How to Know a Boxer is the Right Dog for You

Choosing the right dog for your family can be a lot more complicated than you think. There are so many breeds out there, all with different quirks and personalities. If you are thinking about getting a Boxer, here are a few steps you'll want to take before you jump in.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider the size of your house and yard. Boxers can grow to be between 55 and 70 lbs. They usually have a lot of energy for many years. Do you have enough room inside for a large bouncy boxer? Do you have a place outside for him to run around and get out some of that excess energy?
2. Imagine yourself interacting with your dog. Do you want a cuddly lap dog? If so, a boxer is probably not right for you. If you imagine yourself outside running around with your dog and spending lots of time training and positively reinforcing her, you might be a good fit for a boxer.
3. Think about your personality. Are you relaxed or uptight? Can you handle noise? Do you value security? Boxers are natural guard dogs, many bark a lot and they can be very suspicious of any activity going on around your house including your neighbor mowing his lawn, or the mail man delivering your mail. So, on one hand, you will not have to worry to much about an intruder breaking in unnoticed. On the other hand, you may need to spend a lot of time working with your dog on his behavior around strangers and visitors.
4. Factor in your financial situation. A boxer, like any dog, can be very expensive to own. The shots, food, and regular vet visits are costly, not to mention the additional cost of boarding the dog when you want to leave town. Call the vet you plan to use to ask for an estimate of the cost of all the puppy visits you will need the first year. Call a few dog boarding establishments also, so that you will be aware of that cost if you plan to travel.
5. Visit boxerworld.com to research other Boxer characteristics that you might need to know before making your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Boxers are said to have the longest "puppy hood" of any breed. Be prepared to have an energetic and playful pet for many years.