Boxer

[Brattina88]

Why do I have a feeling this is a bad idea???

My mom really wants a boxer. Now, this wouldn't have anything to do with me, but naturally guess who's going to have her (Mom doesn't like male dogs) when the parental units are on vaca, or work late ect...
Everything I read contadicts info on the boxer. I heard they are high energy dogs, but one magazine said they're couch potatoes. Any boxer owners out there? What about shedding? Is it true their goal in life is to dominate the other dogs? I'm hoping this is just a faze, but she's going to look at one tomorrow and wants me to go along.

 

[Renee750il]

Poor Brattina!

One statement: even the best cared for and best fed boxers are farters.

One question: is this the same mother who got rid of Minnie?

 

[Rose's Gal]

I LOVE Boxers so I've done a lot of reserch on them. Here is what I have summed up so far:
1. Exercise= Boxers can be/are mellow in the house, but they need a lot of physical and mental exercise each day. They are also 'Velcro' dogs that want/need constent companionship. (In other words, you can't just throw them out in the backyard and expect them to be happy.)
2. Other dogs= Some dogs are dominate with other dogs, but most are freindly.
3. Shedding= They shed like a normal dog would. Not as heavy as a Golden Retriever, but heavier than an Itailan Greyhound.

 

[Brattina88]

Poor Brattina!

One statement: even the best cared for and best fed boxers are farters.

One question: is this the same mother who got rid of Minnie?

Y E S!
Now you don't wonder why I'm so against this. Some good news is that the lady called us saying that someone offered her 200$ more than the asking price so she sold her to that person w/o delay, so we didn't even have to go look.
But now she wants to raise her own Boxer puppy. (can you hear me groaning through the computer?)
I want to know whether it could possibly work out, or have some good hard facts to prove to her it is a bad idea.
Exersize. How much is a lot? My mother jogs around town (its about 3 blocks honestly) with her friends in the morning (sometimes I join her with Maddie & Carly). She would consider going again in the afternoon. I don't know if that would be enough for a boxer, as I have absolutly no experiance in the breed. She likes to train dogs so she can show them off to her friends, tricks & obediance. She already invested in a meduim sized puzzle ball for when she is at work. No one would be home for about 7hrs...
I'm worried about their 13yr old Sheltie. I'm afriad there will be tension and/or fights over who is to be the alpha dog because Nikki isnt really up to it. I also worry about the boxer getting along with Maddie and Carly, but I don't think that will be that big of a deal. Mom doesn't like male dogs, she wants a female of course. I know that if you have a female its a good idea to get a male, but not always so. Will that matter with a boxer & the current dog/s?
My great aunt had a pug that shed a lot. I'm not sure if pugs are considered heavy shedders or not. How does a boxer shedding compare to a pug?
Thanks guys, for all your help, I'm trying to prevent a disaster here, and the books/websites I've found/read arent much help.

 

[Rose's Gal]

A REALLY good website for your questions would be www.boxerworld.com. These people have all of the experience with the breed like no other. I guess I would put the Boxers activity level near the 'Golden Retriever Puppy' level. I've never owned one, but I do know some Boxers and both of those were REALLY active. A Boxer would shed less than a pug. Pugs (IMO) shed a LOT. Boxers aren't so heavy. I wouldn't want to leave a puppy alone for 7 hours. Exspecialy a Boxer puppy.

 

[Renee750il]

Here's a thought, Brattina ~ if your Mom wants a dog she can "show off," jog with, and train to do a few tricks, why not adopt a retired racing whippet? From all the accounts I've heard and the ones I've seen, they're easily trained to do some tricks, obviously will jog with her, are quiet around the house, non-destructive, and shouldn't cause any problems for little Nickie, even if it's a female. And you could point out how elegant they are . . .

Boxers are the clowns of the dog world; rambunctious, funny, energetic and easily bored. And you're right, even the most submissive Boxer pup will drive an elderly dog around the bend if not supervised and kept out of the older dog's hair. They just want EVERYBODY to love them and join in the fun.

Sometimes you just can't stop mothers from doing absurd things, so you have to deflect their interests in a less destructive direction . . . kind of like puppies!

 

[Brattina88]

Thanks everybody!
Sounds like a good idea Renee! If I could flip it to a different breed that would be more appropirate for her lifestyle it would be a lot better! She's eased off after I sent her some Boxer rescue sites here in Ohio. They have strict guidelines for who adopts, and explain their reasons. 2 points boxer rescue, Mom 0 (lol)
I'll update if anything else happens...

