New Puppy

10 replies

missymoosal · 27/09/2006 23:08

We are getting a 7 week Boxer bitch at Christmas. Just for the record this is not an impulse and the timing has been carefully considered. Have done alot of reading about the breed and the puppy stage but would be grateful for any other tips. Have DS/DD 11yrs and DD 6yrs.

OP posts:

NatalieJane · 28/09/2006 17:39

Firstly, is the breeder a responsible breeder? Is the puppy a pedigree? If so, does it have a KC registration? Are the breeders keeping a pup from the litter for them selves? Do they show/work their dog/s? Have the parents been fully health tested? Do they have a waiting list for their pupies? Does the breeder own both the mother and father of the litter? Have you seen the mother and/or father?

And about the ownership, get hold of a copy of 'The Perfect Puppy' the authors name has completely slipped my mind at the moment, but the book will be invaluable to you, read it through from cover to cover at least three times before you pick your puppy up, however ignore the chapter on disipline and punishment, this is quite outdated. Look into puppy training classes in your area, especially with a Boxer with them being a very strong breed. Try to find a knowledgable person who is already in the breed that will be able to help you with any questions specific to Boxers.

Lastly, really think very hard before getting a puppy at Christmas time. A puppy needs every pair of eyes on him for at least 4 weeks until house training is properly established, and at christmas with people coming and going, and noise and new toys for him to destroy, it can be a complete nightmare. I would definatly wait until after the new year it is only a week or two longer.

CountessDracula · 28/09/2006 17:44

Be prepared for a lot of slobbering and your wallpaper falling off in the hall (this happened to a friend of my mum who got a boxer lol!) They are lovely dogs.

I agree with NJ (the perfect puppy is by Gwen Bailey I think)

Also check the parents hip scores you need to be sure they are ok. I wouldn't let the pup climb stairs for a while (we stopped ours for 6 months) as it can give them hip probs in later life

Piffle · 28/09/2006 17:46

WE were also considering a boxer, until we spoke to vets and researched the health of the breed
They are not very hardy and are susceptible to asthma, skin problems, joint problems and depression we found out

NatalieJane · 28/09/2006 17:50

Gwen Bailey - that's the one Blame the pregnancy brain I think!!

I believe Boxers suffer a lot of heart and eye problems as well.

CountessDracula · 28/09/2006 18:04

all dogs with red coats are suceptible to skin tumours btw (don't know ifyou are getting a red boxer) just make sure you have good insurance

Original poster

missymoosal · 28/09/2006 19:46

Have looked long and hard for a breeder. She has been breeding for 30 yrs and the grandparents of the sire and dam are still alive and in good health. The children are only getting one small present as the pup is for all of us and we will devote the time off at Christmas to start training both the puppy and the kids so the pup is given consistant commands from both the adults and the kids. Any recommendations for what to look for in a vet? Who does the best pet insurance?

OP posts:

NatalieJane · 28/09/2006 20:59

I would still want to see health certificates espcially as it seems Boxers can suffer with quite a few serious health problems.

For a vet, catch people as they are going into or leaving your local surgery, if they are happy with the services/prices, they will tell you.

And for pet insurance, PetPlan are very good, but very expensive, Marks and Spencers is very good and I have heard many people recommend them, and they seem to be half the price of PetPlan, but check and double check that any of the known major health problems that crop up with Boxers are covered in your premium.

I am not trying to run your breeder down (as obviously I don't know from what you say if they are genuine or not!) but 30 years of breeding experience is only worth the time and effort if they are breeding responsibly, not for profit, and if the dogs are happy and healthy.

Original poster

missymoosal · 28/09/2006 21:09

I have had a alot of conversations with her quite a number of them involved her questioning me at length about my knowledge of the breed, living conditions for the pup and she insists that the whole family come to see her before we see the litter. She also questioned our working patterns and said she would never sell a pup to anyone who works fulltime and is out all day so I feel she is genuine. She says she has all the relevant paperwork for KC and all vet health checks. We will be able to see the parents and grandparents aswell if we want to so that sounds promising.

OP posts:

Piffle · 29/09/2006 10:46

Petplan are excellent, but for dogs who are suceptible to more problems than others your premiums are much higher.
It costs os £30 per month for economy insurance for our two Jack Russell pups with £80 excess.
Vets, we picked the one closest to us and they are fabulous.
Try one if you do not like, go to another the next time and so on...
Good luck though and get ready for mayhem

CountessDracula · 29/09/2006 10:48

It sounds like you are well prepared

How lovely, new puppies are great! (as well as bitey and noisy and messy and keep-you-up-all-nighty and get-the-neighbours-moaning-when-you-go-outy!!)

Flip