Jump to content

Are We Right For A Boxer?


Tor
 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 95
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

I think it's worth taking longevity into account.

I have a Great Dane and she would accompany me on runs. We'd do 6 km easily and when we got home she'd do zoomies in the backyard.

She is now 6 and she is really only happy doing about 3 km now, she is a senior dog now.

Boxers also age more quickly than many other breeds so you would have to consider that even if they did enjoy doing a lot of running (not all dogs do) you might only have a few years of running with them before their ability significantly declines.

This might not bother you, you might be happy to work around it, and that's fine :)

If it does concern you, the. You may well be better off looking at a kelpie or one of the other breeds really bred to run and run and run.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh more fabulous advice! Thank you all.

I had thought about the longevity issue actually, and that a Boxer might have fewer running years than other breeds. I am going to be very careful when choosing a breeder, and will make sure health and soundness is a top priority, along with temperament. And perhaps there is a Dallie in my future too...

Prodigybxr, thank you for your post. I have PMd you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a (rescue) Kelpie. She's sweet and soft as long as she had her tennis ball, and she'd do s marathon if we asked. I also wouldn't underestimate a Lab from working lines, they LOVE running!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a boxer and I live in an arid area - in a Broken Hill in to outback NSW. My boxer Fluke will chase emu or roos for kms, running hard and absolutely flat out on a hot scent. Now I won't run him when it's really hot, amd he always needs a big drink when he's done no matter what the temp. Fluke has always run free and it a fot and healthy boy. I didn't let him join in the roo/emu chase until he was over a year old thoug as I felt it may be a bit much for him. He is my first boxer snd is a brilliant dog. He LOVES kids even though he asnt raised with them. He is wary with strangers until I introduce him properly, and he is good with other dogs as I made sure to socialise him when he was young. I also desexed him at 12 months of age (happy birthday boy! Lol).

I think a boxer could easily fot your needs, just don't run him on really hot days. Use common sense, make sure there's water at the end of the run of the dog to drink. It's not rocket science :) if I take Fluke for a walk with me and let him off the lead he can literally go for hours, as he isn't running flat out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As a committed boxer owner and breeder since the last century, if you like boxers, get one. I see nothing in your "likes" that pre-cludes a boxer. Fantastic with children - "they are noted from olden times for their love of children" - terrific watchdogs - faithful and joyful. As to the running - I have always ridden horses, and the boxer/s always came out for a ride.

I lived in W Qld for some years where it was often 42 degrees or more. We would go on 5 - 20kl rides (not every day) and the boxer easily kept up.

A boxer will be whatever you want him to be. Train him with sense and respect from a puppy, and he will be exactly what you want. He will be good with other dogs, and good with strangers. He will be honest and loyal, he will be your best friend and protector till the last beat of his heart. He will be a good watchdog. He wont shout abuse at passers-by - although he will warn you, but if he perceives danger, he will be ready.

My girl was 5 (with no baby or child experience) when the baby arrived. I brought her home from hospital and said "here's our baby" -- boxer said "oh, goody, OUR baby? Oh, I'll take care of her" -- and she did.

Have you read the boxer thread here? Worth a read!!

Go to only a responsible and reputable Vic Dogs breeder. Ask them about heart testing of the adults, and how they they do it, (and ask to see results) ask them what they know of JKD, ask them about food, HD and bloat and listen to their replies. Do they know what they are talking about? Have they been breeding for a long time? Do they, or did they, show?

I can give you names of some responsible Vic breeders if you want to pm me.

Don't expect to get a pup tomorrow, you may have to wait a while. Don't deny yourself!!

9a9a45dc-b566-4dac-b7ff-1f39e301db9b.jpg

IMG_1786.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just love those photos Jed. And that you for the encouragement. I am not in any hurry, probably the earliest would be the second half on next year and I'm happy to wait longer for the right puppy.

The black faces are more intimidating! But I just love the flashy. Brindle or fawn, either is fine.

Does anyone have any thoughts about whether a male or female would be better?

ETA: Jed I tried to PM you but it wouldn't go through.

Edited by Tor
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Look at the bed-full-of-boxers :D How wonderful .

Pers, I think we need to keep feeding Jed a Boxer thread every now and again, :rofl: so that we can see those gorgeous photos again.. The three in a bed is just precious.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

<br />
<br />Look  at the bed-full-of-boxers   <img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':D' /> How wonderful .<br />
<br /><br />Pers, I think we need to keep feeding Jed a Boxer thread every now and again,   <img src='http://www.dolforums.com.au/public/style_emoticons/default/rofl1.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':rofl:' />  so that we can see those gorgeous photos again..  The three in a bed is just precious.<br />
<br /><br /><br />

:) good plan !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While many others are giving great advice and suggestions of breeds that would be right for you, I feel like your heart is already set on a Boxer!

From what others have said Boxers could fit well into your lifestyle and if you feel like they are perfect for you, you should go for it! :thumbsup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The photos are definitely tipping the balance!

I actually read on anoher breed discussion topic, someone said that although practicalities are important, it's also important to follow your heart a little bit. So I think my heart will lead me right to a squishy Boxer puppy. I was interested to see if the consensus would be 'no way, a Boxer is a terrible fit for your family!' But since that hasn't been the case, it has definitely made me feel confident in my most likely decision.

I have had my eyes opened to the beauty of Dalmations though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's one thing being one-track minded and refusing to have anything else when a breed definitely not fit for your lifestyle, but it's another when you are capable and suitable for owning a certain breed. :) You managed to do all the research and ask others for advice to help you with your decision, so it is an educated decision and not one based completely on just "what you want"!

Hope you find what you are looking for, and whatever you pick in the end will be the right breed for you and your family!

Edited by nyssel
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share


×
×
  • Create New...