Hi,

I have joined this site after seeing all the great advice being passed around. I think this is a great place to enjoy reading a commenting with others who love dogs.

I live in Guatemala, Central America. I have recently bought my three children a Boxer puppy. She is now nine months old. Before marriage and children I owned a GSD Malinois mix. She was an incredible dog that learned so much despite my ignorance. My wife and I purchased a Golden Retriever when we only had two children. Also a great dog but very different from my GDS. In the end we gave the Golden to a close friend because I couldn't spend enough time with her. (the reasons for giving away the golden are long and complicated but some of the issues will be apparent when I explain why I got a Boxer).

My wife wanted a small dog like a Chiguagua (spelling?) or a Shitzu.(Grooming and shedding are a big deal to my wife) I would have none of it voting for a Great Dane. In the end I did a quick google for the best breeds for children. Labs and Goldens were near the top. Beagles were number 3 or 4. But I was suprised to see Boxers in the top 10. I always imagined Boxers more as guard dogs or even fighting dogs. I did some reading and a Boxer sounded like the second best bet (Beagle was my first choice) My wife refused a big dog even claiming that a Boxer is too big.

In the end I wasn´t willing to pay the cost of a Beagle and couldn't find one that wasn't a purebred. Then I ran into someone selling a Boxer at a good price. Now my children have a great dog. I haven't regretted it at all. She really is a fun dog. (Deep down in side I still want another GDS, but I really do love my wife and would like to grow old with her.)

I can't figure out how to put up pics. I don't have my dog on a website so, how do I get her pics up?

Don, FYI.. Boxers require just as much time and attention as did your Golden. Hopefully, things have changed in your life or your good friend might be getting another family member.

There was a recent post on how to post a pic, I'll see if I can find it for you.

Well, two big changes: 1) I have more time to spend with the dog.
2) My wife will let the dog into the house so the lucky girl gets lots of attention from the kids and my wife. (My wife really does like dogs so she give her lots of attention. The golden just shed soooo much hair that even with 5 brushings a day, my wife didn't want her in the house.)

If you find the post on the pics, that would be great. I'll look around too.

Hello and welcome. Maybe this link for posting pix?

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=294987

Where in Guatemala?? We are going down again soon! I love Guatemala!!! Welcome

A lot of guys couldnt wear purple goggles Don. But they work on you. Welcome.

Got the pics (had to register in photobucket). First two are when Neska (Boxer bitch) is about two or three months old. Next two she is about 5 months. She is 9 months now but I don't have any pics.


http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac56/donovanladner/DSCF1284-2.jpg

I LOVE that last picture!! Looks really neat! I am not one that really cares for the breed of boxer but I'll have to say that is the cutest boxer I have ever seen. Looks well taken care of and like she loves her family!

Don,
You could have done a lot worse than getting a Boxer, with the right training they can do nearly anything, they're great overall dogs with a lot of utility.

I wish you and her many years of fun!

I had never thought of a Boxer either. I must say that I have been very pleasantly surprised. Like I said above, she really is a fun dog, learns quickly, she is incredibly agile and plays with my kids for hours and despite being a pup she never bites or nips. A very good gift for my children. I would prefer a different dog for myself (like I said in my original post) but the dog was intended for my kids.

What do you think of a Mastiff? I have never met one.