Hello,

I wondered if you might offer me some advice, I am planning to get a Boxer puppy in the new year. My wife is a big fan of the breed, where as I don't really know that much about them. We have two children aged 6 and 3 do you think a boxer would be suitable and if so which sex is generally more placid?

Also could you give me a rough idea of your price

Kind Regards

Craig Beck
craig@craigbeck.com

Different people have different views on what dogs are suitable with children... A boxer is like a hyperactive child, if that helps :) My youngest is 5, and I find that at times they excite each other to the point of mayhem, but I knew what to expect, I am happy to have a house full of mayhem, and I wouldn't want it any different. Boxers are fantastic with children, but don't expect a placid little pup to curl up in the corner all day - it will be hard work, but SO worth it! This is just going on my experience, there are far more knowedgeable people around who will no doubt help you.

As far as sex goes - I think that a bitch is slightly calmer than a dog, but I'm not 100% sure. I have a dog.

I paid £500 for mine, which I think is probably the average.

hi there, i have 2 boxer bitches aged 10months and 6months, they are brilliant with the children which i have four of aged 13, 11, 9, and 4, i am also getting another boxer on the 8th of january, we love this breed, they are so loving and protective, after having a boxer, i would not have any other breed, a pleasure to own, we love them dearly and in return they love us and they show you, hope this helps.

Boxers are not for the faint-hearted or the house-proud (Can be messy eaters and drinkers, and can guarantee drool/froth/spit, whatever you want to call it, on the floor, up the walls, and even on the ceiling).

I quote from another list - "Boxers are happy, enthusiastic, exuberant, affectionate, devoted to their owners, happy to please, love to be trained, do not always do 100% what you ask because sometimes they know a better way, but they understand, and they like you to spend time with them. They can be as silly or as serious as you wish. He is a companion guard dog...he is bold, he is brave, he looks you in the eye with sincerity and friendship. He does take some understanding. He probably won't start any quarrels, but he's happy to finish them. Character and temperament are as important in the standard as conformation.

If you want to own a Boxer, keep that in the forefront of your mind. You are the sun in his universe, you hold his behaviour in your hand, he will behave exactly as you want him to - no matter what that is"

If you think he is a fool and a clown, that is what he will be. If you believe him to be a trainable, intelligent, steadfast friend and companion - well he will be that in spades.

Regarding dog or bitch - bitches tend to be smaller and dogs tend to be more cuddle prone. Other than that I do not find much difference in temperament or behaviour.

Please, please, if you get a Boxer do go to a reputable breeder (there are some health issues in the breed), and do take your pup to training as soon as possible. An untrained Boxer is a nightmare.

I have no more to add to the above beautifully summed up. The best freind a family can have.