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MY DP WANTS A HUSKY ANY TIPS ABOUT THEM I WANT A BOXER

35 replies

laurenholly · 05/11/2005 22:03

HI
MY DP WANTS A SIBERAN HUSKY BUT I WANT A BOXER WHATS BEST
WE HAVE DD1 WHOS 3 AND DD2 WHOS 11MTHS

OP posts:
expatinscotland · 06/11/2005 22:14

Huskies need a LOT of exercise. They suit a highly-athletic family or couple very well. They can easily develop what humans consider behavioural problems if they don't get a lot of exercise.

Yes, they are brilliant escape artists, but they are clever and respond well the training. A couple I knew who had one did have to use a fence+a collar that could be programmed to deliver a spray of citrus (something dogs find abhorrent, maybe it was cedar, though?) once the dog got 'x' number of meters from the fence. B/c he could easily clear a 6 ft. fence in one go.

These dogs were a VERY popular breed amongst climbers, hillwalkers and other outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado, and so they suited such owners well as they are capable of long hikes, runs, munro bagging and even XC/randonee/backcountry ski trips.

They do require a lot of time and patience, however, in addition to exercise.

My best pal and her husband back in Denver adopted an 8-month-old husky bitch from a rescue centre, where she'd been rehomed for 'behaviour problems'. As my pal and her DH are avid outdoor enthusiasts and the dog gets at least a daily 5 mile run, however, she's never had a behavioural problem since being w/them.

laurenholly · 06/11/2005 22:16

i bet you have a labrador what colour yes there lovely dogs too

OP posts:
MamaG · 07/11/2005 13:14

Black male lab, now 2 years old. My 19 month old ds sits on him, pulls his tail, ears, mouth everything and the dog just sits there and lets him (although obviously I stop him!!)

piffle · 07/11/2005 13:18

and you can never let them off the lead as they will keep on running!

piffle · 07/11/2005 13:19

and generally as our vet told us when we were looking, boxers have a number of health problems, even depression apparently!
We chose a ridgeback but our dd was allergic to the dog so we had to rehome her.

Zephyrcat · 07/11/2005 13:20

We were going to get Alaskan Malamutes and spent an awful lot of time going to 'Husky days' where we couls see lots of dogs, talk to breeders, see them doing their sled pulling etc. We had to decide against it because dd was only about 2 and half at the time and they are big, heavy, boisterous dogs. Don't get me wrong they are soooo loving and friendly but they have sooo much energy. They need a hell of a lot of space and exercise and the kids wouldn't be able to walk them until they were older because they are such strong dogs. They also need a lot of obedience training when they are very young and can be quite cheeky and a bit of a handful.

scotlou · 07/11/2005 13:51

I love boxers - but they are absolutely daft and do need careful training.
Ours (brindle bitch) was great with people but very aggressive to dogs outside the family (got on fine with the standard poodle bought at same time). health problems - lots: skin complaints, ligament / joint problems, gastoenteritis, latterly urinary infections. Vets bills were enormous - GET IT INSURED!!
Lived until she was about 11 (as did the poodle -died within 4 weeks of each other).

juliejoo · 11/11/2005 22:25

Don't know if this thread is still running, but couldn't resist adding my tuppenceworth! As a vet, really quite surprised that so many people are so enthusiastic about boxers with children as they are a breed that I've never really trusted- some are lovely but loopy, others downright nasty, although i know that a lot of the vicious ones are purportedly big softies at home. It is true they have a huge variety of health problems eg a much higher cancer risk, skin problems, eye problems, hip and joint problems, so definitely advise insurance. I also agree that huskies are a lot of work- if you have time each day to brush these guys and hoover three times a day, go for it!! Usually nice dogs though! I have a 5-mth old and a 22-mth old and 2 mental beagles- great with the kids, but a lot of work, and actually like haveing another two kids!! So who am I to advise anyone??....

hatstand · 11/11/2005 22:41

I'm with MamaG when it comes to kids and dogs lab lab lab. this is a good site - has a specific thing on how dogs are with children. And I grudgingly admit that there are more dogs than just labs that they say are excellent - including boxers

juliejoo · 11/11/2005 22:45

Have to admit, labs are definitely the safe bet- but make sure it's hip-scored/ eye-tested etc to avoid vets bills and heartache!! I like the working- lab lines: tend to be taller, leaner and healthier than the show lot. Be interested to hear what you decide

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