named after the ancient city of Molossis, which is located in present-day Albania. Later, boxers were used as hunting dogs for centuries, mainly for hunting wild boar, bear and deer. The breed spread throughout Europe.