Consider a Fun and Loving Boxer

When you decide you are ready for a puppy, the question is "What kind of breed do I want?" First off, not every breed is good for every person. I once owned a miniature pincher and let me tell you, we did not make a good pair. We still loved each other of course, but I knew it wasn't going to work out. If I would of only researched the breed first I probably would have never chosen it. He was much too hyper for me, notice I did not say energetic, because there is a difference in my book. I think some of you might know what I'm referring to if you own this type of dog or one that has a similar personality. He constantly demanded my attention and wasn't very independent. Don't worry. He has a great home now with people that are truly right for him.

What makes the Boxer so great?
I'm going to give my opinion on one of the best breeds I have ever come across. It is the Boxer. The Boxer is good for a lot of people in so many ways. They are fun, lovable,smart, courageous, and overall great family pets. Who doesn't want a pet that has all those great characteristics? If you have kids that is a major plus for a Boxer. Boxers are absolutely wonderful with kids and they easily make best friends. Just be sure to teach your kids how to respect your boxer or any dog for that matter. We don't want any children getting bit or worse. A Boxer is a very loyal dog to the whole family and doesn't just cling to one person. I'm telling you people this breed is just way too much fun!

Little Bitty Bad Points
I have to be honest. Even though the Boxer is great ,that doesn't mean it is perfect. No dog is for that matter. That is like asking a human to be perfect, which is impossible. Boxers are "jumpers" and big time "chewers." They can be rambunchous, especially when they are overly excited or during play time. But all this can be corrected by simply laying down rules and abiding by them. Just like with any breed you need to establish that YOU are the leader of the pack. No if's or but's about it. Once you let down your guard it will cause unacceptable behavior from your furry friend. Boxers are very good at testing their limits, but with discipline they learn quickly about how their mannerism should be projected. In my experience the jumping issue is easily corrected with a stern command of "stay down." While I'm giving this command I keep my hands at my side not up in the air. Anytime you put your hands up in front of a jumping dog it's like an open invitation to jump on you more. As far as the chewing issue, just make sure you have plenty of chew toys lying around for your boxer. Make sure your boxer knows what is appropriate to chew on. If I caught my boxer chewing on something she wasn't supposed to, I simply said to her "no" , took the item away from her and replaced it with one of her toys. Then if she started chewing on the toy I gave her I gave her praise. This technique proved to be the most useful and she caught on quickly.

DO NOT get a Boxer if ...
Whew! now that we have the bad points out of the way they really don't seem that bad now do they? On a note, if you want to get a dog and have it spend most of it's time in a backyard with no attention, DO NOT get a Boxer. Don't get any dog for that matter because it's just down right cruel. Dogs naturally want to be part of the pack and with their family. A Boxer especially can become your worst nightmare if it is treated this way.

Health issues in Boxers and Misc.
Boxers are overall pretty healthy but, they are known for cancers, tumors, more often heart problems, and their digestive system doesn't get an A+. Be selective of what you feed your boxer. I avoid table food 90% of the time because it just doesn't settle well with my boxer's stomach. This is really no big deal in my opinion. Stick to dry food that has all the nutrients your dog needs and one that agrees with his or her stomach and you will be fine. As far as the other health issues, don't get freaked out about them. To be on the safe side, if you decide you want a boxer I would find a well respected and known breeder that breeds for the overall health of the breed and their loving dispositions. This might help put your mind to rest if you are worried about unknown future health issues and aggressivness issues. I say "aggressiveness" because a lot of people seem really misinformed about the Boxer. A lot of people think the Boxer is this wild vicious dog that will attack any chance it gets just because it comes from a long line of fighting dogs way back when. That is nonsense and the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. These people have no idea what they are talking about and have probably never owned or been around a boxer,so disregard these kind of comments. Any dog can be mean if treated uproperly.