New addition to the family - Boxer Questions

After extensive research, my Son and DIL have decided that they would love a Boxer Dog. They have a daughter who is almost 12 months old, and would like her to grow up with a dog. They have looked at their home/working lives (my DIL works two days a week, for only 4 hours per day), and have now made a decision.

I have spoken to them and shown them advertisements etc about puppy farms and bybs, and the treatment of the mother/pups and conditions. I have suggested looking at rescue centres, but due to the pup being brought up with a young child, they have decided to buy a pup from a reputable breeder to ensure that it is socialized and introduced at a young age.

They have looked on the KC website for breeders information, but he has asked if I have any friends on Dogsey who would be able to recommend a reputable breeder. Distance is not a problem, they are willing to drive anywhere. This is such an important decision for them both, especially with having a young daughter, and is not a decision they have taken lightly.

Your information and advice would be invaluable. Thanks

Much as I love the breed and I've had them nearly 30 years now, the Boxer is not a breed for everyone. You mention your DIL works four hours a day, a Boxer Puppy left on its own devices can get bored and lonely and suffer separation anxiety.

I'm not on the mainland, however you won't go far wrong seeking guidance from 'Pam' or 'Jackbox' on here who will put you in touch with a good reputable breeder. I suggest PM-ing them

Good luck Debs, I hope they find the right puppy from the right breeder and they have many happy years with their new addition

The OP mentioned it's only twice a week she works four hours per day, not owned or had experience of the breed but wouldn't that be OK?

Ditto

Thanks for your advice. My DIL was a theatre nurse working long hours, and my grand daughter in nursery full time. She has now given up her career to devote her time to her family and home life. She has taken up a job in the local shop thinking that this would just stop her becoming 'brain dead' LOL. They were thinking that a pup would be okay to be left with stimulating toys (kongs etc), just for four hours.

Thanks Helena, they have decided to introduce a pup now because they don't intend having any more children, and hope that, having both been brought up with animals, it will teach their daughter a different kind of love and respect.

They have looked into all different breeds including the Great Dane and other large breeds. They understand the needs and personality of the Boxer including stimulation etc, and they thought that four hours a day just for two days a week would be tolerable.

My breeder is Sue Harvey at Faerdorn boxers,, We have had 2 pups from her and know of her dogs with other folks.... When choosing breeders Norwatch sunhawk and Tartaritan(sp) were very helpful ...

Thanks for that Murf. That's helpful. Thanks.

Will keep you updated

Good choice of dog
Have they researched the breed etc,i normally wouldnt sell to anyone who works knowing how boxers are.but no one can now afford to stay at home.4 hours in a crate with ample toys and previous excersise before being left shouldnt be a problem if the puppy is taught this straight away,getting a boxer puppy into a routine is regards being crate trained/left is paramount.The Kennel club will have a list of breeders with pups.I would be asking the breeder lots of questions
number of litters from the bitch
heart scores for both parents
any known cardiomyopathy in the lines
Any juvenile kidney problems
just to name a few.I cannot state enough regards heart scores.
The first place i would be looking is on the KC web site.then going through breeders on UKBoxers
i know where there is a fab litter but they are in potters bar hertferdshire only 3hrs away.lovely litter though.

Faerdorn have two litters on at the moment.Seacrest have a litter
If you can bear with me for a few hours i will hopefully find you a few breeders with pups now,

Thanks Pam, I have PM'd you

Sue Harvey (Faerdorn Boxers.) has a coupel of litters on the ground.

Along with Olleyville , think he has two left, I would give him a ring, he is a lovely chap and has some lovely dogs.

Sadly if you look on the KC website and other sites, there are far to many litters of Boxers, god knows where they will all end up

I've looked at Faerdorn, and they look lovely chunky pups with lovely bright eyes.

Ultimately, the decision will become my Sons and DIL's.

My first port of call was to look on the KC website, but just didn't know where to start! There are lots of them, as you say.

I think it's much better to look at a breeder who has been recommended, don't you think?

Thanks for all your help

I don't know about the breed but I would have thought that a crate in a familiar room would be the best place to leave a puppy dog for that length of time (4 hrs) having taken it out just beforehand. It will probably just sleep.

I don't use a crate at all now but it's what I did with my min pin when I was getting her used to being left for short periods - plus, as a very tiny pup, I wouldn't have been happy giving her the freedom of the apartment or even one whole room as she could get in and under things I couldn't retrieve her from!

I did the same with my previous dog CKCS, when I took a part time job outside the home after being home with her for about 6 yrs. Worked up to the 4 hrs and just made it the same time every day - walking her immediately before leaving.

I've never seen evidence that any of my dogs play with stuff much when left alone in the house. They will often pounce on whatever I've left for them as soon as I get back but seems to me they mostly just curl up and sleep. If I creep in very quietly - I can catch Bella snoring her head off. If she hears me come in she does the drama queen 'you left me all on my own' performance!

Have they chosen a colour ?

I must admit, none of mine are crate trained. They tend to chill on their blanket on the sofa. Molly, just because she was so tiny when we got her, I popped her in a child's playpen when we went out to contain her for her own safety. I was frightened of her getting stuck behind the cooker or washing machine or something

I do think though, that they will crate train this young little one though. My DIL has been brought up with a very well trained British Bulldog, and they swear on containing him safely. He actually goes in their for his own peace and quiet They have made sure they don't use it as punishment!!

As an exuberant boxer being introduced to a toddler, and being knocked over, my grand daughter is used to a bit of rough and tumble play with her dad. She hasn't been used to girly girl play I'm sure they will teach her respect for the pup's quiet time etc.

Even I'm getting quite excited

They would like a red one with white mask. They also mentioned that they would like a dog rather than a bitch.

Thanks Murf, I've looked at Faerdorn, and they look beautiful pups. Is that where yours is from?

To be honest, they ( flashy red) will be like hens teeth to find, those breeders who will have the like in a litter will keep them for themselves.

Reds being less popular in the ring, which dictates what's on the ground.

That`s not to say they wont get what they want, but maybe be prepared to not be so hung up on colour........sex that's different, everyone has a preference, remember the boys will be bigger , stronger, than the girls and some can be a little more independent.

With that in mind, being new owners to the breed, would you recommend a little girl rather than a boy with regards to the temperament and size?

replied giving you a list of breeders i would buy fromx