Pro's and Con's

[lowprofile]

We will consider the rescue option and see where that leads up. I think we are leaning more towards a puppy though. Mainly because I won't be home to go around and "interview" the dogs with my wife, she is looking to get a companion to keep her company until I return home. And I figure this way the pup will only be 6 or 7 months old when I get back. We aren't afraid to endure the bratty stage, in fact, to me it is an important part in learning who the dog really is.

Some places will let you foster for 72hrs prior to adopting/rescuing a Boxer (dog). I adopted Macey (20months) from a shelter. I couldn't asked for a good, trained and well behave dog. Still makes me wonder why her former owner went to all that trouble of training and caring just to give her up.

 

[GIJohnny]

Some places will let you foster for 72hrs prior to adopting/rescuing a Boxer (dog). I adopted Macey (20months) from a shelter. I couldn't asked for a good, trained and well behave dog. Still makes me wonder why her former owner went to all that trouble of training and caring just to give her up.

Hmmm, I didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up. Although, I think my wife may have already made a decision. My brother's boxer (male) and boxer/rott (female) just had pups and I think my wife fell in love with the only female of the litter. So it looks like we will have an addition to the family a bit sooner than anticipated. LOL

 

[sriley]

I, like many other BW members, absolutely love the breed and would only ever be owned by a boxer. Like Susi mentioned, there is just something about a boxer ...

They are a very special breed. They have a unique "presence" about them. I can never articulate just what makes them so special, but it's something that is understood by those who have had the pleasure of sharing their life with a boxer.

Matthew Cowley does a great job of capturing the essence of the boxer: http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/boxer-ring/9308-canine-clowns.html

If you have the type of lifestyle that would be a good fit for a boxer, the pros are endless. They truly are wonderful (even if they do test your patience every now and then ).

For me, the biggest con of boxer ownership is the heartbreak and emotional devastation that inevitably comes with their eventual passing. We never know how or when these beautiful dogs will make their way to the rainbow bridge, but I think I speak for everyone here when I say that their time with us is never long enough. Having said that, they will provide you with endless laughs and unconditional love -- things that make boxer ownership the pleasure it is. Their mischief, love, loyalty, and companionship are second to none.

Kudos to you for doing your research prior to making a commitment to getting a dog. It's a responsibility that is often taken far too lightly and without the consideration it deserves (hence the reason so many of these beautiful animals end up in shelters). Best of luck in your decision.

 

[GIJohnny]

Thank you all for the help as well as the words of encouragement.

It seems that we will have a new addition to our family sooner than anticipated. My brother's dogs recently produced a litter. Lexi (female - boxer/rotti) and Gotti (boxer - fawn) produced one female pup that my wife fell in love with already. Even though I was wanting to wait a bit more until I was nearer returning home, I can't deny my wife. So, after the pup is weaned and ready, she will be going home with my wife.

Now we will have to think of a name! Oh boy.

 

[srennie]

I know you are excited about your new addition but PLEASE urge your brother to spay and neuter his dogs so they don't reproduce any more. There are WAY too many dogs in the world as it is...more dogs than there are homes for them...and producing mixed breed dogs (or full bred without proper knowledge) is grossly irresponsible. Statistics show that 3 out of 4 pups from every (non show) litter will end up homeless and/or euthanized. Not only do more puppies add to the already overwhelming probelm of pet overpopulation, they rob dogs waiting in rescues and shelters of homes and in turn robs them of their life as they will many times end up euthanized.

Some of us are closer to the 'issue' than others. I volunteer at our local 'low-kill' shelter and there is nothing more frustrating and heartbreaking for me than to hear about another litter of 'oops' or 'just because' puppies when there are so many amazing dogs patiently waiting for a forever home in an overcrowded shelter.

 

[dodgeandmar]

Con: A boxer will straight up steal your bed. And your pillow. And your covers. And your leg space.

Pro: They sure do keep you warm and they are expert cuddlers!