Boxer Dogs

Boxer Dogs are addictive!

We have come in contact with numerous Boxer Dog owners and one single constant binds all of these aficionados: they all swear, since the first day of owning their first Boxer, that they would never seek to own another breed of dog.

As far as the dogs themselves are concerned, my wife and I have come up with the descriptive "Good Spirit" as the only way to summarize these creatures... They simply have good hearts, and until you have had the opportunity to spend significant time with a Boxer it is probably impossible to really grasp what we mean by that.

It's Hard to Start a Fight with a Boxer

For example, one of our favorite veterinarians, after performing a rather uncomfortable procedure on one of our bitches, came to her after we took her off the table to try to "reconcile" with her.

As it turns out, it was our girl that tried to reconcile with him... seemed she somehow felt guilty about not being so friendly or playful while the procedure was going on, and wanted to give the doctor some licks, just to be sure he still thought she liked him.

The doctor put it right, " Wow!" he said, " it really is hard to start a fight with a Boxer".

Did we mention Boxer Dogs are "playful"? We meant to say Boxer Dogs are "PLAYFUL!!!!!!!"

For some dog owners the Boxer's playfulness could represent a downside. Boxers address life from the perspective of figuring out how to play with it.

We aren't just talking about when they are puppies, either.

Boxers, we are convinced, when old age finally comes, look the Grim Reaper in the eye and try to figure out a way convince him to play tug of war with his scythe.

Socialites

Boxer dogs get along well with other Boxers. However, it has been our experience that other breeds are often, for some reason, intimidated by the Boxer Dog. Even larger breeds may be sometimes taken aback by the Boxer's energy levels.

The breed is not a natural guard dog, he can be protective, but as one reader has pointed out, "for a scratch behind the ears, the Boxer will lead a thief to the family jewels".

That is not to say one or more Boxers aren't very intimidating when barking at strangers and it is just as well that would be criminals don't realise the Boxer is actually just inviting him in for a game of chase.

However, Boxers can be easily trained to gaurd, if that is your objective.

Home is Where the Family Is

The ideal house for just about any dog, is one with a garden to call his own.

But contrary to some 'expert' opinion, the Boxer makes a fine apartment dog and can spend a lot of time indoors. The key to such living arrangements is ensuring that he gets adequate exercise.

And 'adequate' is quite doable- it really only requires a brisk 20 minute walk in the morning and another one in the evening. Of course any more exercise would be welcomed- but any less could lead to a high-strung pet.

In general, the Boxer is comfortable wherever his people are, and understands how to love the family kids as well as the family Mom and Dad.

The Boxer is a sprinter, not a marathon runner. By that we mean, 20 minute-long, but brisk, walks are quite adequate to calm him for most of a day.

Alternatively, a walk up a good steep hill is equally good at burning some spare Boxer energy.

It is important to remember, however, even for those with gardens- that Boxers should get at least that much exercise a day. A 20 minute ball toss session does the dog (and owner) well.

Always remember, "Tired Boxer dogs are good Boxer dogs!"

Beware the Experts

As we say throughout this site, we aren't quite the "wary experts"... the ones that ask somewhat ominously, "Is the Boxer right for you?" can be a bit off-putting to the prospective owner.

The breed is very much a "what you see is what you get" type. If you ask to spend enough time at a kennel or the opportunity to walk and play with some Boxer dogs, they will undoubtedly give you a "full dose of their disadvantages"- which includes a playfulness bordering on rambunctious.

The Boxer can also suffer from separation anxiety. But as we point out, that can be dealt with. Regular exercise helps with this issue too.

Our friends at My Perfect Dog offer some resonable advice on the right breed for your family and circumstances.

Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!

Yes, we are repeating ourselves, but we are true believers that lack of exercise is the cause of most of the issues reported from the doom and gloom squad.

Our experience with Boxers is that exercise is key. If you have 20 or more minutes in the morning and evening to give him a good walk or game of ball, you most likely will have limited behavioral problems with him.

Ideally, you will give him a good hour walk every two or three days too.

If you can't spare that much time, perhaps a less energetic dog breed is for you.

A Breed of 'A' Types?

As far as the "strong-wills" and even "stubbornness" we have read about is concerned: we have witnessed some of this. The beauty, strength and grace that we find so attractive in the Boxer Dog, also makes him justifiably confident.

But the overriding trait we have experienced with the breed is by far, an eagerness to please.

When a Boxer Dog becomes frustrated, the frustration usually stems from times when she doesn't understand exactly what you want. Once the communication is in place Boxer Dogs generally comply with commands.

Not that she won't voice her dissatisfaction with your commands sometimes while she is complying with them, if she doesn't happen to agree it is the right thing to be doing at the moment.

That said, teaching the commands of "down!" and "place!" should top your to do list. We have noticed sending our Boxers to their place is extremely effective in settling them down when necessary.

In our honest opinions, the same Boxer Dog confidence that can make her a bit strong-willed at times, also produces an extremely gentle creature. Boxers are generally quite secure in themselves, and therefore, need not be defensive.

There is after all a reason most experts agree that the Boxer is one of the best dog breeds for children.

Home Alone With a Boxer

One of the few reasons for excluding yourself from Boxer Dog ownership would be if you know you will have to leave him home alone for more than 9 hours a day, consistently.

If so, you may consider getting him a playmate, or perhaps selecting a breed that is a bit more solitary.

The Boxer-Dog is very social. This characteristic is one of the breed's strengths, but it also has to be considered when taking on the responsibility of ownership.

Lastly...

So if you are attracted to the breed, we see only two main reasons not to go forward with some further investigation:

1) if you do not believe you will have at least 20 minutes in the morning, and again in the evening for a good brisk walk or some sort of exercise (ball game, tug, etc.)

2) if you will have to consistently leave your dog home alone for more than 9 hours a day.

If you can pass those two tests, and are truly interested in the breed, we suggest your next move is to get in touch with a good breeder, and ask if you and your family can come by for a visit- preferably even being able to walk some of the dogs and a chance to play around a bit with them.

If possible, go to a breeder with no puppies currently for sale- and therefore, no incentive to "sell you" at the moment. Ask for some hands on experience with his dogs.

Most good breeders will be happy to introduce you to this wonderful breed.

Taking these steps will both help ensure you know what you are getting when you bring that cute little pup home and teach you an even greater appreciation for the breed in general.

If you have any questions about life with a Boxer Dog, feel free to ask us.

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