Where can I adopt a purebred boxer for my girl? Can't afford the $200 fee. petfinder has nothing?

Question

OK I didn't mean that I cannot afford the $200 fee. I meant that since I may be buying a $5000 engagement ring soon, I don't want to pay fullprice for the dog AND then all the vet fees and such, I'm not STUPID I know dogs are expensive to own!!

Answer 1

I have a free one in Ky. Come and get him.

Answer 2

You should probably just wait on the dog if you "have" to buy such an expensive ring. Or if it's that big of deal, you should talk to your girl about getting a less expensive ring and put more $ towards the dog. $200 is a really great deal for a purebred anything! Vet bills get pretty high in the first few months too, so even if a dog is "free" it really isn't since you need to buy supplies and pay for vet bills.

Answer 3

Try the A.S.P.C.A.,
If I were considering a Boxer...


My major concerns would be:


Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Boxers don't need or want miles of running exercise, but they MUST have regular opportunities to vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored -- which they usually express by destructive chewing. Bored Boxers can make a shambles of your house and yard.

Bounciness. Young Boxers (up to about two years old) can be bulls in a china shop. When they romp and jump, they do so with great vigor, and things can go flying, including people.

If you have small children, or if you or anyone who lives with you is elderly or infirm, I do not recommend Boxer puppies. The temptation to play roughly is simply too strong in many young Boxers.


Providing enough socialization. Many Boxers have protective instincts toward strangers. They need extensive exposure to friendly people so they learn to recognize the normal behaviors of "good guys." Then they can recognize the difference when someone acts abnormally. Without careful socialization, they may be suspicious of everyone, which could lead to biting. Some Boxers go in the opposite direction -- without enough socialization, they become fearful of strangers, which can lead to defensive biting.

In this day and age, the legal liabilities of owning any breed that looks intimidating and has a history as a guard dog should be seriously considered. People are quicker to sue if such a dog does anything even remotely questionable.


Animal aggression. Many Boxers are dominant or aggressive toward other dogs of the same sex. Some have strong instincts to chase and seize cats and other fleeing creatures. If anything goes wrong in the breeding, socializing, training, handling, or management of this breed, it is capable of seriously injuring or killing other animals.

Stubbornness. Boxers are not Golden Retrievers. The best Boxers are capable of learning a great deal, but they have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. Many Boxers are very stubborn. Some are dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.

To teach your Boxer to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Boxer Training Page discusses the program you need.


Shedding. For such a shorthaired dog, Boxers shed more than you might think. Their short coarse hairs come off on your hands when you pet them, and stick tenaciously to your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting.

Boxer sounds. Because of the short face, Boxers snort, snuffle, wheeze, grunt, and snore loudly. The sounds are endearing to some people; nerve-wracking to others.

Slobbering. Many Boxers, especially those with loose jowls, slobber or drool, especially after eating and drinking.

Gassiness (flatulence) that can send you running for cover. Fortunately, Boxers who are fed a natural diet of real meat and other fresh foods have much less trouble with gassiness. See my Boxer Health Page for more information.

Serious health problems. Heart disease and cancer are devastating Boxers today.

To keep this breed healthy, I strongly recommend following all of the advice on my Boxer Health Page.



If you're considering an adult Boxer...


There are plenty of adult Boxers who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.

When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.

Answer 4

If you can't afford $200 to buy a dog, don't get a dog. The purchase price of an animal is the cheap part. You'll spend at least that much on shots right away. The dog will need food whether you have any money or not. It will need veterinary care throughout its life. It will need a collar and leash, a dish, microchipping, neutering, and in most states, you will have to pay for a pet license.

If you get a dog when you really can't afford one, you'll run the risk of being one of those morons who write in here "my dog is bleeding/seizing/won't eat/can't get up/coughing/got hit by a car (pick one) and I can't afford to go to the vet. What should I do". PLEASE don't be one of those morons. Wait until you are in a better place financially before committing to bring a pet into your life.

Answer 5

Go to www.akc.org - click on 'breeds' then 'breed rescue', and find a Boxer rescue group close to you. They usually charge a nominal fee for care expenses incurred. But remember, dogs are an on-going expense with food & vet bills. Plan accordingly!

Answer 6

If you are short on cash, why does it need to be a purebred boxer? Why not a friendly, happy mixed breed pup from petfinder or your local shelter?

Keep in mind that within the dogs first month, you will need to spend about $500-800 on supplies and bills, ranging from spay/neuter, first vet visit, food, toys, leash, training classes or books/DVDs.

Answer 7

well you need to try boxer rescues. they usually have the good ones. they sometimes have them being adopted for a reasonable rate. some of them are under $150. good luck in finding the dog for your little girl.

Answer 8

If you can't afford to spend $200 to buy the dog, then you really can't afford one.

Dogs are expensive to keep and feed...and if anything goes wrong, vet bills can get into the thousands of dollars very quickly.

Answer 9

found purebred rottie from shelter, $15. best rottie i've ever had. go look, call, look up area shelters and go to websites. found mine 3 hours from our home. there are no limitations and cheap prices if you have time to do the research. also list your name and what you're looking for with some shelters, they know about them before they get them and contact those on waiting lists first.

Answer 10

try locating a boxer rescue group in your area. You can find one through www.akc.org.