Despite this breed's popularity, some people are not very much interested in keeping a Boxer dog as a pet. One reason perhaps is that, this breed is prone to a number of diseases that could eventually deteriorate the health. When your Boxer dog is sick, you need to take him to the vet of course, that is if you want him to be treated. Laboratory tests, medicines and surgeries are few of the many things needed to nurse back your dog to healthy life. These things will also cause your vet bills to rise especially in the absence of pet insurance. But, in fact, there is really no reason to hold back yourselves in taking a Boxer dog home. Be glad, for these dilemmas can be very much prevented provided you know what to get and what this breed needs.

If you are planning to take home a puppy, look for one from a responsible dog breeder. A responsible dog breeder screens the breeding stock before breeding to make sure that these animals do not carry diseases or any problem in their genes. This will prevent the passing of faulty traits from generation to generation. You can also adopt a dog from shelters. Not all abandoned dogs in shelters are problematic dogs. In fact, most of them are already housetrained and have completed their vaccinations. They were given up or abandoned by their previous owners maybe because they cannot provide these animals with the things they needed to grow. In addition, you will be helping the community by freeing one space in the shelter to accommodate another pitiful abandoned dog.

But before deciding to finally take home a dog, you must take into consideration the things necessary to maintain good health and that they will grow up with human acceptable traits and behaviors. Since these square-jawed dogs are active and playful creatures, they need proper exercise not just for their health but also to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing and digging. This breed should not be left alone for too long with nothing to play or occupy his mind, else, he will end up feasting on your favorite shoes. Intelligence is another remarkable trait of a Boxer dog. However, because of their intelligence in addition to being a working breed, they earned a reputation of being headstrong and that requires positive reinforcement training techniques.

As for the nutrition, they should be given with a premium dog food diet and should be prohibited with spicy and rich table scraps. They should be fed about two times daily and should not be allowed to indulge in strenuous exercise right after meals. These techniques decrease the possibility of bloat as well as other intestinal problems to occur. You must know also that because of the brachycephalic head, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They do not do well with high heat or humidity and have difficulties in maintaining their body temperature, so it is best to let your dog stay inside the house.

Boxer dogs are strong dogs. But despite of the strength, the fact remains that a Boxer dog is still a dog that will do anything to make you happy and earn your attention. So don't deprive him of those.