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