A boxer is not necessarily the breed for everyone. They are a very dominant breed and may prove to be a handful as a pet for a first time owner. With this dominance in their gene it can make them so much fun but only if the owner lets the dog know who is boss! If the dog is allowed to run rings around the owner in its desire to be the boss it will become a badly behaved dog. Happily, most boxer owners understand this and you do not see many badly behaved Boxer dogs around.
They are very intelligent dogs as well as being physically active; they learn new skills quickly and easily, and require lots of attention and stimulation. If you are intent on buying a puppy, take the time to understand the temperament of a boxer before deciding if you think you are up to the task of owning one.
Training
Boxers are very enthusiastic, demanding and loyal dogs; they are also quite an intelligent breed and benefit from a comprehensive training regime. They need a firm hand when they are young, and using a positive and simple training method will reap rewards. Boxers learn and respond to commands very quickly as they are eager to please their owners. In saying that they will test the owner each and every day, but that is part of their personality. They excel at obedience training and have even been trained as police dogs.
High energy
The temperament of a boxer is one of energy, activity and enthusiasm; they are certainly not for the quiet type. They tend to use their front feet to play and love to jump up at humans to get attention. This can be quite daunting, particularly if the dog is going to be around young children. This is actually a bad habit of the breed and you should try to stamp it out early before it becomes a problem. A boxer is not the type of dog that will curl up quietly in the corner; he will want to be the centre of the family's attention all of the time.
Playful and aggressive
As stated, a boxer will want to be involved in everything the family is doing, and he will want to play almost non-stop. Boxers love to play tug-o-war with their mouths and will bring object to their owners to demand play time. They are a very protective breed, and can appear quite aggressive towards strangers who enter the property, but they remember family friends and welcome them accordingly. Early socialization and lots of it, is highly recommended to prevent this kind of behaviour.
The best companion
One aspect of the Boxer's personality that amazes Boxer owners is the fact that, as we have said, the Boxer wants to play all day long, but owners never cease to be amazed at how the Boxer will sit at their feet all day long if the owner or children are unwell, and will sit with a sad face on their knee if they are upset. Boxers are very, very aware of the mood in the family and of the owners emotions.
Matching the owner and the dog
Boxers are a wonderful breed, and make great pets. The temperament of a boxer demands that only a certain type of person need apply for ownership. They are a highly energetic and active dog that requires a good effective training plan early on in the ownership. Boxers also need plenty of mental stimulation and plenty of play, the dogs require an owner that wants to be involved with their dog and wants to have lots of play time with them. Those who own a boxer, of course, will tell you that all the time and effort is well rewarded, as these dogs make excellent companions.
