My Boxer Blogz

When trying to find a new boxer puppy to add to your family, there are a few things to consider. You must realize that owning a boxer is a full time job and not something you decide on a whim. Please consider the following facts about the boxer breed. The following list is more of reasons NOT to get a boxer. But it is important for you to realize the issues you will have for the long haul.

Do you own or rent your home?
Owning a home with a decent sized yard is very important. Boxers love the outdoors. If you don’t have the energy or the time to exercise your boxer I would not recommend purchasing one. If boxer puppies do not get enough exercise they will be pent up with energy and will most likely chew up anything in their sight.  Having an apartment most likely means you have a small living space.  Unless you are willing to commit taking your boxer outdoors please do not get one.

Do you have the energy to handle a powerful dog?
Boxers may be considered a medium sized dog breed , but they have the strength of a large dog. I often see boxers walking their owners and getting out of hand when another person comes near them. With such a strong dog pulling at the leash you should have the strength to handle your boxer.  I use a choke collar which helps in controlling any unwanted behavior.

Will you train your boxer?
Obedience training is highly recommended at an early age. Boxers are eager to please their owners so basic training is very easy. Simple commands such a sit , come , stay and down are easy to teach , especially with treats on hand!  If you are not going to train your boxer do not get one.  One thing I hate is seeing owners not taking the responsibility to train their dog.  There is nothing worse then seeing a boxer get out of hand and not listening to their owner.  So if you are not going to discipline or train your boxer…   DO NOT GET ONE.

Can you afford a boxer?
You should know that the boxer breed is prone to various health conditions. This is why it is important that you find a reputable boxer breeder.  Cost does not always translate into quality but you do not want to purchase a boxer for 50 dollars from a puppy mill.  You dont know the quality of the litters.  Expect to spend  hundreds of dollars for a quality boxer.  I always like to visit the breeder and meet them.  This will give me the peace of mind to know that I am making the right investment.    In order to keep a boxer healthy you should feed a boxer premium dog food.  We feed ours Nutro ultra , its about 50 dollars per bag and we go through 75 dollars a month worth of food.  You will want to get heartworm  and tick medicine as well.  This will run you about 20-30 dollars a month.  Not to mention any other vet appointments and problems you may have.  If you are on the Dave Ramsey plan , you have no business buying a boxer. In our first year of owning our oldest boxer weve spent well over 1500 dollars in bills.

Do you travel alot?
Do you like to travel?  Well so do boxers , any owner will tell you they will be the first one to jump in the car!  If you have to go to town every other day and leave your puppy behind , you do not need a boxer.  Without their owners boxers can get depressed.  They are very social and need to have your companionship as much as possible to be balanced.  If you constantly crate or leave your boxer in a kennel you should not get one.  Also boarding a boxer can cost around 15-20 dollars a day.  This is another expense.

These warnings can be for any dog breed , these were specifically chosen because of their impact a boxer will have on your life.  If you cannot provide a good home for your boxer , please consider getting a hamster!

I have many more thoughts on this , more to come I promise!