Boxer good family dog?

[Chelley00]

We had to put our boxer down last August. He was 11, had been abused as a puppy (makes me puke just thinking of it) which contributed to his hip dysplasia (a common occurence in boxers) Someone said something about lumps, our boxer had a couple of lumps but the vet just kept an eye on them and they never had to be removed.

He was the BEST dog and if we ever have another dog, it will be a boxer. They are GREAT family pets, good with kids, not agressive (usually) and the butt wiggle when they get excited is hysterical They think they are big puppies and love to be close to their owners. They are smart and easily trained and can be hyper if they aren't exercised.

Our neighbors loved our boxer so much they got one.

 

[SCADC]

Boxers - LOVE THEM!

We have two now and have had two in the past. Our first Boxer was a flashy fawn male (Marty) and was CKC registered. He cost $250 and he was diagnosed with Leukemia on his 2nd birthday and was so weak by that time, we had to put him down the next day. We loved him dearly.

Our second Boxer (Chance) was AKC and cost $450. He was also a flashy fawn. I had a hard time finding one at that time and had to travel over 3 hours to get him. He had multiple problems from a heart problem to abcessed teeth that had to be surgically removed. We referred to him as our $1 million dog. He lived to be 7 and we think he had a heart attack. He died while we were in Ukraine adopting our son.

Our sweet Chloe is a rescue from the local shelter and she is "checkered." She is white with brown spots and one brown eye and one blue. She is now 10 years old and has had few health problems until the last year. She has to take medication to prevent UTIs. She loves all other dogs and adjusted well when we brought our son home. She did let him know that he couldn't pull on her jowls and she did nip him once, but has never done that again. She has taken a lot off of him in the past 1 1/2 years and loves him dearly. She grieved terribly when we lost Chance - it didn't help that we were 5,000 miles away, but our family spent extra time with her.

We just got our new puppy on 10-7. He is AKC and CKC registerable. We haven't completed any paperwork yet. It is only important for breeding, show or agility and we don't plan to do any of that. He is a flashy brindle and he is a big boy! He is 13 weeks old and weighs at least 26 lbs. He cost $350 and we found him locally. I had a lot to chose from this time and we are extremely happy with him. He gives our 10 year old female a workout, but she is so sweet with him.

Boxers have to be trained. They have been easy to house train and can be headstrong, but when trained properly, they are the best dogs!

As long as we have a dog, we will always have a Boxer!

 

[brooklyn615]

We have a wonderful boxer, her name is Brooklyn. She will be 13 in March of 2012. She was my kid before I had kids, and I still count her as one of my kids- she's just has a bit more hair than the boys. My boys dress her up, play with her and snuggle with her. We have been very lucky that she has been so healthy, and I do attribute it to good breeding. I am lucky to be an LVT so I have some background knowledge and was lucky enough to know a Veterinarian who bred boxers when I was looking. Boxers are great dogs, they are fabulous family pets, quick learners and active pets. They do however have a few issues that the breed is known for. The breed is linked to cancers, cardiac issues and thyroid issues. It's not to say that they are a sickly breed, just that many have these problems come up in the breed. I have never regretted my choice of breeds and feel like anyone would be lucky to have one in their lives!
I don't know how to post a photo or I would post one of Brooklyn- she was Captain Jack Sparrow for Halloween this year!

 

[pixiepoo24637]

I LOVE the breed. They are very energetic & playful & the ones we have owned have been awesome family dogs. Proctective, loyal & I will repeat HIGH energy. Our first boxer lived until he has 8. He developed severe hip dysplasia (which is common for this breed) and literally could only drag his hind legs at the time of his death. He also developed tumors. Our second boxer (a rescue) started showing signs of hip dysplasia at 3 years old. She is currently on arthritis medication but at times moves around live an elderly person. The medicine does help though. She is a sweetie, but I know her future doesn't look good. It is a sad thing to watch.
I do love the attitude of the breed, but would not own another. It is just too much to watch them deteriorate at such a young age.

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

I grew up with boxers. Just lost my boxer baby in August and I miss him so much. Right now, my Mom has 2 boxers, my brother has 1 and my sister picks up her new boxer puppy tomorrow. My heart is not in it right now - I miss my Pup too much to consider another dog right now, but we will have another boxer at some point. Probably next summer.

Boxers are amazing dogs and very good with kids. Even though I am not ready to think about another dog, part of the reason I am considering next summer is because I think my 2 oldest boys are at the perfect age for a young boxer. They can run and play with each other and wear each other out! But you have to know that as puppies they are very energetic, needs lots of exercise, and are very strong! It will take several years for him/her to burn all that puppy energy!! Our Pup did a lot of damage while we were gone before I started crate training him. I had many people ask why we kept him. I told every one of them that they did not understand. He was an AMAZING dog. He just didn't like to be left alone. This dog was truly one of our kids - our first born. He was full of personality and we often said we could read his mind through his expressions. You knew if he was happy, excited, sad, hurt, sick. I have never had another dog that could communicate the way he did.

I could go on forever. The bottom line is if you are willing to deal with the energy they have as puppies, you will not find a better dog. Good luck with your decision!