thinking of getting a boxer

[ofearon]

hi,
looking for some advice, been researching bout getting a dog (esp boxer) for quite some time. I was just wondering if anyone has had problems with Boxers and Asthma as my mam has asthma and dont want to get dog that will trigger a reaction. Also due to asthma the dog would not have free reign of the whole house-only kitchen and back garden. Is this ok as have read that boxers are more house dogs.

Thanks
Any advice welcome!:p

 

[MarleysMom]

I don't think that a Boxer, with it's short tight coat, would trigger as asthma attack. However, Boxers NEED to be with their people as much as they can. If you are going to be sitting on the couch in the living room watching tv while you make the dog stay gated in the kitchen, that really isn't fair to the dog. You will not have a happy Boxer if you isolate him and are not able to spend every minute that you can with him.

 

[Boxer_21]

I agree with that!! Boxers are very people/family dependant. They thrive on our love and attention. They would not be happy if you deprived them of all of your love and attention. If they see you having fun in the other room while they're "stuck" in another room, they will become very bored (which will lead to a destructive boxer) and perhaps even depressed. I would honestly say that if you can't allow your boxer to be with you when you're having family time, then you shouldn't get a boxer. It's just not fair to them, it's definitely not in the boxers best interest.

 

[nogoer]

if chloe is busy chewing and i get up to leave the room, the second she realizes im not there she gets upset. For the next 10minutes she has to be right at my side. I would definately say boxers are people dependant, all they ask for is for you to give them all the love and attention you can find. Its a small price to pay, and keeping them trapped away from all human activity would not suit them very well.

 

[Adelle]

Hi

Welcome to BW, you have come to the right place to get information about Boxers. I am also from Ireland but currently living in the USA.

Boxers are very much indoor dogs and very social so they like to be with their people. The reason they are not outdoor dogs is due to their short thin coat and short noses they do not do well in extreme heat or cold, not that that is too much of a concern in an Irish climate. But because they are such social animals they would not do well being left isolated outside or even in the kitchen when every one else is in another room. Could the dog also have access to the living room?

Regarding Asthma I am not sure, I know the triggers are different for everyone. Do you know anyone with a boxer that you could mind for a few days and see if your Mum has any reactions to it?

Boxers are great dogs but not for everyone, they need plenty of exercise, attention and they do need obedience training otherwise a bored boxer can get into a lot of trouble.

Like everyone else has said if you feel you really need to leave the dog outside or in the kitchen all the time, the boxer is probably not the right dog.

Gook luck in your decision.

Adelle

 

[cb977]

I don't think there would necessarily be a problem with the asthma but boxers are high maintenance dogs. You love them with all of your heart, but they need to play and be shown attention constantly. My Sammi can be found wherever I am. I couldn't imagine only giving her access to one or two rooms. She would be miserable, and that, my friend, would make you miserable. In your situation, I would look into a different breed. It doesn't make sense to get a breed that is not right for the living conditions in your home. You'll all be happier in the end. Good luck. There are a lot of really nice dogs out there that need a home and would be right for you.
I wouldn't give up my Sammi for anything in the world, but she's alot of work.

 

[Barb_IA]

Hi and Welcome to boxerworld!
Once again people have given great advice. Boxers are great but, they are not for everyone. Boxers are just like children. They want constant attention and love.

 

[VTbxrFan]

Another option to consider -- could you allow the dog in all areas of the house except your mother's bedroom? From what I have read and heard, that goes a long way towards avoiding reactions in people with allergies and asthma. As others have said, a boxer (and most dogs, really) wouldn't be happy confined to just the kitchen all the time.

 

[AntJan]

I have Asthma

I've had Asthma for quite some time, and not once has our Nikki triggered an attack. I can cuddle with her & put my face right on hers and I will never get an asthma attack. I have 2 nieces who also have asthma, and they have never had an attack around Nikki. She has free roam of the house because we treat her like a member of the family, and she sleeps in our bedroom in her own bed on the floor (although she has a habit of snuggling up with us on the bed in the winter). I just make sure to vacuum & dust at least every other day as all Asthmatics should do.

As everyone else has said, Boxers are very social and love to spend every waking moment with their family. Right now I'm on the computer typing and Nikki is sleeping right next to my chair... if I were to get up to go downstairs to get something to drink (which only takes a minute), she will usually get up and follow me. Boxers just love being a part of the family.

 

[ofearon]

hi
thanks for all the great info, its so much better getting the experiences of boxer owners rather than reading random stuff in books and on the net. I personally have no probs with a dog roaming round the house. The thought of a dog following me round the house because it wants to be with me is just a dream come true. (ive wanted a dog for the last 21 years and im only 21!!) Time now to convince the other members of the household, although not going to get any dog for another few months so will research it more.
Thanks again for all your help.

And to all the US citizens out there, we are all thinking of u today.