Determining a Boxer's Age?

[pjack]

Hello everyone. I am new here and this my first post. Was wondering if there is some way of determining a Boxers approximate age? (guestimate) I recently rescued a boxer from a woman that had found him, Hank is his name, and have no idea how old he is. He seems to be very healthy. If I had to guess, I would say approx. a year old, as he doesnt seem to be completely filled out and still has alot of puppy behavior. He is very loving but also jealous of my other 4 mo old boxer pup, he wants all the attention. He just roots Rocky out of the way . Anyway now to the point, should I take him to the vet for a checkup? Maybe give him vaccinations since I have no history of Hank? Sorry if these questions seem stupid but I am a new boxer parent and have no experiance. Also if you have any other recommendations, I would be very grateful!

 

[LILYLARUE]

A trip to the vet would be highly suggested. All these questions can be answered by them. One thing I would be concerned about, is the vaccinating again. There are many who believe in NOT over-vaccinating the dogs which cause illnesses and possible links to cancer. Hopefully a member will chime in here. Is there a vet that the woman had used for him? Is there any vet records at all? If not, then vaccinating would be considered. But, if vacs had happened already, then I would wait for suggestions here on re-vacs.

A vet check up is not only for the dog, but for you to get a better understanding about your dog and their health. You would also get a good idea of the schedule of maintenance procedures that are necessary, like how to trim nails properly, teeth cleaning, any health risks involved in your specific breed, what to look for when things are not right with the dog...etc. It will build a better relationship with the vet for those times you will need it in the future.

Good luck and bless you for rescuing! You will have your hands full for another 2 or so years til that boxer puppy is full grown and has his adult brain! Oh what fun you will enjoy for years to come! Welcome to the boxer club and BW!

 

[Clavin]

The fact that he still has a lot of puppy behavior can be very misleading. Boxers remain with puppy energy/characteristics well beyond the age that most other breeds begin to settle down. The Boxer can remain with puppy characteristics until they are 3 and in some cases 4 years of age.

 

[pjack]

Thank you for the replies. No there are no vet records at all. The woman only kept him long enough to run an ad in the paper and on craigslist to try to find his owners. After about a month, she gave him to me. I would assume that he has all his vacs due to the fact that he has obviously been well cared for. He is potty trained very well, he even comes to wake me up if he has to go out. I weighed him last night, he is 66 pounds. He is long, lean, and lanky. He still doesnt have that pronounced boxer chest yet. No ribs showing except when he is playin with Rocky. I will just make him a vet appointment and go from there.