MISSOURI VALLEY BOXER CLUB


 

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Q & A

Here are answers* to some questions you may have about the Boxer:

Q? Do you have the miniature boxer or the regular size boxer?

A: There are no miniature boxers. The boxer is a medium sized dog ranging height from 20 inches at the withers for a female to 25 or 26 inches for a male. Boston terriers are sometimes mistaken for a miniature boxer.

Q? What colors are boxers?

A: Boxer coats are usually fawn or brindle and they can be white.

Q? How much to do they cost?

A: The cost depends on the area of the country that you live in. A pet boxer at 8 weeks of age without ears cropped will probably cost between $300 and $500.

Q? What about rare white boxers?

A: White boxers are not rare. Reputable breeders place white boxers with a spay or neuter contract as they should not be bred. Some white boxers are deaf.

Q? Are boxers good with children?

A: Boxers love children. They make great family pets because they love people, particularly children.

Q? Can a boxer live outside?

A: The boxer does not have the coat to withstand extreme cold and, because of their short muzzle, also cannot tolerate the humidity very well. Because boxers are such people dogs, they make very good house pets but do not do well as an outside dog.

Q? Are boxers easy to train?

A: Boxers are very intelligent dogs, however, they do get bored easily. Training sessions should be kept to a short period of time and be as non-repetitive as possible.

Q? Should I crop the ears?

A: This decision is entirely up to you. It is not necessary to crop the ears unless you plan to show the dog. If you do decide to crop the ears, use a vet recommended by the breeder. Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time taping the ears and "training" them to stand. The vet who cropped the ears or the breeder should offer to help you with the taping.

Q? How much money can I make if I have my female boxer bred?

A: None. If you want to make money, do not get into the business of breeding dogs. There is a tremendous responsibility in bringing a litter into the world as well as quite a bit of expense. If you decide to have a litter, both the stud you select and your bitch should have been checked for hip dysphasia, heart problems and have a brucellosis test done. When the litter is due, you must be prepared to take time off of work to whelp puppies; recognize a problem and get her to the vet; and be prepared to hand raise puppies in the event you lose the bitch or she has no milk. Puppies should not leave for new homes until they are at least 8 weeks old. By this time, they will have been to the vet at least twice. Once for tail docking and dew claw removal and once for their first shots. Your responsibility as a breeder does not end with sending the puppy home with it's new owner. You should be prepared to take any dog back (FOR IT'S LIFETIME) that you have sold should the new owner not be able to keep it for any reason.

Q?
How do I distinguish a reputable breeder from a "puppy mill" or "backyard breeder"?

A: Spend the time to research the breed. The internet, the library and local breed clubs are good sources of information. Avoid, if possible, buying from an ad in the newspaper. Most reputable breeders don't need to advertise - their puppies are sold by word of mouth. The local breed clubs and all-breed clubs should have a list of reputable breeders for you to contact.

Most reputable breeders test for these major boxer health problems:
1. Subaortic Stenosis (SAS) - Echocardiogram - OFA will register the results.
2. Boxer Cardiomyopathy - Holter monitor before breeding. This test does not tell you that your dog will never have BCM but it does tell you that they are clear or not at the time of the test.
3. Hip dysphasia - X-ray after the age of 18 months and get an OFA rating.

Thyroid is another health problem in boxers and can be tested for as directed by the veterinarian. It normally is not life threatening and can be treated with medication. Bitches with thyroid problems sometimes have trouble conceiving and whelping puppies. Cancer and spondylosis also seem to be common in Boxers but there are no tests at this time to diagnose these in advance.

A reputable breeder should be able to produce the above test results and any information on the health of both the dam and the sire as well as be able to tell you the health history of the line.

When purchasing a puppy, a reputable breeder will normally have a contract to sign stating the terms of the sale - cost, neuter/spay if this has not already been done, and a clause that states that the buyer agrees to contact the breeder if for any reason they cannot keep the dog at any time in it's life as well as any other specifics of the purchase.

A reputable breeder will supply, at the time of purchase, a health record of the puppy which includes all shot information, a 5 generation pedigree, a blue slip/registration paper or copy of one if the paperwork has not been returned from AKC yet, information on what to feed the puppy and information on training classes for you and your puppy.

Many breeders send a puppy kit with the puppy's favorite toy, puppy food, and maybe a collar and leash. A reputable breeder will be available for any questions you have or help you need in raising your puppy.

(*These questions and answers are our opinions and findings- although we believe the answers to be as factual as possible, obviously there are exceptions to the rule. Please do your own research to learn more about the boxer breed.)


Fun Photos

Lost Dog? Find out what to do here

Q and A about the Boxer

Rainbow Bridge - A Tribute to our Boxers of the past

Thinking About Breeding?

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Links to information on other sites

American Boxer Club

Articles of Interest

Boxer Standard

Boxerworld

Health/Testing Information

Meet the Boxer

 

 


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