Thinking about getting a Boxer

[shara0013]

Hello! I'm thinking about getting a Boxer but I want some more info on a couple of points.
One of my questions is how active are they? I walk my two dogs that I have now for two miles in the morning and just a game of fetch in the evening along with a short walk. Would a Boxer need more exercise than this?
The other question I have is how easily do they get heatstroke?

Thanks for answering my questions! (If I don't like the Boxers activity level and such I will probably be getting an American Staffordshire Terrier.)

 

[mancin]

From what I've read, it seems Boxers are very very active and very playful, and they require quite a bit of patience and commitment. I haven't yet gotten my Boxer pup (he's a bit too young still), so maybe those that have one can offer a bit more information.
Since Boxers have the "smushed" faces, it makes them VERY vulnerable to heat stroke. Take a look at this link that I found on another post today.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_brachycephalic.html
What is making you want a Boxer? I did A LOT of research before deciding that a Boxer was the right dog for me.

 

[BeckyNC]

Boxers are extremely energetic dogs, but I would suspect energy level does vary from Boxer to Boxer. I adopted my girl in January,when she was 13 mos and unless she had 2 walks, she was bouncing off the walls. At about 20 mos, in July, she started to calm down a bit (I mean a bit, that's it). I take her on a 10-15 minute walk in the morning and a 20-25 min walk in the evening--usually depending on how humid it is this time of year. I have found that to be sufficient. Your plan, as you describe it, would probably work, especially if you have other dogs that your new pup can play with, as that expends energy. Some people walk their Boxers much further than I do. I would just be prepared for the energy level. It's like nothing I would have ever expected! Again, though, with other dogs, some of the Boxer's energy will be directed at interacting with them, so he/she won't want your attention all the time.

Regarding heatstroke, I have no idea how often they get it b/c I try my best not to let Tae get overheated. They do get hot more quickly than other breeds and when I say quickly, I mean quickly! I usually wait until 7PM for the evening walk this time of year and if it's humid, Tae is tired after 15-20 minutes. I was shocked in May when I took her for a walk on what I felt was not a very warm day and she came home and laid on the floor panting for 30 minutes. I think it's just best to be conscious of when the Boxer is tired/hot. It's usually pretty obvious. At that point, take it somewhere cool and provide plenty of water. Along those lines, Boxers are not outdoors dogs, so be prepared to leave it indoors when you go out or to work.

Good luck with your decision! Boxers are a lot of fun and a very different breed when it comes to interacting with their humans. A Boxer can easily brighten a bad day with his/her antics!

 

[xenaprincess]

Hi there! I just wanted to thank you for being wise enough to research the breed before making the decision to get one. Quite often, people do not realize just how energetic this breed is, and that is why there is such a need for rescues!!
Anything you need to know about this breed can be found on this website! There is a search button at the top of the page. You will find info on just about any topic regarding the boxer. There are forums on board that are geared directly to specific topics...choosing a breeder...puppies...health questions, etc!
On a personnal note, I have 2. One female, fawn/flashy, 8yrs old (in November) and 1 male, brindle, 9mths old! I have had many dogs in my life, but I will NEVER be without a boxer again! However, I have had the time to train them both and give them all the physical, as well as emotional attention that they require! They are smart dogs and in fact have helped me adopt a healthier attitude towards the general "human" public...I'd much prefer a boxer anyday opposed to many humans I meet!!
Good luck to you and keep us posted!

Sharon
Xena & Spirit

 

[Adelle]

It can vary for each dog, my female who is 3 really does not need too much exercise, my 4 year old male however needs a load of exercise.

But what you have described is a reasonable amount of exercise and the fact that there are two other dogs in the house to play with also will help burn off some of that extra energy.

You might want to consider adoping a grown boxer that way you will know from the Rescue group if the dog you are getting is very high energy or not.

Good luck in your research and your decision, you will find loads of info on this site.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

In my experience, it will depend on the dog. Some just have more energy than others.

I currently have a 6 year old that will lay around the house 24/7 if I let him. I have two younger Boxers that have lots of energy but are laid back at the same time. Hard to describe. I've recently started bike riding with the 2 younger ones...2 miles 5x a week. The amount of energy they have hasn't changed one bit sense. They lay around while indoors, constantly run and play while out. If the weather doesn't permit them going outdoors, they lay around the whole day. I've had other Boxers that go non stop no matter how much exercise they get! But, with training, the ones who wanted to go non stop would settle when asked.

High heat and Boxers do not mix. When outside on hot days we're always near a water source for cooling off or we wait until after dark to be outside. Mine love to play in water which makes it easy to allow plenty of exercise for them in summer...hot or not, if we're near water, they're in it anyway!

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/alishamobley/album?.dir=/c1ac

 

[DogNamed_Boo]

Like others have said ...thanks for rescearching the breed before hand...
Boxers are a wonderful breed ..once you have one ..you'll understand why we love them so much...IMO Boxers are inside dogs ..they can not stand very cold or very hot weather....!

Here is a link that might help you decide if a Boxer is right for you....

http://flbr.org/2003breedinfo.html

It really important you resceach the breed & much sure you are 100% sure ...we have enough Boxers in froster homes & rescues as it is ....

Then if & when you decide on a Boxer ..then you can think about a responsible breeder or a rescue !!!

Good Luck

lovicon
Boo & Vickie

 

[shara0013]

Thanks for all of the info! The reason I want to get a Boxer (or AmStaff) is two of my neighbors have them and the first time I saw one I fell in love with the breed. My mom says they are 'dummer than a box of rocks' (and I have to admit, Gage and Daisy [our two neighbors Boxers] aren't very bright but I like them anyway.)
I think that the Boxers activity level sounds o.k. for me. It's still going to be hard deciding between them and the AmStaff though.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

My mom says they are 'dummer than a box of rocks' (and I have to admit, Gage and Daisy [our two neighbors Boxers] aren't very bright but I like them anyway.)

I strongly disagree! A dog will only know what it's taught. It sounds as if your neighbors need to work with their dogs.

All my Boxers have been easily trained in ob. From what I read, Boxers aren't trained in the same manner as other breeds. I wouldn't know since I've only worked with Boxers but I do know my Boxers out do the other breeds in class.

Kodi is my most recent dog to train, after 6 wks of training he easily earned his CGC certificate. He is my 3rd Boxer to earn this certificate. There are many Boxers competeing and earning titles at the end of their names. Boxers are far from dumb but do need an owner who is willing to put forth the time and effort to train them.

 

[Dodgn_AK]

It's always nice to see folks doing their homework before deciding if the boxer is right for them. Boxers, IMO, are very very smart. Maggie & Susie, who own BW Moderator TulsaDan, are a prime example of how intelligent this breed can be. Use the search engine on BW to find stories on Maggie and Susie.
And just to reiterate what others have already said, the energy level does vary with each dog. Tyson, who is 3, will happily spend his day sprawled out on his dog bed or curled up on the couch. Nick, 2, on the other hand is constantly in motion. He would play morning noon and night if he could. Good luck with your decision and if you choose the boxer, congrats!

Tara