Is 90 pounds normal for an adult boxer?

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by gmacleod

Well, it is easy to see where you're both coming from there

90lb (on the assumption that we're not talking about a dog that is overweight for his size) is substantially larger than this breed is supposed to be. Like 20-30% bigger - we're closer to bullmastiff territory than correct boxer size here. How tall is your dog, btw?

Every breed has a standard, a "blueprint" if you like, for what they're supposed to look like (also covers temperament, and other characteristics - the things that define a breed as a breed, and set them apart from others). The standard is the measure against which dogs are judged in the show ring, and it includes the size they should be. In the case of adult male boxers, that size is 22-25 inches, weighing in the region of 60-75lb. Any dog outside that range is incorrect for his breed.

Dogs that depart so far from the breed standard as to be outside that range shouldn't ever be used for breeding, and to do so cannot be considered as "reputable", responsible, or a good breeding practice. So some remark about your breeder is certainly justified, using a 90lb dog for breeding (on the same assumption that the dog wasn't just fat). Consumer demand isn't a reason to bastardise a dog breed by deliberately breeding incorrect animals to produce more incorrectly sized ones. If everyone did it, pretty soon we'd have no breed left.

Incorrectly sized does not necessarily mean mixed breed, however (it might mean that, but it certainly doesn't guarantee it). Even with normal sized parents, some extra large or extra small individuals may result (notwithstanding the above about your breeder). Your dog may be oversized, but without some pictures, I wouldn't venture an opinion (assuming you actually want one ) on whether or not he may be mixed with another breed.

In any case - mixed breed, purebreed; no breed, too big, too small, whatever - does it really make any difference to the dog that he is? Or to how you feel about him? From your above posts, I'm guessing that it doesn't And that's how it should be too.

Easy for me to say, I know (particularly as you're already annoyed by your relation), but you shouldn't take criticisms about your breeder as criticisms of your dog They're not - they're a fair and justified criticism of someone deliberately breeding dogs to be incorrect for their breed. The fastest way, incidentally, to produce a dog substantially larger than its breed is supposed to be (or smaller, for those consumers wanting a pocket sized version) is to mix the breed with something else...

Anyway - reverting to your actual question, no, it isn't normal for boxers to weigh 90lb except via being overweight (which is a different matter entirely). It does not mean your dog is mixed breed and doesn't exclude the possibility either. Knowing how tall he is would tend to give a better indication of his overall size than his weight gives, however.

I measured Ceasars height. It was hard to get him to stand still, it took forever lol I got 21inches he was moving a lot so it may of been closer to 22, but one of those 2. Thanks

[gmacleod]

And he's six months old? Well, that doesn't sound remarkably over-sized to me. He is probably toward the upper end of normal for his age, but even so, 21-22 inches for a 6 month old pup is not that remarkable. It certainly isn't enough to make me think you've got a potential giant on your hands, anyway

LOL - if he's still growing at the same rate in 2-3 months time, then maybe you start to wonder where he'll stop. But for now, I don't think your puppy sounds as though he's destined to be vastly out of the norm

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by gmacleod

And he's six months old? Well, that doesn't sound remarkably over-sized to me. He is probably toward the upper end of normal for his age, but even so, 21-22 inches for a 6 month old pup is not that remarkable. It certainly isn't enough to make me think you've got a potential giant on your hands, anyway

LOL - if he's still growing at the same rate in 2-3 months time, then maybe you start to wonder where he'll stop. But for now, I don't think your puppy sounds as though he's destined to be vastly out of the norm

Well that sounds good, I cant wait to see how he will look asd an adult! Its going to be a fun experiance! Thank you gmacleod

[LILYLARUE]

Don't want to create a stir here, but here in Amish Country, home of the cash crop of dog breeding.......you can't guarentee that the dogs that are presented as parents are actually the parents of that particular litter. The amish have a tendancy to put the two most healthiest and "consumer attractive" bitch and stud out for display with a litter in a seperate kennel from the mother. One would just assume that the bitch is the mother and that stud was the father. But in reality, back in a barn far away on the property, there is an over-bred bitch, along with other ones, already pregnant, and probably one is the real mother to the litter. I call it the "bait and switch" display. A lot of time the amish also say "house raised" when in fact their pet dog is in the house, but the breeders are in the barn. They only bring the litter to the house when a potential buyer is coming to look.

So.....even though you think you know all about that breeder.......unless you know for sure and know all the buildings on their property inside and out........you can't be sure at all. With all the new laws against puppy mills and BYB's, plus the consumer's becoming more aware, the breeders are getting very smart and even more shady.

I figure unless that embilical cord is still attached to the womb.....I won't ever assume again that the bitch is really the litter's mom.

I would also think that a reputible breeder also has a waiting list if they are producing proper conformed litters. They also look for owners of responsible nature, which usually comes from reputation of the previous buyers. Because of this, I don't think they would post an ad in a paper, if their reputation lies in the hands of previous litters and the buyers of such.

[ehayes21]

Great post above.

Originally Posted by LILYLARUE

Because of this, I don't think they would post an ad in a paper, if their reputation lies in the hands of previous litters and the buyers of such.

Yep. Reputable breeders don't place ads in papers. BYB's do.

[beausmommy]

Originally Posted by BxrMommieNAZ

Also I'd like to point out, just because he's 45 pounds at 6 months really doesn't mean anything. Not saying anything one way or the other, just saying don't automatically assume your Boxer is going to be closer to 90 pounds simply because he's larger at this stage of the game.

