my man says they are stupid dogs and act like puppies all their lives. does anyone have one and what are they like as pets?? i have 4 young kids and he thinks it is the wrong dog to get cos it will always jump all over them, is he right??
2006-10-13 07:44:05 · 17 answers · asked by nicola 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Boxers are very bouncy dogs which need alot of time & energy. They are not suitable for lap dogs and can have a high energetic drive which if not channeled the correct way through exercise, mental stimulation and basic obedience training, it will translate into bad behaviour like chewing etc... Some boxers keep their puppy like status longer and they are very energetic. With 4 young children i would advise against a boxer pup untill you all have had experince owning a dog and also when the kids are much older. There are lots of older dogs in rescue despratley in need a loving home. There maybe an older boxer. This will give you a chance to meet a dog with the family and see how you all interact. If you really want a dog but husband says no then volunteer at your local rescues to walk some of the dogs. Let your kids interact with them. If they respect the animals welfare and are upto looking after their own pet then hubbie will see this and prehaps a compromise could be reached.
2006-10-13 08:04:04 · answer #1 · answered by sonic 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ouch....your man is harsh!
I'm an AKC Boxer breeder, have two of my own and run a city Boxer rescue, obviously I'm partial :) But, I can be honest about the breed.....
Boxers are the most loyal and protective breed you will ever find. If you want to ensure no other dog or person ever approaches your house, your kids, or your yard without your knowledge - Boxers are the way to go! They will protect you and your family from all threats - great or small. In addition, they will always be ready to play whenever you are.....they just enjoy spending time with you.
However.....I can tell you that some of the other answers listed are correct. Most Boxers stay puppies for most of their life - not always a bad thing, but can be annoying if you are looking for a "cat-like dog". Some do have a saliva problem, but most do not (it's Mastiffs that you want to stay away from if you don't want to see ropes of spit around your house - just think "Turner and Hooch"). Also, some boxers can be a little rough with children - they seem them as someone they wish to please, but don't understand the sheer mass difference between themselves and smaller children.
All in all.....Boxers are a very brillant and wonderful breed. However, if you are looking for a calm dog to sit by the fire - don't choose a Boxer :)
2006-10-13 08:10:18 · answer #2 · answered by mcrunner3 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 Boxers and would not trade them for anything. They are exceptionally smart, some are stubborn, they stay puppies for ever, they want to be with you and not in the yard, they (if you have the time) train well. With 4 kids, I would be sure to get one that is used to kids and behaves around them. They can very easily jump on a kiddo and hurt them and not mean to. Some are very protective of the kids and settle down when around them. Check with a Boxer rescue and see if they have one that would work with your family. Your husband is NOT CORRECT about them being stupid. If he doesn't want the dog to jump on the kids then don't get any dog cause they will all do that UNLESS YOU TEACH THEM NOT TO.
Good luck !
2006-10-13 17:17:59 · answer #3 · answered by MANDYLBH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a boxer mix. I love her with all my heart- but I know if I had a child- I would proably have to find her another home. My dog isn't a puppy anymore, but she is still very excitable. AND SMART! But she does jump- mainly because we did not stop that action when she was a pup. I wouldn't say not to get a boxer- but I would reccomend holding off until your youngest is at least 5. They can provide lots of excercise for the dog! and you can work together as a family to train the dog.
2006-10-13 08:51:50 · answer #4 · answered by Lady in Pink 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always hate to agree with a man! But I think he is right. They are beautiful dogs and very affectionate. BUT, they are large and clumsy. They are a slight bit mentally slow. They never grow up, they always act like puppies. Yes, they will love the kids but they will jump on them. We had one and when my son (six years) at the time would run from Chopper, the dog would literally pin him up against a wall and lick him to death..........
They are VERY stubborn. That's why they are difficult to train. You have to work with them every single day of the week, twice a day or I swear they forget.
A Boxer owner must be very patient and very focused. If you have four children I don't think this is possible. But I wouldn't have a dog if I had four children either. Any breed is like another child.
2006-10-13 08:01:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
he is right. I used to breed and show them and still like them as a breed but they are flipping lunatics. They require loads and loads of off the lead running every day and not just around your garden. They can jump 6 foot fences and will do so if they are bored. They will knock the kids over for sure. But they are fantastic with children. It takes a certain sort of dog owner to be able to cope with a boxer. Sadly I am no longer able to since I am now middle aged and more than a little lazy.I know I would not be able to keep one fit and happy.
2006-10-13 11:19:44 · answer #6 · answered by fenlandfowl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've known a few people that once owned Boxers..... they did not know what they got in to.......... They weren't prepared for the boxers energy and the commitment that is required with the breed, The dogs are great pet and all however if some one is not home allot of the day its cruel to the boxer because of their activity level and the fact that they are people dogs.... They often get in to trouble because of their high intelligence..... check out the link,
2006-10-13 08:15:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A boxer is really not the breed for anyone who's not experienced with dogs - especially not with 4 young kids. You might want to look at breeds that are a bit easier to manage.
2006-10-13 07:46:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
i would say with four kids you wouldnt have the time a boxer needs. why dont you go and fill out an onlinre questionaire to assess your life etc to see what type of dog might be suitable to your life. when you have found thie dog of your dreams why dont you also have a look in your local rescue homes because there are some stunning dogs in these place who are so loving and could offer you so much.
2006-10-13 08:25:37 · answer #9 · answered by chris j 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, they are a bit daft, but very loving and certainly trainable. It is possible to get your boxer to be gentle with children, if you have it from a small puppy. We have one here, and she is so gorgeous, my friend who also lives here is in a wheelchair, and she (the dog) has learnt what the limitations are, and she is very gentle and careful. I think you will be fine as long as you train the puppy well. She will probably be very energetic all her life, love long walks and are very very loyal. It is probably easier to get a different type though if you are worried, labradors are very good with kids.
2006-10-13 11:05:34 · answer #10 · answered by anna f 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