Another Boxer????

[JacobsMom]

I now live with my husband, my 5yr old son, my almost 8yr old boxer Jacob & a 2yr old cat Jinx. I have been thinking about another boxer for awhile but never really looked into it. Well the opportunity just jumped into my lap this morning. A co-worker knows of someone getting rid of their 1.3yr old male boxer, his name is Bosco. Apparently the husband & wife are splitting so their getting rid of the dog (?). According to my co-worker, Bosco is an excellent dog. He's already neutered and is really good with children. I think it would be gret for Jacob, it would bring out the puppy in him. My husband thinks it would kill Jacob, seeing as how he's been the only baby for so long. I'm scared. I'd like some feed back from multiple boxer owners as to what I might be getting into. Do they have to eat out of different dishes? Is jealousy a factor? Maybe I should wait until Jacob crosses over before thinking of an addition? Has anyone had an older dog and brought in a younger dog to the family? What happened? Thank you in advance for all info that will assist me in my final decision!

 

[BoxerDaneFam]

While I don't have experience having an older Boxer and bringing in another one, I have had 2 male Boxers and it was FUN! I am actually in search of a 2nd now as my other has crossed the bridge. I always fed my 2 at the same time, just different ends of the kitchen and they did fine. Once in a while they would have issues over a bone or food, but a simple, "knock it off" or something to that effect they stopped.

You could always take your guy to neutral ground and allow him to meet the new boy and see how they do.

Good luck!

 

[Austin's Mom]

I think everything happens for a reason, so maybe you were meant to take Bosco. There's someone on here who had an older boxer and got a puppy, and it DID bring out the puppy in him once again! Good luck!

 

[Angie K]

I don't have experience with older boxer and bringing in a new one but here is mine: We had our female first and she has a heart problem so her activity with other dogs was limited. She was friendly but all she wanted to do was Play and would box the dog as soon as they met which would not sit well with most others. So we decided to adopt from the Florida Boxer rescue a dog a little bit older than she was to kind of show her the ropes of play. She was a few months shy of 2yrs old when we adopted our male. He was about 2 1/2 yrs old, so maybe 6months older than her but completely different personality, very laid back, doesn't bark only talks just a big (80lbs) love bug. We feed them about 5ft apart but they use the same water bowl. we have only ever had one issue when he was checking to make sure she ate all of hers and she got mad. Never happened again. She is the boss even though she is 1/2 his size at 45lbs. Because of his personality she was very playful at first and kind of pushy but as the weeks went by she settled in and they get along great. He seems to have no problem being second fiddle to her and they don't seem to argue over much except once in a while the trick each other into dropping a bone and the other will grab it but no fighting just playing. I think if the match was right your older one would enjoy a buddy to play with or even just to snuggle with.

 

[SherylM]

I think that when an opportunity like that drops in your lap, it happens for a reason. I have always had two boxers. My first two Chelsea and Frazier - Chelsea was 2 when I brought Frazier home. We never had any problems. The two I have now, Jack was just over a year and when we got Avery she was 2. A BYB was getting rid of her and we knew her history and that she had had a really rough life. She was always crated and never given and opportunity for running or playing. We really felt that she came our way for a reason. We were worried because she hadn't been socialized very well however they integrated just fine. They are the best of friends. We feed them at the same time and have had no problems. Jealousy may be an issue at first but it will work itself out. Two boxers - double the fun!

 

[Gus's Mum]

I think it really depends on your dog & only you will know if he would be happy with a companion.

Before we got Gus, we had two boxers Duke & Becky. Duke was about 1 1/2 before we got Becky, he didn't like her at first but that only last 10 minutes. They were both from the same breeder. They were joined at the hip for many years. Duke was the first to pass away & Becky was lost without him. After a few years we got Gus, he was about 8 months old when Becky went to join her beloved Duke. We had thought about getting a friend for Gus but after much thought we don't think Gus would share us with anyone as we very much belong to him.

 

[schipman]

No experience with older boxer but we have two. They share everything. We only have one food and one water bowl and they take turns or sometimes use them together. I used to buy two of everything (bones, toys, etc) but found that the would end up sharing one and leaving the other one lay. The only problem we have with two is 140 lbs of boxer on my lap all at once is sometimes painful (but worth it)

 

[Toni'smom]

You could always take your guy to neutral ground and allow him to meet the new boy and see how they do.
Good luck!

Yes definitely let them meet and see how they do. I just got my second but my older is only 1. They are doing really well. They play, play, play like there is no tomorrow. It is so much fun watching them.

If the two get along it could add years on to your Jacob's life.

Keep us posted.