The American Kennel Club says the Boxer’s “virtues alone are priceless if the dog is to become part of his master’s family, which he should for the well-being of all concerned.” Indeed, it is impossible not to love and want the high-spirited Boxer dog breed and the most faithful friend a family could have!
Boxers rank eighth out of the top breeds of the world and it’s not a surprise that they’re joyful and fun, as well as clever as well as fiercely loyal, and unquestionably adorable.
But, parents who might be considering it should weigh the pros and cons to incorporate a boxer in their homes and families caring for them to be able to coexist happily.
Are Boxers Good With Kids?
Everyone in the family will want to ensure the safety of their children with dogs. You’ll be relieved to know that Boxers are reserved in their love, particularly for children (and those who are elderly). Boxers demonstrate their need for being sensitive and patient to these vulnerable creatures However, certain breeds show more than others.
In particular, the personality of an adopted Boxer and the capacity to connect with children is contingent on the environment it was raised. When those who have been raised in an environment with children are comfortable with their children, kids who interact with them may avoid them in the beginning.
A boxer is a funniest and most fun character that attracts children with the right introduction. If your child is a fan of playing outdoors, then the more fun! Boxers are lively and love to channel some of their energy from running around, jumping, and having fun with friends outside all day long.
These dogs are generally uncooperative and can slam children when they’re excited or playing. But, they are experienced and tend to be mindful not to injure their pets in the course of the game. That’s why they can enjoy playing with children and even infants, but it’s important to monitor their interactions at times.
Are Boxers Good With Other Dogs?
You won’t need to worry about aggression when you have a well-bred, well-socialized Boxer at any time. If your dog’s temperament is tested and well-socialized when it is a puppy, it’ll develop friendships and bonds with other pets quite easily, especially dogs.
Boxer breeders as well as rescuers acknowledge that the Boxer can enjoy being with another Boxer even more. Or even better having the opposite gender (spayed with neutered and spayed female) is the best choice for a perfect match.
However, if you buy your dog from a poor breeder, your Boxer might not be able to show this affection toward other pets in the household. A Boxer who has not had much socialization or training is more likely to naturally chase smaller animals such as cats because they consider them “prey” even though they have a shared house.
Why Are Boxers Are Good Family Dogs (7 Reasons)
1. Boxers Have Your Back
The most attractive aspect of this type of dog is how trustworthy and secure they are to their family members. Boxers can be excellent guard dogs and excellent watchdogs of the ones they love due to their heritage as hunting and herd dogs.
Additionally, they can be somewhat territorial, so ensure that your dog barks and guard everything within its area when it detects suspicious activity.
2. They Love, Not Fight
A Boxer dog breed is sensitive and suspicious of strangers, but it isn’t aggressive. You can expect a well-socialized dog to be a happy and welcoming dog to the people he has come across and is fond of. Boxers generally love people’s attention and affection even though their muscular bodies may make their appearance aggressive at the first glance, that’s when they stop.
3. Boxers Are Goofy and A Little Mischievous
The Boxers are free-spirited funny, witty, and smart enough to find hidden treats. A Boxer’s lively and curious nature makes them hilarious and irresponsible and all he’d like is to engage in games and amuse the family with his playful antics.
Boxers require a lot of structure, training, as well as physical and mental stimulation if you wish for them to behave well. Be aware if your dog is uninterested and inactive for a long time, as he could cause a lot of harm. Snarky pets tend to calm down as they age, and with a positive outlook and, naturally.
4. Boxers Are Natural-Born Athletes
What can one expect of a breed that was originally conceived as an officer dog? Boxers are strong breeds with agile legs. Their grandparents were among the first guide dogs trained for work in the police.
That’s why Boxers are always up to play, and great in agility training Herding, herding, and athletics. They are able to sit on their hind legs and “box” (paw on you) to encourage you to have a play session with them. These characteristics made them serve in the German Army in WW1 in the role of messengers as well as Scouts.
5. Boxers Learn Quickly
The best aspect about Boxers is that they’re intelligent you can train them to be agile as well as obedient and working dogs. It is best to begin the training process with a Boxer at the time of his puppy phase as well as provide positive reinforcement during training, as well as remain gentle.
A Boxer is a creature that wants to please its owners So, be sure that it will learn to conduct itself and behave with your family sooner than you think.
6. Boxers Are Patient Dogs
A properly trained Boxer is patient and patient with other children and others who are able to be patient with the people whom he cherishes.
