Thinking about getting a boxer, but have questions...

[Crystina]

We own a home near Seattle that has a brand new 6 foot cedar fence around the backyard. After getting the fence and removing the questionable vegetation we feel we are ready physically and financially to get a puppy. We are considering two breeds (Boxer and Vizsla) that we feel fit our lifestyles and needs best. (we are getting two dogs but dont know how many of which breed yet)

Here are my boxer questions...

1. How much does a boxer shed? (some hair is ok but we dont want Laborador quantities of hair)

2. Do boxers do well in a home that has another dog around the same age? (possibly another breed)

3. If we let the boxer out in the securely (no gaps between boards and chicken wire along the bottom) fenced backyard to play/pee how likely are boxers to jump over the 6 foot fence? (assume there are two dogs so it wont be alone)

4. How well do Boxers do with very small children? (i.e newborn to 4yo)

5. Is the boxer breed more likely to be "skittish" than other breeds? (I grew up with a very skittish doberman)

Thank you for your thoughtful responses.

 

[RedBoxerK9]

1. They don't shed much

2. Like all dogs some get on, some don't. If you get them as pups it's easier, and if you get male/female but get more advice from the breeder/rescue centre

3. 6ft is high enough, but is it tough enough. Boxers are very strong and determined if there's something on the other side of the fence they can smash through. But my are fine, they tend to keep each other amused.

4. Boxers are reknowned for being extremely good with children. Many books will state this, they were actually breed as the super dog. But as with all dogs supervision should be kept at all times around very small children. My two dogs are very good with our 7 year old and she does tease them quite a bit. Frank is especially good as his only been with us for about six months.

Skittish?! Well they are full of energy, fun and bounce. If you get them from a quality breeder you can see the parents which gives you a good idea on what the puppy will grow up to be like. We got Georgie from a pet shop, and unfortunately our lack of knowledge lead us to having a puppy farm dog and she is very boisterous, and extremely intelligent. I would strongly suggest you get a book on boxers as they tell you all about their origin.

Good luck
Sue

 

[BXR MOM]

My brother has a Viszla and I have a Boxer.

The Viszla is a little smaller and much more agile. She can walk on the furniture like she is a cat. The Boxer is more sturdy and muscular. I think both shed about the same. Neither as much as the Labs that I know - plus it isn't as long.

The Boxer is known to be great with kids. I don't know abou the Viszla except my brother has a 2 year old and the Vizsla has been absolutely wonderful.

As for the fence, my brother had a Viszla that had seperation anxiety and could get out of anything. My boxer doesn't climb the fence, but there certainly Boxers that do. I wouldn't think this would be breed specific but temperment of the individual dog. Boxer's however are people dogs and want to be with their human at all times. Neither breed, due to their short hair, can acclamate well to any extremes in temperature.

My boxer is not skittish and in fact they are so friendly that I always claim that if a robber was to break into my house they would probably offer them a drink. Both of my girls love to give kisses to anyone. My pup is a little timid about strange noise out in the yard. When the older one is barking at something and she doesn't know what it is she will usually come running to the deck - she must think it will protect her! Again, I think it would depend on the temperment of the individual dog, not the breed.

Good Luck with your decision. They are both great breeds. They only thing I can think of to seperate them is that the Boxer is more bulky while the Viszla is more on the petite side of the bone structure.

 

[Crystina]

Speaking of barking...

How much do boxers bark? My neighbors will go nuts if the dog barks the whole time it is outside. I once owned a Norwegian Elkhound (at a different house) that would bark at EVERYTHING (birds, bugs, noise, people, cars, falling leaves, wind, everything!) and made the neighbors crazy.

My understanding is that Boxers will bark occasionally at squirrels and such but if there are two dogs they usually wont do that "I'm bored therefore I bark" thing.

 

[karens]

I find your question very interesting because before my first Boxer, my husband and I were debating over the Boxer and Vizsla as well. Well the Boxer won out, and now I have three, my Boxer niece is visiting from CO and my best friend had a Boxer as well. (Now my mom wants one). Their personalities are addictive.

