Slinkky
Well-Known Member
I raise miniature australian shepherds. I think I am very knowledgeable about that breed. I know enough to know that the dogs I raise are not a good fit with my daughter’s home.
She lives in a small town and has a "regular" back yard. She lives in Texas, so the weather is unpredictable. Highs in the summer can be 105 or so for several days. Lows can be in the single digits (seldom below 0, but it does happen).
Ok, here's the deal. My granddaughter is soon to be 5 yrs old. Her mom thinks now is good time to add a dog to the family. Hailie would not be "responsible" for the dog, but would help with the feeding and what few things she is old enough to help with. Dad does not have a problem getting a dog, but does not want an inside dog. He says that when the temps are in the extreme he does not have a problem with it coming in the house for a few days until the temp evens back out. For this reason, they are leaning toward a short haired/slick haired dog. (which puts aussie's out of the picture). Also, dad often works late at night and mom jogs early in the morning, so they want a dog that is somewhat protective (but not overly so). They want one that will bark when someone comes up, but not one that they have to worry about attacking (as this can go wrong so quickly)
So, are boxers good young -child dogs? As a breed, are they usually good tempered? Has this breed been in-bred/over-bred...things to watch out for? Do Boxer have skin problems, eye problems that we need to be aware of?
Would you recommend another breed altogether?
Thanks for your opinions.
She lives in a small town and has a "regular" back yard. She lives in Texas, so the weather is unpredictable. Highs in the summer can be 105 or so for several days. Lows can be in the single digits (seldom below 0, but it does happen).
Ok, here's the deal. My granddaughter is soon to be 5 yrs old. Her mom thinks now is good time to add a dog to the family. Hailie would not be "responsible" for the dog, but would help with the feeding and what few things she is old enough to help with. Dad does not have a problem getting a dog, but does not want an inside dog. He says that when the temps are in the extreme he does not have a problem with it coming in the house for a few days until the temp evens back out. For this reason, they are leaning toward a short haired/slick haired dog. (which puts aussie's out of the picture). Also, dad often works late at night and mom jogs early in the morning, so they want a dog that is somewhat protective (but not overly so). They want one that will bark when someone comes up, but not one that they have to worry about attacking (as this can go wrong so quickly)
So, are boxers good young -child dogs? As a breed, are they usually good tempered? Has this breed been in-bred/over-bred...things to watch out for? Do Boxer have skin problems, eye problems that we need to be aware of?
Would you recommend another breed altogether?
Thanks for your opinions.