The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for families. They appear muscular and powerful, but behind that athletic exterior hides a playful, affectionate dog who will make you laugh all day with silly antics. But are they a good fit for first-time owners? Is there anything about them that you need to know?
If you want the short answer, Boxers are good for first-time owners that are able to keep up with their high exercise requirements. It’s best to learn accurate information about the Boxer breed before you actually get one. This article will provide all the information you need to decide if they are right for you.
What You Need to Know About a Boxer
The potential owner of a Boxer needs to gain a solid understanding of the breed, including what makes them unique, what they enjoy and dislike, and how to handle them properly. If you’re considering adopting a Boxer dog as a companion, please keep the following breed characteristics in mind.
Energy Level
Boxers are very active and playful canines who enjoy staying busy. Many of them end up in rescue shelters because their families did little to no research and were unaware of the immense amount of energy this breed has.
These canines require a lot of daily exercise in a securely fenced yard or dog park with a firm leash. Only walking down the street in the morning is not enough. The best way for a Boxer to burn off their excess energy and keep them physically and mentally stimulated is by playing with their owners, toys, a ball, or other dogs.
Remember that a lack of exercise will inevitably make a Boxer impulsive and destructive, so ensure you give them the appropriate amount of activities they need to become a well-behaved, healthy, and happy family member.
However, Boxers younger than a year old should not be allowed to overextend themselves or engage in excessive running or jumping because their bones are still developing, and this could lead to serious orthopedic problems down the line.
Boxers With Family Members
Boxers are generally protective of their families and utterly reliant on the company of their family members. They should be kept indoors for the most part and cannot be left unattended for long periods of time. If owners ignore or give Boxers improper care, they tend to have separation anxiety and exhibit undesirable behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking.
Since these canines are strong chewers, you can guess that they have the potential to cause a ton of damage to your house. Therefore, adopting this breed means you have to spend a lot of quality time with them, but you can rest assured that the reward is worth it! Boxers are known for their uncanny ability to empathize with the feelings of people around them.
Boxers and Children
Boxers tolerate children pretty well, and if given the opportunity, they’ll happily play with your kids all day. However, these dogs may accidentally knock over a young kid when they get too excited while playing.
Boxers and Other Pets
Aggression is not at all a trait of well-bred and socially integrated Boxers. They’re friendly and can get along well with other dogs and even cats if trained and socialized from a young age. If you wish to have more than one dog, then a Boxer of the opposite sex or a breed with roughly the same energy level is a good option.
Is a Boxer a Good Family Guard Dog?
Boxers have a protective temperament, and when properly socialized and trained, they make excellent guard dogs. They take their roles as family protectors seriously, so you can expect they will face threats bravely and protect you at all costs if you’re in danger.
Boxer Health
Boxer owners should save a little money for unplanned vet expenses besides heartworm tests and annual vaccine check-ups. These canines are prone to several health problems, such as cancer, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, gastric dilatation-volvulus, hypothyroidism, and cranial cruciate ligament. Their diseases can develop or worsen if Boxers eat low-quality dog food for a long time. That’s why it is essential to provide them with high-quality food and treats (without meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or chemicals) to reduce their risks for illnesses.
Some Boxers drool a lot, and some even snort and snore. These pups are super friendly and softhearted, so they will leap up on you, crawl into your lap, and give sloppy loving wet kisses.
Shedding and Grooming
Although not in clumps, Boxers still shed hair. Luckily, grooming this breed isn’t difficult and can be a great way to strengthen your relationship. But note that these canines are particularly prone to seasonal flank alopecia. Along with regular brushing, which typically reduces shedding pretty well, you should give your pet high-quality food and vitamin supplements containing omega fatty acids from flax seed or salmon oil.
Chewing
Most Boxers enjoy chewing. Shoes, chair legs, coffee tables, remote controls, door frames, and other items are all their targets. Therefore, you must give them stimulating toys to chew on and activities to engage in when you are not around. It can be a KONG packed with goodies or another delicious mixture, a food cube, treat balls, or something like Nylabone products.
Eating Habits
A few Boxers have messy eating habits. When they shake their heads, many spit, drool, and throw bits of food around the room, and some even treat the couch cushions as their napkins. Food that falls on the floor, next to the bowl, or gets caught in their jowls might even be more than the amount that ends up in their stomach. However, people who aren’t too concerned by these habits can quickly wipe this up.
Training and Behavior
When training, Boxers are known for being a little stubborn, which sometimes gives them the unfair label of “stupid.” If you want a dog that always obeys your commands, this breed might not be for you. Also, since they’re powerful and full of energy, Boxers need a firm owner who is patient and loving.
Whether you train Boxers yourself or sign them up for a class, these dogs still require obedience training to teach them good manners. They’re intelligent and pick things up quickly, so when it comes to training this breed, it’s just a matter of getting beyond their stubbornness. If you use positive reinforcement and follow a non-repetitive, fun, and enjoyable training routine, a Boxer will likely be the best animal friend you’ve ever dreamed of.
Is a Boxer Good for Novice Owners?
According to the American Kennel Club, the Boxer is one of the top nine great breeds for first-time owners. Regardless of your history or level of experience with dogs, owning a Boxer can be a rewarding experience as long as you can make sure not to leave these canines alone for long periods of time and are willing to give them plenty of exercise and training sessions with the proper methods.
Are You Right for a Boxer?
The great spirit of a Boxer will make owning one a very joyful experience. But if your job requires you to spend a lot of time outside, you might want to think about another breed because these dogs are very social, seek interaction, and can get bored and destructive if you leave them alone often.
In addition, Boxers have a very high energy level, so they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation. Unless you’re ready to spend time with an energetic dog, you’re not a good fit for a Boxer. However, active people like runners or hikers will enjoy having a companion like a Boxer because this breed makes outdoor activities much more fun and enjoyable.
How to Take Care of a Boxer as a New Owner
Here are some of the best tips for preparing yourself for adopting this fun-loving breed if you’re ready to take on the responsibility.
The first step is to dog-proof your home by putting away anything your new Boxer shouldn’t access, like electrical cords, toiletries, medicines, cleaning supplies, poisonous plants, etc. You can use baby gates to keep them out of restricted areas in your home. Make sure to install a tall fence to enclose your yard if you have one.
Since Boxers can’t handle extreme temperatures, it’s best to keep them inside most of the time and provide them with their own space. Your Boxer puppy will need certain essential items, such as a crate, comfortable bed, collar, leash, toys, grooming tools, ID tags, water bowls, and quality dog food. So it’s best to prepare in advance.
Summary
Playful Boxers are perfect for those seeking medium-sized, energetic dogs. This breed may be the right match for you if you live an active lifestyle. They are sweet, cheerful, and devoted. There is only one thing you should consider: whether you can handle all their excitement and provide them with the amount of exercise they’ll need every day. If the answer is yes, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t adopt a Boxer—even if you’re a first-time owner.
Featured Image Credit: Photobac, Shutterstock