 

[Renee750il]

One thing about it, a retired racer wouldn't be much of a strain on your menagerie - just make your Mom agree - if she does get another dog - that it is partly yours since you wil be caring for it, too and getting attached to it. I know you don't want a repeat of Minnie's disappearance.

 

[Brattina88]

Yes, and I've always wanted to say Good for You Serena!

Exactly Renee! Thank you!
Really, I didn't think I'd miss that dumb little dog when she left, but I do/did miss Minnie so much! I still try and act like I don't, call her dumb, but I think thats just a bad defence mechanism that doesnt really work.
I sent her a long e-mail telling her what I thought, nicely. Sometimes its easier because she won't get defensive and not let me finish talking...
idunno... I'll just try to do my best and deal with whatever happens, because thats all I can do right now.
I think she almost understands what I mean, because I've been having her help out with Carly (she's being such a pistol!) and its put things into perspective for her. This morning she said 'puppies arent easy' *gasp!* (no duh)

 

[Renee750il]

I'll add:

PPO must be able to stand onslaught of two enthusiastic Fila Brasileiros upon arrival home.

PPO must be able to scold sad faced Fila puppy with empty trash bag stuck on back leg and unidentified garbage suspended from the jowls in drool - while keeping a straight face.

PPO must be willing to give up the last delicious morsel of their favorite food on a routine basis in bonding exercises.

PPO must be willing to put entire hand in maw, feeling around in jowls and under the tongue for what the big puppy has that it shouldn't and really, really doesn't want to give up.

 

[darkchild16]

retired racers are great pets. i dont know about whippetsbut i know it is uncomfortable for greyhounds to sit so you cant really train them to do it. well what i mean is you could but they wouldnt do it for long. also you have to be carefull around small dogs with some greys. henry the foster i have now growled at our puppy the first 3 days and now plays with him occasionaly we still have growling insidents tho. but the one we are adopting for xmas. (2 xmas dogs my moms insane but im happy begging has finilly worked after 13 yrs. lol) loved the puppy the second they met eachother. He licked right when he walked up to him. and all he wants to do is sleep although no matter what hes doing if he sees his leash he is ready to go. they are great dogs and are soooooooooooooooooooooo sweet. so if size isnt a problem i would look into a greyhound. i fell in love with them and i didnt want them in the beg. hope this helps

breeze

 

[Brattina88]

LoL! Those are great Serena and Renee!

So far I've managed to simmer down her craving. I started to call it a craving because that's exactly how I view it. Only this craving is partailly contagious. Instead of being totally against it I've found myself really looking into other possibilities and exploring our options. It's crazy, and in my head I'm screaming no, because Carly is a lot of work. But I find myself imagining another one, a part time friend for Maddie. Mom came this close to getting a Boxer mix from the pound, but she didn't seem to like Nikki that well. The glares were enough warning for the rest of us two-leggers. And now, with a comment from my dad that both of us regret him saying, she's checking out beagles. This is when I wish they would've kept Roxy, if you remember. The only problem they both agree on is they can be runners. Mom wants a buddy to exersize with, and she can't get that from Nikki. A beagle would love to go hiking through the woods with me and Maddie like we always do, but could I trust one to hike with me and not away from me? oh, and Mom
Comments? Suggestions? I'm feeling a little C R A Z Y

 

[Renee750il]

Nope, can't trust a beagle not to follow it's nose unless it's a well-trained hunter. It's the nature of the beast. They're very vocal, too. And you really have to watch out for them . . . they're so over-the-top adorable that, well, you know how it was with Roxy . . .

Maybe you need to adopt a nice, adult-ish German Shepherd mix to help you with the rest of your crew - and keep your Mom in line . . .

 

[Brattina88]

Here's her narrowed list. I'm feeling confident because since there is no such thing as the following the getting a dog thing will be delayed
A beagle that doesn't run or
a pug that doesnt shed or
a german shepherd the size of a beagle or
a inexpensive sheltie that doesn't bark or
a boxer who looks like a boxer but does not act like one
or an inexpensive french bulldog, or energetic boston terrier

See what I mean... hahaha

 

[Renee750il]

Watch out! She'll wander home one day with a Great Dane!

 

[Brattina88]

lol, I wouldn't doubt that Renee!

