Hi all! l am new to this site, and in need of advice ...

[Mommy2Cool]

Is a boxer right for me? Let me introduce myself. I am a stay at home mom of 3 beautiful children, ages 8, 6 and 2. l have always been a dog lover, but have never owned a boxer. My husband grew up with them, and for him there is no other breed.
Until recently, l had a dalmatian, which l obtained before l had kids, and although l loved her dearly, she proved too energetic when the kids started coming along. l have heard this can be true for boxers too.
We would love a new dog to join our family, one that will rough-house with the older kids, and be gentle for the youngest. My husband believes that a boxer would be perfect, but again, as l will be home with a new dog, l am afraid a boxer will be too energetic. Would adopting an older boxer be the answer? With 2 kids in school, and one at home, l am not sure l would like another "baby" to look after, or would a puppy raised with our children be a better solution?
Any advice would be helpful, thank you!

 

[vaboxer]

Welcome to Boxerworld...I am sure you will find all the answers you are looking for here.

Boxers do tend to be energetic during their younger years...I do not have children so I cant be of much help.

I would think a puppy growing up with your children would learn to be gentle when needed. When we brought Dayla home she was so tiny, our older boy Hook knew he had to play gently with her. I know it isnt the same as children...but...

Others on the board with children will be more help...

Welcome again and I hope you can find a little Boxer love bug for your family!

 

[brandi's mom]

great with kids..

I also am a stay at home mom. I have two kids ages 12 and 9, but i babysit for a 5 yr old and an 8 yo with autism. I have two boxers and i will say they are energetic. But!! with the right amount of excersize they lay around the house.. At least mine do!! I spend about an hour a day outside running around with them, playing ball and just playing... also a walk almost every day. i do make sure they get in their outside playtime or they tend to be rambunctious, just like kids!! Both of my boxers are great with all kids, the neighbor's kids are always in and out too. I would not have any other breed now!! Good Luck!!

 

[Wendy Swalls]

We rescued a stray boxer, Buddy, when he was about 1 year old. We also have a young granddaughter and wondered how Buddy would be with her. He was wonderful! He "protected" her from our other two dogs, (not that she would have been hurt by them) and let her play with him when she was only months old. And he played with my husband, pretty rough sometimes but that is what my hubby wanted.

We lost Buddy a few months ago and now have Mickey. He allowed our now 2 year old granddaughter to carry him around the house, I'm not sure he was pleased with the arrangement, but he didn't try to hurt her or even get away from her. And again, he plays rough with my husband.

I don't think you can have a better dog around kids of any age.:D And Mickey is energetic, but even as young as he is, he calms down just fine when necessary.

 

[megmax]

I have 3 kids and 2 boxer babies. My kids are ages 7,6 and 1. The boxers are full of energy but I truley don't think that you could find a better breed for our situations. I let the dogs roam around with my one year old all the time and never worry about a thing...other than the occasional "Knock Down" But if she cries they actually get upset by it. My husband was the one that talked me into boxers. He bought me one for our anniversay 4 years ago...and I will NEVER own a different breed. I fell totally in love..so much so that two years later we bought Meg a best friend...our Max! Good luck to you!

 

[Aimee]

Welcome to the Board. I would have to say that yes young boxers are indeed energetic and they will require alot of work on your part as far as proper training/obedience. Young boxers will require alot of exercise and tend to be destructive when they do not get it. I in no way want to discourage you from getting a boxer but I feel you shouldn't go in with your eyes closed either. We all love the breed or we wouldn't be here, but if you go with a puppy please plan on taking the necessary steps to make it a family member. Will it jump, sure unless you teach it not to. I did not want to have to spend the time or the money on a puppy the last time I aquired a new addition to my family so I adopted from rescue. He came to me house trained, crate trained, up to date on shots, neutered, microchipped and also knew basic obedience commands...all for a grand total of $170. I commend you for taking the time to ask questions before jumping in head first. Good luck on your new addition.

 

[Kris]

wormicon
Rescue Rescue Rescue!!!!!!!!!
I can't say it enough. My resceu girl is 10 months and a wonderful CLOWN.She is a bouncey boxer but Lisyens and has her K-9 good citizen certificate all from a pup that no one wanted.
Do your own research there are so many sites(akc.com)that will tell you every thing there is to know, for your own piece of mind be well informed.So You can make an infirmed decision.Just because we are all nuts about boxers dose not mean that you will be.(BUT THEY ARE HARD TO RESIST).

 

[VTbxrFan]

My family got our first boxer when my younger sister was about 5 and we had cousins and neighbors younger than that around frequently. In general, boxers are very good family pets, but they are energetic and you should be prepared for that.

I'm with the others in encouraging you to look into rescue -- especially if you don't want a baby in the house in again. I wanted a dog for years, but I knew I couldn't manage the puppy training and housebreaking on my own while working fulltime. I adopted a 2 yr old and he has been the perfect addition to my life -- and as Aimee pointed out, completely house broken and crate trained with no effort on my part! The rescue group will also have spent a lot of time determining the nature of the specific dogs in their care and can help you find one that has proven to enjoy being around young children.

 

[Mommy2Cool]

thanks

Thank you all for your great advice!

I have filled out the application form from a boxer rescue site in my area, and have already received a phone call!

They wish to do a home visit first, which eased my mind that they are committed to placing a great pet in our home.

Thanks to you l feel confident that we will find the perfect boxer for us!

 

[MandyMom]

Wow, that was quick!!!:D
I was going to give you thoughts on having a puppy, I have a tree year old skin daughter, and two boxer pups.
Well, good luck in rescue, I'm sure your boxer is out there!!!!