7. Boxers Are Professional Snugglers
The only thing a Boxer would like is to be with you. They can be the best cuddles to show that. Boxers are the coziest and the most ideal babysitters for your kids.
Boxers can appear scary due to their massive body, but behind the appearance is an animal that is quick to bond with its family members and displays affection in many ways, like cuddling. Physical contact is an important one for this dog and could be as easy as sitting next to you on the sofa or leaning over to make sure that your body is touching.
It’s as funny as it seems Boxers claim to be the only ones who give “actual” hugs!
Are Boxers Good For First-Time Owners?
Boxers Can Drool!
Boxers are known to pass lots in gas (flatulence) and also offer slobber and wet kisses, and even snore. Most of the time they are dogs are known to be coolers and it’s completely normal.
But, they can also cause a mess in food preparation. They can also make a mess of the food dish and are known to love giving their loved ones sloppy wet kisses. If you think of one of these characteristics that causes you to shiver, you’re not the role of a Boxer.
Rowdiness When Young
The majority of owners are only interested in the beauty and buy an adorable puppy boxer due to how adorable, cute and lively he looks. But, as adorable as they are as puppies, they are never beyond their puppyhood!
They take their time maturing and appear like children. They do they don’t “settle down” until they reach three or four years old. Because they are very active and energetic they often jump in a flurry and throw youngsters and even adults at the time of play.
May Not Notice Boundaries
While Boxers are friendly affectionate, and fun breeds, they don’t always be aware of boundaries and the importance of space in the home. Through adolescence and adulthood, the Boxer isn’t easy to manage, particularly for those who are naive, impatient, or unprepared parents.
The dog develops to become a large, cuddly dog that demands the majority of your attention and time. It could be the “in-your-face as well as a shadow” breed, frequently following you from room to room, sitting on your lap or jumping up on you, or even awakening you from sleep to play.
Boxers Are Prone to Several Severe Health Issues and Short Lifespan
Perhaps the most difficult aspect that comes with owning the Boxer is that parents must always be prepared for unplanned vet visits in addition to the routine annual check-ups for heartworm and vaccinations.
The Boxer breed is susceptible to cancers like mast cell and lymphoma tumors, “bloat, and cardiomyopathy as well as skin issues such as mange and allergies. This is why the adorable Boxer usually lives for 8-10 years, which is not an extended time when compared to other breeds of dogs.
Boxer Care & Needs
1. Exercise
Boxers are bred to have endurance and strength and need dedicated and competent owners to fulfill their needs for agility. While they aren’t able to pursue animals through the fields and hunt in search of food, however, they possess the desire to do an equal amount of exercise regularly.
If you decide to make it yourself or ask for a sitter, be sure your dog doesn’t stay at home for the entire time. The dog could unleash its excessive energy into the furniture, barking for hours chewing up the furniture, and slamming everyone when it is playing.
2. Training
They require obedience training to show their behavior and to adjust to the new environment. Boxers are a bit difficult to train, which some think is “dumb:” although their exceptional intelligence helps them find different ways to train.
This is why it is important that you adhere to short and non-repetitive sessions because dogs don’t respond well to repeated training. The routine of training should be enjoyable and free of brutal reprimands which could cause aggressive behavior.
3. Chewing
Your dog should be provided with engaging chew toys since Boxers are a chewer’s delight. Boxers can chew everything including coffee tables, remote controls, shoes and more. It’s ideal to provide the chewing pleasure of toys or tasty treats.
4. Affection
Boxers don’t like being at all times, as they fall into”the “people dog” category. They enjoy the company of adults as well as children and want the most interaction they can get.
It’s not often that families buy 2 Boxers to keep one another at bay when there’s no one at home. A second dog can help reduce the destructive behavior caused by boredom.
5. They May Need Sunscreen
White Boxers, as with other breeds of white dogs are prone to burning when exposed to sunlight, increasing the chance of developing skin cancer. If you have one of these breeds it is possible to apply sunscreen as long as it isn’t containing zinc oxide since it’s harmful for puppies. Consult your veterinarian to determine the best sun protection product for you pet.
Summary
An older adult living on their own might not like the Boxer’s energy and energy, while a young couple might not have the money to leave their Boxer on their own at work for the entire day. But a trained and closely-bonded Boxer will do well in a home with kids as long as they’re mature enough to enjoy playing with an active, strong dog.