Pure Boxer or not??

brunojay · #1 19th August 2010, 07:33 AM

Hello all,
I am a first time owner of a boxer puppy, my husband did not do his research on breeders in my area and jumped at the first "boxer" puppy that he found. im having doubts about if my puppy is a pure bred boxer puppy. My husband was told that Bruno was born the weekend of Memorial Day so this should make him 11 weeks old. now my concern is my puppy is extremely skinny, and to me he does not look like he is a pure bred boxer.after asking alot of questions my husband finally admits that the puppy is the runt. he is up todate on all of this shots and de-worming, And i am feeding him Nutro puppy max. here are some pic. im falling in <3 with this little guy and i have always wanted a boxer any help or advice would be fantastic

thanks

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...2/CIMG0105.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...2/CIMG0097.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s...2/CIMG0096.jpg

srennie · #2 19th August 2010, 09:03 AM

He might be a boxer but he looks as though he'll be a 'long nosed' one. Of course that is not the 'boxer standard' to have a long nose but that doesn't mean he won't make a great pet, he just isn't a show dog and not the physical ideal of how a boxer 'should' look. Sometimes they'll even grow into their nose like they grow into their feet,lol. He does look a little thin but boxers do go through a 'gangly' period. Get him to the vet ASAP for a check up and fecal exam and love him up!

brunojay · #3 19th August 2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srennie

He might be a boxer but he looks as though he'll be a 'long nosed' one. Of course that is not the 'boxer standard' to have a long nose but that doesn't mean he won't make a great pet, he just isn't a show dog and not the physical ideal of how a boxer 'should' look. Sometimes they'll even grow into their nose like they grow into their feet,lol. He does look a little thin but boxers do go through a 'gangly' period. Get him to the vet ASAP for a check up and fecal exam and love him up!

thank you .. for the most part im worried about how skinny he is . he has seen a vet and he has another appointment in the next 2 weeks

Murp.mm · #4 19th August 2010, 10:06 AM

He's adorable. He's up to date on his shots and dewormed so that's not a worry. Have you had him to the vet to have him checked out. That would be my first thing on the list. Once the vet clears him you'll feel much better. He has a lot of growing to do and I'm sure his appearance will change too once he gets weight on. More than likely he's off pet quality which is just fine as you won't be breathing him anyway. Have fun with you new addition and keep us updated on his progress. I'd love to see how he makes out.

**gmacleod** · #5 19th August 2010, 10:56 AM

If you want to know for certain whether or not he is purebred, you can do DNA profiling to find out. I understand it is not expensive

On the basis of the photos you posted though, I would be inclined to believe that he probably is a purebred. He clearly does not closely resemble the breed standard, particularly around the head. But that is more likely (IMO) the result of poor breeding practices than mixing with another breed. In any event, I don't see another breed staring out of that (cute) face, and his markings are classically boxer. Another observation I'd make is that one of the first things to "go" with mixes seems to be the classic black mask of a boxer, but your pup has a good solid mask. Of course, that's only opinion - if you want to be certain, then as above, DNA profiling will tell you quickly if there is another breed in his heritage and what that breed or breeds may be.

SweetCody · #6 19th August 2010, 12:33 PM

I would also be inclined to believe that he is pure bred. He sure is a cutie. I will chime in as well that a vet will be able to tell you if is skinny stature is normal boxer puppy skinniness or if it is something you need to be worried about. Both of my pups were very skinny as babies and now they are both filled out quite well.
Congrats on your new baby

.

brunojay · #7 19th August 2010, 02:07 PM

Thank you all for your help . my little one has an appointment in the next 2 weeks so i'm hoping everything will turn out great

he will definitely stay apart of my family, i just want to know what other breed of dog i would have to prepare for. i to thought that he could be mixed with pit . but as the first member said he could just be a longer nose boxer

which i'm fine with i'm not looking for the best show dog just one that i can love and give a great home to

i will continue to keep you all updates and grow

thanks again everyone .

brunojay · #8 19th August 2010, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmacleod

If you want to know for certain whether or not he is purebred, you can do DNA profiling to find out. I understand it is not expensive

On the basis of the photos you posted though, I would be inclined to believe that he probably is a purebred. He clearly does not closely resemble the breed standard, particularly around the head. But that is more likely (IMO) the result of poor breeding practices than mixing with another breed. In any event, I don't see another breed staring out of that (cute) face, and his markings are classically boxer. Another observation I'd make is that one of the first things to "go" with mixes seems to be the classic black mask of a boxer, but your pup has a good solid mask. Of course, that's only opinion - if you want to be certain, then as above, DNA profiling will tell you quickly if there is another breed in his heritage and what that breed or breeds may be.

you were 100 % right with the poor breeding . i went over and met the parents of Bruno today and the owners kept one of the puppies and she also looks like Bruno with the longer nose . the mother looks like she was a pup from poor breeding as well. but the dad looks as if he could have been a show dog. ! thank you again . the owners did not expect the mom to have puppies they were told that she was fixed and 4 months after they got her she was pregnant.

caruse · #9 20th August 2010, 06:05 AM

Bruno's a lucky little puppy to have gotten such a loving caring home!! He is adorable!
Barbara

brunojay · #10 20th August 2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caruse

Bruno's a lucky little puppy to have gotten such a loving caring home!! He is adorable!
Barbara

thank you so much!! hes such an awesome little guy !! cant wait till hes a big guy still with a puppy attitude lol

Guitarjunkie · #11 20th August 2010, 01:50 PM

I posted some questions about my boxers long snout as well. Also when I first bought him, he was extreemly skinny...and was told to keep him on a certain brand of crunchy food. (?) I asked a someone else, that claimed to have knowledge on the Boxer and told me NOT to feed him meat. (?) ha! I slowly introduced him to soft food as a treat and he started filling out and getting more active in less than a week. About his longer nose, I'm no longer concerned, I know that he is purebred, and is the most well behaved, sweetest dog ever. Long nose or not.... you couldn't offer me enough money for me to ever part with him. (c: Enjoy your puppy and love him to pieces. (Long nose boxers unite!) LOL

brunojay · #12 21st August 2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarjunkie

I posted some questions about my boxers long snout as well. Also when I first bought him, he was extreemly skinny...and was told to keep him on a certain brand of crunchy food. (?) I asked a someone else, that claimed to have knowledge on the Boxer and told me NOT to feed him meat. (?) ha! I slowly introduced him to soft food as a treat and he started filling out and getting more active in less than a week. About his longer nose, I'm no longer concerned, I know that he is purebred, and is the most well behaved, sweetest dog ever. Long nose or not.... you couldn't offer me enough money for me to ever part with him. (c: Enjoy your puppy and love him to pieces. (Long nose boxers unite!) LOL

he eats dry food very well and hes extremely active ! but for some reason he will not fill out. lol what soft foods were you feeding him?