Dog Owners/Breeders

[CRCRFT78]

After having my own house and family I decided I want a dog. I haven't had one since I was living at home with my parents about 8 years ago. The problem is finding the puppy I want (Boxer). It seems like you can only get them from breeders or the Boxer Rescue Program. I'm dead set on a Boxer after having owned one when I was younger and it being loyal and good with us as kids. The problem though is I don't care for all of that Champion Bloodline/show dog BS. Filling out an application to agree to show the dog for the breeder WTF? I just want a good healthy dog for myself and my family to enjoy. Is this a common practice when dealing with all breeders? Is this common practice when purchasing from a breeder? I have tried the local SPCA with no luck. Any suggestions?

[rebelgtp]

with registered dogs it is common for some breeders to request that they are shown or have access to the dog for breeding services. Some breeders will have dogs that won't meet standards so they will not have those requirements for those dogs but normally have something about no breeding them.

Can't really help with boxers, my mom breeds Australian Cattle Dogs so I'm familiar with many of the contract details breeders ask.

[Iamtheonlyreal1]

Great decision on a Boxer... They are great and very loyal dogs. I have a 70 pound Brendle Boxer, he is about 6 years old right now and has been a great addition to our household. We got him when my daughter was 1 year old, and has grown up with her.. He sleeps by the side of her bed every night, and goes out of his way not to hurt her when they play.

We got our dog from a local breeder, we have papers but never filed them. Your locas SPCA should be able to give you a name of a reputable breeder without the B.S requirements. Dont give up, We got our dog from the Local Wal Mart Parking lot...LOL We didnt pick him up there, because I wanted to see where he came from. We took their number and went to pick him up from their home, so we could see the conditions and atleast the mother. I dont believe in Puppy Mills, so I wanted to make sure that I wasnt supporting one.

Again, great choice... You will be totally satisfied.. But, WOW what engergy these dogs have. Always happy to see you, always wanting to play, always aware of their surrounding, they also seem to be aware of acceptable roughness when playing with different age groups.

[hdesign]

Joe, we're considering getting another dog in the next year or so and a fawn male Boxer is on my short list. I can't believe the popularity of them in the past couple years. Not only do I see them everywhere but I have 4 fam/friends that have them. Very good family dogs.

The only reservation I have about them is the health concerns with regards to tumors, eye, heart, skin, nasal, bloat and joint problems they are prone too. Yes, most dogs (especially purebreds) have genetic health issues but Boxers seem to be uncomfortably high on many ailment lists.

I'm not trying to deter anyone from looking at them but be careful when adopting/buying. This is exactly why I would suggest going through all that BS from a reputable breeder that is recommended by the www.akc.org (check puppy referral). The parent boxer club is:
http://www.americanboxerclub.org/

Though I strongly support rescuing a dog if possible, by going to a reputable breeder, you can see the pedigree and certifications for a number of those health concerns. It's as close to a guarantee as you're going to get though it's not perfect.

As far as applications for getting a puppy, they need to be tough. Breeders care so much about their breed that they want to ensure the dog gets placed well. Responsible breeders aren't necessarily in it to make a profit like some crappy pet store/puppy mill breeder. The puppies are sold to cover the high cost of breeding, raising dogs, showing dogs and improving the breed. "Pet" puppies are literally a bi-product to get stronger champions out of the show puppies.

If you have no intention to show, ask for a "Pet quality" dog, neuter/spay them, register (or not) and enjoy the dog. Plus you have someone knowledgeable to call if you have questions about your specific breed. If you want a show quality dog and the breeder sees potential to improve the breed though your dog, yes, an agreement may be made. Above all, if you don't like the breeder, the parents or condition the dogs live in, go elsewhere.

I'd suggest going to a couple breed specialty shows in the area. Schedules can be found on the websites I mentioned. This way you can compare the breeders, talk to some (when they're not busy) and base your decision on being well informed.

Back in 03 my wife wanted a Golden Retriever so we went to 3 or 4 shows where I saw my dog's father. He was awesome so I talked to the breeder who happened to be fairly local. I happed to call her a few months later by chance and she had a Jan 1, 2004 litter. 8 puppies total, all three males went to show homes, 2 females went to agility or bird dog homes and the other 3 females ended up with families as pets. She's had a couple minor health issues but the breeder paid half for one procedure and has given us great advice for everything else. Talk about great customer service!

