My son is 14 years old and really wants a boxer dog.  We are all animal lovers and have had other pets, however we have never owned a dog.  We would like opinions as to whether this is a suitable family dog and as he will be walking it etc.,  whether it would be suitable for him.  We would of course take it to training classes etc for the dog's benefit and ours but I am slightly worried that it may be too strong a dog to have especially as a first dog.
Thank you in aniticipation!
Fran Watts

Boxers are excellent companions for adults & children alike. However, they are extemely strong (both dogs & bitches) and I would not permit a 14 year-old to walk an adult dog on his own. They can be very boisterous, they need almost constant human company, as adults they need a great deal of physical exercise & mental stimulation.

They are a guarding breed and may be wary of strangers. They may also vary in their approach to other dogs. They may not start quarrels, but be sure, they will finish them!

They require kind, but firm & consistent training. They are not suited to living outside as they do not cope well with cold & heat.

A happy Boxer is one that is trained & included in as many family activities as is practicable.

If you decide on a Boxer pup be sure to go to a reputable breeder. There are health problems in the breed (heart, cancer, etc.) which the good breeders are trying to eliminate. Also, be as sure as you can that the breeder breeds for temperament as well as health & appearance (meet the dam & any others of the line that are on the premises). And please, please, do take the dog to training classes. An untrained Boxer is a nightmare.

A Boxer will try his best to please you if you can show the dog kindly what is expected. A Boxer will be the dog that YOU make him/her. You will be the sun in his universe and you hold his behaviour in your keeping. He will return your love & loyalty to him a hundredfold.

A Boxer is not for everyone. If your son (and you if/when your son loses interest) is not prepared to understand their unique character, not prepared to research the breed, not prepared to exercise, feed, & train wisely, not prepared for the sheer exuberance of a 30+kg dog dashing around your house & garden, not prepared to commit to months/years of regular training sessions, not prepared to give him heaps of gentle affection, not prepared to rule out rough games, not prepared for a wrecked garden, etc., then perhaps it is not the right breed for you.