leaning toward getting a pup. opinions?

[rog1006]

I'm just going to chime in here to say that waiting for the RIGHT breeder and the RIGHT dog usually takes time. Whether you're looking at a rescue dog or a puppy, you do not want to make a hasty decision that you will no doubt regret later. Do not feel pressured to buy from this Back Yard Irresponsible Breeder! Many many of us have bought from BYB, but I can honestly say that *most* of the people that have done that here on BW, have educated themselves since and would NEVER EVER EVER EVER do it again! Not just because of the money and heartache that is costs you, your husband, and your children to have to watch your young dog have such horrible health issues, but ALSO for the fact that none of us would contribute to the deterioration of the magnificent boxer breed--and that's exactly what happens when you buy from a BYB. So your question has come at a GREAT time, BEFORE YOU DECIDE! So many of us wish we would have had the chance you have to do the right thing.

This is a recent thread that talks about BYB's and the testing that should be done: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58143


Christine
Boxer Luv Rescue

 

[rog1006]

Yes I am fully prepared for future expense. As prepared as anyone can be that is....but forking out 900 dollars ( a price i've been quoted) is 600 dollars above what this pup is...in addition to the other "stuff".
I understand completely what you guys are saying, and I appreciate the honesty. I just don't want to count a pup "out" that needs a home, that could come from perfectly healthy parents...just because the woman is not real experienced and doesn't show her dogs.

:( Oh dear...I AM BEGGING you to read and re-read that thread I just posted...I'm hoping to God that after you read that you'll realize exactly how mistaken you are about buying from someone who is not "real experienced".

Christine
Boxer Luv Rescue

 

[cherran]

I read the section on the testing and wondered about this part...("There are several other factors that influence the expression of HD, including diet and environment, and two clear parents can produce dysplastic puppies.")
Does that mean what I think it means? IF so , how can anyone be sure?

 

[rog1006]

That one little line is just a disclaimer, basically saying that nothing is for certain in this world. Even dogs that are "clear" can still produce puppies with HD. BUT your chances statistically are obviusly MUCH BETTER for getting a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder who has done months of testing and years of experienced breeding, versus someone who is just breeding "good looking dogs", with no health testing whatsoever.


Christine
Boxer Luv Rescue

 

[frankied]

If you buy this pup you will be supporting a BYB and you can also likely look forward to all sorts of future problems not to mention poor breeding. The dogs cannot even be tested until the age of two and if she isn't showing her bitch than she should not be breeding her. Please consider the rescue! You will be making a difference in a dogs life and the rescue is already working to find the perfect match for you. Good luck to you but I hope you do not buy the puppy that could potentially end in heartache.

Christa

 

[cherran]

Okay, not meaning to be argumentative...but there are NO health guarantees with a rescue either. I could still be facing a scenario that the dog that seems fine at first and then develops hip or heart problems...meaning lg. vet bills for us and heartbreak for the family. Nothing is sure.....that's the only thing for sure.
My husband has called a breeder that shows and has a litter twice and has yet to hear back from him.
I will check into his pups....in OH i am in In. only about a 4 hr drive. But I can't get a hold of the guy. and no email is listed on the site.
I just want a boxer really badly and can't hardly wait. And I am NOT going to exceed my 3 dog limit..which getting the rescue would prevent me from ever knowing the joy of having a puppy.. and my family also. :(

 

[rog1006]

The rescue health issue was discussed in the previous thread (posted above). If you are getting a dog, any dog, there are going to be risks... I don't want to go into this again...already well discussed...

It sounds as though you are set on a puppy, so do the puppy route, and do it the right way. That's all we're saying...

And if you're not going to do the rescue, please call them and let them know that you want to cancel your application so they don't waste time calling your vet, checking references, scheduling home visits, etc. It's beyond frustrating to call an applicant and have them say they bought a puppy after spending hours on their application. We are looking for applicants who know for SURE they want a rescue dog and are ready and willing to take any and everything that comes along with it--"rescue-minded" is the term we use. If that's not you, it's okay. Just say so, to be fair to everyone involved.


Christine
Boxer Luv Rescue

 

[frankied]

Just remember your last post

http://boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58454

"Yes a puppy would be so cute and adorable but also much more expensive and a WHOLE lot more work. I honestly don't want to do that to myself."

Perhaps it is your family that wants to get this pup? Just make sure you are comfortable with whatever decision you make. And you asked for guidance which people have given you their thoughts. From there on it is your decision.

 

[tanya&jazz]

Where in Indy are you located?
Could you PM me with info on this lady. I am looking for a male in Indy.

 

[Jamielyn]

I just wanted to chime in about rescue boxers. Please dont turn your nose up at getting a rescue boxer. The rescue that you are working with could possiblely place you with a boxer puppy. The most that I have seen a rescue ask for is a $200 to $250 donation to the rescue for a dog. And you did say in one of your post that you truly cannot afford a 700 to 900 dollar initial cost + everything else. I would suggest that you hold out for a rescue. I have alot of reason why. One mainly the cost factor. Two, the rescue will make sure that the boxer they place you with is healthy, Three with an older dog house breaking is almost not a problem. Most older dogs are house broken. With a puppy it takes alot of time to potty train them and with 3 children and two dogs already I am sure your time is spread out alot. I am sure the boxer you get placed with will get along with your other two dogs. When I was growing up we had two dogs in our family. We had a male boxer who was 70lbs and all muscle and a female tea cup Chihuahua who weighed about 8lbs. Those two got along great. Our male boxer never did anything to hurt our little dog. In fact the Chihuahua kept our boxer inline sometimes.
My current boxer is a rescue. He is the greatest dog I have ever had. He is 4yr old white male and very loved by myself , husband and our two small children (ages 4yrs and 18 months.) Zeus joined our family about two years ago when my daughter was 3 and I was pregnent with my son. He fitted into our family from the start. He has been a great friend to our children.
Sorry to ramble on so much but I just wanted to share my story with you and hope that you dont pass up a great dog just because the dog wasn't a puppy. Good luck with everything.

Jamie and Zeus