Will a Boxer Make a Good Pet Dog: The Pros and Cons

As with any pet, you need to be sure that everyone in the prospective new dog's family agrees that having a pet is a good thing. Once you decide to bring a pet dog into your home, you will need to decide what breed will best suit your needs, desires, lifestyle and temperament. In order to consider whether or not the Boxer is a good choice for you and your family, let's look at the good and the challenging aspects of raising a pet Boxer.

Pros:

Boxers are obedient. In fact, they are frequently entered in obedience competitions. This means they will be easy to train, and will find it easier to adapt to your parameters.

Pet Boxers make excellent guard dogs. They are loyal, brave, and courageous, so, if there is an intruder in your home, or they think that you or anyone in your family is in trouble, they will be there to protect you.

This breed makes a wonderful companion. They love to be with their owners and are up for any activity at hand.

Some Boxers can learn to be herders, therapy dogs, or service dogs, which is another good indicator of their intelligence and obedient nature.

Boxers are the "hunks" of the dog world. Their strong, handsome physique is very easy on the eye.

Have children in the family? This is great for a pet Boxer...they really like the young ones.

Boxers are not "yappers" but they will let you know when they think there may be a problem.

Cons:

Boxers can have several health issues, such as: heart problems, spinal disease, epilepsy, cancer, hip issues, and allergies. Regular visits to your vet will help to head off these problems. A health diet is also improt for their well being.

Because they are such good guard dogs, if they see you rough-housing, they might misinterpret that as trouble and try to protect you from the other party.

They need to be carefully watched in severe cold or heat.

If a pet Boxer gets bored, they might engage in activities that are undesirable, like chewing, digging, etc.

Boxers do shed but this can be lessened by daily brushing.

Occasionally a Boxer will drool in excess and will drip water all over after drinking.

With a good, non-processed natural food diet, plenty of play time with the family, proper socialization, affection, visits to the veterinarian, and exercise, Boxers will be some of the best friends families will ever have. Many owners agree that a pet Boxer is the best example of having great affection in our lives that is ignorant of our faults. It appears that a Boxer is completely uncritical and could care less about your faults, just as long you love and care for them. If you and your family want a pet that will fit into your family's lifestyle, a pet Boxer will probably fill the bill nicely.