My dog does do a "hedgehog" back and bark rather agressively at strangers who come to our house when he's in the garden. This makes him a good guard dog in a preventive manner. In reality if anyone says "boo!" to him or makes a move towards him - he's off like a shot. "Run away!" seems to be his motto. Whether it be a dropped spoon in the kitchen or any other thing that makes a bit of noise or moves a bit fast. He'll steamroll anyone or anything in his path to get away! He does creep back however to have second look -just in case it wasn't so scary after all. I've always been told or read that boxers are "courageous" dogs that defend their families. Is my boxer a natural born coward or is it just me who's turned him into a "mummy's boy"? (That should read "Mommies" - but i'm english!). I'd like to know he'd at least try to defend me if i needed to be. Does anyone else have a boxer with a "save myself first" attitude?