What is some good info about Boxer dogs and puppies?
I am planning to get a boxer puppy in a few weeks, and have been studying like crazy. I would like any information anyone who already has a boxer could tell me.
I have some questions for you before I answer yours..
How long have you been studying like crazy?
The first thing you want to look into is the breeder them self.
Are you getting a pup from a reputable breeder?
At the very least, have the dam and Sire both had their genetic health testings and have they been cleared?
Getting a pup from a reputable breeder will ensure that you have the healthiest pup. Pups from BYB’s live to be about 8 years old and end up with all kinds of medical issues due to the lack of genetic testing done by the breeder. A pup from a reputable breeder will live 10-14 years with little to no health issue throughout their life. You will want to make sure that the breeder has at least OFA, Cerf testing and can show you the results, anything less is just a byb.
Although boxer are wonderful, they are not for the first time owner with no experience, unless the breeder will be working along side you for training.
Boxers are easily trainable yet can be stubborn at times. They aim to please their human families and if trained properly with positive reinforced methods they learn very quickly.
The most important information about the boxer is that they not an outside breed as they are a brachycephalic breed. Which means a shortened muzzle with shortened airways. Due to this they are not tolerable of extremes in temperatures. Anything over 70 degrees they overheat very quickly and if temperatures are below 68 degrees they are too cold, due to their short fur and little to none on their undersides. Both of which causes difficulty with breathing. The boxer needs to be kept inside as a family member.
Boxers are family oriented. They crave, love and NEED to be with their human family members.
Boxers need to take obedience classes so that the owner will be taught how to teach. Boxers do well with positive reinforced training. If yell at, raise your voice or physically punish a boxer it is well known that a boxer will become depressed and withdrawn. Positive training is the key to training this breed as they are very sensitive.
Although a boxer needs exercise it is a misunderstanding, even from one of the other members who answered, that they need a lot of exercise. Most of the time boxers are couch potatoes yet when they do go out (which should never be hours on end) they will run and play. When and if you get a pup the time should be limited and should continue to be limited until they are at least 1 year old due to much exercise and left to run causes injuries to a pups growth plates. Injuries to the growth plates are serious !
Whenever a pup or dog is outside they should be supervised and never allowed to be outside alone, let alone for hours.
Boxers are very small prey driven.. that is not a rarity.. they are all small prey driven. If something has the nerve to walk on, slither on or fly over their property it is fair game for the boxer.
Boxers are prone to allergies so it is best to feed a high quality food with no wheat, soy, fillers, grains, by-products or food colorings.
Boxers are good with children however if you are a first time owner, have no experience with the breed and have a child under the age of 5 no reputable breeder will home a pup with you. BYB’s wouldn’t care of the welfare of a small child whereas a reputable breeder would care not only for their pup but for any child a potential new owner may have. A reputable breeder will want to ensure that both the pup and the family work well together and they all live happily without any problems.
The key to training is ….
A pup is only as well trained as their owner has been taught to teach
The key to a reputable breeder and healthy pup is …
A breeder is only as reputable as the time, research and knowledge they have been willing to learn over many years of learning the breed inside and out.
Breeding should only be done to better to the breed and not because you have two intact dogs and can breed.
You want the healthiest pup to live a long and happy life so make your decision with your brain and not just on how cure the pup may be. Ask tons of questions of the breeder, The breeder also should have tons of questions for you. Make sure you see the whelping are, where the pups have been kept, see how the breeder interacts with the pup, dam and Sire (if they own the sire) ask about health testing, ask if they show their dogs, (ask for proof of everything !) If they do not own the sire, ask for pictures and all of his health records. A reputable breeder will be happy to show you everything and anything as well as answer all questions you may have.
I used to have a boxer a long time ago. From what I can remember he was really crazy – and really strong. He could run around for hours and he even ate soap!
Boxers are very strong dogs and need 2-3 long walks and lots of play a day. You should read a lot more on boxers before getting one because it may not be a suitable breed for you. Also research other breeds and maybe you like some other breed that you know more about.
But it’s good to try someone new!
References :
Like any dog, boxers require attention, and trainning. Without the proper attention given and trainning applied, the dog can become disobediant and even aggressive. Try to socialize the boxer at a young age to people so the boxer will become people friendly. Try to socialize the boxer with other dogs as well, this way, it will not be too aggressive to other animals.
Training is a biggy. If this is your first dog, go to trainning class with your dog. Or if you cannot afford it, try looking up on youtube, dog trainning techniques or something. I’m sure youtube would have one or two things about it.
Anyyways, I hope you have a great experience with your future puppy!!!
References :
Dont know if you have seen it yet but you should watch this fun clip from Dogs 101 on boxers
http://animal.discovery.com/videos/dogs-101-boxer.html
I am getting a boxer puppy pretty soon to and have been doing the same thing as you!
