ADD: Good link John. The actual breeder "Diamond Boxers" looks amazing.

Here is a list of them in the US

http://americanboxerclub.org/us-boxer-clubs.html

Boxers, also need protection from the weather – both heat and cold.

Temperature is not the only thing you need to watch when you think that labor is imminent.

Particularly with boxers you have to watch her very closely for her being in distress and that pre-labor does not go to far or to long without veterinary intervention. Boxers are known for needing emergency c-sections due to the pups heads being to large for the b*tch to pass naturally. Many times she may look fine but will be nesting and or following you around. If a b*tch is left too long, not only will she be in distress but also the pups. When the pups are in distress an immediate c-section is needed as their heart rates will plummet and they can die.

I suggest (if she hasn’t had her litter already) to call your vet and get her in. Better to have them evaluate her and the pups heart rates than to wait and be sorry later.

I hope that you had x-rays taken so that you know how many pups and placenta’s to expect as the count is very inportant.

Try not to put the cart before the horse… *wink*. Your boxer’s just a wee-one and it will be awhile before he’s ready for the big leagues. First… and you probably know this… get him the required vaccinations, boosters etc. Unless he came from some top notch lines and good reputable breeders I would have him neutered when he’s age appropriate.

To start with – as soon as he’s age appropriate get him started in a puppy class (for good socialization with people and other dogs.- learning to focus on you… some baby training steps )etc. Then….on to basic obedience when he’s again…age appropriate for that step.

As he matures more training opportunities will present them selves. I think agility would be great fun for a boxer bearing in mind (since they are a Brachycephalic breed) that getting them over heated can be fatal. As a rule…they can’t swim worth beans so…you should probably know that too. I got one of mine to jump off a dock once and he swam with all the grace of a sinking bank safe. Not good. I always believed it was due to them being solid as a rock with no fat for added buoyancy…but a boxer breeder/fancier in here (Sheri) states it’s also due to them being a brachychephalic breed. Regardless why… I’ve never owned a boxer that could swim.

There are AKC titles he can earn (if he’s papered/registered) BUT I’m not sure about him being intact or neutered ). Someone else will probably tell you that. Titles – CD – Companion Dog….and CDX – Companion Dog Excellent and quite a few others to pursue if you’re interested (once he’s mature).

My boxers have always been excellent watch dogs. They can sound the alarm with the best of them, but mine have not been yappy. They may sound like Cujo wannabe’s from the yard, but once I let someone in they are happy as clams to meet them and share a little slobber. They are not classified as guard dogs, but more "threat" dogs. What more do you want in this litigious society we live in?

As far as your job… I can’t help you with that. Any full time job pulls an owner away from their dogs…and once that little boxer of yours gets under your skin… you won’t want to leave him home EVER. It’s true…

If you have to work full time I’d look into a good, established daycare for him. Boxers integrate into their families soooo tight that they do not like being left alone for long periods. If left to their own creative entertainment they can be a bit destructive *cough*. They can be a bit head strong, but I’ve not found them hard to train. They are super sensitive dogs… so.. work on positive communication first…then …if you’re being ignored…up the attention getting ante. Just remember…if you break his trust in you…he won’t give it back easily.

Crate train him now… it’s not a cruel thing as some people think. It’s an awesome tool for house breaking, and other areas as well. If you have to turn your back on him (showering… going to the show… running to the store) at least you know he’s safe…and not chewing a lamp cord in half.

I tell everyone they are the PERFECT 73° dog. If it’s 75°…they are too hot. If it’s 66° they are too cold.

Regardless….they are soooo worth if for what that give back with their impish spirits, and endless devotion. I nabbed my first boxer out of a pound when I was 18 years old…and have had nothing but boxers since. Many a dog has passed through my doors (due to rescue situations), but the boxers that come in stay until they pass of old age.

Good luck… you’ll be hooked for life.
.

Thanks.

Stars.

Well, I have heard the reports on this and cancer is VERY high on the list for Boxers. In fact, a very good friend of mine and breed mentor is a retired Vet Tech and use to breed Dobes for almost 35 years. At the clinic that she use to work, she had only seen ONE Boxer in 18 years at that practice, that did not have cancer before the age of 6-7 years old. I had considered a Boxer, myself, a few years ago, but stayed clear because of that. My breed of choice is a Dobe, which also has a very high rate of Cancer and Cardio problems. At least, they have now found the gene in both the Boxer and Dobe, where as breeding stock can be genetically tested for Cardio, but not cancer. Good luck with your decision. There ARE problems with every breed.

Add: Read this. Scroll down to *Cancer*.
http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_boxer-dog-health-testing.htm

It could be coming from his teeth / gums, and could have infection there. If he does and this is allowed to go on then they can get infection setting up in the jaw bone, and that gets very expensive to treat as they can need ongoing antibiotics for years.

The other thing a bad breath can be is the start of kidney failure as the urea in the system causes the breath to really stink. I mean you can smell it from 6 ft away.

It can also be as simple as his diet not agreeing with him. I don’t like to push the raw diet onto people, but quite honestly, you never get a bad breath from raw fed dogs unless there is a tooth / internal problem.

So before you just try to mask it then find out what is causing it.

Ive heard they have alot of energy but is it really heaps?
How long can they go for a run or walk before getting tired?
Ill be getting a boxer and they sound like amazing dogs so any tips?

all answers are appreciated..thanks

To get a boxer you need to be a high energy person. They are not couch potatoes that is for sure. like anyone pet or person walking distance should be built up. another little tip if you have a fenced in back yard and allow him/her out there you must make sure that fences are high they are really good jumpers. Also they will get into trouble if not kept entertained. dig dig or chew or jump big big commentate. But truly a beautiful breed and one of my favorites