I do not have kids, so when my dogs were puppies, I took introduced them to every kid I could find! They turned out great, even though they do not see children everyday. Mine "talk" A LOT indoors at each other while playing around. When outside they really only "alert" bark.

I say that Boxers are like potato chips, you can't just have one.

 

[Linda]

I think it's so great to see people researching a breed before jumping into getting a dog.

Here are my opinions to your questions:

1. Boxers don't shed excessively.

2. I think, generally, boxers do well with other dogs. We've only had boxers, so I can't speak for other breeds, but I know several people on this board have boxers and another breed that do fine together. Of course, that depends on each dog's individual personality and temperment. Two dominant males would not be a good match.

3. When we got Remy, our backyard had a 4 foot chainlink fence. Remy ONCE jumped the fence, because he was irritated at the neighbor mowing next to the fence! :eek:
Someone on this board had a boxer who pushed over their wood fence. I think if the dog is content with his surroundings, he's less likely to try and "escape."

4. I think boxers are great with children. But, of course, do not get a false sense of security by this. Always supervise very young children around ANY dog.
Remy is extremely tolerant and gentle with my kids. When my oldest daughter was learning to walk, she used to pull herself up by grabbing Remy's jowels!

5. I'm not sure I'd say boxers are "skittish."

As far as barking, boxers don't generally bark much. When mine bark, I know something's up!
If a boxer is bored, wants something, or is trying to alert you to something, they usually will bark.

One book I have about boxers describes them as "in your face" dogs. Boxers love to be around their people and will follow you like a shadow. And they live to play! If you want a dog that is content to lie in front of the fire, a boxer is probably NOT the dog for you.

Good luck on your decision! Boxers are a great all-around dog!! :D

 

[Linda]

Welcome!

Forgot to welcome you to the board and say it's nice to see someone from the Northwest!! :D

 

[Mellee]

Barking

Our baby, Riggs rarely barks at all. Unless there is something to bark or growl at (weird noises outside or if he feels there is danger). I've heard many boxer lovers say that if you go to a boxer show you'd be very surprised at how quiet it is. They really are not barkers (although I'm sure there are exceptions.) He is extremely good and gentle with children even though he was not raised with them. He is very strong however we have a 4 foot fence and he hasa never jumped it. I have found that he has become more protective as he has gotten older. Especially with femasles that he loves. Hope this helps!

 

[Laura luvs Boxers]

1. I have 2 boxer and never see any hair.
2. The more the dog the better. Boxers stay puppy like there entire life and love to play!
3. Six foot, that is alot. I don't think it should be a problem.
4. Look at a boxer book. The 1st sentance will talk about how great they are with children. I think it is because they are on the same age mentality.
5. They are not known to be skitish.

Hope that helps! Over all, I will never own another kind of breed as long as I live. My daughter has a Vizla. A sporting dog needs to run, Alot.

 

[JulieM]

OK, I'll chime in with my observations

1. Boxers do shed, seasonally they shed a lot, but it's short hair so you really don't notice it. Regular grooming with a curry comb or lava stone will help keep this down, too.

2. Boxers can do well with other breeds, if you're not starting with a puppy I'd recommend staying away from hairy breeds.

3. Of my 5 Boxers, I have one (the smallest, of course) who jumps the 6 foot wood privacy fence. Since she's outside with 4 other dogs, I can't say that she's bored, or lonely, or unhappy. There used to be a dog next door that she played with (before we had the 6 foot fence put up) - they've moved, but she still looks for him. Chicken wire along the top of the fence has stopped her from jumping over it quite nicely.

4. I'll agree with what others have said. Boxers are wonderful with children but do need to be supervised.

5. Boxers in general have very stable temperaments. Actually, the Doberman you had was probably unusual in that regard. Be sure that you have a chance to meet the parent(s) and other dogs of the breeder's - this will give you a lot of information on the type of temperaments they're producing. Also, the socialization that you do after you take the puppy home (if you're getting a puppy) is vital and often overlooked.

Julie