puppy or older boxer with a 1 year old child

dvalerio · #1 31st October 2002, 09:05 AM

We recently lost our boxer (who was a huge part of family). It left such a void in our family, I'd love to get another one, but I was unsure whether to get a puppy or an older dog. My daughter (who is 16 months old) was always hugging and laying on the floor with our Rascal (who was only 4 years old when we lost her) so I know she will be paying alot of attention to a new dog/puppy. Rascal was wonderful with my daughter.

I guess my real issues are the safety of my child and the safety of the dog. Would an older boxer bond easily with a young child? Around what age dog should I look for? Would a puppy be a better choice so it grows up with the baby? Might the baby be too rough for puppy?

We got Rascal as a puppy and I remember her being a pretty tough little girl, but there was no babies around then. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.

VTbxrFan · #2 31st October 2002, 10:34 AM

I think you can make it work either way -- the bottom line is that dogs and children should always be closely supervised. If you work with a rescue, they evaluate the dogs with children before placing them. You might be able to get a dog who has been in a foster home with young children and will already be used to them.

Tulsa-Dan · #3 26th November 2002, 08:50 AM

Please see this thread:

bringing baby home concerned about jealous boxer

Matt S has done a particular terrific job of gathering excellent resources and information on this topic for you.

Good luck.

Niyati · #4 31st December 2002, 09:48 PM

We got a 2.5 yr old boxer from a family that was giving him away. When we got him he was quite agressive towards new people and dogs. He has gotten a LOT better in the year that we have had him. But I was still worried when my 7mo old niece was coming to visit.I was stunned with his reaction to her! I have never seen that dog so careful with anyone! He always gave her at least 2 feet of space. He never does that. Just runs right over you usually. She went up to him and put her little hand on his nose and was kinda scratching him. He didn't even blink. I would definatly reasearch your new dog(more than we did!) but they can really surprise you.Maybe if you can take your daughter to see the dog first. See how they interact with each other! Good luck!

Rowdy's Dad · #5 31st December 2002, 11:48 PM

Rowdy was 8 months old when Noah was born. Noah is now 14 months old and Rowdy plays very well with Noah. He has knocked him down hard only once, and that was on carpet and only because Rowdy didn't see him.

AvalancheBoxer · #6 31st December 2002, 11:59 PM

I got our "first" boxer when our youngest child was merely 2 mths old. I bought a pup.. to bring into the family and "grow up" with our children. We still have that "pup" to this day, he has always been really careful around children (he is 7yrs now), BUT we also adopted a 5+ yr old female a few mths ago.. and she is just as wonderful around the children as he is, and she has been held in a dog pen all her life. We also have a girl who is almost 2, and she has the same feelings for the kids as the other two boxers do.
IMO, boxers love children.. its in their nature...

My 100 (almost) lb. male Boxer tip toes(always has) around the kids .. makes ya really appreciate this breed.. they are the BEST!!