If you're looking to bring a Boxer into your life in South Florida, there are several options for rehoming and adoption. You can find Boxers through local shelters and rescue groups.
Many of these organizations have Boxers in their care, waiting for a forever home. According to the South Florida Boxer Rescue, they have an average of 20 Boxers in their foster program at any given time.
Rehoming a Boxer can be a great option if you're already familiar with the breed and have a good understanding of their needs. This can be especially true for families with children, as Boxers are known for their gentle and patient nature.
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Care and Upkeep
Boxer dogs need daily mental and physical exertion to stay happy and healthy.
They love to run, but a good jog or long walk on leash can also meet their exercise needs. However, they don't do well in hot weather, so it's essential to plan their outdoor activities carefully.
Some Boxers snore, so if you're a light sleeper, this might be something to consider when deciding to bring one home.
Caring for
Caring for your Boxer requires attention to their daily needs, including mental and physical exertion. They need daily exercise, which can be met with a good jog or long walk on leash.
Boxers don't do well in hot weather, so it's essential to provide them with a cool and comfortable environment.
Their coat needs only occasional brushing to remove dead hair, making grooming a relatively low-maintenance task.
To ensure your Boxer feels comfortable, consider providing a flat leash, a good quality food with no corn additive, and a crate for rest and relaxation.
Here are some essentials you'll need to get started:
- Flat Leash – Nylon, cotton or leather, 6 ft long
- Good quality food with no corn additive
- Crate
- New collar – we recommend martingale collar for your dog’s safety
By meeting these basic needs, you'll be well on your way to creating a happy and healthy home for your Boxer.
Crate Size Needed
When choosing a crate for your dog, it's essential to consider their size and comfort. Your dog should have enough space to sit and stand up at their full height.
To ensure your dog has a comfortable crate experience, they need to be able to turn around without touching the sides. This allows them to move around easily and feel secure.
A good rule of thumb is to provide enough space for your dog to lie down fully stretched out. This will help them feel relaxed and at ease in their crate.
To help you determine the right crate size, consider the following dimensions:
It's essential to build up the time your dog spends in their crate gradually, starting with short periods and increasing the time as they become more comfortable.
Health and Wellness
Boxer dogs are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.
Their life span is typically 8-10 years.
Boxers are sensitive to heat, which is something to be aware of, especially in warmer climates.
They can be prone to boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, and CHD, which are major health concerns.
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Minor concerns include gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, and colitis.
If you're considering bringing a boxer into your home, it's a good idea to have them tested for thyroid and hip issues, as well as cardiac problems with a Holter monitor.
Some boxers may also be deaf, especially those with white coats.
It's essential to work with a responsible breeder who can help identify potential health issues and provide guidance on testing and management.
Here are some potential health issues to be aware of:
- Major concerns: boxer cardiomyopathy, SAS, CHD
- Minor concerns: gastric torsion, hypothyroidism, corneal erosion, colitis
- Occasionally seen: brain tumors, degenerative myelopathy
Exercise and Grooming
Exercise and Grooming are essential aspects of caring for a Boxer dog. Boxers are moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to stay healthy.
Daily walks and plenty of time to explore, burn energy, and play are a must. This breed also needs training and daily enrichment to keep them mentally healthy.
Boxers have short fur that only needs a weekly brush, but skinfolds require regular cleaning. You can ask your vet for advice on how to do this for your dog.
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Things to consider when exercising your Boxer include their age, health, and personality. For example, young dogs might need shorter walks each day, while older or injured dogs will need tailored exercise plans.
To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time.
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How Much Exercise Does One Need?
Boxers are moderately active dogs who need regular exercise and stimulation to stay healthy. They require daily walks, plus time to explore, burn energy, and play.
Their exercise needs depend on their age, health, and personality. Young or growing dogs might need shorter walks, while older, injured, or ill dogs require tailored exercise plans based on vet advice.
Dogs with different personalities may need different exercise environments. Some may need peaceful walks without many people or dogs, while others enjoy meeting new people and play dates with their friends.
It's essential to consider these factors when exercising your Boxer, and consult with your vet if you need advice on the best approach for your dog.
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How Much Grooming Does a Pet Need?
Grooming is a crucial part of pet care, and it's essential to know how much time and effort your pet needs. Boxers, for instance, require a weekly brush due to their short fur.
Regular grooming not only keeps your pet looking their best but also helps prevent health issues. Boxers often have skinfolds that require regular cleaning, so be sure to speak to your vet for advice on how to do this.
Introducing grooming in a positive way is key to making it a enjoyable experience for both you and your pet. This means doing it one step at a time, starting with small, gentle interactions.
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Training and Behavior
Every dog has their own personality, so it's essential to remember that Boxers are no exception.
Boxers can be stubborn, but they're also sensitive and responsive to commands, making them trainable with the right approach. Positive learning is key, and finding out what your dog loves can help you use rewards like small food treats, toys, or lots of praise to encourage good behavior.
Suitable mental and physical exercise is crucial to prevent boredom, and teaching useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking, and settling can strengthen your bond with your Boxer.
Temperament
Boxers are playful, exuberant, inquisitive, attentive, demonstrative, devoted, and outgoing, making them perfect companions for an active family.
They can be stubborn, but are sensitive and responsive to commands. This means that with consistent training and positive reinforcement, Boxers can learn quickly and easily.
Boxers may be assertive toward strange dogs, but are generally good with other family dogs and pets.
Recommended read: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs
Behaviour and Training
Boxers are known for their unique personalities, so it's essential to remember that every dog is different.
You can teach any breed of dog new tricks, but it's all about using positive learning techniques. Find out what your dog loves and use that to reward them after a success.
Dogs need suitable mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom, and Boxers are no exception. Learning useful life skills like recall, loose lead walking, and settling is crucial for a happy and enjoyable relationship with your dog.
Boxers are playful, exuberant, and attentive dogs that thrive on interaction with their family. They can be stubborn at times, but are sensitive and responsive to commands.
With patience and consistency, you can help your Boxer become a well-behaved companion. Using rewards like small food treats, toys, or praise can go a long way in encouraging good behavior.
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