Is boxer a good breed of dog??

Question

Our pet parrot was put to sleep a few months ago and I have always wanted a dog. We feared getting a dog with our very aggressive bird because we knew they wouldn't get along. I have come into a family friend that has a one year old boxer that is potty-trained and crate-trained and has a good temperment. They are getting rid of him because he likes to dig their "expensive" landscaping. I don't mind digging and he probably isn't getting enough attention or play-time. What do you think??

Answer 1

Firstly, I'm very sorry about your parrot. I have a friend who lives on a farm and she has to see many animals put down and many births fail. Needless to say, it's a really sad thing....

If you have the time to devote to him (And I assume you do) this is a great chance for you! Every boxer I meet is affectionate, playful, and very intelligent, and if he's already house trained, he should be a great pet. I say go for it!

Answer 2

Your first few replies were RIGHT ON. '12' sums things up beautifully! My home is blessed with 2 boxer boys currently (4 yo and 3.5 yo) who are both rescued boxers. I adopted my very first thru rescue. I would never get a boxer from any other source. My first was 3 when he came to live with us. I will tell you from experience, a rescued adult boxer CAN and WILL 'learn new tricks.' Just because one buys a puppy DOES NOT mean you will be able to train it easier! A very common myth! If you want the type of boxer you have admired, please know that did not happen on it own! Boxers take a lot of work and consistent training. And it is SO worth it! My boys can and do go just about anywhere with me - we all love it! My best advise is to research boxer rescue websites. Read their information about the breed. I believe rescues sometimes tend to focus on the negatives of the breed, but they do so with the best of loving intentions; they simply want the boxer dog's next home to be their last home (or their 'forever' as rescues like to state). You will read things such as "is a boxer right for you,' 'boxer health concerns,' 'temperament,' 'to crate or not to crate' and ideal living conditions. As someone already mentioned, but always worth repeating; a boxer can not thrive living outdoors. Joining a boxer rescue organization and offering to be a foster home can open up your heart and home to the breed while you decide if it can be a good fit. And while you are fostering for a rescue, you will find the perfect match! (in rescue, the term 'foster flunky' is used - but with deep joy in that another has found a loving home). It probably won't be the first one, in fact, I think it should not be the first one - it may be your third or fourth foster, but your boxer will find you! My very best to you - don't hesitate to reply, anytime. Boxer slurps

Answer 3

If they got rid of him because he was digging up their landscaping, then why didn't they fix that problem rather than getting rid of the dog? What else is going on here? Sounds like they kept him outside unattended. Perhaps behind an invisible fence? Any dog trainer could have fixed the digging issue provided that he was not left unattended. I would be a bit concerned that he will be woofy with strangers and skitish if he has been left outside by himself and allowed to let his Boxer ways (protective) go unchecked. Could be a handful if so. Find out why they didn't fix the digging problem and if they left him unattended all the time in the yard. You may need this information later.

Answer 4

I like the suggestion of taking the Boxer on a trial basis. Boxers dig, yes. Mine does. I simply learned not to put expensive landscaping where my Boxers play. It would be wrong for me to set up my entire yard just to make me happy without considering my Boxers' happiness.

Boxers are a wonderful breed. Very busy, very smart and very interactive. If you are looking for a breed that wants to be your constant shadow and your best buddy, it sounds like this might be a great fit.

To the person who mentioned heart problems, yes it is a problem in Boxers. It is also a huge problem in Cavies, Dobes, Newfies and Goldens. It is becoming a more apparent problem in many others breeds as well.

And FYI: Heart and Cancer are also a problem in Humans :)

Answer 5

Merely a suggestion. Be a foster-parent to your friends dog if you are seriously considering adding (him?) to your household. How do you get along with it now?

Some boxers drool quite a bit. No problem if you don't mind but rather messy if you're running out the door in nice clothes.

A good point: nice smooth coated dogs like this don't need constant grooming like some breeds.

Another consideration is current and future housing for this large breed. Many apartment complexes won't except certain breeds or large dogs.
People who are not familiar with dog breeds may confuse it with a pit bull.

Answer 6

well Ive bred, raised and owned many many boxers, and consider them to be one of the better all around breeds. Great with families, naturally protective but not aggresive. Very social and generally really solid minded dogs. I would say yes, just make sure your personalities match and u are willing to provide quality care, attention, vet needs and exersise. All dogs are a commitment and not to be entered into lightly. good luck

Answer 7

To be honest, my experiences with boxers have been a mixed bag. I've known some very dominant ones that were aggressive and difficult to train (and one that was difficult to house train) and not good with kids, and I've know a couple very nice ones. I wouldn't recommend one generally for a first-time owner, but if this one is known to have a good temperament and good training and good housetraining, it may work out fine for you.

Answer 8

boxer is an excellent dog. they are very smart and very affectionate and "big lug" cute you cant make a mistake with this breed. get a book on them (local library) and they love playing and their own toys to interact with you with. p.s. you can break the digging with attention diversion

Answer 9

I work for a Veterinary Cardiologist in Michigan, and I just wanted to let you know that we are currently doing a study on Boxers, because of their HIGH risk of congestive heart failure. Im not sure what happens to them, but out of all breeds, Boxers get it like wildfire, and young... Its $320 for a test, then if he has it, lots of medicine just to keep him comfortable. It gets very expensive... Just to let you know, not to scare you, I just know our doctors say never to get this breed because of their heart issues. Besides that, they are very very sweet dogs!

Answer 10

boxrs are HIGH energy pups and dogs.
that dog will always dig, he is releasing some of his energy.
if i were you i would go pick out your own new pet, and not take on someone else's hyper dog.
God bless you and your family.
Saint Bernard Breeder in Indiana since 1977