Boxers

michika · #1 05-04-2009, 05:51 PM

Hey,

I need some recommendations about potentially adopting a 4.5 month old female brindle boxer pup. She needs to be rehomed due to a move/major life change.

So for those of you who have one, tell me about their energy levels, destructive-ness, etc.

This one is being billed as very smart, and house trained already.

Lance · #2 05-04-2009, 06:17 PM

We've had 2 Boxers and both were excellent pets. Although they had very different personalities they were both easy to train: obedient, good with children, well-mannered, and except for a few chewing incidents when young, were model dogs. The down-side to Boxers are the health issues. Our 2nd one we lost to Boxer Heart Syndrome at 5 years. Our first lived to 11 before cancer claimed him. Hope this helps.

muck · #3 05-04-2009, 06:26 PM

Boxers are smart all right...also super high energy, curious and stubborn as all get out. (At least my girl is...

) They can also be pretty destructive but mainly only when they get bored. But, if you regularly excercise both their body and mind they are fantastic companions and want nothing more than to hang out with you.

Carmen · #4 05-04-2009, 06:32 PM

Lovely breed Catherine. Very active, needs regular runs! Affectionate. Health concerns are something to be aware of forsure and also seem to be prone to dog on dog aggression. I worked in a vet clinic for 6 years and nearly every boxer was aggressive towards other dogs. Just something to watch out for. But a nice breed despite that!

muck · #5 05-04-2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carmen

Lovely breed Catherine. Very active, needs regular runs! Affectionate. Health concerns are something to be aware of forsure and also seem to be prone to dog on dog aggression. I worked in a vet clinic for 6 years and nearly every boxer was aggressive towards other dogs. Just something to watch out for. But a nice breed despite that!

I will agree that boxers are aggressive... If my girl sees another dog she agressively tries to get over there to say hi and see if they will play with her. Playing with other dogs is the thing she loves the most..

Health concerns are indeed a big part of this breed. I knew when I got Jaime that boxers can be more expensive to own then other breeds of dogs but if I had known just how much more expensive I probably would not have gotten her. Don't get me wrong I love my little girl and am very happy to have her. Im just saying I probably would be driving a nice new BMW instead of my beat-up Ford Ranger. My vet just got a new BMW though. Coincidence...I dunno.

michika · #6 05-04-2009, 07:31 PM

I noted there were heart issues and hip dysplasia to be aware of.

The aggressiveness worries me a bit, but from what I've read with good consistent training it can be curbed. I also read that punishment related training doesn't work very well at all, and that positive reinforcement should always be used. We're all about positive reinforcement, because I don't believe in punishment.

Carmen · #7 05-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Also note health wise: Eye concerns since many have excessive drooping to the lids, possible nasal issues dues to smushed face, prone to allergies, and many cancers. Just to mention a few more to consider. However there are few large breeds that do not have a "list" to watch out for!

Yes aggression can be curbed with HUGE socialization! ESP while she's young.