To get or not to get another boxer?

[chadshan]

Boscer is our two year old baby Boy and we love him to death, as do our two boys (7 and 5) and extended family. We also have a 12 year old Malamute named Koda. Koda's health is beginning to decline and we're not sure how much longer he'll be around. Koda is almost entirely an outside dog. Boscer is pretty much an indoor dog but loves going outside to play with Koda, although not as much because of Koda's age. They are also both outside all day together a couple of times a week when we're all gone.

We're having a hard time deciding if when the dreaded time comes that Koda leaves us, do we get another Boxer to keep Boscer company. I know there are several owners out there that have more than 1 Boxer and I can see why because they are so awesome.

Was wondering if anyone has any advise or regrets about having 2 Boxers. Boscer is a male and we'd probably consider a female. Are we to expect jealosy issues between them and our family since Boscer is the baby? Boscer already sleeps on our bed at night..but I can't imagine sharing a bed with two.

Any advise would be so appreciated.

 

[Caney Creek]

I don't think there are any issues with having two boxers. The issues that I think you're referring to -- dominance, jealousy, fighting for rank, etc. -- happen most often when you have two dogs of the same sex or two dogs that are close in age. However, if you are aware of the possible pitfalls and know how to avoid them, you can still make those combinations work. The individual temperaments and personalities of each dog also play a big role in whether they will get along.

Usually dogs don't necessarily need canine companionship if they're getting a fair amount of attention from their humans, BUT, I believe that once a dog loses a canine companion, it's more likely that the dog will become lonely or depressed over the absence of that relationship.

The ideal time to get a second puppy is after your first turns 2 years old, so... that's taken care of already I would suggest getting a female since opposite sex combinations are least likely to have problems.

If you know you can't have 2 boxers in your bed, I'd go ahead and start introducing Boscoe to a comfy doggy bed right next to yours That way you won't have TWO unhappy sleepers when the new puppy comes.

 

[sandy's mom]

I can't imagine my house without two boxers.
We had Sandy for almost 3 years before bringing Napoleon into our home.
She is much happier having someone to play on and pick on all the time.

Of course, you must be ready for the additional cost.
Double everything, including extra vet visits.

Good Luck!

 

[mini]

I share a bed with 3 and that doesn't include my husband! The more the merrier!

 

[chadshan]

thanks for all the input!!!

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I would make sure they're close in age. My only issue with having 2 Boxers is that I have an almost 7 year old and a 16 month old and with her medical issues it makes playing next to impossible but the 16 month old wants to play...well you get the picture. So I'd make sure they're within a year maybe 2 of each other one way or the other so you don't end up with one that's young and wanting to play and the other that's developing arthritis, health issues, etc. Other than that, I have NO problem having 2 Boxers and they're great buddies. Personally we do not share our bed with the dogs, the 16 month old sleeps in a crate and the almost 7 year old sleeps on a dog pillow on the floor in our room.

 

[Box Boys]

Go for it! Boxers are awesome, and your two year old Boxer is a great age to bring in a new pup! I agree that the best possible mix would be a male and a female combination! I can't wait to get another one; I'd have probably already done it if it weren't for finances right now. But also...I want to devote more time and training with Buster...give him the attention he so deserves and loves!