Buying or Adopting a Boxer
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Boxer until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Boxer the right breed for you?
Boxer Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Boxer?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No toy dogs or cats in the household (especially with Boxers from performance lines)
- Restricted exercise when young – until maturity (at least 18 months old), exercise restricted to multiple short (20 minute) walks, fetch games, and playing with other dogs – no forced running (beside a jogger or bicyclist), no long-distance treks, minimal jumping
- Ample exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Boxer stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as a challenging dog sport (agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, schutzhund); challenging dog toys; a homemade obstacle course; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a smaller dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Boxers are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with slobbering, snorting/wheezing, and flatulence (aka gassiness!)
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Boxer to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior or aggression
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Boxer, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Boxer?
Boxers are extremely common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Boxers rank 10th. It's very easy to find a Boxer.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
Boxers are often available from Dog Rescue groups. Adolescent Boxers especially may be turned over to Rescue due to rambunctiousness, or stubbornness, or aggression toward other animals. Older Boxers may be dumped into Rescue because they developed a health problem such as heart disease. Other Boxers are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Boxers are sometimes found here, although Boxer Rescue groups do try to move Boxers out of shelters and into their rescue network.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Boxer from a show breeder, who breeds Boxers to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring.
Or you can buy a Boxer from a performance breeder, who emphasizes an energetic temperament and strong "prey (chasing) drives" for participating in protection dog sports (schutzhund).
You can also buy a Boxer from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Boxer puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or PennHip certifying the dog to have normal hips
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) certifying the dog to have a normal thyroid
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or a report from a veterinary cardiologist – dated within the past year – certifying that the dog has had an Advanced Cardiac Exam and has a normal heart
- a DNA test proving they are Normal/Clear of a severe neurological disease called degenerative myelopathy.
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Boxer ends up with cataracts, hip dysplasia, and heart disease.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Boxers are frequently found in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Boxer Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Boxer puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Boxer puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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