Playful puppies... even in later life! (Boxer)

Member Name: lil_missgiggles

Product:	Boxer
Date:	15/02/08 (638 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great with children, obedient

Disadvantages: Need lots of attention and time

A few years back me and my husband decided that it was time for a family pet, so we started looking in to several different breeds of dogs and their temperaments. We have 2 children, so the dog had to be good around them no matter what. After a bit of research, we came across a breed that on paper sounded perfect... a Boxer.

What does the dog look like?
Boxers are, in my opinion, a gorgeous looking dog. They are short haired and medium - large in size. Tail docking was banned completely in Great Britain last year, but prior to this, the breed was docked. Boxer's faces are cute and wrinkly to the head, with floppy cheeks. Looks very cute, but not great when they've just had a drink and decide to shake their heads! Normally, you will find they are either brindle or red with white markings, as this is the breed standard but you do also come across some whites, which can still be a lovely looking dog. I own a brindle and a white boxer, and although I never planned on having a white one, he is a gorgeous looking dog. I think it all really depends on the standard of the breeding to which features come through. A good boxer should be muscular and stand proud.

Boxers vary in size but the average heights and weights are:
Dogs 22-25 inches (56-63 cm)
Bitches 21-24 inches (53-61 cm)
Dogs 60-70 lbs (27-32 kg)
Bitches 53-65 lbs (24-29 kg)

Temperamant
It is true that Boxers never grow up! They are like playful little puppies and just want to have fun all the time. They are very curious dogs and can take a fair bit of exercising. Boxers are known to be very good with children and although my two can run round like mad, they are always careful where the kids are.
Boxers seem to be quite easy to train and pick things up quickly. One of mine has developed a case of selective hearing and ignores me quite a bit just lately but I think hes just lazy and wants to sleep... he must be thinking "leave me alone mum I'm tired!" whereas the other one is extremely well behaved. Boxers on the whole are like the latter. If I sit outside, one of my dogs brings a toy to my feet and drops it, then pushes it to my feet so I will play with him! If I ignore him, he will push it again! Hes a real cheeky thing, and I've found all the other Boxers I've met over the years are the same. Loveable rogues!

I have read that the name Boxer came from the fact that they do everything with their front paws. In my experience I think this could be true. If one of my two has had enough to eat or on the other hand, if they are hungry, they tip their bowls over! Also the example of the one that paws his toy to me until I play with him. They are both obsessed with putting their paws on my knee if Im sat down, or their heads under one of my legs if I have my legs crossed. Constantly need a fuss, they like to be the center of attention. If you ignore them they will try anything to get your attention which can be quite funny to watch at times!
Boxers are very bouncy dogs and jump all over the place. They can also jump surprisingly high and seem to have very springy legs! You do have to be careful if you have visitors, because although they are very playful dogs, they can sometimes be a bit much for someone who isnt used to them. They tend to jump up visitors for a fuss but with training this can be sorted out.

This breed is very loyal and show great love to their families. They mix well with other dogs... as long as the other dog can keep up! Mine play together lovely but other dogs sometimes are left behind as they create their fun where ever we go.

Health Problems
The biggest health problem in Boxers seems to be the heart. This should be checked out by a vet and checked regularly if a problem is found. One of my boxers was diagnosed with a heart defect a couple of years back but still seems very healthy and playful otherwise. He has it checked every year when he goes for his injections. The breed has also suffered with epilepsy and hip problems. If you buy from a good breeder and check the history, the chances are that everything should be ok.

The dogs do dribble everywhere because of their cheeks and this can be a bigger problem in the summer while exercising. Also both of my dogs can be guaranteed to embarrass me with their back ends. They never fail to make a noise and a smell when ever we have people around. This is a massively common thing with boxers, so be prepared!!

Cost
In my local area you can find Boxers from about £300 for a white up to over £800 for a well bred red and white. I would highly recommend buying from a reputable breeder and making sure that you know all about the family history ie. good health, good temperaments etc. A good breeder will be able to give you plenty of advice and should have a good knowledge of the breed. I would not recommend buying from anyone other than a breeder even though the dogs may be slightly more expensive, you know that they are well bred and healthy. Be prepared for vets bills even if the dog is from a good background, as with any breed. If you aren't prepared you may be in for a shock if your dog is found to have a problem in the future. I had to buy some tablets for my dog last year from the vets and a one week course cost me around £30!! This was only for a slight skin condition.

My dogs are fed on complete dry dog food and this can vary hugely in price but a large sack lasts both my dogs around a week. They also like eggs and chicken as a treat. They need lots of goodness to keep them going! I dont tend to feed my dogs treats but will give them fresh meat instead as I like to keep an eye on their weight. There's nothing worse than an overweight dog and I think its cruel... especially in such a lively breed. I make sure that they are fed the same variety of food as it doesnt take much to upset their stomachs and they enjoy the food that I feed them. If you find a good brand that your dogs like, keep to it where ever possible.

Who would this breed suit as a pet?
Boxers are ideal with someone who can give them plenty of time. They dont like being left alone for too long and get lonely, although neither of mine has ever been purposely destructive... but they did ruin a garden chair in the summer by pawing at it when they had knocked a tennis ball under it!

As I said earlier, to own a Boxer you have to have plenty of energy! They are fantastic family pets and very gentle with children. Obviously all dogs are different, but every Boxer I have heard of is very loving and gentle. I would only recommend you to buy one if you can be strict at times, as this breed knows how to get their own way! And one look into those gorgeous dark eyes and you've had it....

(Also on ciao.co.uk under my user name lizngaz)

Summary: Fab family dogs for people with a lot of time