Help me pick a sister for a boxer?

[kflanaga]

I've decided that in a few months, my two year old male boxer will get a little sister. I hate leaving him alone all day while I'm at work, and I think he would enjoy himself more if he could nap with another dog all day. But, I need your help in picking another breed. I don't know that much about dog breed characteristics, and would like some help. Most of the characteristics I'm looking for will refer to dogs that would mesh well with Simon. Purebred is not an issue, and I'm very amenable to mixes.

The background:

Simon is not a normal boxer. He is lazy. He likes to play sometimes, and will play with reckless abandon. But those times are usually short lived, and infrequent. He likes to nap (he is on my foot right now).

Simon, is like a normal boxer, in that he doesn't like being alone. So, I want a companion for him who is a bit more independent so that I don't end up with two anxious dogs!

I would prefer a medium to large dog. Say 45-75 pounds full grown (and I will be going the shelter/rescue route and picking a dog in the older puppy/young adult age group).

Simon gets a little nervous around very dominant dogs. Usually only with males, which is why I'm limiting my search to females. But dogs that tend to stare him down and such make him very uncomfortable and may lead to fights.

I guess that's it for now. I just want some ideas for breeds to look into. Thanks.

 

[Scorpio]

Maybe it would be easier if you went to a rescue and looked at what was there first and if you saw a dog of the right size and was quiet you could choose this way. I've got a rottie and he's a couch potato but he's big!!

 

[Darien'sDad]

I know it sounds weird but I once had a boxer/beagle mix. He was a very laid back dog. He got along with every other dog in our neighborhood and he had most of the boxer characteristics that prompted us to buy a full blooded boxer. Although..............His head was a bit small for his body. Looked kinda funny. I got him from the local pound.

 

[Lovely Rita]

i've got a pug/russel cross, and she gets along very well with my boxer puppy, maggie, and she loved my old boxer rita (passed away). i guess if you're looking for a bigger dog though, why don't you get another boxer? since boxers have a distinct way of playing, i've heard that they make great playmates for each other. good luck!!

 

[Luvnmyboxer]

I'm also in the process of starting to look for another dog, taking in all the options for now. I would like to have another boxer- and will have someday, but I've always wanted a Saint Bernard and they describe most of them as being very gently, playful animals. I think a Saint will be my next addition- and like your pup, Titan isn't too rambunctious all the time. Keep looking and just keep your options open and hopefully the right dog will show up for you.

 

[kflanaga]

Maybe it would be easier if you went to a rescue and looked at what was there first and if you saw a dog of the right size and was quiet you could choose this way. I've got a rottie and he's a couch potato but he's big!!

No way I would do this. Cause I know myself well enough to know that I would go to the shelter, and want to bring home every single dog they have. I HAVE to get my criteria first, and then find the dog. I'm sort of a pushover.

 

[brenmich]

playmate

We have a neutered male boxer that was bored & needed a friend he weights
95 lbs. Hi sister is a BostonTerrier "Allie"that is now 15 mths old & weights about 20lbs. we got her when she was only four months old our Boxer "Jake" is very gentle when he plays with her she really runs him around and can hold her own. They sleep together all the time Allie has to be touching Jake.

bren

 

[ISUBoxer]

I'm with Cody, why not just get another boxer? Boxers play in a very unique manner. I have found that some dogs interpret this as aggression and get defensive. Plus how could it possibly get any better than a boxer??

 

[boxer]

How about something like a Vizsla? They play great with boxers. Or possibly a bullmastiff - like a boxer only bigger, slower and calmer

Picking a female is a good idea - opposite sexes are usually the most successful combination.

 

[kflanaga]

The only dog that Simon has ever not liked on sight, and for no good reason was a vizsla. He wanted at that dog in a bad way! He's been around other vizslas since and has been fine, but that is ingrained in my skull because I've never seen him act like that around any dog. When that dog was around, Simon became agressive toward everyone and everything.

As for another boxer, I'm sort of ruling that out because of the whole separation anxiety thing. I know it isn't all boxers, but it certainly seems to be a bigger problem in boxers than other breeds, and I'm looking for a dog that will be independent and put Simon at ease in my absence.

Well, I just did an online breed selector, and put in my preferences and two that came up as suitable are basenji and Irish setter. Anyone have these in combo with a boxer?