If you already have a dog, then you know there's nothing quite like it in the world. A dog brings so much joy and love into your life that sometimes it's hard to imagine not having a canine companion. If you're considering adding a dog to your family, then there are several different traits that you probably have in mind for your new puppy. For example, you most likely want a dog that is loving and affectionate, a great playmate for your children, and patient.
When it comes to the search for the perfect dog, there are almost endless options at your disposal. A Boxer has long been considered a great pick for families with children. This lively pup is full of energy and absolutely loves to play, making him an excellent playmate that can keep up with even the most active kids. However, it's also important to remember that a Boxer is also big, so keep this in mind if you plan to have your pup play with very small children. Of course, with proper training, your canine pal will know how to behave appropriately around kids and therefore, can be an excellent companion for years to come.
The Boxer: Family Dog and Friend
Here are 6 reasons why a Boxer makes a wonderful choice if you’re looking for the best family dog:
- A Boxer is extremely energetic and can keep up with playful children.
- A Boxer is a durable breed, so he can withstand pretty much anything your kids can dish out.
- A Boxer is very patient and tolerates children very well.
- A Boxer is very affectionate and loving.
- A Boxer is protective of his family and will look out for your kids.
- A Boxer loves to play and will happily run around with your children all day long if given the chance.
Getting To Know the Boxer
Undoubtedly a Boxer's loving and playful personality makes him a great match for families with children, but there are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to this sprightly breed. Most importantly, a Boxer is big and very rambunctious. This can be a frightening combination for very small children. Therefore, if you plan to bring a Boxer into a home with a baby or very young kids, you will definitely want to keep this critical point in mind. Of course, you should always supervise children around any dog, but large dogs especially need to be watched closely when interacting with very small kids. This is just one example of why it's always important to know the basics of any dog breed before you make your final decision to add him to your family.
Knowing the basics helps ensure that you don’t have too many surprises as your puppy grows into adulthood.
Here are some good-to-know facts about the rowdy but sweet Boxer:
SIZE
A Boxer, as already mentioned, is a large pooch. The females are usually about 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall and males can be as tall as 25 inches. A male Boxer weighs between 65 and 80 pounds, while females usually weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
When you are trying to decide if you should purchase or adopt a younger or older dog, knowing the average lifespan of your potential pup is a key factor. This is especially true if you have children that you want to grow up with your puppy. A Boxer has a life expectancy of about 10 to 12 years, and since he is so large, getting a puppy when your kids are already 4 or 5 years old could be a great compromise.
GROOMING NEEDS
A Boxer requires very little grooming and has a beautiful shiny coat that can be kept looking its best with a quick brush or once-over with a hound glove (used to increase the luster of the coat) a couple of times a week. His nails should be trimmed about once a month depending on how much he wears them down on his own playing outside. It's also very important with this breed to keep up with regular dental care, and daily teeth brushing is highly recommended to avoid tartar buildup.
HEALTH ISSUES
As with any dog, if you get your puppy from a reputable breeder, then he should be screened for a number of different health issues that are specific to his breed. A Boxer is prone to several conditions including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, heart conditions, and thyroid issues. This breed is also very susceptible to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, so he should always live indoors with his family. You can find more information by checking out the Official Breed Club Health Statement.
EXERCISE NEEDS
A Boxer is highly active and requires a lot of daily exercise. He also loves to run wild and chase just about anything, so it's important to remember to keep him on a leash unless you are in a fenced-in yard. Although a Boxer loves to play and enjoys a number of different activities, swimming is not one of them. This large pup tends to have difficulty staying afloat which can make him a little afraid of the water. Unless you plan to invest a lot of time and effort into training your Boxer to swim, stick to land activities and provide your pup with ample objects to keep him busy and engaged, like the Rolly Cannoli, during the times that you can’t be his playmate.
TRAINING
Boxers are extremely intelligent and often make excellent service or therapy dogs, as well as top performers in different dog sports. A Boxer excels in things like agility training and tracking exercises and can gain many benefits from participating in these types of classes. A puppy is especially jumpy and rowdy, and therefore, needs to be reigned in early on with proper training and positive socialization. Although very smart, a Boxer also tends to have a mind of his own and can get bored with doing the same thing over and over again. Therefore, for the best results keep training sessions short and sweet.
Boxers and Kids
Basically, a Boxer is an excellent choice for a family with children. He is an incredible playmate and is extremely devoted to his family. Still, as is true with any breed, it is important to properly prepare your children and your home for any new pup that you plan to add to the mix. Talk with your kids about how to interact appropriately with a dog, how to handle an animal, and other basic rules that you want them to follow, such as not going by a dog when he is eating. It's also important to prep your dog for being around children, so make sure you start a training program immediately, give your Boxer ample opportunities for early socialization experiences, and introduce him to your children in a positive way.
Once you’re ready to find the perfect dog for your family, then it’s time to begin your search! You can adopt a dog or seek out a reputable breeder if you opt to buy your pet. A great place to start is petfinder.com, or if you decide to rescue your new furry family member, check out some of the different boxer rescue groups so you can see multiple pups in need of a good home.
At Neater Pets, we want to make sure you have the information you need to be a super pet parent. Check out the rest of our blogs for helpful tips, awesome products, and other handy resources. When you take the time to learn, you’re setting yourself up to be the best that you can be for your special furry friends.