Jones - All About Boxer Dog Puppies

The Right Reasons

There are many right reasons for purchasing a Boxer, depending on your living space, lifestyle, and financial status; both now and in the future. A Boxer requires love, attention, space, and exercise, as well as veterinary care and good quality food. If you are able to provide these factors for the animal, then purchasing a Boxer is probably a good decision. Remember, however, that a Boxer will usually live at least 12 years, and many breeds can live to be 15 or more years old. Know that this purchase is a lifetime commitment and ensure that you are financially and emotionally able to take on this commitment.

Some of the right reasons for purchasing a Boxer include:

• You want to participate in daily exercise with a pet that will always be ready to go for a walk, romp or run, no matter what the weather.
  

• You want to be responsible for caring for another living thing that will provide you with years of unconditional love and attention.
  

• You can make the time commitment to train and work with your Boxer both now and in the future.
  

• You have the ability to provide food and healthcare as required to the Boxer. The average cost of raising a Boxer is approximately $250.00/125 per year in vet fees plus an additional $100.00/50 per month in food. Flea and tick medications and heartworm medicine usually costs $30.00/15 to $50.00/25 per month. These costs are per dog, so families with more than one Boxer will pay significantly more per year to keep their dog healthy.
  

• You want to have a companion to spend time with that will just be happy to be with you.
  

• You have spent time researching breeds and have determined a Boxer will best suit your lifestyle, both now and in the future.
  

• You have researched breeds, rescues, or private owners and have determined the best purchase to make.
  

• You have the space, both inside and outside, and have the room to exercise and house the Boxer in a quality home environment.
  

• You have completely thought through the purchase, consulted with other family members, and are in agreement that getting a Boxer is a good decision.

Ensuring that other family members agree with your decision is an important part of the right reasons to get a Boxer.

The Wrong Reasons

Sometimes people end up owning pets for the wrong reason. Unfortunately, these wrong reasons often lead to loving pets being left at rescues or shelters or simply being given away to another owner. Try to avoid purchasing or taking a Boxer from someone else for one of the wrong reasons listed below:

• Purchasing a mature Boxer or puppy based on emotion rather than planning and thought. All puppies are cute and adorable, but they do grow. Rescues for large breeds are full of young Boxers that simply grew much bigger than the owner had anticipated. A little research on the breed would have avoided this problem.
  

• Purchasing a Boxer as a trend. Different movies, videos, or even various celebrities posing with a Boxer can influence individuals in purchasing a particular breed. Buying a Boxer without knowing what the breed is like in personality or training demands is not a good idea. Avoid purchasing the breed that is currently in fashion.
  

• Purchasing a Boxer to send a message about yourself. Many breeds have become popular due to their reputation as aggressive or protective. However, this does not necessarily mean that the owner and the dog will be a good match.
  

• Feeling guilty about a mature Boxer or puppy and taking it home. Sometimes people are pressured into buying or accepting a grown Boxer or puppy even when they know they cannot properly care for it.
  

• Taking home a Boxer when your financial situation or lifestyle will not accommodate for the responsibility of caring for the pet.
  

• Purchasing a Boxer for a small child or family member. They likely will not be able to care for it on their own if you are not able to provide assistance and support for the pets training and care.

Research and an honest evaluation of why you want a Boxer will help avoid these potential pitfalls.

BOXERS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

There are several considerations that a Boxer owner must keep in mind when owning such a breed. Sometimes, there are more responsibilities when owning a Boxer than other types of dogs. It is the owners job to keep the pet safe, as well as visitors to the property and individuals within the community.

The following responsibilities should be considered with regards to owing a Boxer:

• Travel

Will you bring the Boxer with you? Who will provide care for him or her while you are away? Some hotels and motels allow dogs, and most dogs can be transported in planes, provided they are properly caged and behaved. Training your Boxer to be comfortable in a cage when traveling is a great idea. For those Boxers that are being left behind, either boarding them or having someone dog sit is an important consideration.

• Vaccinations
  N ot only should all Boxers be vaccinated to prevent them from developing diseases, but this will also prevent the spread of disease through other dogs. Even Boxers that have no contact with other pets may get outside, become lost, or have contact with other dogs in social areas. Vaccinating your Boxer on a regular basis eliminates any worry.

• Kenneling