| So you have made the decision that it’s a perfect time to add a canine to your family. Now what?? Hopefully you have decided on a boxer ONLY after you have done extensive research on the breed, evaluated your families committment and lifestyle, read as many books as you could get your hands on and have had “hands on” experience with a neighbors or relatives boxer. If you haven’t done the above and have picked the boxer because he looks “so cute” in the dog magazine you browsed through, and have absolute disregard or zero knowledge for the characteristics of the boxer breed. STOP HERE and go back and do your homework. I did research on the breed for 18 months before I began my search. I had already fallen in love with one our clients at work “Isabella”, a beautiful frisky young female brindle. I also had a very good relationship with several breeders who welcomed my visits regularly. It was now time to experience this special breed with my family. I finally bought my first boxer… and the list below is what I personally think you should be prepared for. You know a boxer is right for you if: The high energy level of the breed fits your family absolutely perfect. You love the constant demand for human interaction and attention they crave. (If you’re looking for a 100 percent couch potato this is the wrong breed for you.) When you boxer slobbers all over your work pants and eventually you think the white marks are “cute”. When your friends and family come over to visit and they greet and play with your boxer for the first hour before they acknowledge your existence. You include your new addition to most of your family outings and car rides and have a race to the car to see who can get there first.. You have a room full of guests and your boxer farts silently, looks at you and mysteriously leaves the room. Leaving YOU to explain the foul offensive odor. You’re now sharing your bed with your boxers and find yourself apologizing to them if you happen to roll over on them ( 3/4 bed for boxers, 1/4 bed for humans.) You find yourself purchasing all the squeaky toys in the world so you can play fetch endlessly with them both inside and outside. You actually put one of those squeaky toys in your mouth to see if you can lay on your back and squeak it as long as your boxer does. Your boxer sits on your feet to the point where you give your slippers to goodwill. You have treats in every pocket of every jacket you own and try to look normal when you pull them out instead of your keys in public. Start to interpret their incredible body language. You start to wonder if it’s humanly possible to wiggle and bend yourself in half when you’re happy. (Interesting concept) Start to leave message on your answering machine for your dogs telling them you’ll be just a little late. Include your boxers in your annual Christmas Cards. (I’m still trying to master the signature part) Replace your electric blanket with your boxers. Look frantically for the phone when it rings (yes, Emma does hide the phone in her bed) All your boxers have designated seats in the car. You find yourself sitting on the floor while your boxer snores in your favorite recliner. (And it seems normal) You find yourself investing in the new camera you could never afford before your boxer arrived. All fun aside, prepared as I was, I was truly amazed and excited with the high energy level that our first boxer added to our family. Though they are basically very low maintenance canines, grooming wise, they are high maintenance attention wise. They crave the attention and touch of their human families and very seldom accept no for an answer. Since we are a very active family, exercise was not an issue with us and anyone who brings a boxer in their home should be prepared for a well balance between, couch time, playtime, exercise and training. I can’t imagine a boxer, with his strong will and strong body, in a home without having the basics. Boxers are very intelligent and love to please, so if you are not prepared to train I strongly suggest that you seek outside help for this task or think about another breed of dog that is better suited for you family. Judy, TJ's Black Boxer Darlings |
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