Consider These 13 Factors Before Getting a Boxer Dog

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The Boxer is an athletic, tall, and muscular medium to large dog with a striking square-shaped head and a cute, wrinkled forehead. It is best known for its loyal personality and highly energetic spirit.

This article explains the 13 things to consider before getting a Boxer, so you can decide whether the breed is for you.

Exercise Level

Saying that the Boxer is an energetic dog would be an understatement. It has a go-all-day stamina and requires at least an hour of high-intensity daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.

The good news is that the Boxer is not picky when it comes to choosing the right activity; it loves everything - from walking and hiking to running and jogging. Playing in a secured and fenced area is also an excellent exercise option.

Unless properly exercised, Boxers become bored and prone to behavioral issues and destructiveness like chewing, digging, and barking. Lack of physical activity also increases the risk of obesity and weight-related health problems.

In addition to physical activity, Boxers require mental stimulation, like:

Agility courses
Obedience training

Training Requirements

Training is essential for raising a well-behaved Boxer. Generally speaking, this breed is smart and likes pleasing its owners. However, it can also be stubborn and strong-willed.

So, is training easy?

The simple answer is yes. Boxers are easy to train with the right technique, which is positive reinforcement. They respond really well to praise, treats, and playtime as rewards for good behavior.

Never punish or scold your Boxer if it misbehaves. Such training approaches are counterproductive and can result in severe behavioral problems and anxiety.

Another key to successful training is consistency. You must be clear about the rules and keep the training sessions short and entertaining. Also, be patient, and remember that training is a process and takes time.

Temperament

The Boxer is naturally curious, friendly, and easygoing. These traits make it the perfect dog for families. Plus, the breed is extremely playful and very fond of children of all ages.

Boxers are protective of their human families and make great watchdogs. They bark to alert the owners and tend to be wary of strangers.

The Boxer loves to be the center of attention and thrives on human interaction and affection. If ignored, it often acts clownish in order to get your attention.

All Boxers are smart; however, some are more stubborn than others which can make management and training a bit challenging.

We must note that Boxers have a strong prey drive and require socialization in order to learn how to get along with other pets and smaller dogs.

Time Commitment

Boxers require plenty of exercises, early socialization, and thorough training. As a result, raising them is a time commitment. Here are the time-consuming aspects of getting a Boxer:

Exercise Needs: Boxers need at least an hour of physical activity daily to be physically challenged and happy.
Socialization: Because of the high prey drive, it is essential that you start to socialize your Boxer extensively and from an early age.
Training Requirements: Training can be challenging since some Boxers are stubborn and independent.
Grooming: In terms of grooming, Boxers do not need much brushing, but shed a lot, which means you would have to deal with lots of loose hairs around the house.
Healthcare: Boxers need regular and high-quality veterinary care as they are prone to several severe health problems.

Grooming Needs

The Boxer’s short and smooth hair is low-maintenance in terms of grooming. However, it sheds a lot, especially during shedding seasons. Here are the main grooming needs of the breed:

Coat Care: Use a soft-bristled brush to manage loose hairs and distribute the natural oils. Brushing should be practiced once or twice per week.
Bathing: Bathe your Boxer on an as-needed basis using high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner. Between baths, you can use dry shampoos and pet wipes.
Nail Trimming: Trim the nails every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent overgrowth. You can use either nail clippers or a grinder.
Ear Cleaning: Boxers are prone to ear infections and need regular ear cleaning. You can use ear solutions, sprays, or pet wipes to ensure optimal ear health.
Dental Care: Brush your Boxer’s teeth at least three times per week to prevent dental diseases and early tooth loss.

Health Issues

Boxers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Sadly, the breed is prone to several serious and potentially life-threatening health conditions, such as:

Hip Dysplasia: Genetic condition in which the hip joint is malformed and causes pain, lameness, and, over time, arthritis.
Allergies: All Boxers are sensitive and often develop allergies manifesting with skin irritation and diarrhea.
Cancer: Boxers are prone to many cancer forms, including mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma.
Heart Conditions: A heart issue called dilated cardiomyopathy is common in the breed and ultimately causes heart failure.
Bloat: Because of their deep chests, the Boxers’ stomachs can fill with gas and twist, triggering a fatal chain of reactions.
Eye Issues: Cataracts, cherry eye, and corneal ulcers are the three most common eye conditions in Boxers.
Thyroid Problems: Boxers are at high risk of hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), which results in lethargy and weight gain.

