Choosing an Adult Boxer
Let's say you have the time for a dog, and want a dog in your life, but you don't have time for all the training, socialization, and house manners that a young puppy requires, or you'd simply like to give an older boxer a home. How do you go about finding the dog of your dreams? The answer is boxer rescue.
Boxer Rescue
The America Boxer Rescue Association can refer you to an ABRA member rescue organization in your area. You can visit the ABRA Web site, at www.americanboxerrescue.org. You could also contact the Boxer Rescue Foundation for a list of rescue organizations that have earned grants through BRF in your area. The BRF Web site is www.boxerrescuefoundation.com. Finally, the largest and oldest consistent boxer rescue organization is Boxer Rescue of Los Angeles, Inc. (www.boxer-rescue-la.com). These organizations have a proven track record of rescue at a local and regional level. These organizations are able to evaluate the temperaments of the dogs in their care.
It is very important to be very clear with boxer rescue organizations about your needs concerning what kind of boxer you want. Let them know the extent of your experience with dogs, your questions, and so on. Like reputable breeders, they will have as many or more questions to ask you about your ability to care for a boxer.
In addition, it is possible that a breeder or a person who shows boxers may have an older puppy that did not make it as a show prospect or a finished champion that they will not be using in their breeding programs. If you are interested in this option, it is probably best to go to a show and to talk to breeders around the ring if they know of anyone who has an older boxer that they would like to place in what they will call a pet home.
Whatever way you acquire your adult boxer or older puppy, the best test of whether the particular dog is for you is whether you (or you and your family) and the boxer click. It is not so different from making human friends. Some times you just click, and sometimes you do not. Trust your instincts on this. Do you trust him, and does he trust you? The answer to that question will probably be the best test of compatibility with an older boxer.
In what situations is it a bad idea to get a dog?
There are several. For example, never surprise a family member with a dog. Any individual who is not involved in the plan for a new pet will not be prepared to handle the responsibility. Likewise, never get a child a dog with the goal of teaching the child how to be responsible. Such a goal is rarely achieved this way. Finally, don't get a dog when a new baby is on the way thinking how cute they'd be together. Adjusting to life as a parent while trying to train and care for a new dog will cause nothing but stress — for everyone in the household.
Boxer Buying Etiquette
There is probably nothing more discouraging to a breeder or a rescuer than to get a call from a prospective buyer who goes on at length about exactly how the dog should look: “I want a flashy fawn male, with high white stockings and a full white collar, but I don't want to show.” Most reputable breeders will be more likely to keep the flashy dogs for the conformation ring. Many breeders have spent their lives improving the breed, and they want the pups to go into the show ring to help them prove it. If you don't want to show, then you will probably not be the right home for them. Looks don't indicate temperament. The advice here is that the paint job is not important when you look for your first boxer.
Rescue organizations often face a similar of challenge. They may have a boxer that is perfect for you and your family in every way — good with children, loves cats, knows all basic commands — but it's not the right color. Don't take the chance of losing the dog of your dreams because it's a color you weren't expecting or lacks the kind of markings that you think you would like. Give that wrong color boxer who is right in every other way a chance.
