This is also very confusing for many new people looking to purchase a puppy. All titles are NOT created equal.
American Kennel Club (AKC) Confirmation Titles are by far the most difficult to earn. Each dog has to accumulate 16 'points' including 3 'major' point wins which come from 'large shows'. Points for the day are determined by how many dogs attend the show that day. In our region it takes 24 males and 26 females to earn a '3 point major'. Second place (Reserve) get NOTHING. Boxers show in the 'Working Breed' Group in AKC.
The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC-- be warned there is a different UNREPUTABLE club that also goes by CKC) also have a similar point system to AKC and are also reputable. There is less competition in Boxers with CKC, so it is probably a slightly easier title to earn.
United Kennel Club (UKC) is the second oldest registrty in the United States. They focus more on the 'total dog'. In order for a dog to earn a title with UKC a dog must accumulate 100 points including 3 wins over 'competition' meaning they have to win against other Boxers. Or they need to have a difficult 'group placing' where they are judged against dogs of other 'Guardian Breeds' group. Can accumulate between 15-35 points per show, so this title is also less difficult to obtain than an AKC title.
FCI is the registy generally used for European dogs. It is my understanding that dogs are not judged by compairing them to other dogs in the ring. From what I have read 3 judges need to give a dog a certain score and then they are a Champion. I think this is an acceptable way for Europeans to evaluate their dogs. I just don't see why Americans would need to do that, unless they didn't feel their dogs could cut it in the other rings against competition. So, depending on the situation, and where the dog has come from, FCI may or may not be a legitimate Title. I will say that European STYLE Boxers are NOT GIVEN consideration in AKC, CKC, or UKC. So people with European style Boxers probably don't have many other opportunities to compete with their dogs other than in FCI.
AKC, CKC, UKC, FCI are the only titles that I feel are legitimate. Titles for Continental Kennel Club (the other BAD CKC), and other registries that I have never heard of, I question their validity. They don't mean much. Other than someone probably wanted to put some--- any title in front of their dogs name to get more money for the puppies. Not to improve the breed or raise the best possible puppies.
There are also many other 'working titles' such as obediance, agility, hunting trials (not for boxers), field trials.
There is also the Canine Good Citizens Award (CGC). This can be completed by any well mannered dog, and has nothing to do with breeding quality. However, it does show a good natured trainable dog--which is also an important trait.
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