The Strong, Silent Type

Looks like a guard dog, acts like a clown.

Some dogs, like the Basenji, don't bark. Others, like Reacher, choose not to. 

For example, a stranger and his dog are walking up our street. Reacher sees them. Does he bark?

No. He watches expectantly and as the pair gets closer, his nub of a tail starts twitching and it's obvioius from the expression on his face that Reacher is hoping the two have come for a play date.

Or consider this: An  unfamiliar truck pulls into the driveway. A repairman gets out, walks up to the door and rings the bell. Reacher sees it all from the window. Does he bark?

Of course not! He waits, hoping I'll let the fellow in and that maybe he's brought a bone.

Boxers are said to be instinctive guardians and naturally protective of home and family. My previous Boxers were just that. In the case of an approaching stranger, either one would have charged down the driveway or to the door, leading with that broad, muscled chest and barking in that deep Boxer voice.

Reacher would rather not.

But what he may be lacking in watchdog qualities he makes up for in exuberance, energy and clownish behavior. Watching him run is a delight. And when he bounces like a spring or shivers with sheer excitement, it's sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

Reacher is no sentry or lookout or guard dog. He's got Vega and Panzer for that.