New to-be boxer owner in southeast Pennsylvania!

briansims · #1 11-02-2009, 02:59 PM

My family had a boxer when I was growing up, but one has been missing from my life since (tragic, I know!). I started researching breeders a few years ago, but ultimately determined my commute and overall schedule was not in the best interest of a dog. Things have changed for the better on that front, so time to search once more!

On that note, if anyone has any recommends on where to start to look again, it would be appreciated. The Eastern PA Boxer Club's website I had seems to be defunct, so I'm not sure if they are still active at all.

Brian

djheitz · #2 11-02-2009, 04:43 PM

Welcome to BW! Have you thought about rescue?

briansims · #3 11-02-2009, 06:04 PM

I have, but I'm really afraid of the unknown factor there, especially given the number of puppy mills in the area. While we loved the boxer we had when I was growing up, she had some behavioral and lots of health problems. All I remember was we got her at a farm in Lancaster, which more than likely was a BYB. I'd like to minimize the chances of such issues by getting from a reputable breeder, even though I'm looking for a pet vs. show.

GDOGS1 · #4 11-02-2009, 07:18 PM

Welcome to BW from myself and GDOGS from the flatlands of Nebraska

MoM & DaD of GDOGS 8/18/05 Brindle,Docked,Floppy and full of Zest

LILYLARUE · #5 11-03-2009, 03:17 PM

Welcome to BW from a yocal! LOL

Lily was an amish bred dog. Luckily she is healthy so far at 2 1/2. I haven't researched any boxer breeders since, but it's pretty safe to say, 99% of boxers available in this area is from mills or byb's. I wish I could help.......if only to find you a pup and Lily a new playmate!

Good luck and rescues really are pretty great dogs. I have had 2 rescues since Lily and my boy, Buster, is my heart. After a year or so of good training and reconditioning, he is now very dedicated and devoted to me. I get a lot more love from him than from the boxer. I think rescues really appreciate a good life when they finally get one and many end up the best dogs ever! Please consider it. In this economy, you may be suprised what great dogs had to be given up.

LadyEvenstar · #6 11-05-2009, 10:04 AM

I'm also from the Southeastern PA area and recently added a Boxer to our life. Unfortunately, I don't know any really good Boxer Breeders but I can highly recommend Adopt-A-Boxer Rescue, where we got our soon-to-be 3 year old girl.

I had the same concerns as you about rescue dogs as our previous dog (an Aussie) we had from a puppy and she was one great and healthy gal. Adopt-A-Boxer, though had a lot of wonderful dogs and they strived to be as knowledgeable as possible about each of them. They really worked with us to match our family with the right dog for us.

Now we're actually thinking of getting a brother for our much-loved Zesty.

djheitz · #7 11-05-2009, 10:18 AM

And hello to Zesty's new family, too!

I'm a volunteer for AABR and I can agree - we have had a large number of owner turn-in's over the last year as people have had to move (lost homes) or just can't afford their pets anymore. Most of our dogs spend a month or two in foster home and we get to know them pretty well. Our rescue in particular covers the entire northeast of the US, so not all of our dogs are from 'mill country'.

bentleymack · #8 11-06-2009, 11:24 PM

Welcome to BW from bentley and mercedes and me