| Before purchasing a Boxer--or any dog--you | | | | cardiomyopathy, sub-aortic stenosis or hip |
| should consider various aspects to decide if | | | | dysphasia. Also, after the age of eight, this |
| this is the right breed for you. The worse | | | | breed is more likely to develop tumors than |
| thing you can do as a dog owner is not | | | | other dogs. This is why you must buy your |
| research the potential dog. If you don't, you | | | | Boxer from an experienced breeder. With these |
| may find yourself surprised, or overwhelmed | | | | potential risks, all dogs must be properly |
| and unable to work with the breed. Boxers | | | | screened, and regular trips to the Vet should |
| have their own set of challenges so it is | | | | be planned. |
| important to understand them. | | | | |
| | | | Four: temperament. The Boxer's temperament is |
| One: grooming. With its short coat, the Boxer | | | | both its greatest advantage and its potential |
| is an extremely easy breed to groom. This is | | | | downfall. This is a highly playful, spirited |
| a low maintenance dog that only requires a | | | | dog that becomes greatly attached to its |
| quick brushing every day; bathing need only | | | | owners. This is also a dog that suffers from |
| occur when necessary. Also, Boxers are | | | | mischievous instincts (such as the need to |
| fastidious creatures that will clean | | | | chew) and separation anxiety. When you own a |
| themselves, like cats. For those looking for | | | | Boxer, be prepared to find a devoted, though |
| an easy to care for pet, the Boxer ranks | | | | sometimes stubborn, breed that will want to |
| high. | | | | go everywhere with you. |
| | | | |
| Two: exercise. The Boxer is an active breed | | | | Five: protection. Many assume that, because |
| so those looking for just a house dog should | | | | of the Boxer's sturdy frame, it makes an |
| reconsider. Though this dog will want to be | | | | excellent protector. This is both correct and |
| in the house with you, it will want plenty of | | | | not so. The Boxer is, generally, a friendly |
| time outdoors for play. Boxers, being very | | | | pet that will welcome strangers. But, if it |
| energetic, respond well to structured | | | | feels its family is threatened, it will take |
| ctivities like games of fetch or frisbee. | | | | down an intruder. What you must take note of |
| They do not do well by just lying around the | | | | is: some areas require that you register |
| house. If you are not able to spend the time | | | | larger breeds, like Boxers, and will charge |
| with them, this is not the breed for you. | | | | money for their presence. While you can use a |
| | | | Boxer as protection, you must be |
| Three: health concerns. Larger dogs always | | | | careful--many cities will fine you for any |
| have certain health risks and the Boxer is no | | | | suspected offense. |
| different. This breed runs the chance of: | | | | |