Getting a BOXER puppy.

McLovin · 10-04-2008, 08:34 PM

I am located in NY, I want to get BOXER puppy. Are these dogs good as pets? I will be having a baby soon too. Can I train this dog? Also whats a good book or something to teach me how to train a boxer. Tell me what everyone likes about Boxers. Where is a good place to get a puppy from a breeder I want to pick my puppy up I dont want him shipped... thanks.

Willowy · 10-04-2008, 10:30 PM

Have you ever MET a Boxer? I definitely recommend meeting at least a few dogs of any breed you're considering, you might find out your personality does not match up with the breed traits. Hanging around at dog parks would be a good way to meet some Boxers, or going to a dog show.

Boxers are VERY high-energy. They are very exuberant and are happy, goofy, doofy clowns. There are a LOT of Boxers in rescue, because so many people buy a Boxer because they like how the breed looks, without knowing anything about their energy needs.

If you can find the breed club's website, they should have a listing of breeders. Just being a member of the breed club doesn't mean they're automatically GOOD breeders, so be sure to ask a lot of questions. Boxers are prone to many, many serious health problems, so finding a really good breeder is extremely important.

I don't know if I would recommend that anyone get a puppy and have a new baby at the same time....both puppies and babies are so much work. And Boxers being so active---it might be hard to find the time to exercise your Boxer when the baby will need so much attention. Of course, it can be done, but it takes a lot of hard work.

K8IE · 10-05-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willowy

Have you ever MET a Boxer? I definitely recommend meeting at least a few dogs of any breed you're considering, you might find out your personality does not match up with the breed traits. Hanging around at dog parks would be a good way to meet some Boxers, or going to a dog show.

Boxers are VERY high-energy. They are very exuberant and are happy, goofy, doofy clowns. There are a LOT of Boxers in rescue, because so many people buy a Boxer because they like how the breed looks, without knowing anything about their energy needs.

If you can find the breed club's website, they should have a listing of breeders. Just being a member of the breed club doesn't mean they're automatically GOOD breeders, so be sure to ask a lot of questions. Boxers are prone to many, many serious health problems, so finding a really good breeder is extremely important.

I don't know if I would recommend that anyone get a puppy and have a new baby at the same time....both puppies and babies are so much work. And Boxers being so active---it might be hard to find the time to exercise your Boxer when the baby will need so much attention. Of course, it can be done, but it takes a lot of hard work.

This is very good advice. I have my third Boxer now and yes, they are wonderful and loving dogs, but very high energy and needy/sensitive. They CANNOT be outdoor dogs and want to be with their family all the time. I call Cooper my "velcro dog".

They are very intelligent, but slow maturing dogs, and they need firm and fair leadership from day one. Not a dog for a first time or inexperienced dog owner at all. They play hard and need a LOT of exercise and stimulation to keep them happy. Like Willowy said, many end up in rescue because people did not do their research and were expected a lazy couch potato dog. They are so much fun and great for active families who have a lot of time to spend with their dog.

Do check out the American Boxer Club website at
http://www.americanboxerclub.org/ and also check out your local Boxer rescues as well. Look for a breeder who has been in the breed for a good amount of time, and who shows and does health testing for hips/elbows, heart (this is IMPERATIVE as Boxers are prone to serious heart defects), thyroid at the minimum.

Billycourty · 10-05-2008, 02:26 PM

I also would like to suggest waiting until the baby is born, so you realize how tiring a baby is.

i have twins who are 2 1/2 and just got a new puppy, it is exactly like the first 8 weeks of when my newborns where born,

Its up three times a night and rushing around crazy all the time trying to do the stuff the babies need, the house work and the puppy.

I seriously couldnt think of a worse thing then being exhausted from a newborn and having to deal with a baby puppy too.

Of cause it can be done, and a lot of people do it. But i really would think long and hard.

Jaymee

craven.44 · 10-05-2008, 05:18 PM

I would highly recommend rescuing an adult boxer if you have your heart set on that breed. That way, you get the breed you want, but you do not have to deal with all the challenges a puppy brings. Also, I would wait a few months after you have the baby. You will have enough to deal with, you do not need any unnecessary stress. Remember, there is no need to hurry....