Wanting to get a Boxer

[my8thMNusername]

I'd really like our family to get a Boxer next year. I wondered if MN would have any advice on this and whether anyone has breeder recommendations (we live in SE).

We had a boxer as a family pet so I do know the breed, but I was in late teens at that time and rarely home and certainly didn't get involved in the decision process. Absolutely adored that dog though.

We have a young DC (will be around 3.5 when I'd like to get the dog) and in the countryside so lots of space.

Any experts out there who have good or bad stories to tell and also things to consider if I'm looking at this breed?

3.5 yes is quite young to be around a strong bouncy pup. Boxers are lovely but very slow to mature (do they ever mature? )

Think about your home layout - are you easily able to use babygates etc to keep DC and puppy separate? If you have a very open floorplan it will be more difficult to manage.

Do you have another pair of hands most of the time - supervising a young child & toilet training a pup might be tricky (standing outside for 20 minutes waiting for puppy to go so they don't pee on your floor, for example!).

Definitely look at the kennel club website and check if there are recommended health tests for the breed (I can't remember for boxers specifically), and make sure you see results from any breeder (actual test results, not just "they've been health checked").

Maybe have a look at a breed specific rescue too, if you would consider an adult who is already house trained etc rather than a pup.

*3.5yrs

I suspect there will be some labrador /boxers puppies around in a few months!!

Boxers are absolutely bonkers!

I love them as a breed but they're very strong and goofy and I wouldn't want a young one around a small child.

I would wait until your child is at least primary age.

Our greyhound is friends with one. He is an adorable goof but oh my word so strong. He is lovely with her as she’s a bitch but he’s a bugger and has been aggressive with complete males. His female owner has difficulty holding him on the lead as he is so strong.

I have a 5 year old female and my mum has an 8 year old. Beautiful dogs, amazing with my 2 year old and any other children. Both well trained and can be calm and walk amazing on and off leads. They are crackers but they're known for that and that's what makes them boxers haha. They are a lovely breed x

Boxers are lovely dogs. Hardy, strong and daft, really loyal dogs. They need lots of exercise and brain games as they've usually got bags of energy. We had one that absolutely loved swimming and chasing snowballs.

Thank you all! Getting excited about getting one one day even if I should wait a year or two 😭😭😭😭😭😭