Shapes and Sizes and Expectations

[tathens]

My family and I have decided to get a Boxer. I've been researching the breed for about 3-4 months now and am pretty excited to find a puppy. I have been calling around many sources (AKC, Boxer Association, Dog Training Facilities, etc) to find a good breeder with a litter. Through my referrals I have started looking at puppies. My dilemma is two-fold: 1) What I found at my first visit was a bit diappointing to me. The Dam and Sire were not what I expected as far as their body shape was concerned, and yet they were registered. What I have noticed from photographs of Boxers is a sleek, lean, yet muscular appearance that I was drawn to. These adult dogs were short, broad, and more "stumpy" looking. There must be differing body shapes for Boxers, but how do I find the tall, elegant look I seek?
Should I be asking for a particular blood line or what makes up such a difference in the appearance of Boxers? 2) The other issue is price. I have found such a wide range in price from $350 to $950 and up for AKC puppies (pet). Why such a difference? Is this breeder preference or is there a quality/character difference in higher priced dogs? I have not found their guarantees to differ all that much. I live in Minnesota. Please comment.

[Scrapper's Mom]

I would recommend that you attend some dog shows in your area. At the show you will be able to see each breeder's dogs and how they compare to others in conformation in the show ring. You can also pick up a program there which will contain the names and advertisements for various breeders with pictures of their dogs looking their best.

Though I'm not familiar with Minnesota, I would assume that the price of puppies, like everything in our economic system, is to some degree affected by the laws of supply and demand. Breeders with more winners and champions can ask higher prices because their dogs are more in demand. Breeders with consistent winners in their bloodlines are also breeding for specific conformation and their puppies, whether "pet" or "show," are likely to be of higher quality than those of an inexperienced beginner or backyard breeder. Many times with established show breeders, they pick the buyers for their puppies because there may be a long waiting list for an upcoming litter. It's almost like an adoption; you don't just get to pick any puppy from the litter.

Reputable show breeders will also have done all the necessary health testing on their bitch and stud prior to breeding to insure the best chance for healthy puppies and dogs with as few health problems as possible.

Check out this website -

http://www.worldwideboxer.com/

it contains lots of valuable information on the ideal Boxer conformation and may help you in your search. Good luck to you. There is nothing like a wiggly Boxer puppy to make you smile and bring you happiness -

[JulieM]

What she said!

Honestly probably the biggest difference between puppy prices is the quality of the breeder.

This article illustrates the concept quite well:
http://www.heroswaggintrain.com/misc...ppy_prices.htm

This page lists the health tests that should be performed on breeding stock:

www.boxerworld.com/breeders/

This page lists questions, and gives links to other sites with more questions, to ask breeders.

www.boxerworld.com/rescue/questions/


Remember that AKC registration has nothing at all to do with the quality or health of the dog, or the ethics of the breeder.

Where did you see the pictures of Boxers whose style you liked? That would be the first place to start looking for your new companion.

Click! to you for researching before buying a puppy!!

[tathens]

Thank you so much. I am happy to say I found an absolutely beautiful puppy we fell in love with! Plan to bring her home in a week or so once the kennel run is up (at breeder request).

[Tuppence]

Good news! Im so excited for you! Be SURE to put up pictures of your baby, Im sure we would all LOVE to see!
Meribeth