Licensed with the American Kennel Club and
Member of the American Boxer Club
Where to buy from?
Do not buy puppies from parking lots, flea markets, or pet stores! These puppies can be of ill health and should be avoided. Finding a reputable breeder can be very time consuming, starting with a Boxer Breed club is a great first step. Prospective puppy owners can utilize the internet to locate reputable breeders through clubs and through affiliations. All members of breed clubs must adhere to their parent clubs Code of Ethics (COE). This code has several guidelines and few hardened rules, while unscrupulous people can belong to clubs, it is best to do your research and not be swayed by a cute Boxer face!
Who to Contact For Assistance?
The first step is to get in touch with your local Boxer Club, so you are on the right track. We are here to help! If you need assistance in finding a reputable breeder or picking the best pup for your family, don't hesitate to email us. Even if you just have a question. We are glad to help in making the best decision for you and your family.
Once you have made the all important decision to buy a Boxer from a breeder, your breeder should be willing and able to answer any of the questions and concerns that may arise from the new puppy.
At What Age Should I Buy My Puppy?
Usually any time after 7-8 weeks, many breeders will not place puppies until they are between 8-12 weeks old. Some states have regulations regarding a minimum age in which to buy a puppy. However, your individual circumstances must be considered. Do you have the time to spend with a very young puppy? Will someone be home to housebreak him? Would an exuberant 6-month old puppy overwhelm a tiny child? Or would he be better matched with a 6-year-old youngster? Remember also that any puppy under 3 months needs lots of time to rest, and if the ears have been cropped, the attention needed for ear care can be lengthy.
While much can be told at 6-8 weeks about the puppy's eventual looks, if you are seeking a show prospect you might be better off waiting until the pup is six to eight months of age, be sure to contact breeders that are actively competing their dogs currently in AKC events. At that time, be prepared to pay a higher price for all the additional time and effort that the breeder has spent raising the show potential Boxer.
Male or Female?
This choice is a matter of personal preference. Remember, however, that if you contemplate breeding, you will need to start with the very best quality female you can find. If breeding is not anticipated, you will want to spay your female or neuter your male. This operation should be done after consulting your veterinarian, and probably before the puppy is a year old. This will help with pet overpopulation, many counties and cities across the country are putting into place strict anti-breeding laws. Breeding should be taken very seriously, as it is a life long commitment.
Check this list!
1. Tails: Tails should have been docked within a few days of birth.
2. Dewclaws: Optional removal of front dewclaws (fifth toes) done at the same time. The Boxer has no rear dewclaws.
3. Cropping: Ear cropping is a personal choice, the effort required to create a beautifully cropped Boxer can be a very long process, and often times not for the weak of heart or an inexperienced owner. However, ear cropping is appropriate for the well-being of the breed. This procedure is done under general anesthesia at a veterinarian’s office, usually between 6 -12 weeks of age. If the puppy is taken before cropping, the breeder usually makes these arrangements. Breeders may also advise regarding aftercare and taping if ears are not already standing. Sometimes this is a lengthy process. The erect, cropped ear reduces the potential for infections and hematomas that often beset long-eared breeds.
4. Intact Males: In the male, both testicles should be descended into the scrotum. They should be in place by two to three months of age. A dog with undescended testicles will still make a fine pet, though he would be ineligible to compete in the conformation show ring, and should not be bred. A neutered male can still be shown in the numerous performance events offered thorough AKC. Consult your veterinarian for advice.
5. Temperament & Health: Avoid the unusually quiet, inactive puppy, or the one that might shy away from you. This might mean a fault in temperament or even ill health.
6. White Boxers: Do not purchase a white Boxer or one with predominantly white background color without understanding the risks and obligations incurred. See the White Boxer Web Page for more information. White Boxers are not rare and any breeder advertising this fact should be avoided. White Boxers are not eligible to be shown in conformation events.
7. Papers the Seller Should Furnish:
ü A three- or four-generation pedigree signed by the seller. This usually represents the bill of sale. There should be no charge for this. The pedigree preferably gives the color of the sire and dam, and the AKC registration numbers of each.
ü The "blue-slip" from the AKC, which is an official document identifying your puppy's litter registration number, sex, birth date, sire and dam, and name of the breeder(s). There are two ways to register puppies for the first time with this blueslip:
ü Limited Registration: If the puppy is not to be bred, or is not considered sound, and is being purchased only as a companion pet, the breeder will check off the Limited Registration option. This does register the puppy with the AKC. However, it does not allow any registration of offspring from the mature dog. The breeder (and only the breeder) can cancel the limited registration should the puppy at maturity be considered of breeding quality. Dogs with a limited registration are still eligible to compete in a wide range of performance events and receive titles; they are not eligible to compete in the conformation events.
ü Full Registration: If the puppy is considered to be of breeding quality, the seller will check off the full registration option.
8. Records the Breeder Should Furnish:
ü Date and type of vaccines given. Depending on the type of vaccination program started, your veterinarian will advise you on following through. Remember, too, that so-called permanent shots still require a yearly booster.
ü Date and agent used for worming, if done. Do not worm your puppy without consulting your veterinarian. Avoid "store-bought" preparations.
ü Diet your puppy has been receiving. It is well to maintain the regimen begun by the breeder, especially while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. If changes are to be made, do so very gradually, so as not to upset his system, puppies are often fed 3-4 times a day and will need plenty of rest. When he is an adult it will be wise to maintain your Boxer on two smaller meals a day, and to restrict exercise immediately after eating, so as to lesson the likelihood of bloat (or gastric torsion).
Some questions to ask of a prospective breeder - even ones we may refer to you!
v What health testing has been performed on the parents?
§ Sub Aortic Stenosis (SAS) – Echo/Doppler – what is the flowrate?
§ Arrhythmic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) – 24 hr Holter - and/or Genetic Marker test
§ Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) - Hips
§ Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) - Thyroid
§ Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) - genetic marker test
v What is the prevalence of cancer in the family of this puppy? (just to name a few)
§ Lymphoma
§ Hemangiosarcoma
§ Brain cancer
v Do you have references from previous puppy buyers? (particularly good for potential co-ownerships or dogs that are being shipped across the country)
v If buying a show prospect – can the breeder supply ear crop vets, handlers and training classes in the area?
v What is your vaccine protocol?
v What do you feed your dogs? (many breeders prefer to feed RAW and BARF – these can be time consuming and expensive feeding options – be informed)
v What is the incidence of Demodectic mange? Generalized or localized?
v Is there any known incidence of Mass Cell tumors?
v Is there any known incidence of Degenerative Myelopathy?
v What is the age longevity of your pedigree?
v Can I see and verify testing results on the parents?
v Any food allergies of adults?
v Any environmental allergies of adults
Questions? Click on our Boxer!