When getting a bigger dog, many families look at Boxers. Boxers are very popular dogs due to their looks and their playful spirit. Many families love the Boxer breed because they have a reputation for being extremely intelligent dogs. For a bigger dog breed, the Boxer may seem like an excellent family pet to bring into the home. However, Boxers do have high needs and require a lot of love and companionship from their owners. Therefore, Boxers are only good with kids in families who have the time and energy to commit to them.
About the Boxer
Boxers are a working breed. They were originally bred as a cross between a Mastiff, Bulldog, and Great Dane. Germans had used Boxers in the 19th century as cattle dogs. They were also the first breed of dog to be hired as police dogs in the United States. Boxers range in size but are mainly medium to large dogs. Male Boxers can weigh up to 80 pounds and females can weigh up to 65 pounds. Boxers have a life expectancy of 10-12 years, which is a great lifespan. If you get a boxer when your children are young, they can grow together and boxers can be good with kids.
Energy and Exercise Needs
Boxers happen to be high-energy dogs that do require a lot of exercise. They were bred as a breed to have energy and strength. Therefore, it's important that Boxers get at least two hours of exercise on a daily basis. This can be challenging for families who work outside of the home. In addition, because Boxers are a larger breed, it is important to keep Boxers on a leash when walking them so as not to cause any problems with other dogs or people. Boxers are not barking dogs but are vocal and growl to communicate. This can frighten people, especially young kids.
Snoring and Drooling
As Boxers are partly mastiffs, they do have a tendency to drool a lot. Boxers droll excessively, which can make for a bit of a mess at home. This is something that occurs naturally and there is not much that an owner can do to prevent it, other than clean up after them. In addition, some Boxers do snort and snore while sleeping and even while playing.
©iStock.com/Kurt Pas
Overheating in Boxers
Boxers have very short snouts, as they are a brachycephalic breed. This can make it very troublesome for them in several ways. Due to their snouts, they tend to snore. However, a bigger issue is that they get overheated very quickly. For families who live in areas with a warmer climate, it's important to keep the air running in the house for them and have water on hand. Even when Boxers are out in the summertime, keeping them hydrated and cool is important.
They Long for Companionship
This breed is extremely loyal and longs for the companionship of its owner. They do not fend well when they are left alone for too long. Many Boxers become upset and angry when left alone for too long. This can cause them to become destructive. Boxers tend to destroy things in the home if they are left alone for too long. For individuals who work outside of the home or travel often, it may not be best to get a Boxer. For families who are home a lot and enjoy the time together, Boxers are affectionate, loyal, and loving. Some also consider having two dogs so that the Boxer is not alone and has a companion at all times.
They Can be Testy with Strangers
Boxers are incredibly loyal dogs when it comes to their owners. They will protect their owners at any cost, especially the kids in the family. Boxers are very smart and know that younger kids may not be able to protect themselves. They do not get aggressive with strangers often, but they can be wary and testy with them. Socialization is important so that Boxers know they can trust and be open to new people and new dogs, as well.
Start Training Young
Much like any dog, Boxers require training in order to do the right things at home, especially around kids. Though they are patient dogs, they will not know right from wrong unless they are taught. It's important to begin training young so they are aware of boundaries and rules. However, Boxers can be aggressive when it comes to punishment. Instead of punishment, training on a rewards system for doing the right thing is best. Boxers are also highly intelligent and can pick up on things rather fast. The earlier you start training, the better.
Boxers are High-Need Dogs
As a breed, boxers are, for the most part, higher-need dogs. They need a lot of exercise on a daily basis, at least two hours, which can be a lot for families who are not home a lot. They are also a breed that suffers from separation anxiety, which can cause them to become destructive at home if they are left alone for too long. If you are an owner who cannot always be around often or who is out of the house daily for extended periods of time, Boxers are not the breed for you. However, if you are someone who is home a lot, and can have time to ensure they get their exercise daily, they are loyal and loving dogs.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Kurt Pas.