Choosing a Boxer - Be Prepared!

Several years ago, at the tender age of 35, I became a dog owner for the first time. She came in the form of a bouncy Boxer, and we named her Shona. At 12 weeks old, she was a bouncy little thing and full of cuteness. I was sceptical, never having had a dog before. As she got a bit older, she started to flex her muscles and prove just how mighty she was. I hated her. I just wanted to send her back to where she came from.

She was into everything, ran off and didn't come back when called, ate things that no being should eat and was generally a pain in the neck. My patience was more than tried. My husband, having grown up with Alsatians and Rottweilers was more understanding of dog nature, although his patience was pushed to the limits at times too.

After a tormenting 12 months, she changed, almost overnight. She was still headstrong, but was loyal, lovable, playful and a true protector. She became my best friend. Over the next 11 years, we went everywhere together and rambled about 10,000 miles during that time. It's hard to believe, but Boxers do require a good bit of exercise and the miles can add up over 12 years.

Sadly we said goodbye to her recently, but her memory remains strong, just like her character.

If you're thinking of sharing your life with a Boxer, be prepared. They're unique and they'll keep you on your toes. Here are the top 11 things I learned from my own Boxer, Shona. Maybe they'll help you decide if it's the right choice for you.

Independent:
Shona was happy in her own space. She was happy walking and hiking on her own with me somewhere close by. She was her own dog.

Friendly:
Shona had lots of friends to walk and chase with. Her favorites were an Italian Spinone named Dudley; Jerry, a Spaniel; Loxley, a Yellow Lab; Tannet, a Tibetan Terrier and others. She was always excited to see them and very loyal to them if there was ever an intrusion in the pack.

Strong Willed:
Shona always rode in the front seat like a person. Even putting her in the back seat didn't last for long. She'd just jump over and take her rightful place. I've noticed other Boxers in the front seats of cars too.

If she really didn't want to do something, it was a real job to get her to. She knew her mind.

Inquisitive:
She got her nose into everything. She burned her nose in a hot cup of coffee, got some cactus thorns in her nose, got into paint, mud, and other unmentionable things. These are some of the more memorable moments and the ones that made us laugh the most.

Intuitive:
This was the most amazing thing about Shona. She adapted to our moods very quickly. If we were sad or upset, she would sit quietly by us. If we were happy and enjoying ourselves, she'd join right in. If she felt concern over anyone while we were out with her, she would position herself so no harm could come unless she was dealt with first. She was almost human in this respect.

Loyal:
It didn't matter where we went, Shona would always be by my side. She'd wait patiently outside the grocery store, information centres, or wherever I wasn't able to bring her in with me. She sat in the driveway for hours once when we drove off, not realising that she'd followed us out of the gate. She just sat there, waiting.

Adventurous:
I think all Boxers share this trait. They're up for anything and because they have such strong personalities, they explore with gusto!

Alert:
Nothing escaped Shona. All of her senses were switched on all the time.

Mischievous:
There were times when we could see a little twinkle in Shona's eye before she did something like grab a gardening glove and charge around the garden with it, or spin around and run at us, diverting at the last moment.

Fun:
Always.

Individual:
Now that we've had a Boxer in our lives, no other dog will ever come close to being the personality Shona was. I suppose one could say that about any pet. She was certainly individual. She's well-remembered by those who knew her.

Writing this has brought back loads of fond memories of our life and times with Shona. If a dog with lots of personality, energy and character is what you're after, you'll get it all with a Boxer.