Boxer's tolerance to cold?

[Jessica]

Since almost everyone has stated that boxers cannot live outdoors, I do agree. But, I have severe allergies to mold, pollen, cats, dogs, trees, you name it. Everything but food, thank goodness! We got our first boxer in March and believe it or not, our lab causes me MUCH more problems than the boxer. I am a fanatic about my house being clean though and vacuum several times per week. This really helps, but you have to have a good vacuum, too. Zoe gets baths every 2-4 weeks, as well as Jake, and lots of brushing and cleaning. This really helps out. We also keep her in a crate at night and when we're gone, so less hair around the house and definitely not in the bed. They do shed, like most dogs, but you can really help yourself out. I also get two shots every 2-4 weeks for my allergies and these have helped tremendously. Just a suggestion, I think your husband would be surprised at how well he could live with a boxer in the house. Cindy's idea about fostering is excellent. Good luck, let us know how it goes. Jessica
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Zoe-1/16/00, plain fawn, cropped, spayed, docked
Jake-2/3/98, yellow lab

 

[Lennox]

Great topic!
I was unaware of the Minnesota boxer connection. Lennox seems to not let the cold weather bother her yet. However, she has not been outside long enough. I agree with the allergy idea. My friend is allergic to our cat, but when Lennox jumped all over him he was fine. Whatever decision you make Aamie, it seems you are doing an excellent job at researching the breed. Lennox seems to like it up here. We have had her since July and on the day we drove to Cambridge to get her, it was hot and humid in Cambridge. But up in good old Duluth it was a cool 60 thanks to the Lake. It was an excellent starting point.


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Lennox, Fawn Female born May 27, 2000
http://www.geocities.com/akerblazer1/Aker.html

 

[Mike & Nala]

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A boxer is not an outdoor dog. They have little or no hair on their bellies, chest, and ears. They would suffer horrible and probably complain little. They could also realistically die in Minnesota winters. Amie I am sorry but this is not a good idea. PLEASE for the sake of the boxer don't do this. You need to get a different type of outdoor dog. Also any dog needs the pack near at all times. If you care to see misery, just look in the eyes of any dog left alone. Just the thought of a boxer outside in the cold alone is enough to make me sad. By the way, don't listen to any men with their macho bullshit about dogs can take it. They can't take it, they just can't tell you. They end up aggresive and aloof, or worse.


Don't take this personally, it's just the plain truth. Mike & Nala

 

[crabby69]

No offense intended but I have a hard time understanding why anyone would want a dog so it could live apart from the "pack". If you truly want a pet, don't you want it to live with you? How can it be a part of your family if it only sees you when you feed and water it? Nevermind that boxers don't do well in the cold/heat or that there are ways to handle allergies and their symptoms. Don't you want the fur-covered, unconditionally loving, ever-entertaining constant source of joy and occasional grief that pet ownership brings? If not, maybe you should reconsider bringing a pet into your life at all regardless of the species or breed.

Sorry if this was worded a little strongly but I am passionate about this subject.

Leta
Mother to Clio, flashy fawn, natural eared female with socks (who is laying at my feet right now and looking at me intently even though I am all but ignoring her at the moment).

 

[Ethel]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Amie:
Hello! This is a wonderful forum, and I am really hoping that you can help me. I am researching breeds for myself and my husband (no children), and we have lots of time before we purchase a puppy. We live in Minnesota, so the winters tend to get pretty rough, but we will have a suburban house (in the near future).
Hi Amie,
My boxer gets cold and I live in sunny San Diego. Ethel climbs into bed with us every morning at 5am when the house is chilly...and I mean 55 - 60 degrees. Boxers, at least mine, doesn't do really well with temperature extremes. She was in misery at 100 degrees. They don't have very much hair and I think they loose alot of heat out of there mouth. How about a Newfoundland. They are big and warm and loving for your neck of the woods.Good luck!

My husband has fallen in love with the boxer and is willing to build/buy a "nice" dog house for the winters. He has allergies, so our pup will not be allowed inside the house.

My question is, can a Boxer withstand the temperatures even if he has a cozy dog house?

Thank you very much for your replies. I really appreciate your help!!

Amie<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[Ethel]

I'm getting used to this site. Its very nice but I'm a new navigator. Anyway, I forgot to mention to Amie about allergies. My daughter is a chronic asthmatic. She hasn't suffered any problems with Ethel. Ethel doesn't have much dander and she doesn't have a doggie smell...more like Fritos if she hasn't had a bath recently. Anyway, I don't think there would be too many worries with the allergies with a boxer...but the cold thing is a definite no way.

 

[sharron]

Hi, everyone has talked about the fact that a boxer does not tolerate extreme temperatures very well, and I agree completely. But, it was only touched on a little bit that they do not handle being left alone all the time well at all. They absolutely have to be with their people! Boxers are wonderful companions and hate being away from us humans. They become very devoted family members and it breaks their hearts to be left alone. This is not a dog to be left outside in cold weather, and is not a good dog for anyone that works full time and has to leave the dog alone all day everyday. Also, we have owned six boxers, and my husband is allergic to cats and dogs. These babies do not bother him if he washes his hands after playing with them. His sister has severe allergies and cannot go to anyones house that has pets, but our boxers have never bothered her. Our one boxer used to sleep actually on her feet and it did not bother her. Hope this helps and sorry it's so long, but I love boxers and am glad that you are researching this before buying. Good luck!


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[JazznChase]

I agree with Leta. Why have a dog-if you are going to keep it outside? All my dogs are part of my family and I treat them like that. We live in Florida, and I cannot stand when I see people leaving there dogs outside to live! It aggravates me!

I do agree with everyone else-boxers cant stand extreme hot or cold!

Jazmines mom-Lisa