I agree with the above. Beau was 59lbs. at 9 months and is still 59lbs. at 5 years. Although people say that boxers do not quit growing until 2 years, that obviously wasn't the case with Beau. I'm sure your boy will be perfect no matter how much he weighs

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by LILYLARUE

Don't want to create a stir here, but here in Amish Country, home of the cash crop of dog breeding.......you can't guarentee that the dogs that are presented as parents are actually the parents of that particular litter. The amish have a tendancy to put the two most healthiest and "consumer attractive" bitch and stud out for display with a litter in a seperate kennel from the mother. One would just assume that the bitch is the mother and that stud was the father. But in reality, back in a barn far away on the property, there is an over-bred bitch, along with other ones, already pregnant, and probably one is the real mother to the litter. I call it the "bait and switch" display. A lot of time the amish also say "house raised" when in fact their pet dog is in the house, but the breeders are in the barn. They only bring the litter to the house when a potential buyer is coming to look.

So.....even though you think you know all about that breeder.......unless you know for sure and know all the buildings on their property inside and out........you can't be sure at all. With all the new laws against puppy mills and BYB's, plus the consumer's becoming more aware, the breeders are getting very smart and even more shady.

I figure unless that embilical cord is still attached to the womb.....I won't ever assume again that the bitch is really the litter's mom.

I would also think that a reputible breeder also has a waiting list if they are producing proper conformed litters. They also look for owners of responsible nature, which usually comes from reputation of the previous buyers. Because of this, I don't think they would post an ad in a paper, if their reputation lies in the hands of previous litters and the buyers of such.

Well, lol when I went to get Ceasar he was inside the home, she had a room in her home that was just for mom and pups. There was no other buildings or anything on the property, they had a garage and the doore was open I saw 1 car in it so....with that much being said, I dont think she had anyother dogs stuffed somewhere. I do understand where you are coming from, yes that could be in my case. Who knows?? but I am glad to have Ceasar, he is a wonderful addition to our family.

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by ehayes21

Great post above.



Yep. Reputable breeders don't place ads in papers. BYB's do.

How lucky am I to get such an adorable good boy from a "BYB"? At this point I am just glad to have him nomatter where he came from. For now I am just going to give him all the love and care he needs, and look forward to the years to come.

[ehayes21]

Originally Posted by lisathorp

How lucky am I to get such an adorable good boy from a "BYB"? At this point I am just glad to have him nomatter where he came from. For now I am just going to give him all the love and care he needs, and look forward to the years to come.

Nobody said BYB dogs are less adorable than pups from responsible breeders. I am glad Ceaser found a good home and what's done is done. Please don't take offense, I am only trying to educate because I am quite passionate about breeding responsibly. BYB's do such damage to our beloved breed and everytime someone gives them $$$ for a pup they keep the cycle going. They breed un-health tested dogs that pass on genetic defects to their offspring and they breed boxers that don't even look like boxers...it's pretty sad.

Anywho...a little more of what I am talking about.
Backyard breeding - the consequences

I'll shut up now.

[BxrMommieNAZ]

Originally Posted by lisathorp

How lucky am I to get such an adorable good boy from a "BYB"? At this point I am just glad to have him nomatter where he came from. For now I am just going to give him all the love and care he needs, and look forward to the years to come.

BYB's aren't known for producing UGLY or BAD dogs, just genetically poor quality so later in life their risks of cancer, hypothyroidism, hip displasia and other degenerative conditions, arthritis, etc are GREATLY increased.

My boxers minus one have been from a rescue, GREAT dogs, great looking dogs, but both have had SERIOUS medical issues later in life.

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by ehayes21

Nobody said BYB dogs are less adorable than pups from responsible breeders. I am glad Ceaser found a good home and what's done is done. Please don't take offense, I am only trying to educate because I am quite passionate about breeding responsibly. BYB's do such damage to our beloved breed and everytime someone gives them $$$ for a pup they keep the cycle going. They breed un-health tested dogs that pass on genetic defects to their offspring and they breed boxers that don't even look like boxers...it's pretty sad.

Anywho...a little more of what I am talking about.
Backyard breeding - the consequences

I'll shut up now.

I understand what your saying and I'm not taking offense, I have seen what poor breeding can do to dogs. I have seen it in not only boxers but many other breeds and it is sad. I grew up with boxers, it was the only breed we ever had, my dad used to breed them, it was a wonderful experiance for me growing up getting to be apart of that. I agree 100% that its awful what people are doing with them these days. Ceasar may not of had the best of breeder but that kind of makes it more rewarding for me because I know I'm doing good with him. I know your not being rude toward me when your talking about BYB's. My last post post wasnt rude toward you guys eaither....

[lisathorp]

Originally Posted by BxrMommieNAZ

BYB's aren't known for producing UGLY or BAD dogs, just genetically poor quality so later in life their risks of cancer, hypothyroidism, hip displasia and other degenerative conditions, arthritis, etc are GREATLY increased.

My boxers minus one have been from a rescue, GREAT dogs, great looking dogs, but both have had SERIOUS medical issues later in life.

Yes, your right. They do end up with a lot of health risks. Thats why I am going to keep a close eye on Ceasar. I figure if he turns out to have no health issues and lives long then great, but if thats not the case later then we will work threw it the best we can. BYB's breed for all the WRONG reasons, and it is so sad.