DOG FAQ - Are Boxers good with children?

Although no dog should ever be left alone with children, it has been my experience that Boxers are a breed that can be trusted around children. A Boxer will rough house with boys and girls as well as sit or lay quietly with them, making most Boxers excellent pets around children.

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TRAINING

Because of their intelligence, Boxers can be very stubborn but when it comes to training a boxer, it can be very helpful. Owners must remember that there will be times when you ask boxer to do something and he's going to look you in the face and basically tell you where to go, he knows he is supposed to do what you are telling him but he decides he can't be bothered and doesn't. The main thing you have to remember in these circumstances is to be patient. From as early as 6 weeks old you should start your boxer dog training as this will help him when he grows up, socialize him, play with him and teach him, but do it in an exciting way and he is more likely to listen.

When your boxer reaches 13-16 weeks old it's time for some serious boxer dog training, this is the stage where he is going to test for dominance, he will nip and try to show you that he is the more dominant one, mainly by not listening to you. You have to be a strong leader at this time; you must show boxer that bad behaviors will not be tolerated no matter what!

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FEEDING

The boxer is not really a greedy dog.When feeding a boxer it is better that they are fed twice a day as they are very active, always on the go looking for their next adventure. Some boxers have sensitive digestive systems, this will mean that they have to stick to a strict diet, with no treats. A dry food is often favoured for this breed. It is also fairly common for a boxer to appear thin when it is an adolescent, so do not overfeed to compensate.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

Unfortunately, the Boxer is susceptible to several potential health problems, including hip dysplasia, bloat, aortic stenosis (a heart ailment), digestive problems, hypothyroidism, and cancerous and benign tumors.

Hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism affect many breeds of dogs and their presence can be determined by testing breeding stock before mating. Dysplastic dogs should not be bred; thyroid dogs should be bred carefully to non-thyroid dogs. Thyroid disease can be controlled by medicine; dysplasia cannot be controlled and can be corrected or alleviated only by surgery.

Prospective Boxer buyers should ask breeders for proof the litter's sire and dam are free of dysplasia and for the thyroid status of both puppy parents.

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TEMPERAMENT

Although the Boxer is a loyal and intelligent family companion, his somewhat stubborn and self-confident character and high prey drives require careful consideration. Boxer must be obedience-trained to control his exuberance and guide his mettle into acceptable channels. He is, after all, a big, strong dog.

Temperament of Boxer is also good-natured, suffering the pokes and prods of children with stoicism, accepting friendly strangers, and always ready for a romp or a game. Left to his own devices, Boxer can get into trouble.

Above all, a Boxer should be even-tempered, dignified but with a touch of impish spirit, and full of courage. Aggression, extreme shyness (not to be confused with independence), and hyperactivity are unacceptable in the breed; those who are considering a Boxer should al least check the parent dogs for these undesirable traits before even looking at the puppies.

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GROOMING

The even-tempered boxer is an easy dog to groom. These medium-sized dogs have double, extremely short-haired coats. Their shiny, smooth coats lie flat and tight and appear in colors of brindle, fawn and red, with white markings around the stomach, chest, feet and face.
Step 1 Give your boxer a quick brush every day with a natural bristle brush to keep shedding to a minimum.

Step 2 Check ears every one or two weeks for dirt, wax buildup and mites. When needed, clean ears with a cotton pad moistened with a few drops of ear cleansing solution.

Step 3 Trim hairs around your boxer's ears using blunt-nosed scissors every two months or when needed.

Step 4 Use blending shears to trim stray hair growing into different colored patches every month or two.

Step 5 Bathe only as needed. Boxers typically clean themselves like cats, so all you have to do is shampoo him when he's dirty, using a rubber brush to loosen shedding hair.

Step 6 Dry your boxer with a blow dryer, using your hand or a hard rubber brush to remove excess hair.

Step 7 Apply a coat whitener to any of your pet's discolored white markings. A boxer's oily coat has the tendency to retain dirt.

Boxer - Dog Lover