My teenage son wants a dog, after doing some research, he decided to go with a Boxer? Is this a good dog?

Question

for first time owner? I appreciate your input.

I thank you all for your input and I like all your answers. However, one or two people actually made a good point which I will consider carefully and thoroughly. My son is soon to be 20 years old and already has a full time job and soon will be returning to college. Reading all your feedback, I honestly don't think we can meet the dog's expectations especially that we all work full time and to my understanding the dog does not like to be left alone for a long period of time each day.

Again, thank you all so much, truly appreciate your answers.

Answer 1

It is my firm belief that all dogs are good. It souly depends on the owner. Regardless of how old the dog is, behaviors can be relearned. Though if you get it as a pup, it makes it that much easier because you don't first have to get rid of bad behaviors, just teach it the proper ones. Firstly, you need to be sure that both you and your son are capeable of handling this kind of dog. Boxers are natural fighters and have lots of energy. Basically meaning, without proper exercise to expell this energy, it's possible that the dog could turn aggressive. On the same hand, if the dog doesn't have stability at home, and by this I mean dominant owners who practice corrective discipline (not hitting the dog for wrong-doing, this is Never an effective training method, but by teaching the dog that it's unacceptable) and appropriate affection when the dog is in a calm and submissive state of mind, then again, aggression could become a possibility. This really goes with any dog, though. Dogs Need Stability and a Dominant Authority Figure. First and foremost. Without they will see you as the weaker animal and won't hesitate to take control. With proper training, exercise, discipline and affection, you really couldn't ask for a better or happier dog, mentally or physically. So it's not so much the breed you should worry about as much as you should worry about your ability to control it. Both you and your son. Best of luck to the newest addition to your family!

Answer 2

You have chosen the best companion dog in the world! I am a little jaded after owning 5 and presently have 2 boxer girls. There were boxers in my family before I was born and I have grown up with them throughout my life. What age are you considering? If you wish for an older animal a rescue is the way to go. I recently adopted a sweet and loving 2-3 year old girl and she is wonderful. She came to us with all her shots, spayed and family tested. If you are looking for a puppy then be prepared to spend the next 3 years of your life with an adolescent. I also have a 8 month old I got when she was 7 weeks and she is very much a hand full, but a great joy. They key to any animal is exercise, discipline and affection. Best to you and you will gaining a life long friend and companion.
PS: Ask me about my boxers......

Answer 3

I am an owner of a 3 year old Boxer.
They need someone to be there with them at home. They do not like to be left in a crate or at home. They need at least 30 minutes of energy per day or else they may start tearing up the house like pillows, shoe's ect. They need daily walks and play time. They love car rides when they are no longer puppies. They always want your attention. So the key question's to ask your self. (for your son)
1) Do you have the time and energy daily to be and play with the boxer?
2) Are you willing to sacrifice your own schedual for your dog? Some of the things that you like or want to do will have to be put on hold because the dog will come first.
3) Are you willing to put a lot of time in to training your dog? because all dog's need to be trained to sit, stay, come, heel and so on.

Oh and Yes, very slobbery in the tongues, they love to lick you and lick the air, It just comes natural to a boxer. And they like to cuddle with you as well.

Answer 4

Remember to research yourself as well, it usually ends up being a joint owned dog, parents often end up doing a lot more with the dog than expected.

No matter the breed - the more you put in to the dog the more you get out. DO obedience classes, it helps even the most advanced pet owners.

Boxers are a working breed of dog, you should read up on the breed and what the history is.

Answer 5

Boxers are great for teenage sons. Especially teenage sons who especially bother to do research They are very active, as I hope your son is too. Boxers are so much fun to be around, and I strongly taking him everywhere to keep him active and happy. They are very easy to socialize and easy to train, if done consistently. I reccomend buying a clicker and have son do a little research on clicker training. Boxers are great beginner dogs who rarely have behavioral issues is in a very active home.

Answer 6

I grew up with a boxer, He was wonderful. Very spirited and requires lots of area to run around in. they actually can jump up into the air and snatch a bird in flight right out of the air. Not to be too gruesome but boxers are lovely, sensitive and loyal to the death. They do not need to be physically reprimanded or scolded harshly. They are smart and learn easily. They need lots and lots of things to chew on or they will come looking for your things to chew on. I mean they need lots of chew toys. A boxer will be your son's best friend. I am so happy for you.

Answer 7

In my opinion, your son needs to do some more in-depth research. This is a breed that's not recommended for inexperienced dog owners. Boxers are extremely high energy and playful, but they're also independent and stubborn, they get very destructive if bored, they're smart but do not always listen because of their independence.

In short, they're a lot of dog to handle unless their owners have some knowledge of basic dog psychology and a lot of common sense, as well as the time this dog demands.

Answer 8

Your teenage son made the decision?

First, teenagers should not be allowed to own dogs. Period. What happens when he goes off to college? What happens when he joins track/football/soccer/chess club/french club etc? What happens when the dog needs to be altered, gets hurt, or gets sick? Does he have $200-$1000 to pay for proper vet care? What happens *after* college when he works 8+ hours a day?

You need to look at this as it being your dog. Boxers have a TON of energy. They SHOULD NOT be crated for 8 hours a day while everyone is at work. They need a ton of attention - they are big babies a lot of the time. They are incredibly loving and can be protective, but they are a handful. They are not a part-time dog. They are easily family dogs - they should be kept inside and given lots of love ALL day long.

Also, contrary to what another answerers said, Boxers ABSOLUTELY do have health problems. They can have thyroid, heart, eye, and hip problems (among others). They can also shed A LOT!

I recommend you and your family take a long hard look at whether you want a 60-90 pound dog running your lives at this stage. A boxer really needs people around - they cannot be happy as afterthoughts. Do the research on your own - teenagers are notorious on liking the 'look' of things and only doing research that supports their wants.

Start here: http://www.hoabc.org/meettheboxer.htm
http://www.hoabc.org/aqualityboxer.htm
http://www.hoabc.org/buy-pup.htm

Any breeder that does not question you fully and that is basically selling pups because 'they love dogs' or 'for money' or 'because their boxer pet is beautiful', should be run from. These are called Backyard Breeders are are terribly unscrupulous. They should be avoided, as should pet shops and people who sell via newspaper ads, internet ads, or internet sites.

Boxers are one of my all time favourite dogs, but I'm glad I didn't get one my first time around. I just know that it would have been overwhelming for me.

Good luck to you and your son. : )

Answer 9

Do YOU want a Boxer? If/when he goes to college, gets a new gf, moves out etc etc it will become your dog. It is also your legal responsibility while it is living in your house. Do your own research and make the final decision.

Answer 10

good dog i have one thats almost a year old..they do great with kids and is protetive of the family.
training is needed so the pup dont become destrictive, mine loved puppy class and really misses it. boxers need lots of interaction with people they are dogs who think they are humans so lots of play time is needed.
if you son is a responsable kid then yes a boxer will be a great friend for your son..