Female or Male?

[Vixen]

Not long ago there were some comments in the forum on the pros and cons of getting a male vs. female puppy. At the time I just skimmed through them for interest; however, we have been seriously thinking about "adopting" our second Boxer. "Tyson" died 2 years ago at 10 1/2 yrs. old -- he was the PERFECT Boxer; great companion, and didn't bark much (didn't bark at all until he was boarded at the kennel, where I believe he learned to bark from the other dogs... ha, ha, ha). He loved going to the vets!! Anyway, our vet advised us NOT to get a Boxer next; he said it would be difficult to find one with a temperament like Tyson's -- he said he was an exceptional Boxer. It's been 2 years of missing him, and although we looked at the Schnauser (no hair) and the Boston Terrier (which the vet recommended), we still love the Boxer. Every time we see one on TV, or one that's being walked down the street, we fuss over it. Because of the vet's suggestion, we were then thinking, "well, maybe we'll get a 'female' instead; that way we won't be comparing her to Tyson and chalk up any differences to the fact that she's female. However, I would like to hear from you, the experienced, what the pros and cons are of having a female Boxer?

 

[Chewy's Mom]

I've heard that most female boxers are more independent. Our boy, Chewy, follows us from room to room - even if we just leave the room for a second. But Stella just sits there and doesn't care so much if we leave. Personally, I like how Chewy is so attached to us. He's a snuggle bug too, which I love. I grew up with my parents only getting female dogs, but now I actually prefer the males - in boxers, anyway.

Oh, and I think you should ignore your vet and GET A BOXER!! It's true that maybe no other boxer will have Tyson's temperment. I'm sure he's was just a one of a kind gem. But no dog will ever replace him no matter what breed, so why not get a boxer? A new boxer will have a different personality and his own set of goofy characteristics and frustrating habits, but you will love and adore him anyways. And getting another boxer will be a wonderful tribute to Tyson. After all, he made you fall in love with boxers, right? So get a boxer!

 

[KruzinK-9s]

I agree with Chewy's Mom. You should get another Boxer

 

[gmacleod]

For me, Boxers are just one of those breeds that once you've had one, you can't go back :D Nothing else measures up. And you obviously love the breed, so I agree - go with another boxer.

I have to say I actually prefer females (that goes for most animals) - they're somehow a bit less emotionally dependant or maybe it just they're more "mature" They're still very affectionate though - our girl loves cuddles and follows me everywhere (but handles it without a fuss when I have to leave her alone). Whatever you choose, you new baby will have its own individual quirks and personality as well as those uniquely boxer traits we all love so much.

 

[Marisa]

For me, Boxers are just one of those breeds that once you've had one, you can't go back Nothing else measures up. And you obviously love the breed, so I agree - go with another boxer.

I totally agree couldnt have said it better myself, and totally disagree with your vet recommending a different breed. Maybe I'm just biased.

 

[Vixen]

THank you soooo much for the support; it makes me feel much better about our decision to get another Boxer. We have friends who are on their 2nd & 3rd Boxer (2 of them) and they also say that once a Boxer-owner, ALWAYS a Boxer-owner! Tyson was also the type to follow us from room to room and would wait outside the bathroom door for us; when I did yardwork, he would follow me with the wheelbarrow to empty it, and then back again! We also LOVED how cuddly HE liked to be, and often jumped up on the bed to lie next to me to sleep (he made for a great pillow). I'm getting the vibes from these comments that perhaps we should get another male if the females aren't quite so affectionate?

 

[Chewy's Mom]

Originally posted by Vixen
I'm getting the vibes from these comments that perhaps we should get another male if the females aren't quite so affectionate?

In *general*, yes, that is what I hear, but each dog has their own personality, and there are certainly affectionate females out there, as well as non-affectionate males. But if you like the cuddly type, I'd say your chances are better with a male. I think you can tell a lot about this type of characteristic just by observing the litter of puppies. We chose Chewy out of his litter because when we held him, he loved it. He just snuggled right up to us. Not all the pups did that. So, observe how affectionate the puppies are when you meet them.

 

[Vixen]

You're right about watching them with littermates -- Tyson's breeder had originally wanted us to have another pup in the litter since we weren't interested in "showing"; however, it was very antisocial and Tyson more or less "picked" us. He followed us on the patio and loved being held. The breeder was not very happy with our insistence on having Tyson -- we agreed to show him if that's what it took. Turns out, he was not good show material either (only got 2 points) due to a roachback, so we lucked out. We always remarked on how glad we were that we were insistent on the change.

 

[Barron's mom]

I also grew up in a household where female dogs were the ONLY dog we had. My mother recommended that I get a female when I was looking for a boxer, and fortunately, there were none available in Barron's litter. Having Barron for almost 5 years, I am glad I have a male boxer. Barron is affectionate, a follower, and a quick learner!

 

[Vixen]

:eek: Wow! I can't believe how much Barron looks like Tyson -- except Barron's ears are much nicer than Tyson's were (but, OF COURSE, he couldn't be near as wonderful as Tyson!!! Ha, ha, ha.... ) I'm glad to hear this -- do you remember your family females as being aggressive and/or standoffish?