How to Find a Boxer Breeder

Once you've decided that the boxer is the right breed for you, it's time to find a breeder. Because boxers are such a popular breed, it is fairly easy to find boxer puppies in the newspaper or on the Internet. It is better to take some time finding a breeder, however. Boxers are prone to some health conditions that can severely compromise their length and quality of life, and not all breeders perform the necessary screening.

Where to Start

The best starting point in the search for a conscientious Boxer breeder is your local Boxer Club. The American Boxer Club has a list, and many individual club websites list member contact information. Another option is to go to a dog show and talk with the Boxer people there (after Boxers are done showing for the day). It's a common misconception that only show puppies come from show breeders - in fact, most puppies in a litter are not destined for the show ring, but make highly desirable pets.

Once you've identified a few breeders that look promising, call or e-mail them for more information. Give them a little of your background, tell them why you've decided the Boxer is the right breed for you, and tell them why you're interested in their dogs in particular. Most breeders will take over the conversation at this point, but there are some questions you'll want to ask if the breeder doesn't cover them.

Questions to Ask

You'll want to ask first about the health of the parents and any tests they've had done. There is a list of recommended health screening developed by the American Boxer Club, and a conscientious breeder should be familiar with these tests and the conditions for which they screen. While some of the tests screen for conditions which are uncommon or easily treatable, the heart diseases common in Boxers can be devastating and lead to sudden early death. Be sure to ask for hard copies of any tests performed; you should be able to obtain these before you take the puppy home.

Next, ask the breeder why they chose this particular breeding pair. A conscientious breeder wants to preserve those traits that made them fall in love with the breed in the first place. They will have evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of their female, and sought out a male that complements and improves upon those areas. If the breeder chose the male simply because he was in close proximity or had a low stud fee, it may be an indication that they aren't producing dogs that have the qualities which led you to choose a Boxer as your breed of choice.

Finally, discuss the breeder's contract and health warranty. Be sure you understand all of the conditions covered by the contract before you sign it. Contracts vary widely, but some there are some common key points. You should have at least two business days to take the puppy to your vet, and return it for a full refund if a significant health problem is found. The breeder should be willing to take back the dog at any time if you can no longer keep it, and most will require you to give them the first option to do so. A conscientious breeder will have a sterilization or non-breeding clause in a pet puppy contract, so that the puppies they produce are not bred carelessly. Health warranties are also widely varied - be cautious of those which require you to return the dog before any recompense is given, or which are voided if the dog has been spayed or neutered. As well, a one-year health warranty for a condition that is not detected or cleared until two years of age is generally not very helpful.

Patience is a Virtue

After settling on a breeder, you may face the possibility that they won't have puppies available for several months or more. Often they will be happy to refer you to other breeders they trust and respect, especially if it's going to be an extremely long time until their next litter. That said, a well-bred Boxer puppy can be expensive, and having several months to save for the purchase may be a blessing in disguise.

These steps, though they may seem time-consuming, are well worth the effort in the end. By ensuring you're purchasing your puppy from a conscientious breeder, you are giving yourself the best odds of having a dog that looks like a Boxer is supposed to look, acts like a Boxer is supposed to act, and lives a long, healthy, happy life.