Now I am afraid!

[ckempf]

I have had my Kobe for just a little over a week and I keep reading stories about Boxers and how short a time many of them are with their families. I can't stand the thought, but is this a problem with the breed? What should I expect?
I just read that the average life span for Boxers in the United States is only 8-10 years and in Europe it is 10-12. Is this true?
Is there anything that I can do?
I am sure this is a miserable topic, but after reading some of the posts in this category it looks like I am not alone in my love for the breed and my Boxer in particular. My children adore him and he them and some of the posts have really got me worried. I am new to all of this, so I appreciate your patience and any advice or feedback would be wonderful.
Thanks,
Craig and Kobe

 

[Astoreen]

A very wise Professor once told me, there is no need to "pre-worry" until there is sufficient cause TO worry. The best thing that you can do for your Kobe is to pay attention/be alert (but not excesively, which was probably my case when our girl was a very young puppy) for anything abnormal (i.e., the way he looks, walks, plays, eats, etc.), feed him a healthy diet free of chemicals that have been known to cause health related problems, have appropriate testing done to insure continued health and most importantly, love him.

Unfortunately, we all are slowly marching toward our time from the moment we are given life, morbid, I know. However, in the mean time, unnecessary worry/stress does nothing for your health OR his, so try to make the best of his time with your family and cherish every moment. If you're lucky, like so many before you, your new friend will bless your life for many more years than you could ever imagine........some Boxers here have lived into 14+ years.

Now, put a smile on your face and think of all the fun and loving memories you will create with Kobe.

 

[MarinaS]

This is sad, but an average life span for boxers is really 10-11 years.
But as Astoreen said, there's no need to "pre-worry". There are boxers who live until 14. What you can do is check your pup at the vet's on a regular basis, feed healthy diet, excercise him, never let him stay out for nights or all day long and give him a lot of love and care

 

[mygirlmollie]

I can understand how you feel, but I personally only started to worry about this when Mollie hit 8yrs, knowing that they are a 10 - 12 yr dog.

It was kinda like a mid life crisis I started thinking my god :eek: I may only have a few years of Mollie left and sadly I didn't even get that. When I look back I would rather have had that 8 fantastic years with her than not at all.

But you yourself have a baby :D so I would be just thinking of all the fun years you have ahead. We are all heading to the bridge eventually and doesn't it just suck that a Boxer doesn't have a lifespan equivalent to ours!!

 

[tingoddess]

I completely understand your fears about the possible early loss of your new family member. I've had Ozzy 3 1/2 weeks and I started at using this site about 4 weeks before we got him. I got kinda scared with what I read hear and in different books. But after I brought him home I realized it didn't matter if I had him a day or four thousand days. Each was is special and I am priviledged to be able to care for this creature while he's on this planet. So enjoy your pup. If you follow the advise given here on this board I'm willing to bet you'll have your boxer for many, many years.

 

[CJ's mom]

I worry about this too. I plan to get Boxer #2 when CJ is around 5 or 6. And Boxer #3 5 or 6 years after that. That way each loss will be easier to handle I think. I hope...

 

[Austin's Mom]

I worry a lot about that, too. But then I try to tell myself to enjoy him NOW and worry about what the future holds. Sometimes it's hard cuz I love him soooo much. The main reason I didn't want a dog was because of the pain of eventually loosing him. Better to have loved and lost than to have not loved at all.

 

[Ram&LexisMom]

Well, I'm agreeing with the others. No need to worry yourself to death. And if something does happen and there is nothing you can do about it, then it was meant to be. This is going to sound sad, but even if you boxer does only live a few short years, at least you had THAT time with them and you were able to touch each other's lives. That is how I feel about my Sayde Lynn...I would have rather had her for a few days that never at all. Dont worry and enjoy your puppy!:D

 

[Mandy1155]

I feel the same way! I try not to worry too much but I can't help it. My girl is only 5 months and I am paranoid about a small lump on her neck. I am taking her to the vet, but for now I can't stop thinking about it.

I think she is so smart and adorable and to lose her would hurt so bad.

I am trying to take all the advice and not worry until there is a reason.

 

[Becky065]

Lifespan

Well, I had my boxer for 12 1/2 years and until the last month of her life, she was a bundle of health and vitality. Then she came down with bronchitis and just never recovered (I think I may still be blaming my first vet who said she just had allergies. With a 103 degree temperature??) Anyways, take care of your fur baby, give lots of love, take lots of brisk long walks, good food, fresh water and more love and you will have her/him for a very long time. And make sure you have the best vet in town!