Temperature.
Boxers are not given to extremes of temperature. They don’t like too hot whether nor too cold. If you need a dog to keep you company during long winter walks through mountainous terrain, then choosing a Boxer would probably not be a good idea. He’s much rather give you a slobbery kiss and watch you leave from the comfort of the living room window.
Exercise
Although they don’t like to be too hot or too cold, Boxers love running and jumping and having a great time outside where they can exercise their heart out. Being an intelligent as well as an energetic breed of dog means that if they are cooped up in the house for too long and especially alone, they might well decide to take out their frustration on the furniture, carpets, house plants or anything else that gets in their way. Above all always make sure you will have plenty of free time to look after his exercising needs before you buy a Boxer or any other kind of medium to large breed of dog. It is also not just physical exercise that a Boxer needs but also mental stimulation. Now that may sound a little strange but it is perfectly true. You do not want a bored Boxer on your hands.
If you want a guard dog don’t even think of getting a Boxer
Boxers have a lovable nature. They are kind and playful and while they can snap if in a bad mood they do not make good guard dogs. Boxers are not aggressive by nature and trying to teach them to be should be discouraged. They simply don’t have it in them to be constantly nasty. He may well end up playing with an intruder rather than seeing him off.
Boxers and children
Some people might think that because of the Boxer’s size, he wouldn’t make a good family pet. This is actually quite untrue. Boxers adore children and can sense that they have to be gentle with them. It is a good idea though, to educate your children to be nice to the dog, rather than the other way around. I have seen children innocently doing all kinds of things to Boxers like pulling their ears and trying to ride them, and all the while the poor dog sitting there and giving the children a look halfway between ‘leave me alone’ and ‘I love these kids’. To put it bluntly, if your kids aren’t nasty, your Boxer won’t be.
Do you like being alone?
If you like being alone then consider buying some fish or a hamster. Not a Boxer. He needs constant attention and affection. Be prepared to be followed wherever you go, and that includes the bedroom and bathroom.
Can you afford him?
Dogs in general aren’t cheap, and Boxers are dogs. You must take into consideration his food, vet’s bills and other bits and bobs which can really add up.
