Boxers are (in general) considered great family pets. Of course there are exceptions to every generalization...

I would encourage you to check out the local shelters and rescue groups. If you like the breed, look for a boxer rescue on line.

I'm sorry for the loss of your ridgeback. Never easy.

Boxers are great dogs and generally good with kids and can be with other dogs. You really can never tell until a dog is older how they'll turn out. You say you want a puppy, but I'd strongly ask you to consider getting a dog from a rescue. When you get a dog from a rescue they'll usually know quite a bit about them. Many are fostered first so the foster family gets to find out how they are with kids and other animals. Saves a lot of heartbreak later. You can still often find young dogs and even puppies from rescues if that's what you have your heart set on. Just google boxer rescue and your state or area. Good luck.

I would not buy online. I would go to a breeder in your area. I understand you want a puppy so a rescue might not be what you are looking for. But if you buy from a pet shop or online you are most likely getting a puppymill dog. Puppymill dogs have alot more problems than dogs bought from breeders who breed for health as well as looks. Also if you buy a puppymill dog you are supporting a horrible industry that breeds only for money and cares little about the quality of the animal.

A former coworker did that twice with Great Dane puppies- the first one had Parvo and died. The second one had other severe health problems (after it caught Parvo from her not properly cleaning everything from the first puppy, but I forget the details- it was a congenital defect though).

There are lots of Boxer pups in rescues- Petfinder had a ton.

BTW, You can get puppies at rescues.

You may have to wait though. But you would have to wait for a pup with a reputable breeder too.

If a breeder has a continuous supply of puppies available, its highly unlikely that they are reputable.

never ever think that a good breeder advertised puppies for sale online or in a newspaper. Good breeders have waiting lists for quality puppies. With the prevalence of cancer, cardio-myopathy and epilepsy in boxers, you want a good breeder. Check with a local breed club! Breed rescue is an excellent option, especially when you deal with a reputable rescue that health- and temperament-checks their dogs

NO dog is typically aggressive around children, people or other pets. Unless that dog has health problems or has had huge traumatic issues. Please properly train and socialize whatever dog you choose, this will stop most unwanted behavior if done properly and regularly. Boxers are prone to heart problems and cancer. Your best bet, a mutt.

Hope you will check out the many, many rescue groups before going to a breeder.

i second the rescue idea but if you do decide to get a pup from a breeder, please make sure the parents have both tested clear for degenerative myelopathy. this is a 100% fatal spinal cord disease. boxers are one of 5 or 6 breeds where this disease is running rampant. DNA testing is being done at the university of missouri.

my 10 year old corgi has been presumptively diagnosed with DM. trust me, you do NOT EVER want to have to deal with this disease.

Boxers make great pets but be sure you have the time and space to adequately exercise one.

DS got a 4 mo. old puppy when his daughter was 14 months old and he's been the best family pet. The dog lets my GD use him as a pillow and once he's had enough he gets up and walks away. He's a great house pet and behaves well indoors, but if he didn't his daily romp he would become a mass of nervous energy! Luckily, they have several (fenced) acres so the dog is able to get out and run till he drops!

The main reason you can find so many in rescue is due to their energy level and owners not finding an outlet for it. I love my DS's dog and he's hilarious to watch when he's playing alone or with my dog. He can jump like a kangaroo, twist mid-air and turn on a dime. When he's tired and falls asleep he's oblivious to anything around him.

They don't handle the cold well so if you live in a cold climate, keep that in mind.
I would NOT buy one online. Each one has a different personality and you need to find one that is compatible with you.

doctorevil3232, Look up the Boxer Club of America. They probably have a list of breeders. Contact a few of them. Ask a lot of questions about the breed, health issues in the breed and how much testing they do. Don't just pick a random person trying to sell on line. Boxer rescue is another option.

Boxers are athletic, active, high-energy dogs.

I wouldn't recommend one for a family with young children;
it's just too easy for an exuberant pet to leap joyfully onto a beloved family member...
& knock him/her flat on the sidewalk & crack a tooth, bust open a nose, or fracture a skull.

My best recommendation for a family dog is a Lab or Golden or Lab or Golden mix-
preferably a mix, for the "hybrid vigor".

Labs & Goldens are big, easy-going, loving dogs who worship their owners & who adapt easily to active families or couch potatoes.

forgot to say that no dog should be brought into a home in which children or other pets are allowed to harass the dog.

It'll end the same way every time.

We found ours at a boxer rescue in the Los Angeles area. He's a bit stubborn, which is typical of the breed, but very lovable and a good pal to our older dog.

I would not want to buy online without meeting the dog in person.

One of the best things about the boxer rescue was that they had us bring our leashed dog to the facility, then brought out dogs, one at a time, to introduce them to us. We were able to pick the one that got along best with us.