Recently, while getting Herb's eyeglasses
repaired at a local mall, we struck up a conversation with
the young man assisting in the repair. He had noticed our
T-shirts, adorned with Boxers, of course, and inquired whether
we had Boxers. We advised him we did and he proceeded to
ask me to describe what I liked about Boxers and why I felt
the breed was so special. He was intent on getting a dog
for the family and had heard Boxers were good with children
and usually made good family dogs…
Because of the limited amount of time he had to spend with
us, I could only give him a brief account of our breed's
"special" qualities… After returning home,
I decided to put my description of our breed down on paper.
I hope it will make a good handout when you talk to others
interested in being "owned" by our breed.
Boxers are a special breed and until a person has been a
companion to such a dog, one cannot really understand the
depth of their devotion. They are sincere in their preference
for human companionship over the company of other animals.
Unlike other breeds of dogs who can fend for themselves
for the majority of the day, Boxers require our fellowship.
They can exist in a household with other animals, but they
prosper with human contact. This knowledge is key to living,
and living well with a Boxer.
The Boxer is not a breed to be left in the backyard and
excluded from the home. They do not thrive well in extreme
weather, be it heat or cold. The Boxer's temperament is
designed to live in the house with the family as a member
of the family. A warm bed in winter, a cool spot away from
the summer's heat are a basic requirement. A good diet,
fresh water, a good health-care program, and regular grooming
(compared to other breeds, the Boxer is truly low maintenance
in this aspect) will lead the Boxer to repay you his/her
keep in ways you could never imagine.
Children are especially coveted by the Boxer. I have always
believed that the Boxer's child-like spirit is very much
like the "small humans" they so adore. Boxers
require the exact same portions of love, discipline and
freedom to grow to their full potential. Living in a household
with children and Boxers is very rewarding. It is also a
quest we cannot take carelessly. Remember, both children
and Boxers will reflect our failures as well as our triumphs.
A Boxer will succeed in a household without children, as
long as the "parent" has the ability to dispense
those necessary portions of love, discipline and freedom.
Therefore, just like some people are never meant to be parents,
some people are not meant to be Boxer owners. A prospective
Boxer companion should understand and be prepared for this
"parenthood." Like children, the Boxer can adapt
to any lifestyle as long as the "parent" in his/her
life remains loving and dependable.
The responsibilities for children and dogs of any breed
are the same. Some animal rights' people will probably consider
my opinion of our breed foolish. Some believe dogs or other
animals do not perceive human emotions of love, hate, fear,
happiness, sadness, shame or guilt. Animals are, in some
eyes, meant to walk the earth in their natural state devoid
of human companionship. We should simply admire them from
a distance. Obviously, they have never lived with a Boxer.
One only has to look into the eyes of the Boxer, the mirror
of their soul, to know they feel and exhibit all our human
emotions. Boxers, like children, know how to use all of
them to their own advantage.
I have lived with other breeds in my 50-plus years; the
last 29 years I have spent exclusively with Boxers. The
Boxer is, by far, my favorite. Sporting dogs, hounds, herding
dogs, terriers and other dogs have shared my life from time
to time -- none have strengthened my life like the Boxer.
Their uncanny ability to adjust to whatever life sends their
way has been my deliverance on many occasions. They can
find humor when there is no laughter. They can see heartbreak
and offer comfort even when there are no tears.
They can sense danger and react with amazing calm. There
are times when we must face our fears; Boxers are fearless
when they know they are loved and they trust those who love
them. The surest way to break a Boxer's heart is to break
that trust. Only when there is no trust do they allow their
fear to show. Take a good look into the eyes of a Boxer
coming through a rescue program if you get the chance, you
will know immediately what I mean. The character of the
Boxer that sets them apart from other breeds in heir ability
to forgive the most insufferable treatment; they are always
willing to five humans a second chance to renew their trust
in us.
…You do not gain this position or respect that comes
with it by force. You gain the Boxer's respect with a firm
but thoughtful approach. An approach that should be laced
with a generous amount of humor. To some, the Boxer may
appear as a "class clown" and in many ways they
fit that description well. However, as in most cases, the
class clown is simply testing the waters seeking to find
his own confidence. A Boxer will do more for a smile than
any other breed I have known. A heavy hand only leads to
a heavy heart. A heavy heart can destroy the Boxer's spirit.
Give a Boxer plentiful doses of sunshine and fresh air.
They enjoy a job in the park or a swim in the lake. They
are an "all around" dog and they can be as active
or an inactive as you please. A Boxer can lounge on the
couch with the best of the "couch potatoes."
The secret is to include them. Being a part of the family
is the Boxer's primary goal in life. If you do, you will
have less trouble with the excavations in the back yard,
or the flowerbed, the chewed furniture or shoes. Remember,
a bored Boxer is a "busy" Boxer. Keep your Boxer
"busy" in constructive endeavors and the destructive
tendency will be better contained. Use a crate if you do
have to leave the dog alone. The do enjoy periods of being
left alone, as do we. The time spent safely in his/her crate
is quickly forgotten when the dog sees you. Returning to
an unblemished house brings a smile to your face and that's
a perfect way to greet a Boxer.
Don't consider the Boxer just a dog you would like as a
pet. You will be making a new friend and a new family member.
The fact that the Boxer is canine is irrelevant. We all
know a lasting friendship, like fine wine, just grows better
with time. The Boxer does not deal well with restriction,
either in physical or emotional form. The most important
thing you can spend on your Boxer is time. The profits you
will receive are immeasurable. If you cannot spend the quality
time necessary, spend your restricted time and money on
another breed.
Having a Boxer in your life results in boundless adventures.
Hold tight to the lead and prepare for the journey of a
lifetime.
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