But, wait, there's more!
No my mother and my brother have there sights set on a female shar pei mix at the pound. At least she'd be rescuing a dog, but...
Of course everyone says she shouldn't because "shar peis are dog agressive"
Mom has started to talk about a shar pei she had when I was little. Way back when. They had to 'get rid of him' because he tried to eat my little brother when he was born (too bad he didnt. JUST KIDDING!!!). I also found out that they couldnt afford to get him fixed, so I can only imagine...
I've been researching and sending her links. Even got her a couple books from the library. Every little 'fault' she see's with the breed that would clash with her she says the dog won't becuase she's a mix. (if you wanted to see a picture you can find the link I posted in the rescues - the dog pound link. She's like the last dog on the site, black and tan shar pei mix)
I went with her Weds to check her out and she seems alright. Saturday they aranged to intorduce the dogs before they adopt. IF they adopt.
idunno

 

[Renee750il]

You just need a German Shepherd to take charge of your Mom and make her behave. lol!

Maybe your Mom could just volunteer to work with the dogs at the shelter, walking them and training them to do "cute tricks" so they'd be more apt to be adopted . . .

 

[1sweetnopichick]

Hi there - as far as your original question - I think everyone's pretty much answered it but, being a boxer lover, I have to put in my 2 cents (hope you don't mind).
1st - Renee750il was so right...boxers are farters, loud stinky ones. If your mom's wanting something to show off that might be a problem. Mine's embarassed me more times than I can count (however on a positive, I was playing a game of pool w/my dad one day and it was down to one shot and Tyson let a HUGE one and made dad miss so Tyson won me the game!! maybe it's not all bad - lol)
2nd yes the love exercise but not just the same thing over and over. running is good but they get bored easy so they wouldn't be happy doing it for very long, they like a change of scenary like every 10 seconds - which goes to my next point...
3rd again they get bored easy. They're sharp as tacks but you have to be patient when training. 5 min a day 3 times a day everyday is about it. More than that and they're apt to ignoring ya more than listening.
4th although they love exercise ("play") they also love being a couch potato & a lap dog - all 65 lbs/they don't realize their size usually - that's just part of owning a boxer
5th they are clowns - happy go lucky clowns that love people - especially kids. I actually saw a report in a boxer magazine almost a year ago that said that out of every recognized breed in the world, boxers were the 3rd top rated dog to have for children (beat out by labs and something else I can't remember). As far as adults, usually unless trained not to they will immediately run up to them for attention and want to lick and hug them. Very affecionate dogs
6th occasionally you can get one that is dog aggressive but not usually - not at 1st anyway. I've noticed with ours, they (well not Princess) but Tyson & Bentley love other dogs but also annoy other dogs by playing and following they around and licking on them. As soon as the other dogs gets annoyed and shows it by snapping at them or growling then that's when they get defensive and that can become dangerous. Princess has to be the dominate dog so she's not a good example really and Tyson is a scardy cat so he runs and hides but he will fight back if threatned long enough.
7th on the shedding thing - well mine are exceptionally "sheddy". I have to sweep daily and vaccuum every other day - do laundry after a good snuggle fest on the couch (or itch from hair the rest of the day). Also Tyson has severly dry skin that we've been trying to control for months to no avail - not good for anyone with bad allergies. Dry skin, bloat (due to such a deep chest) and joint problems (due to activness & love of jumping) are all things to be aware of with boxers.

I know this is like a book and a lot of it has already been said but it's just general rules of owning a boxer.

Good luck finding the right dog!!

 

[Silver_wlf]

On the Beagle front ... My sister adopted a beagle from the shelter last May. He ran every chance he got and they spent hours every week looking for him all over town. (With three young children it was impossible to constantly monitor all exits.)

My mom took him over last summer and he's a wonderful dog - but he still runs. His ears stop working the minute he gets his nose on the ground. She takes him to the off-leash park and about 50% of the time spends an extra hour there trying to find him/catch him. He will look at her, then run the opposite direction - nose to the ground.

They are very cute dogs and he's wonderful in the house - but I would never have one and probably wouldn't reccomend them to anyone but those planning to use them for their bred-purpose....hunting.

He's very sweet and like most hounds - quiet in the house - but he can be very frustrating outside.

My 0.02$...

 

[Desteny]

I personally love Boxers. Family members have owned them and I personally own a Boxer mix named Sunny. She is so great. She is a velcro dog and CAN NOT STAND to be home alone, so we take her everywhere...This Easter we had to take her to my grandparents house for 3 hours for Easter dinner and dessert!...lol...she is also a farter. A loud stinky farter. I swear, it smells so bad. She loves to learn. I wouldn't recommend them to everyone, though. It should really be looked in to. I have always wanted a retired racer. They are always looking for good homes. From experience (friends, family) I recommend you look into them.