References :
I own two boxer dogs! A male and a female. We have bred as well. Females are the more calm, protective choice as far as gender goes. Males are very goofy, aloof, and independent. Both male and female require LOTS of exercise! They are very energetic and will destroy your house if they are not getting the proper amount of exercise and attention that they need. They are extremely rambunctious through puppy hood and even as adults are like grown children! They love to run, I would let my boxers out on the greenbelt and they would run for up to an hours sometimes. They are muscular and very strong. Boxers are working dogs, they are strong-minded are extremely stubborn! They require a firm upper hand or they will take over and run you! They are very loyal and protective of their families and are great with children. They are affectionate and very gentle. I have read on many sites and in many boxer books that they have a low prey drive, though through my very own experience I would have to disagree. My female has a reputation of killing cats (very sad,) My male barks at the cats that walk by our fence and will run back and forth. The pups did the same! I don’t know if they learned it from mom and dad or what but it seemed almost uncontrollable. They are one of the top breeds of dogs I have had trouble potty training! It seems different with every pup my female took around 6 months and my male a year! If you are thinking of getting a boxer be sure you have the time and dedication to put into raising these dogs. They are people dogs therefore, if they are not getting the right amount of attention and exercise, like I said they can develop extreme behavior problems and I have seen a lot of boxers put into rescues or shelters due to this. They are very active, remember that. They love to play and jump around, and they will be like this for most of their lives! Make sure you are ready for the commitment (: They do make great pets if cared for properly!
References :
Experience
I have some questions for you before I answer yours..
How long have you been studying like crazy?
The first thing you want to look into is the breeder them self.
Are you getting a pup from a reputable breeder?
At the very least, have the dam and Sire both had their genetic health testings and have they been cleared?
Getting a pup from a reputable breeder will ensure that you have the healthiest pup. Pups from BYB’s live to be about 8 years old and end up with all kinds of medical issues due to the lack of genetic testing done by the breeder. A pup from a reputable breeder will live 10-14 years with little to no health issue throughout their life. You will want to make sure that the breeder has at least OFA, Cerf testing and can show you the results, anything less is just a byb.
Although boxer are wonderful, they are not for the first time owner with no experience, unless the breeder will be working along side you for training.
Boxers are easily trainable yet can be stubborn at times. They aim to please their human families and if trained properly with positive reinforced methods they learn very quickly.
The most important information about the boxer is that they not an outside breed as they are a brachycephalic breed. Which means a shortened muzzle with shortened airways. Due to this they are not tolerable of extremes in temperatures. Anything over 70 degrees they overheat very quickly and if temperatures are below 68 degrees they are too cold, due to their short fur and little to none on their undersides. Both of which causes difficulty with breathing. The boxer needs to be kept inside as a family member.
Boxers are family oriented. They crave, love and NEED to be with their human family members.
Boxers need to take obedience classes so that the owner will be taught how to teach. Boxers do well with positive reinforced training. If yell at, raise your voice or physically punish a boxer it is well known that a boxer will become depressed and withdrawn. Positive training is the key to training this breed as they are very sensitive.
Although a boxer needs exercise it is a misunderstanding, even from one of the other members who answered, that they need a lot of exercise. Most of the time boxers are couch potatoes yet when they do go out (which should never be hours on end) they will run and play. When and if you get a pup the time should be limited and should continue to be limited until they are at least 1 year old due to much exercise and left to run causes injuries to a pups growth plates. Injuries to the growth plates are serious !
Whenever a pup or dog is outside they should be supervised and never allowed to be outside alone, let alone for hours.
Boxers are very small prey driven.. that is not a rarity.. they are all small prey driven. If something has the nerve to walk on, slither on or fly over their property it is fair game for the boxer.
Boxers are prone to allergies so it is best to feed a high quality food with no wheat, soy, fillers, grains, by-products or food colorings.
Boxers are good with children however if you are a first time owner, have no experience with the breed and have a child under the age of 5 no reputable breeder will home a pup with you. BYB’s wouldn’t care of the welfare of a small child whereas a reputable breeder would care not only for their pup but for any child a potential new owner may have. A reputable breeder will want to ensure that both the pup and the family work well together and they all live happily without any problems.
The key to training is ….
A pup is only as well trained as their owner has been taught to teach
The key to a reputable breeder and healthy pup is …
A breeder is only as reputable as the time, research and knowledge they have been willing to learn over many years of learning the breed inside and out.
Breeding should only be done to better to the breed and not because you have two intact dogs and can breed.
You want the healthiest pup to live a long and happy life so make your decision with your brain and not just on how cure the pup may be. Ask tons of questions of the breeder, The breeder also should have tons of questions for you. Make sure you see the whelping are, where the pups have been kept, see how the breeder interacts with the pup, dam and Sire (if they own the sire) ask about health testing, ask if they show their dogs, (ask for proof of everything !) If they do not own the sire, ask for pictures and all of his health records. A reputable breeder will be happy to show you everything and anything as well as answer all questions you may have.
References :
-
Boxer show breeder 25+ years