I am searching for a loyal dog. I've always like'd boxers but never owned one. Are they easy to train?? I am hoping to get some insight from some of you.

Thanks,

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

My x-brother-in-law family raised boxers, which are loyal to their master, but can be aggressive to other animals and people, try a Lab if you want loyality

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

Lab or Australian Sheps! Great dogs.

__________________
Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

My mother grew up with Boxers... and from what she has told me, they are one of the best dogs you can find. They're loyal, funny and most have a great personality. Don't get a common dog like a retriever or a Lab, be unique.. you don't see many Boxers out there. You can't go wrong with Boxers, but they don't like cold environments... so think of that before getting one.

P.S.

BEFORE your thread is hijacked and made into a "which dog is good" thread.. the answer to your question is yes they are good dogs and yes they are easily trained. The were used as police dogs in the past.

Howdy Brandon,
When looking at pure bred dogs and you have decided on a breed your most important move is finding a reputable breeder. Check out some dog shows and talk to the people. Get a hold of a magazine. I think there is a magazine dedicated to Boxers. You can find the mags. at Petsmart or other pet store. Another way is checking with the breed rescue. If you don't need a show dog but you want a purebred this is the way to go. If all this research seems a bit much then just go down to an animal shelter and pick up something there.

__________________
Frank X. Morris
17 Kia Niro
08 Jeep Wrangler 4 door unlimited

I knew I could count on you guys !

I love labs and retrievers and any dogs for that matter. However I was looking for a dog a little different as mentioned above. And again I've always loved these dogs. Short hair is an added bonus since I'm a neat freak. There's an ad in the local paper advertising boxers for $150. I'm not searching for a show dog, or necessarily a pure bread. I've heard that pure bread dogs have more health problems because they're so imbred...Not sure if its true or not but it sounds legit. I am basically looking for an all around good natured dog preferrably a boxer, that will love people and other dogs. My office is open to pets , so any given day there are at least 5 other dogs running around. All are labs or golden retrievers with the exception of one doberman pincher.
Thank you and keep the tips coming.

I've had many family dogs growing up but this will be my very first personal dog.

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Boxers are fine dogs. I've known other people who have had them, and they've all been very friendly and outgoing dogs. They just aren't big enough for me. As with any large breed, you'll need to put the dog through obedience training to make him a good canine citizen. I'm putting Bear through this and am already noticing tremendous improvements in his behaviour. Lots of luck in your search for your new best friend.

these dogs slobber all over the place

__________________
2000 Ford 7.3 Powerstroke 4x4
2006 Mazda Tribute
1983 Black 300 D (donated to charity)
1993 Teal 300 D (160K) Sold
"I love the smell of burnt diesel fuel in the morning, it smells like ....VICTORY"

Semper Fidelis
USMC 1973-1976

Boxers are great dogs -- all dogs are great dogs (OK -- maybe not Chows). The trick is finding a dog that suits your needs and your personality, and vice versa. Boxers are medium-sized dogs that have big-dog personalities. They're energetic and aggressive, but very good-natured. They seem to enjoy bully games and love to test their physical abilities against their handlers, kids, and other dogs. The word that might best describe their personality is rowdy. If you're a high-energy guy, a boxer could be perfect for you. BTW, you say you're a "neat-freak" so you might prefer a long-haired dog. Short haired dogs are much more prone to shedding.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

A neighbor has one. They never trained it and it is completely undisciplined. Even so, it is a great dog. Naturally quiet and good natured, very well-mannered and a bundle of energy. Its an uncut male but made friends with my loyal, older, dumbass neutered mostly lab. It does not allow squirrels or birds to enter its domain. I think it could be easily trained to be a loyal watchdog, though probably not a dangerous one.

If its typical of the breed, you'll need a large yard or a leash for lots of walks.


Botnst

The rowdy part I like.. I'm the type that will take her with me nearly every place she is allowed. I will probably try to get a female as they tend to be a little easier to train (or so I hear). I'm not so much of a neat freak that I mind cleaning up the hair or drool. If I were that bad I wouldn't be getting a dog.

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Botnst,

Just re-read your reply....That sounds like a perfect fit. I like dogs that don't bark at every whisper of the wind and also dogs that can make it on a 3 mile run without passing out.

My mom has a Schitzoo (Im positive that's not how you spell it) that is a great loyal dog. But barks non-stop and needs affection every minute of the day (great for her). He will follow you all over the place. I have accidentally stepped on him numerous times because I didn't know he'd followed me.

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

The gender issue is an interesting point. There's a well-known saying in dog-breeders' circles: "They don't call 'em *****es for nothin'". They tend to hold onto females as breeders, and males as companions. Generally (stressing "generally"), males tend to bond more with their handlers, be more aggresive, more affectionate, more responsive, and more interested in attention. All of these things tend to make them easier to train. Females are generally more laid back and less demanding of your attention. If you need clarification on this point, just talk to a couple of breeders -- they're usually eager to discuss experiences with their pups.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

GermanStar,

Interesting I always thought it was the other way around. Thanks for the clarification.

My next question.

Why is it that people pay big money for pure breads when muts tend to be the best dogs?

Is it strictly for show purposes?

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Since you've indicated that you are looking at females. Ask yourself this: Do you intend to spay the dog? If not, you will have to deal with the twice yearly heat cycles. The spotting makes a mess, and if there are any males in the area, will attract any and all uncut males to your yard that are within smelling distance of your dog. If you keep her in the house, the blood will get all over everything, and despite your best efforts to keep everyting clean, you will inevitably find that missed spot after it's dried up and stained the carpet, rug, fuirniture, etc.