A few questions about Boxers

[Adelle]

Drool - All dogs drool when they are excited/hot and running around, or when food is present but some are worse than others. Our first boxer 'Hooligan' was the worst drooler I ever met, it was everywhere and kept me busy cleaning walls, furniture etc but he was worth it. The two we have now ' Finnegan and Nessa' neither of them drool much at all. When I first saw photos of Finnegan I thought he would be a big drooler as he has big droopy jowls but he only drools when I am making his dinner and even then he just blows bubbles


Cats - if you bring the puppy up around a cat they should be fine, I don't have cats and both of mine thing they are toys so I don't think I could ever have a cat with them


Guard Dogs - My two are good guard dogs sometimes too good and let me know everytime anyone walks by the house/approaches the house but once someone comes in they are all wiggles

 

[Jaime&Louie]

I'd definitely recommend getting a boxer, just because there is literally NO other breed quite like a boxer. They're like little goofy kids running around with 4 legs, and big old meat heads in fur coats... with the biggest hearts and souls of any animal I've ever seen. They're emotional, concerned, sensitive, loving... very much like little humans.

But... they are a LOT of work. The first 4 months were absolutely the test... but we made it. I got lucky with mine. He never went on "DistructoDog Mission"...I never had to crate him. But I swear that was just a lucky strike for me. 8-10 boxer owners I'd say have to crate theirs, and grow eyes in the back of their heads because they will literally demolish a couch in a day's time, no problem.

Drool... yes, Louie drools a lot, but mostly when I'm eating something... but it will literally drip from his jowles. Sometimes, he'll start pouting when I'm eating... and he'll rest his chin on my coffee table. I have to go get a dish rag to mop up the mess... every time. But it's okay... you get used to it.

Guard dog... well, he's very good at growling, and barking if need be, but at the same time, you see his little legs just shaking... and sometimes, if you startle him too much, he'll wet his pants... some guard dog huh? He looks intimidating, but the poor guy is scared of his own shadow.

Cats... mine is completely obsessed with my roommates cat. But he's never hurt her, he just likes to play. But, my friend has two boxers, and hers grew up around cats, but the other day a kitten got into their yard, and her male killed it. SO... you never know.

The fur on a boxer is much more managable than an Akita, or Rott's fur... that is a plus to a boxer for sure. They don't get smelly very often... you can use a wet wash cloth to shine them up without having to deal with all of that hair.

Good luck to you though, I'm glad you're researching this ahead of time.

 

[Lizzie]

My two do drool, but only if there is food around. Monty is worse than Diva, but I think that is because he has looser and longer jowls than Diva. Both do drip water on the floor after having a drink, particularly if they are hot and tongues are hanging out. I think that you just accept that this is just the way they are and that they can't really help doing this.

As for cats - I think that will be individual to the dog. Diva cannot stand cats and gets very hyped up when one appears and Monty just seems to latch on to her agitation :rolleyes: Fortunately where I live now cats are not an issue (unlike previously) very often, with the only exception being the part feral cat that occasionally makes an appearance and then disappears again just as quickly

I have to say that both Diva and Monty have very high prey and chase drives. Only last week they managed to work in unison to get to a baby bird in a low nest in one of the trees. Unfortunately, I was alerted too late as to what they were up to :eek:

Both of mine are very vocal when the need arises and alert me to any visitors arriving or vehicles stopping outside the house etc. They quieten down when I ask them to and if I don't say anything they will keep barking until the perceived threat (as they see it) has diminished.

If you are considering getting a boxer please bear in mind that you will need lots of time to spend with your dog. IMO more than most other breeds they really really want to be with their human

 

[Barron's mom]

Barron is a laid-back, easy-going, lovable and affectionate boxer! :D All of my friends and family members have asked that I leave him to them in my will. He has never been destructive. He is an excellent guard dog and I feel very safe having him around. Even in a deep sleep, he hears something that I cannot from outside and immediately alerts me with a deep growl or bark. He only drools when he plays hard. A very good choice! appicon

 

[harley03]

To be honest, I am also considering three other breeds. An Akita, English Staffy and a Rottweiler. I have a feeling that the Akita and Staffy have a high prey drive, so may not be the wisest choice....I love my cats

To be honest. Boxers also have a high prey drive (I guess it may depend on the individual).
Harley has an extremely high prey drive and will bolt after anything (and I mean anything) that moves. He has almost pulled my arm out of socket several times because he wanted to chase some leaf across the road.
Boxers are great dogs though.
Good luck with your decision.
I'd say both your cat and either dog you choose will probably need some training to get along together.