Is this growth rate and energy level normal?

[Sansal]

Just wondering if you had another vet visit? The growth rate and lack of energy does sound concerning. I would be worried about his bones/joints. And like Srennie said, please don't get offended by the replies in this thread, people are just trying to be helpful and sometimes that can come across as criticizing in a written post Please keep us posted! I hope our baby is okay.

 

[Roge]

I took at look at his photo and he sure is a lovely boy but boy yeah hes a big lad. I am not that well up on breeds so I cant comment,however it would be a good idea to have him checked out as to me it seems that a pup should have way more energy than your boy has ,it may be that the growth rate has him zaped out if so maybe his nutrition level might need to be looked at ie vitamins intake ect. A trip to the vet should put your mind at rest. Keep us posted

 

[KingGeorge]

My pup George is 4 months and is a 32#. The vet said he was on the larger side of the boxers she has seen but no the largest. There is another boxer in my neiborhood and he is 4 months old and is about 45.

As for energy level George is a pretty sleepy pup. Lots of naps but he also loves walks. If he has a couch to lay on and lapto rest his head he will take it Ina heart beet. That being said he loves going to the dog park. We usually keep him on the small dog side to avoid any incidents because he thinks he is a tough guy and plays hard with he big dogs.

 

[elgerdes]

The dog park is no place for a 15 week old pup. He should not be in that environment until he has all of his shots for the year, and he has been neutered. My boxer did not enter the dog park for the first time until he was 6 months old. You gotta remember that other dog owners are not always responsible. Why chance your pup getting something bad because he is not fully vacinated for the year.

You also mention he will ONLY eat Purina. He is only 15 weeks old, there is no "He will ONLY". You should change to a better food if its within your budget. He will eat it if he is hungry, and the sooner you get him used to it, the better for his long term health. A dog will not starve himself. If you are free feeding him, try doing 2 or 3 meal times a day instead. If he is hungry, he will eat the food when its placed down.

Welcome to the world of boxers. Please realize that people here give advice to help other members out, not to tell you everything you do is wrong. You seem to get a bit defensive at advice offered. None of us know it all, so advice from others always helps.

Thank you BadAxe! You stated what I intended elegantly. It's not necessarily YOUR pup you have to worry about, it's everything else. Just because you keep a close eye, does not mean something might not happen. A dog can turn in a split second. You can't control everything, and at a dog park that rule is very evident. What if your boy playfully nips at an older dog, and that dog snaps at him? Then there is the whole issue of owners... don't get me started!

It's just like driving... you shouldn't worry about your own driving so to say, but it's all the other drivers on the road you need to worry about!!!!!

We are just simply trying to point out that you can't possibly control everything. Good luck, and let us know how the lil guy does.

 

[RoxyLoki]

15 weeks and almost 50 lbs!

After reading the thread and then looking at the picture one thing comes to mind. Holey Great Dane! In my opinion he definitely has some boxer in him, but there is a big something else in his blood line. Also once you said that the breeder let you take him home at six weeks that really threw up a red flag for me. All the breeders I have talked to will not let the puppies be taken until at least eight weeks. Most people think removing a pup from his dog family before then can be stunt their mental development. In fact it is illegal to sell puppies younger than eight weeks in some states. I think the breeder might be pulling a fast one on you, but that doesn't mean your dog isn't awesome just as he is.

 

[Sullysmama]

I just looked at your picture and though admittedly hard to tell I wouldn't discard the possibility that he is mixed with something else. The nose is the tell-tale sign. At the rate he is growing I would guess either mastiff or great dane. I know you said a "good breeder with excellent references" but I think as most everyone on here will agree, any breeder that lets a puppy leave the litter at 6 weeks of age is not a reputable breeder, AKC registered or not.

A lot of us on here bought puppies from what we thought were good breeders before we knew any better, only to learn later they were what are referred to as "backyard breeders".

Regardless, he is a cutie pie and I'm sure you'll love and enjoy him immensely.

I agree. I think he could possibly be mixed too. He has a very long snout for a pure bred boxer?