How to Choose a Boxer Puppy

Adding a boxer to your family is a fun and exciting time. You are agreeing to train and care for a young puppy in return for a lifetime of companionship and dog kisses. Boxers tend to be loyal, intelligent and playful animals. Boxers can make a great addition to your family, but there are somethings you need to be aware of when choosing your boxer puppy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit a responsible and reputable breeder. It is really important to only use reputable breeders as your puppy's genes will determine their health and disposition as an adult. Signs that the breeder is a responsible and reputable breeder include a desire to better the the breed. In fact, many responsible breeders will keep the best puppy out of the litter and require that people who adopt boxers with faults sign agreements to spray or neuter their puppy. Responsible breeders are also in full compliance with the laws in their area on breeding puppies.

2. Evaluate the whole litter. Watch to see how the litter behaves as a whole. If the majority of the boxers seem distrusting or shy, then they are all probably genetically inclined to be shy. The problem with shy puppies is that most do not outgrow it. They will grow into shy dogs, who are more likely to snap at humans and other animals.

3. Make sure that the puppy is healthy. Quick signs to ensure that the puppy is healthy include checking to see if it is alert and playful. Other signs include how it interacts with its mother and litter. More in depth things you should check include the puppy's cage. It should be clean and frequently changed. Check the boxer's fur. The boxer's coat should be shiny. The puppy you choose should have open eyes and a wet nose. In addition, the puppy should not have any noticeable weight issues.

4. Check the personality of the puppy. Play with the puppy. A normal puppy should be playful and outgoing. After evaluating the puppies personality with your family, you should watch them interact with their litter. You should watch for signs of dominance or aggression with the other puppies. As with humans, the best match for your family will probably be the puppy that is neither overly aggressive or submissive.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your puppy to your veterinarian as soon as you adopt him. Let the veterinarian perform an examination and ensure the puppy is healthy, along with getting you scheduled for the immunizations your puppy will need.

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on 11/14/2009 Reputable breeders will have copies of passing evaluations on the parent dogs for heritable conditions such as hearts, eyes (CERF certification) and hips (OFA or PENN hip certification) available, and will be proud to share them with prospective owners.