Should I get a boxer?

[megan313]

My Roxie started shedding at 11 weeks old. I never had a Boxer so i was completely shocked. While the hair is there, its definitely manageable with one of those lint roller things, and i have to vacuum every day because of my 2 yr old anyway.

But, shes a really small girl, and doesnt drool...yet! Although, i've seen some that really do get it going. The most of the drooling that i've seen is accompanied by treats, so if you confine them to a cleanable area while giving treats, i dont think its that bad at all.

We had a Pyrenese over 3 yrs ago, and i'm still finding her hair in the house (3 inch long pieces of white hair), but i can't really see any of my boxer's hair and they're allowed on the couch which our pyr never was.

I know you've said you want a puppy, but you might want to consider a rescue, because you would be able to match all of these little things that seem to differ from dog to dog. Just an idea. Plus, I havent heard of any stories where a rescue didn't bond with their owner the same way a puppy would (and i've heard that many times a rescue will know they've been "saved" and will love you that much more!)

 

[spyro]

I want a companion not a yard dog. Unconditional love is a must as well as a cuddling loving baby who would never let anyone hurt his mommy!

Well I'm sure everyone will agree boxers are definatly not yard dogs. They love to be aroud their owners, and hate being alone. You mean the world to them, and they will mean the world to you.

As far as the guard dog instinct; lets just say some boxers were out causing trouble when they were handing that out. Some have it, some dont.... I guess it could be taught but I make no guarantees.

I don't know if it was mentioned already (sorry I didn't have time to read every post) but you may want to consider rescuing a boxer. That way you can probably get one who may already be somewhat trained, and also know a little about their personality, and tempermant before you adopt.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[natrhymer]

Good for you on doing all the research to make sure you make the right decision! I am not a fan of drooly dogs and I don't like being licked by them, either. Our boxer boy does get sloppy after he drinks (those cute jowls just hold in that water!), but in general he is not constantly drooling (like a mastiff or st. bernard might). You could always teach your boxer to "wipe his face" like we have -- actually, one day he just did it, and we encouraged him, so now he does it on command. We tell him, "go wipe your face!" and he runs over to his bed and wipes his head and face on the blankets! Boxers are certainly smart and good guard dogs. Our boy gives a warning "woof" when someone comes knocking. The shedding, I think, is no more or less than most dogs.

Oh, and I understand you said you would get a puppy, but I would encourage you to consider adoption. Buying a puppy and adopting an older dog both have advantages and disadvantages, but if you take a look at petfinder.com, you'll see there are many young (under a year old) boxers out there looking for their forever homes. A good rescue group will do temperment testing and work with the dogs in foster homes so that a near perfect match can be found to fit your wants/needs and your home.

Good luck with your decision -- boxers do require a lot of energy from their owners, but the devotion you get from them is unmatched!

 

[HarleyMama]

I think that boxers are just big Jack Russells (I say this in caution because I know how proud you boxer parents are) I have a Jack and she has everything the boxer has except for the jowls, size and the woo woo song LOL...the only thing I think that is worrying me about the boxer is...the drooling and protection. I want a companion not a yard dog. Unconditional love is a must as well as a cuddling loving baby who would never let anyone hurt his mommy!

I hope we are becoming more helpful as you give more input on what your looking for.... BW is great and you've chose the right place to get info about this breed for all types of owners.

I've heard that Boxers are easier to train than JR's. Boxers NEED training, otherwise I bet they'll run-a-muck with their stubbornness . And Boxers LOVE to learn, as long as they are not being bored. I've heard that some JR's train easily, but I've heard more about how difficult they can be. I dont know from personal experience, so this is just hear-say.

As for drooling, yes, Boxers do drool... remember Hooch, from the Tom Hanks movie, "Turner And Hooch"? Well, Boxers are NOTHING like that when it comes to drooling! When I was considering a boxer and someone mentioned drooling, thats the image I got... Hooch with his nasty, nasty, drool... everywhere! I'm sure some boxers drool more than others, however, mine only drools after drinking and playing hard.

What part of protection is worrying you? Boxers are not protection dogs, the way you might say a GSD is... but they are protective, of loved ones! Boxers are such a loyal breed, they care about their family and wo let harm come to them. Here is a post you should read, it shows the protectiveness of the boxer. http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=448078#post448078

If your looking for a companion and NOT a yard dog... the boxer is it! They do need regular exercise, which you have taken care of with your fenced acre! But, they are not outside dogs. Because of their super short coats and shorter muzzles they dont do well in extreme heat or cold. Most people you'll talk to will tell you their Boxer is a house dog that loves to play outside... I agree, but I also say they are oversized lap dogs as they love to cuddle and be close to the ones they love.

Sorry so long, but wanted to share my point of view! good Luck with your selection!!!

Melissa & Harley

 

[SammynDqtz]

Harleysmama: Not even Dogues (what Hooch was) drools that much! It was just how they wanted it in the movie. My neighbor had Mastiffs (even larger than Dogues) and they were constant droolers but weren't quite as bad as in the movie!

 

[lansupt]

Well....my instinct keeps telling me to choose a puppy due to my life long experience with dogs but most everyone says go to a boxer rescue. How do I find a rescue in Florida close to me? if Debbie can handle a Jack and Boxer maybe I should go see some up close....I still have reservations but how can such a GREAT caring group of people all have the same dog if it's not the best dog to get?????? as for the protection aspect: I was assaulted in my home about 6 months ago, I had a gun and he had a gun, I went to jail and he went scott free....can you believe that!!! I want a deterrant other than depending on the police because they suck. It seems that it is o.k. for a man to have a gun but not a women, no offense guys. I think if I had a big barking dog he would never attempted to come in the house or yard. I would never use my baby to actually get into a situation that would harm him but a show of face says a lot when it has teeth. I guess I am looking for "the bark is worse than the bite". The last thing I worry about is a bigger dog knocking me down...my Jack seems to think that I am the floor because she is always trying to walk all over me. When she does the "lean" it's usually on my head and not my leg. I wish all you were my neighbors I would be set.

 

[lansupt]

P.S.
Melissa,
I tried to go to that post but all I could see were the replies, I couldnt see what the original post said. Cheryl

 

[lansupt]

DUH...never mind I figured out that I could go back a page.....

 

[lansupt]

O.K. I really feel stupid this morning...I found the boxer rescue on the home page of boxer world. I just had surgery on both feet and I am still a little out of it. Cheryl

 

[debbie knowles]

if Debbie can handle a Jack and Boxer maybe I should go see some up close....I still have reservations but how can such a GREAT caring group of people all have the same dog if it's not the best dog to get?????? as for the protection aspect: I guess I am looking for "the bark is worse than the bite".

Hey Cheryl,
My Jack is a Boxer...I have two...Jack and Jaimee. We got Jack as a puppy and we like to say we rescued Miss Jaimee in February of this year but in fact I think SHE rescued us. I have had great experiences with pups and rescue and you'll do fine with either one...whatever you choose, I really don't think you'll be disappointed with a Boxer. Here is a post from a while back when my Jack was just 7 months old....Take a look. I worry about a lot of things...but someone breaking into my house is not one of them! Good Luck girl and let us know what you decide! djk

http://boxerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26470&highlight=jack