Good luck on the search

[jy211]

The problem though is I don't care for all of that Champion Bloodline/show dog BS. Filling out an application to agree to show the dog for the breeder WTF? I just want a good healthy dog for myself and my family to enjoy. Is this a common practice when dealing with all breeders? Is this common practice when purchasing from a breeder? I have tried the local SPCA with no luck. Any suggestions?

Every breeder is different, I think. Some only want their dogs shown, and if your not going to show them, they ask for them to be spayed. I know when I bred my dogs, I just made sure they were going to good homes. (Some of mine are pure bred, UKC, purple ribbon and would have made great show dogs). Just keep searching. You could also check with the UKC or AKC for breeders outside of your local area.

[tones2SS]

What Ben said is true about the Boxers with health issues as well as cancer being the biggie. I really wouldn't buy a dog unless it was from a breeder in my opinion. Just because of the way the parents of the puppies are brought up and disciplined. They are way better taken care of than let's say, a non breeder.
A rescue dog would be ok as well. Another plus for a dog that came from a breeder, they usually have some sort of guarantee of health. I bought my dog from a well known breeder and had health guarantees for a year. (It's more like a piece of mind issue.) That way, you're not spending tons of money on vet bills and traveling to the vet every other month or so. Hope this helps.
GOOD LUCK and post up pics when you have made your choice.

[gtotto]

Whatever you do, try to rescue a dog......I adopted two adults a year ago that had been buddies and were abondoned together. One is a medium sized Collie mix and the other a very large purebred Bull Mastiff. The guys have been great and have been coming out of their shells and showing more and more of their unique personalitues everyday. I truly believe that "rescue dogs" know that you saved their asses and will repay you ten-fold with love and appreciation. I don't know if you're set on a puppy or not, but my guys are 3 and 4 years old and were already house trained and know basic commands which is a blessing. I kind of also feel sorry for older dogs since people don't seem to want them as much as a puppy.

With all unwanted dogs out there, I'm sure you will have no problem finding an excellent companion.

check out petfinder.com it's a good place to start

[Mkelcy]

Just my personal rant - I would avoid a breeder who is primarily concerned with breeding show dogs. Despite what the AKC would have you believe, they are primarily concerned with looks, with temperament and long term health decidedly secondary concerns.

I look at what passes for a "good" German Shepherd according to the AKC and just want to cry. Fortunately for me, there are breeders who are working hard to breed sound working German Shepherd dogs. I don't know if there is a similar division - show versus working - for boxers, but if there is, I'd go for a working dog.

[Damn True]

Most breeders will sell "pet quality" dogs w/o show agreements. If the coloring is out of type or there is a bite problem or something.

But, what I would do is look up "boxer rescue" in your area. The local breed club most likely runs a rescue program that places abandoned dogs with new forever homes. Sometimes the dogs are "special needs" but mostly they are just in a bad situation (divorce, relocation etc.) where the previous owner couldn't keep them.

Both of my last two dogs (Bullmastiff & German shorthair) were purebreds that I adopted through breed rescue.

[wmhjr]

I'll echo some of the comments that others have made concerning making sure you work with a good breeder. Boxers ARE great dogs. Like any other breed, they have their risks. Cancer is a very very big risk with Boxers. We have a wonderful rottie (which has their own risks) and our vet is always extremely concerned with the health of her Boxer patients. Most good breeders will often sell "family quality" pups as well. Just do your homework and you should be fine.

[JEFFTATE]

Resuce a dog that someone else did not want .
Save a life.
Make a friend.
Who cares what the dog looks like.
Rescue a boxer if that's what you want.
Why pay extra for a "show dog".

[XLexusTech]

I noticed you live in Cali see link below. Now I imagine like most people you want a puppy so you get to enjoy that time. Most do. Ask your local rescue, many times they have them but are on the DL about it hoping to adopt out the older dogs. FWIW I never have less then 5 dogs. Often up to 10 as we foster frequently and work with several resues. The dogs that you save truely know it and the bond is true and deep. Give it serious thought you wont be sorry...

OK now I dismount soap box...

http://www.boxer-rescue-la.com/available.htm

[Damn True]

XLT,

All excellent points.

[rebelgtp]

Just my personal rant - I would avoid a breeder who is primarily concerned with breeding show dogs. Despite what the AKC would have you believe, they are primarily concerned with looks, with temperament and long term health decidedly secondary concerns.

I look at what passes for a "good" German Shepherd according to the AKC and just want to cry. Fortunately for me, there are breeders who are working hard to breed sound working German Shepherd dogs. I don't know if there is a similar division - show versus working - for boxers, but if there is, I'd go for a working dog.

