Boxers

[muck]

Got any pics of her, Catherine?

[reef bound]

Wow! A lot of boxer people out there. We also have 2 currently, and have had 2 prior to these ones. We didn't have a lot of health issues with any of them, however they get a lot of moles or growths which you always are having checked out. (always were benign)
Our first 2 lived until 9 and 10 years old. Our current 2 are 5 1/2 and 6 years. They have sensitive stomachs so are always fed high quality food which in itself runs us about $75/month for the 2. They have wonderful personalities, 2 very different male dogs. They will chew the odd item left out in the house, or steal a loaf of bread off the counter if they're home alone. But really great dogs. They like to think of themselves as people --brothers to my 2 boys, kids to us; when told to get off the couch the alpha dog looks at me like "are you serious?".
One is very high energy, the other could sleep all day out in the sun. All in all, we love the breed, but have always known the family tree behind them.....as with any dog, if you don't know what's in that tree, there could be potential problems.
If you end up with her definitely do the puppy school thing. Very helpful.
Lisa

[my2rotties]

I think it is so awesome you really did your home work before taking on any dog. I wish all people would do this, since dogs are not disposable. I hope she finds a good home.

Originally Posted by michika

We've tentatively passed on the puppy for now. After budgeting out the approximate costs and adding them to our current dog related costs, we don't believe we are willing to take her one. However, we did make mention that if in two weeks no other suitable homes had been found that we would certainly re-consider.

We estimate that she would cost us about $150-$200 per month extra for her share of the dog-walker, insurance, food, toys, treats. This number excluded vet costs, and a spay.

[Carmen]

I too am so incredibly happy to see a responsible person out there studying up on a breed before "jumping in"! They, all dogs, are a huge commitment, and need to fit into your family in all ways including financially, physically, and emotionally! Not saying that this dog is not a good fit but just really think you are being a great person in considering all the pros and cons.
Good for you Catherine!

[Myka]

Originally Posted by michika

We estimate that she would cost us about $150-$200 per month extra for her share of the dog-walker, insurance, food, toys, treats. This number excluded vet costs, and a spay.

Wow, that sounds awfully steep! My dog is 85lbs, and I feed her uber ultra kibble (Evo Red Bites) along with yogurt and salmon oil daily, 3x a week she gets 1/3 large can of Tripett green tripe, and one week per month she gets human grade probiotics. Her total food costs are about $75/month, but there is no way my dog costs me $150-200 a month. My dog doesn't need a doggie walker though, and I don't have insurance on her either. This has been a good decision in her case as she's only cost me about $2500-3000 in vet bills over 10 1/2 years including shots, teeth cleaning, spaying, yearly blood panels now that she's a senior, and 2 emergencies where she injured herself when she was younger. She's only half Boxer though, so I've been lucky with her health. She doesn't get treats (I don't believe in them), and she probably gets 5 new toys per year which includes her Nylabones ($80/yr ish). You sure your new hound will cost that much? Wowzers.

[michika]

Lets see,

We pay $25 per visit for two dogs to go out with the walker, or $13 to be let out throughout the day if the weather is miserable. I pay $75 per month to insure both of our current dogs. We put out approximately $150 per month in food alone. Plus one of our dogs is a big chewer, and we spend a large amount on regular toy replacement, so that works out to be 1-3 toys per month.

Tentatively for numbers I got $30 a month to insure the puppy, we estimated about $80 a month in food, plus we assumed the same cost for toys as Matia. Adding the puppy onto our dogwalker plan is additionally more costly, because a young puppy cannot go out in groups with our older dogs yet, or the three of them have to go on group walks with just themselves. Regardless though she eventually brings the walker total up to $35 for walks, and $17 for in-house stuff.

The puppy also still requires her spay, which has been recommended by her current vet to be after she's hit the 5 month mark.

This was one of the photos we got.

[muck]

She looks very similar in coloring to my girl.
Here is a pic of Jaime at 4 months...

[Leah]

Jaime needs a sister!

[my2rotties]

I think it is better to estimate on the high end rather then low ball with dog. Every vet visit with a rottie usually costs $500 on the average... I am not joking. My rottie Cyren was spayed last year and had some xrays done on her hips and elbows... $1300 grand total. We had to put Sabre down prior to that due to cancer, it was over $600 for the house call, and for us to take him to the crematorium. Fergus our stafford sprained his front leg, it was $250 for the xrays. For my two pups now, it costs about $200 a month for food and toys.

I should be a dog walker for a living since they make some good coin. I thought about out here, but most dogs are left to roam on their own. Mine get out for two hours a day at least in the spring/summer months and an hour in the winter. Wow, I would be rich just taking care of my two if I got paid for it.

I would love to take on this boxer pup, but she would not fit into things. Cyren is where I want her for training but Fergus is a little pecker and I am still working with him... I know the energy a boxer pup has and don't feel like bringing a crate back into the house. Cyren never needed one and Fergus needed one for about three months. He is little so small his did not take up space in the house.

I have been wanting to add another dog to the house, since I really miss having three. However with the lack of work and the expense of the fish tank, I just cannot stretch things that thin until the economy improves.

I hope this cute boxer find a home, she is a sweetie.

[Myka]

Cute looking boxer. Nice to see her face isn't too scrunched up.

What are you guys feeding for dog food? I am feeding one of the most expensive brands out there, and my costs aren't near yours. My dog eats about 3 cups per day, what do yours eat? Of course my dog is 10 1/2 years old as well, but still very active - that's a boxer thing for sure!!!