Is a boxer for me?

[asdf]

I LOVE the idea of a boxer, but I'm not sure if it's the dog for me yet. Maybe it would help if I could get your opinions on some of the questions I have...

If the boxer eats a shoe every once in a while, I can handle that. But I've heard a lot of horror stories about them destroying a lot more than that. Will it destroy my house and backyard if I'm at work 4-8 hours a day?

I'd prefer a female boxer because they are smaller, but I hear they don't always get along with other female dogs. The boxer would be sharing living space with our 3 year old, female shih tzu. Do you think there will be any issues if the dogs are introduced when the boxer is a puppy?

Also, how much excersize is required? I've never owned a bigger dog, and I'm not sure if 4-5 walks a week plus playtime in our medium-sized yard will be enough.

Thanks for your help!!

Diane

 

[Louise501]

Hi, Ruby has actually never chewed or destroyed anything, she is 19 weeks, she has lots of play time, toys and bones etc. If you getting a puppy then she would be crated for the time you are away I assume or perhaps in a room where she can cause minimum damage, a lot of damage is caused by the pup being bored.

A puppy may get along with your 3 year old shih tzu but when the puppy matures you could have problems, I don't think females not getting along is specifically true just for Boxers. You may need to consider a male.

4-5 walks a week for an adult Boxer would not be enough, they do require and enjoy lots of walks. I would think an adult Boxer would need 2 walks a day

 

[courtney323]

asdf -

Please post your Introduction. This is required of all new members, and should have actually been your very first post

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Thanks

 

[Maxwell's Ma]

A boxer needs exercise. Nothing as sweet as a tired boxer. They are definitely energetic.

As far as female with female. They might get along as babies but when the hormones start they may have problems. I don't think it is worth the risk. Do a search for female relationships with females. There are tons of info on the result. Some has been tragic.

 

[Luvnmyboxer]

I've had Titan since he was 9 months and he only chews on things that I give him like ropes, toys etc. If you dont want them to chew up something then it's like childproofing your house all over again. You might want to consider a crate for your pup while you're gone to work and leave a treat filled Kong(it's a hard chew toy) in their to occupy your dog. Your dog will only eat what it can get to--and it will find a lot of things tasty that you wouldn't ever dream of. Boxers are very energetic dogs that love to play, but that being said they would rather spend every minute possible with you doing what you are doing. Daily walks and exercise are a great thing to do together and like said before "a tired boxer is a good boxer." We have two males and no problems, but my brother has three females (mix, boxer, bulldog) and they do fine together. There are several posts on BW already about multiple female dogs, if you do a search (at the top of the page) you will find those threads. Good Luck if you decide a boxer is for you, you will see the difference between it and your other dog. Boxers are a breed apart and are worth the extra effort IMO.

 

[Cleo's Mom]

I was afraid of the same thing. I think all those horror stories happen when the dog is alone(seperation anxiety maybe). We crate Cleo when we are not here. She will be a year old on March 2. We tried to let her roam but that lasted only a few weeks. She started to get into things and I was afraid she would get something that would harm her. When we are here she wants to be with us. She does not want to disappoint us. They really are a great breed. You just need to train them in the beginning and they do fine but you have got to let them know that you are the leader of their pack.

 

[Jan]

I would also recommend a male. There are just too many cases of two females not getting along when they get older. :( The difference in size is not all that great.

As long as you confine your boxer when you can watch them, you shouldn't have a problem with distruction.

Good luck with your decision. Boxers are wonderful dogs.

 

[RonaldMM]

My Boxer Drake is the best dog I've ever had. I had no idea they could be so sweet and loving and almost like another child. They DO however require lots of exercise and attention. If you don't have the time for either, I would suggest another breed.

 

[Shakira's Ma]

I am with the other posters, I would recommend a male. I have read on here so many times of two females fighting and I had always posted, and bragged, yes bragged, that I had two females that got along great, BUT that has all changed now that ShaKira is two years old. My girls still get along and still love each other, but if there is something like a raw bone or any other chew that is really loved they will fight, I had to separate them just the other day, I was getting a pizza out of the oven and my ChowChow thought I was getting something for them and ShaKira, my boxer, came forward and they started to fight, I mean really fight, so I had to place the wooden pizza paddle in between them to keep from getting biten. I am a firm believer that you need to take into account anything that BW has to say because they are very informed here. BTW boxers ROCK, in my opinion there isn't a better breed.

 

[jlynnholt]

They are VERY energetic!! Pimp is the best. I love wathing him do burns around the yard. He is also the best to play with in the snow, he looks like a deer hopping around. I was wondering the same thing while I was researching the breed. I would not get anything except a boxer now!! I love them and he is the best dog ever!!!!