Should I get a second?

[RockoD]

My husband and I (both 28 yrs) have a 1 year old male boxer and are crazy in love with him. We could not have asked for a better personality in a dog. He is everything and more that we could have ever wanted. We love him so much that we asked to breeder to keep us updated when his parents have another litter. Well that time has come. The new litter will arrive the first week of April and puppies will be available in June. Do I get another?

My fear is that I have a friend that lives in FL. that says she got a second boxer and it completley changed the personality of the first (I am unsure of their age diffrence). This is the last thing I would ever want to happen.

On the flip side I would love our first dog to have a playmate since he loves to play with other dogs and is such a lover.

Any suggestions?

 

[jbbtlr]

I think it might depend on the dog, but we have brought different dogs in over the years together and it hasn't changed any of their personalities.

Having 2 Boxers together is a riot, and in our case it has helped bring our their personalities. They are just so goofy together, there really just isn't anything like it.

You just have to do what you think is best for you guys and your dog!!!!

Good luck!

 

[jbbtlr]

Oh, one thing I was going to say but got ahead of myself.

There is always an adjustment period, for both. The one who has been with you guys and the new one adjusting to everything. There you might see some personaility changes but it's usually temporary once everyone adjusts!:D

 

[RockoD]

Thanks for the advice. Our hopes are that if we get a new boxer from the same parents that the personalities will be similar (although I know this is not a garentee). The other good part is that we have been watching a friends 2 labs for a few weeks now (he had to fly home because his dad was VERY sick) and Rocko just loves them. He plays with them non stop and so far his personality hasn't changed. I think that is a good sign. Thanks for the comments and I look forward to hearing more advice.

 

[ehayes21]

It's usually best to wait until your current dog is around two years old before adding another, for your sanity really. And it's not so much to prevent your current dog's behavior from changing, but that he's still pretty much a puppy himself. And bringing a very young puppy into the mix can create some challenges. Boxers mature very slowly, by waiting until around the two year mark the dog has pretty much grown into it's adult personality and is done with "most" of their puppy antics. Let me tell you, this makes it a TON easier when you bring a baby puppy into the house.

Anywho...so my suggestion is to wait.

 

[Cleo's Mom]

Long

We were in the same boat. We got Cleopatra, we loved her so much and kept in touch with the breeder. I would take Cleo to boxer playgroup at a local dog gym and she loved the other boxers so much. When Cleo was a year old, we were told that the parents had another litter. I went up when the pups were 2 weeks and picked out a little brother for Cleo. We were nervous, we second guessed ourselves. Was Cleo going to have accidents in the house. She was house broken. Would she still be attached to us? Would she be jealous? When Cairo was 8 weeks old we went to pick him up. DH stayed home with Cleo and I drove up 5 hours with my mom to pick him up. That first night I was scared to death. Cleo was so excited that she was trembling. After the first night we all calmed down. It was the best thing in the world. They have their own personalities. Cleo is the attention diva. Cairo is more laid back. DH and I each have a boxer to love at night. We switch off every so often. They are the best of friends. They lay on each other at night. They miss each other when one is away(usually the vet). I will say that both dogs are socialized but I took Cleo more places with me. Now with 2. I no longer do boxer playgroup. I took them to training class but after the first year stopped. Had I not gotten a 2nd I probably would have continued on with Cleo. It is harder taken them out with 2. I do think that Cleopatra is happier with having a 2nd dog. We have said we will never just have 1 dog anymore. Now we worry about when one is no longer with us what will the other do. I would get a female. Male/female is the better combo, they will get along better I hear. I say go for it. Good Luck!

 

[lmorey]

We took the plunge

My husband and I are 28/29 as well, and we got Cash a baby boxer sister for Christmas. It has been a little rough as others have mentioned because Cash is still a puppy himself (turned 1 in Nov.), and wants to do nothing but rough house with June. If they are tired they will sleep together, but they mostly want to play ALL THE TIME! It was easier when June was still sleeping a lot of the time when we first brought her home because I had time to do other things around the house that needed to be done. Now I have to monitor her at all times to keep potty training under wraps (and make sure that they are playing nice) and am not able to do much otherwise until my husband gets home and can keep an eye on her. If you don't mind a challenge for a while and have patience, I guess you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[x19er]

There is no doubt that 2 boxers are better than one :D

We've had over the years different combinations of boxers and they have never changed their personalities when a new pal comes along, it's great seeing them playing and cuddling in together & if your lifestyle is geared up for 1 dog than adding another is really no trouble.

I do agree though with the previous post about the age another joins the family. A 1 year old boxer has so much energy & enthusiasm for everything that 2 can be overwhelming for some people. Personally I would not want to have 2 dogs that close together in age.

Have you thought about adding an older rescue dog to your family? Afterall a puppy is only a puppy for a few months then an adult dog for the rest of its days.

 

[Madea]

you guys have just talked me into getting another boxer. YEAH. i have been thinking about it now for about 3 months. My brothers dog had 8 puppies on 1/24/10. I am going after work to pick a sister out for TYSON. Cant wait.
Boxers are just like lay chips, you cant have just ONE