Hi, I picked up my new boxer puppy this morning  :-D and she is settling in really well, eating and happy. I have owned and  reared a few different breeds so I am confident that I "know how to look after puppies" but please could a boxer specialist here give me any tips on rearing and management specific to boxers? Do they need raised feeding/water  bowls - how much exersise when the jabs are finished - things like that?
I know that adult boxers can be susceptable to bloat, compared to some other breeds; can a small puppy get this, if not, from what age is it a threat? She is 10 weeks old and being fed on dry complete food, is this ok? ( in relation to bloat) I am happy to feed her the complete food that she's on, if its safe for her, so please dont try and covert me to BARF, LOL.
She is being fed on 29% protein 15% oils, is this ok for this breed please. The breeder is very experienced and helpful, but I was so excited about getting the puppy I forgot to ask her lots of things I meant to. ;-)

I'd be so grateful to get advice from someone who knows about boxers. Thanks.

congratulations on your new baby!
i have had 2 boxers in the past,i never used raised bowls with them but if i got another i think i would as my other dog feeds better of the ground.
mine was on dry food with water mixed in to help it to enlarge in the bowl not in the stomach,as far as i know bloat can happen to any breed at any time,you just need  to not exercise the dog after a meal.boxers should have 2 meals a day through out their lifes so just split the amount into two when she's is the right age.
boxers can have any amount of exercise you want them to have as they will keep going untill you drop.you need to build the time up like all pups but once they are adults there was no limit to how far mine would go untill they got older.
the main problems boxers have are heart condtions and tumors.
i would advice you to get her insured and keep it through out her life as my lad had his 1st tumor removed at 10 months.
what colour is she? whats her name?
sadly both of mine are no longer with us but they were 9 and 11 when we lost them,my dad still has my boys sister and will be 12 next they are great dogs.
they are easy to train just praise and rewards they are fast learners and love to please.
there are other members that have boxers which will be along soon i guess.
good luck and give her a cuddle from me.

Hi congratulations on picking up your boxer puppy, I would carry on feeding her four times a day, (morning dinner tea & supper) then in a couple of weeks she will most probably start leaving some of her meals if she does put her onto three meals a day , by six months old she will be down to two, in my opinion boxers dont need raised feeding / water bowls she should have her first jab at eight weeks then the second at ten weeks, then she can go out two weeks later, as for exercise i would just let her run around your garden for the time being as that will be adequate for her, then after her vaccinations just start by doing approx 20 mins at a time, yes a dry complete food is ok all mine are reared on it, & my eldest is eight never had a problem with bloat. If you need any more information just give your pups breeder a call im sure they will help you, i know i would with any of my puppies new owners
Good luck with your puppy, regards polly_45

Thanks very much for the input. :-) Yes she has puppy insurance from Pet Plan, which I will continue. Our Lab has just had a cruciate ligament repair, and thanks goodness she was insured.
We haven't decided on a name yet, but it might be Zara. I prepared the family for a sleepless night, but she just barked for about an hour after she was put to bed in a crate made cosy, and then total silence all night. I cant quite believe our luck!!
She is a brindle, very flashy with a white underthroat and chest and white on her front legs, and a little white flash down her face. She is line bred to CH Winuwuk Lust in the Dust, (what a cracking name eh) and we hope to show her.
Thanks again, :-) any more info/advice would be welcome.

they soon learn what you want. zara is a pretty name for her.both mine were reds,mine was with pet plan and covered them for life i think they are one of the better insurances out there.
oooh boxers pups big ears and the leggie stage i remember it well if i was to get another dog it would have to be another boxer.my lad is a leo but i am waiting for him to grow and mature before i bring another 1 in.once you own a boxer you will always have a soft spot for them.i baby sit my parents when they are out and can't take her im 2nd mum to her but wouldn't have it any other way.we met up with my dad and emma on the field yesterday and she flew to greet us not bad for a 11 years old,she kept rounding the kids up (nanny emma).
if you ever want to talk boxers mail me i love the breed and they are so loving and loyal to the family.

Hello - a boxer puppy, how lovely. I have a Roamaro Scotch Mist at Winuwuk grand-daughter.

Do not be tempted to over-exercise your pup, especially if you intend to show. She will not need long, or indeed any, formal walks for many months yet. Playing in the garden & house so that she can rest when tired is quite sufficient. Do not let her run up and down stairs as this can damage her front & place stress on her growth plates. Feed her well, give her plently of love, plenty of safe chewy toys, a comfy bed/place of her own, plenty of opportunity to sleep & grow, start training as soon as possible (remember that Boxers do not respond well to harsh verbal or physical corrections), make her a member of the family, - and she will repay you a hundredfold with love & loyalty.

HI shadowboxer. Zara is a double GGdaughter of Scotch Mist - small world eh? Thanks for the tips, she definately wont be allowed up and down stairs. She makes me laugh as she bounds about like a gazelle, rather than runs - all legs and ears. She's just perfect - another quiet night, I thought she may have found her lungs after gaining some confidence - she is so bold. :-) I have known her mum, Sadie,  since she was a pup and was keen to have a pup from her last litter as apart from being beautiful, Sadie is  soooo steady "for a boxer" LOL. It could have come at a better time as her companion the Lab can do without too much excitement at the moment, but it was now or never. 
Thanks so much for all the replies. :-)

Keep me updated on her progress. PM if you feel it is not of general interest to the board. Have fun :-)

My first Boxer was fed with bowls not raised, my subsequent Boxers have theirs on raised stands.
My Boxers are fed on complete foods that are wheat gluten free, since feeding wheat gluten free have noticed that they aren't itchy.
Soon notice if you feed a variety that isn't wheat gluten free as they all start itching.
Don't panic when your pup suddenly goes off her food though as Boxers can be finicky eaters especially when they are going through teething. ALL of my Boxers have done this to me..I learned my lesson the hard way with my first Boxer...I went thruough
so many different varieties of food and basically made her a fussy eater. The others I have stuck to my guns with & they become pigs
as adults. :)

A 15-20 mins walk on lead to get your puppy used to the outside world is all that's needed for socialisation purposes
(When she's had her jabs & allowed out)
They exercise enough off lead when they have a play in the garden.
I'd advise you to book her into obedience lessons as Boxers can be a handful, best to start them young whilst they
aren't as stubborn nor as strong as an adult Boxer ;)
What you put in now in training you will reap the rewards 1000 fold over as they grow into adults.
Don't be put off if you wish to show her you CAN do both obedience and showing.
The only dog I didn't do any 'formal' obedience classes with & concentrated on showing is a real pain.
I really do regret not taking her to obedience training.

Don't be afraid to contact your breeder though I'm sure she'd be more than happy to advise you.
Most reputable breeders do welcome ANY questions you have even after you have taken your puppy home.
I still get questions asked now and my 'pups' are 3 years old. I welcome contact with all my puppy owners.

Hope you have many years of fun with your Boxer baby!
:)

I would be asking these questions of the breeder who will be the best persdon to help with specific advice as to what her own stock do best with :D  Of course it is nice to have other advise but it can become very confusing as a lot of it will be contradictory, 'there is more than one way to skin a cat' as the saying goes. :D