Thinking about rescuing - is this the right breed for us?

[Chad0429]

We're thinking about rescuing a dog and my wife found a beautiful Boxer on PetFinder. I've done some research and lots of reading through this board and I wanted to get someones opinion - is a Boxer for us?

We have 2 kids - 3 and 15mos. My 3yr old son is a bit reserved around dogs until he is able to get used to them. My 15m daughter loves animals and is not in the least bit scared.

We need a breed who doesn't shed (much), who loves kids and other animals (we currently do not have animals), is not agressive and is playful. We've got a decent sized back yard and I know we'd be taking the dog on walks etc. We don't want something super small or super large either, so the boxer dimentions seem right for us. We really don't want a dog who's really high strung either. We just want a companion for the family who likes to run and play, but also can be content just hanging out and relaxing. My wife stays home with the kids but does have a part time job at a local mom's day out so the dog will be left alone about a half day 2x a week. Most of the other times, someone's home.

We already know we'd like to rescue vs having a new puppy. Maybe a 1-3 year old.

Given the details - what are your thoughts?

Want more info? Just ask.

 

[sgbtab]

boxers are great with kids. they are very playful and they also know how to take a nap on the couch. they need to have alot of play time. the old saying is a tired boxer is a well behaved boxer. but with 2 small children a boxer would be a good match. the boxer will watch over your kids and grow old with them. if you go into the forum about boxers and children you might find more info. good luck with your choice.

 

[courtney323]

Chad0429 -

Please post your introduction. This is required of all new members, and should actually be your very first post

www.boxerworld.com/rules

 

[Chad0429]

Thanks for the info.

I will go and post an intro later tonight or first thing in the morning - sorry for not following protocol.

 

[natesmom]

It is wonderful you are considering rescue! I have two rescue dogs myself.

As far as boxer personality goes, they require a family that will give interaction. Most boxers (especially young ones) LOVE to play and need alot of stimulation. Boxers are great with children, I have never owned a boxer that was mean to a child. I will say sometimes boxers can get excited and can accidently knock over a small child/toddler. Boxers have short hair and they do shed but it is not bad (I have allergies and have no issues).

I have owned dogs all my life and I think boxers are wonderful. Owning a boxer or boxers is like having your own fan club I wish you the best of luck, please take your time when choosing a new family member be sure you find one that the whole family will love. -AmyB

 

[CinnamonDog]

Welcome to BW!! Rescuing a boxer in need is absolutely a great ideea. We adopted Lizzie last year and she is a joy. There are so many wonderful dogs out there that need good homes. And I think they know when they've been given a second chance.

Lizzie is 7 years old and is great with my nephews -- both under 2 years old. Maybe consider a slightly older dog, 3-4 years old, that wouldn't be as rambunctious as a puppy. Good luck with your search!

 

[Keeroff]

i just caught this thread. i had replied to your intro but now after i saw the info you presented in this thread i have some more things to say

1)i believe you need a very socialized dog. which means that it is not so much a matter of breed as it is a matter of how socialized he/she is and he/she has lived so far since you dont want a puppy.

2)so, picking up a very pretty dog from a photo of Petfinder is not a very good choice however, appicon for wanting to rescue a dog in need :D

3)boxers make great family dogs when they are socialized with kids from a young age. but, they are also full of energy and need to exercise a lot. you said "We just want a companion for the family who likes to run and play, but also can be content just hanging out and relaxing. My wife stays home with the kids but does have a part time job at a local mom's day out so the dog will be left alone about a half day 2x a week. Most of the other times, someone's home." so maybe this will be a problem? :/

4)boxers shed hair normally.twice a year.not for long time. but it is normal for any breed

if you finally decide that the boxer is the right breed for you, i suggest you should visit a rescue's and ask info about their boxers behaviours. dominant issues, socialization issues, health issues.and having your children with you to see how the dogs correspond.

i wish you all the best. good luck

P.S.sorry about any language expression mistakes.i hope you understood what im saying

 

[tesster]

I would definitely adopt an older dog over a puppy with kids the age of yours. Young puppies are very, very, very high energy. If Tess didn't get 1 hour+ of hard play at the dog park until she was almost 2 years old, she was a nightmarish ball of energy. They are exhuberant and would very certainly knock over the kids with their playfulness.

I'd recommend an older boxer (2.5+) who has had a previous family with young children. If you do go with a puppy, you need to make a commitment to constant and consistent obedience from the very beginning. If the dog never learns to jump at 15 lbs, they won't jump on the kids at 60 lbs.

My parents' boxer, Reno, is very patient, tolerant, gentle and sweet with little kids. She let my year old cousin poke her in the eye for 5 minutes before she finally decided to get up and go lay somewhere else. However, she was 6 at the time. My Tess (2.5) and Conner (1) would blow right past them, knock the kids over and lick or box them.

 

[mtoo]

I would recommend an older dog too. I have three children ages 2, 4, and 6. We adopted an older dog, Odin, he's actually a senior. You wouldn't have to go that old but at least two would be a good idea.

Odin is wonderful with children but he still knocks them down on occasion. I'm not sure you would ever have a large dog who doesn't if they're running around. It's something you'll have to consider with bigger dogs.

Like people they all have different personalities of course. It will take some searching to find a perfect match to your family even within a certain breed.

You might find it best to look at dogs that have been in foster care since the foster family would then know the dog and know if it would be a good match for your family.

 

[mika's mama]

I have to agree that a Boxer is a perfect fit for the whole family. Because of their size they can occationally, accidentally knock over little ones (note accidentally). I am a grandmother, my daughter and 2 grandchildren, (13yrs old and 3yrs old), live with me. I have had a number of different breeds of dogs throughout my life, from a great dane when I was a child to a miniture dashound. Seven years ago I got my first boxer. Mika was just 8wks old when we brought her home so basicly she grew up with my grandson around. Recently I adopted a 9 yr old rescue, Samson. Both dogs are just incredible with my grandchildren as with the whole family. Even though Samson was not raised by us from a puppy he is just as affectionate, tolerant and loving with the kids as Mika is.
Before we bought Mika and I was researching different breeds I read something that has stuck with me. It said, "Boxers are one of the few breeds of dogs that differentuate(sp) between adult and children". I truly believe that is true.
Good luck in finding the perfect fur baby to add to your family. If you decide on a rescue, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.