Boxers and Children

[tjweiman]

Hello everyone. I am new to this forum, and would like some opinions from boxer owners.

My hubby and I are looking to get a dog. We have three children 6,5 and 1. My husband has always wanted a boxer, and so far what I have seen is that boxers are good with children.

I would love to hear from some boxer families as to what the general experience is of boxers and children. Is it a good mix? Am I better off going to a breeder, or Boxer Rescue?

I am a full time mother, and we have a sizable fenced yard, so lack of excercise would never be an issue.

Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Boxer_21]

First of all, I'd like to say welcome to BoxerWorld. I'm fairly new to this website as well and I love it. Everyone here is really nice and very helpful.

While I haven't yet owned a boxer (I'm going to be a first time boxer mom in 5 weeks), I have been doing a lot of research on them. In that research I've learned that boxers actually thrive on children's attention. That's one of the reasons why I'm getting a boxer. We have a lot of young kids ranging from 6 years old to not even born yet so we wanted a trustworthy dog. Boxers are very energetic dogs so having little ones around to play with definitely make life tons of fun for a boxer. However, as with any pet, they should be supervised at all times.

As far as going through a breeder or doing a rescue, I think that's a personal preference thing that no one can really answer for you. I mean if you get a puppy, you'll be working overtime with the kids and the puppy. You'll be responsible for training, walking, and playing with the puppy as well as normal routine care for your children. Whereas if you got an older dog, he'd probably be a bit more mellow and probably have some form of training already done. Not to mention if you did a rescue, you might be able to work with the rescue co-ordinator to make sure you get the perfect dog for your situation. Basically, puppy obviously equals more work than an older rescued dog. That's how I feel about it anyway. I'm sure that someone else will point out some more pluses and minuses to each.

From what I've heard and read, boxers make amazingly awesome family dogs. So whatever you decide, you'll mostly be making a great decision. Good luck and again, welcome to BoxerWorld!!!

Mandy
-Boxer_21

 

[Rachel P.]

A Boxer is a wonderful choice!!! I have had a boxer since I was 8 years old...which has been almost 20 years. I will never have another kind of dog. I remember as a child my Mack was my constant companion. They are extremely protective of their families and are just like one of the kids. Mack was my first baby and I will never forget him. Kids and boxers are the best mix...just be sure to have lots of energy!:D

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Welcome to Boxerworld.

I think you'll be very pleased with boxers and children. They are a really good match.

If you want more testimonials and advice, comments, etc., I would suggest that you utilize the search button at the top of each Boxerworld page. Type in search words such as "boxers AND children" and you will find a TON of information on boxers and kids.

Best of luck in your decision. And again, welcome to Boxerworld.

 

[Barron's mom]

Boxers are the best!:D

I don't have any young children anymore, yet Barron loves when my nieces, ages 11 and 14, are around. He is right beside them, plays with them, and sleeps with them. My 11-year old niece, Michelle, loves to come to the dog park with us and play soccer with him. Once, I had her go one way on a trail and I went the opposite way to see which way Barron would go, and he went after her. She stopped and ran towards me, and he ran after her. I can't say enough about what a wonderful and loving dog Boxers are. They give such unconditional love to children and adults alike.:p

 

[Boo]

Loooong....but relevant

Hi, and welcome

I have two children who were 7 and 8 when we brought Jasper home from the breeder. Although one of the main reasons we decided on a boxer was their predisposition to be good with children, it was still a very good feeling at the breeders, to see the mother dog competing with the puppies for kisses and playtime with the kids.

Our two dogs (Jasper - pure bred, Piper - boxer mix) have fit very well into our family and they thrive on being physically close to us. Jasper in particular pays close attention to the children and will literally put his body between them if they start to argue. It's as though he's saying, "yell all you like but keep your hands off".

We have had three incidents where Jasper snapped at Andrew. He's a wonderful dog though and we sincerely think that Andrew had on each occasion, inadvertantly hurt Jasper. The "bites" did not break the skin or even bruise. (Please use the search function to look up bite inhibition. I am glad I did when Jasper was a puppy.) They DID scare Andrew into being more careful around Jasper, and scared us into being more conscientious about proper supervision.

Supervision and training are definitely the key. Training the dog AND the chlidren. Being a stay at home mum (as I was until Easter this year), you are in an ideal position to handle both of these requirements.

You are definitely approaching this the right way. Getting your information before you get the dog. I do hope you choose to get a boxer. We can't believe how much our lives have changed for the better since adding ours to our family.

Adele

 

[Austin's Mom]

I must agree! Austin is my first boxer, and he is the most loving, playful, affectionate dog I have ever been around in my life! He has brought so much needed laughter and fun into this house. I wouldn't trade him for the world. (neither would my kids!)

 

[Nikkichele]

Our family recently became boxer owners. We have 2 kids 30 months and 20 months and we wanted a dog we knew we could trust with them. We bought a puppy. The biting was an issue at first, but we have taught our oldest to say "Jaeger, No Bite" and it has worked pretty well. Our youngest just likes to pet the dog and give him treats. I definitely see us as a boxer family for life. We have even decided to get another when we have more room( we are going to build on to our house). As for the breeder vs. rescue, I think that is up to you. I think that next time we get one we will try rescue, but as our yard is not fenced yet that will have to wait. Good luck on your boxer search and let us know how it goes. Also we want lots of pictures when you get one.

Nikki
____________
Jaeger 1/28/02 flashy fawn, docked , floppy

 

[Cherokee]

I have a 5 year old and both our Boxers are wonderful Cherokee (1) and Apache (9weeks).
They all keep each other very busy for hours and hours at a time. I never worry about them and am so comfortable to even be in another room knowing that they will all be fine.
My neice who was 1 at the time came for Christmas and Cherokee adored her and although Caiti was a bit afraid at first within a couple of hours they were like long lost friends.
When decided on a family dog we did a lot of research and were comfortable with the decision we made. Good luck, I think you will know what's best for you and your family.

 

[jelyjenn]

I would like to address the puppy vs foster issue. We got our Dusti as a puppy and had children 1 and 3 at the time and it was a handful to say the least. Puppies are a lot of work. Rescues are usually a bit older most here fall between the ages of 1.5 and 3 years. With a rescue you get usually, a housebroken dog, most are through the real puppy stage and yet they are wonderful and full of love and joy that boxers are known for. (Can ya tell I volunteer for a rescue?). However, you never see the puppy stage which is cute and full of laughter and they are adorable to say the least. They grow up in your family and you get to watch all the developments that they grow through. Good luck in your decision and good choice on the breed. Boxers are the best. Just ask anyone here.

Jennifer