Yikes!!!

[Bettis'mama]

Our new little angel Bettis (Go Steeler's!) Was a present to my 8 year old son last Friday. My father passed away in August. He was my son's best friend and my son needed this dog! We love him so much! He is a flash fawn, docked, and we're keeping his ears! Ok, here's the YIKES--he was a last minute gift idea and we bought him on line. My sister has a brindle and loves him and always had described boxers as great family friends. I keep hearing that boxers grow up mean. I don't know where people get their info from, I've never heard of this. Four people in the past week have said this to me. Have I made a mistake? Mean to me is pit bull, rotweiller (sp??), dobberman. I didn't think a boxer would fall in to this category. I always thought they were just big and goofy and really sweet!!! Even my vet today (first visit) stated he'd love to have a boxer but his wife won't let him. I asked why--he said she doesn't like how they are when they grow up! I was afraid to ask anything else, so I left the comment alone. Sorry such a long thread...I'm just concerned. Help me please! As for characteristics...this pup is 100% boxer! (Esp. the gas part haha!)

 

[jbbtlr]

If a Boxer is mean, it is because of how it was raised, but that pertains to any dog. I know several people who have a rott, bit bull and dobermans and they are all sweet hearts. It's those dogs that are raised mean that give the entire breed a bad name.

Boxers are one of the best family dogs you could get. They love kids, they have a personality like no other. You won't be sorry that you got him, your son is going to love him and so will the rest of your family.

Have fun with your puppy!
Jeanette

 

[Evie&Adam]

Dont listen to those people - they just dont know how much lovin' and silliness they are missing!! :D Just tell them that its not the dog that is mean - its the owners that make them that way!!

Enjoy your new baby!

 

[JacobsMom]

When a Boxer is raised with respect, firmness & love they are incredible companions and a true pleasure to have around. They are super with children & make an excellent family member. They are so goofy and enjoyable and compassionate. Some people listen to hear-say and make-up their own stories about different breeds. I wouldn't listen. Here, you will get REAL answers, from people with experience. You've never really experienced life until you have shared it with a boxer!!!!

 

[dentonpyro]

First things first, Boxers are great young old and even in the middle years. My two Boxers 6yrs and 18months are great with my daughter never had the first problem.

Second, Go Steelers!!!!! Patriots better be ready to get hit in the mouth on Sunday. One for the thumb in '04

 

[Elyse]

Boxers are the greatest gift a family can have. They are goofy, silly, loving, cuddly, smoochy, brilliant little babies. You can let ignorant people affect you at all. if anyone of these people have ever been around a boxer, they would NEVER say things like that. Boxers are the opposite of what these people are describing. I would just laugh it all off and enjoy your new baby!!!!!

There are a lot of pict of Nestle in my gallery with my son (now 10 months old) from the day we brough him home from the hospital. She is amazing with him.

Let's go Patriots... and the poor DH is an Eagles fan.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

Boxers are the most silly, loving, goofy animals there can be! Obviously these people are seriously misinformed. They can be very protective of their people, but when treated with love and respect...they give it in return.

As a side note...I didn't see an introduction for you. And all new members must post an introduction. I would hate to see your membership deleted. Welcome to BW! You'll find that Olly has provided a haven for boxerlovers around the world....we wouldn't know what to do without it!

 

[Shanz]

Mean to me is pit bull, rotweiller (sp??), dobberman. I

First off, I dont think you should categorize any breed of dog like that. You will see that the people on this board (most anyway) believe that the dog will only be mean if it is brought up that way.

Any dog has the possibility to turn on anyone out of no where.. they are descendants of wild animals and that instinct still runs deep within them. Anyone who owns a dog runs a risk of this.

As for you comment about it being last minute and not knowing whether thweyre mean or not, I think you shouldve dont your homework before you boought it, thats how dogs end up in shelters.


I havent known any mean boxers, but a friend of mine has been attacked by one before.

yes boxers and excellent with children, but I wouldnt leave any child unattended with any dog because they could easily piss the dog off. Especially if the dog is protective of its food..and a lot of them are.

But, I love mine shes such a goof ball and a sweetheart and the only time she has ever hurt a child was when she jumped on my niece a few days ago...her nails need to be clipped so she scratched her.

 

[eveluvsDaisy]

Don't listen to everything you hear!

Make sure to enroll in puppy socialization (puppy training classes) sessions and follow through with training. Make sure the pup has pup friends as well.

As far as I am concerned, boxers are the friendliest, most loving, adoring friend you could have. Our Beautiful brindle Daisy Girl is just a peach! She would not hurt a flea on her backside.

Saying that, she will protect her family though. That is instinct. Boxers are the comedian of the k-9's. If you raise your boxer with love and respect as well as good training, you will have no problems.

Good luck!
Cheers!

 

[Vela]

Very rarely are any dogs just mean because of the breed they are, about 90% of the time they are mean from bad handling and/or training or lack of it by people. The dogs get the blame, but it's really the people. Dobermans, Rotties and Pitbulls can be wonderful dogs given the proper training and handling, just like ANY breed. Boxers are no different. Yes, you can make a boxer mean if you don't socialize it or train it or if you keep it tied to a tree outside, etc. No boxers are not inherently mean dogs but that doesn't mean you can or should let your child do whatever they want to the dog. Both dog and child need to have rules.

Another note, puppies are BAD presents unless someone is very informed about what they are getting into. As someone else mentioned, that is how so many dogs end up in shelters or dead o the side of the road. Not saying you would do that but it happens, a LOT. I don't think you have anything to fear if you raise him up right and if you have any questions or problems please do a search and or post it, lots of people here that can help you out.

All of that said, I have two boxers and 3 kids, youngest was 7 when I got my dogs and I would trust them with their lives. They are the best dogs I have ever had the pleasure of having in my home.