Socialization

Socialization plays a crucial role in rearing a well-behaved Boxer. It includes early exposure to a variety of new situations, environments, people, and pets.

The main aspect of proper socialization is to start early. While it is never too late to socialize your Boxer, the ideal age is between 3 and 14 weeks. This is because young puppies are more adaptable.

Another important factor is the gradual introduction. If you expose your puppy to many new experiences too fast, it will likely get overwhelmed. Start slowly and gradually work your way up.

For best success, use positive reinforcement. Giving your Boxer treats, rewards, and praises when it behaves properly will help it associate the new experience with a positive outcome.

Family Compatibility

Boxers make excellent family pets. However, there are several factors you must consider before getting one as a pet:

Energy Levels: Boxers are energetic and active, meaning if you are a family person and cannot spare much time for physical activity, this breed is not your best choice.
Temperament: Boxers are playful and affectionate. They are very fond of children and can even be protective of them.
Size: While they love kids, Boxers are relatively big and can accidentally knock them down.
Training: Boxers need extensive training to learn how to behave properly. Therefore, before getting a member of this breed, ensure you have time for training.

Living Space

Despite their medium size Boxers are not suitable for apartment living. Instead, they need spacious homes with easy access to a fenced outdoor area. This is because the breed is active and needs room to play and exercise.

In addition to space, when evaluating the living conditions, you need to consider three additional factors:

Climate: The Boxer’s short coat is not a powerful insulator, meaning the breed does not do well in extreme temperatures. It is prone to overheating when it is hot and needs sweaters or coats when it is cold.
Other Pets: Boxers can live with other dogs and pets but may accidentally injure them if smaller when romping around.
Noise Levels: The Boxer is notorious for its barking, which has a negative impact on neighbors.

Time Alone

The Boxer is a social dog that thrives on human interaction. Therefore it does not do well alone. If unaccompanied for longer periods, it will likely develop anxiety and show destructiveness in the form of:

Chewing
Barking
Digging

Separation anxiety is a serious behavioral issue that harms the dog’s quality of life. Physical and mental stimulation are the best ways of preventing the problem.

In some cases, crate training can help with separation anxiety. The process takes time, but it will enable you to leave your Boxer home alone for a couple of hours.

However, if your working hours are long, it is best to consider a different breed.

Prey Drive

Boxers have a relatively high prey drive, meaning they are instinctively inclined to chase and capture smaller animals. This can be a problem if you already have other pets.

In such cases, training and socialization can help channel the prey drive into positive activities. This can be a lengthy and overwhelming process, and it may require the help of a professional trainer.

The exact prey drive level varies among members of the breed. When you first get your Boxer monitor its behavior around pets in a controlled environment and seek help if you notice even the slightest form of prey drive.

Financial Considerations

Before getting a Boxer, you must consider the financial aspect of being a dog owner. The purchase is an initial expense, and there will be additional costs.

So, what expenses to expect?

Here is a short overview of the financial considerations of owning a Boxer:

Purchase Price: Depends on where you live, the puppy’s lineage, and the reputation of the breeder. Champion Boxer pups can cost up to $3000 and more.
Food: High-quality dog food for Boxers will likely cost between $30 and $60 per month. Plus, this expense increases if you add dog treats to the menu.
Toys & Supplies: Boxers love playing, meaning you will need plenty of dog toys. The supplies section includes dog beds, crates, leashes, collars, bowls for food & water, etc.
Veterinary Care: Finally, you must be prepared to pay for veterinary care. Boxers are prone to several serious health conditions and therefore need regular and high-quality vet services.

Breed-Specific Laws

Despite being popular dogs, in some jurisdictions, Boxers are subdued to certain breed-specific laws. Depending on the circumstances, such laws either restrict or ban dog ownership based on risk and dangers.

Breed-specific legislation (BSL) targets dogs that are believed to be dangerous or aggressive. Sadly, this includes Boxers.

In some countries, the breed can be banned, and in others, you might be asked to obtain liability insurance or a special license if you want to have a Boxer.

What does this mean?

In practical terms, this means you must research the laws in your country before you decide to get a Boxer. If there is breed-specific legislation in your area, inform yourself of the rules and requirements.

Conclusion

Before buying a Boxer, consider its energy, exercise requirements, and training needs. Also, keep in mind that the breed thrives on human affection and is best for people that spend significant time at home.

If these criteria fit, getting a Boxer means having an affectionate and loving canine companion.