I have the same problem with German Shepherds and Australian Cattle Dogs in the ring. My mom does show her dogs but primarily herds with them. Most cattle dogs you see in the shows are short and stocky, the ones she breeds are tall with long legs, great working dogs.

[CRCRFT78]

Ok I think the shock has worn off. Its been awhile since I had a dog so the prices for puppies and the application process is what shocked me. All of our past dogs have been from the pound/animal shelters so buying from a breeder looked a little overwhelming. I just want a good dog for the family. Showing it or following a breeders guidelines to show it aren't what I had in mind.

I have looked at countless dogs in the local shelters and just haven't found that one. The reason I want a puppy is because of my kids. I would love to rescue a dog but I don't want to get one set in their ways that may not get along with my girls (4 & 7). I'm aware of the health issues with Boxers but I'm determined to have one. I'll just have to keep searching.

Great points made by all of you, THANK YOU!!

[tones2SS]

Just my personal rant - I would avoid a breeder who is primarily concerned with breeding show dogs. Despite what the AKC would have you believe, they are primarily concerned with looks, with temperament and long term health decidedly secondary concerns.

I look at what passes for a "good" German Shepherd according to the AKC and just want to cry. Fortunately for me, there are breeders who are working hard to breed sound working German Shepherd dogs. I don't know if there is a similar division - show versus working - for boxers, but if there is, I'd go for a working dog.

My parents breed German Shepherds when I was little and I grew up with them for most of my life and with other dogs as well. LOVE German Shepherds, my favorite dog and one of the smartest/obedient as well as fearless. Dogs are the best pet you can have in my opinion.

[tones2SS]

Ok I think the shock has worn off. Its been awhile since I had a dog so the prices for puppies and the application process is what shocked me. All of our past dogs have been from the pound/animal shelters so buying from a breeder looked a little overwhelming. I just want a good dog for the family. Showing it or following a breeders guidelines to show it aren't what I had in mind.

I have looked at countless dogs in the local shelters and just haven't found that one. The reason I want a puppy is because of my kids. I would love to rescue a dog but I don't want to get one set in their ways that may not get along with my girls (4 & 7). I'm aware of the health issues with Boxers but I'm determined to have one. I'll just have to keep searching.

Great points made by all of you, THANK YOU!!

Good luck with your search and post some pics when you get it!

[BAD68GTO]

Rescue please, every dog you pay for some idiot breeds more and that makes the problem worse. In NJ alone, 2 MILLION dogs and cats get put down a year. I have done a lot of shelter work and there is a TON of pedigree dogs and cats put down, it is heartbreaking. Breeders should be shot, they think they are "helping" or "making the breed better" and I challenge them to do a lot of shelter work and see we are GROSSLY overpopulated and grinding up good healthy pets daily. 70% of all dogs never make it through their first home, so please do not go to a breeder and pay some fat ass person to have another littler and make the problems worse. PLEASE GO TO YOUR SHELTER and as far as getting a dog that is set in their ways, like cats, some can be born into baby terrorists, so that argument does not hold water with me personally. I was finance and marketing director of my shelter pro bono, a foster parent and I currently do rescue work too. If you want to talk or go into details, PM me and I will help you until the end of time with adopting from a shelter. Thanks for hearing me rant, but this is literally a matter of life and death for animals that have no voice other than through caring people that spread the message, the true message of breeders (and breeders SUCK!) and how they contribute to the problem.

[JV69z/28]

There has been lots of talk here about rescue and all for good reason. Here's another thought for you. Sometimes breeders who show guess wrong on who there next show ring star will be. When that happens they wind up with a slightly older puppy who is already house trained and socialized that needs a good home. Depending on the breeder these dogs can be free to a good home or at a very reduced price but that's not the point. The point is you are giving a great dog a second chance. I as well as others will tell you these dogs somehow know and they thank you everyday of their lives that they spend with you. I will be the 1st to tell you that this type of situation is not that common but it does happen. There is no greater love than the love you will get from one of these dogs. Believe me I've done it and would do it again in a second.

[1badchevelle]

Well I am in the same boat but with a English bull dog. I grew up with one and loved every year of it. Now I have 3 kids (2boys and 1 girl) and have been looking for one. I did not know how expensive they were and at this point don't have that kind of $$ to spend on a dog. I did look around in my area shelter and on line but because most bullies in care are a bit older and I have kids I was passed over. (Maybe someone here has a bully for me) I say adopt is the way to go and you will never look back(that is if you just wanted as a pet)