Choosing a Boxer Breeder

Choosing a Boxer breeder is a highly personal choice. However this is a decision that you will live with for the next 10 years possibly.
Any breeder would tell you that there are excellent breeders out there, and some not so excellent ones. As well, the same breeder one person recommends, another may shy away from. So, how to figure out who to purchase your boxer from?

• Find a breeder you communicate well with. This person is your support system.

• Avoid anyone who does not sell puppies on contracts. Your pet should be REQUIRED to be spay/neutered.

• Avoid anyone who sells puppies in a 'store' or webstore environment.

• Avoid anyone who specifically advertises 'rare' or undesirable colors. (White, or black Boxers)

• Avoid breeders who breed white dogs. Whites make great pets, but should NEVER be bred.

• Avoid breeders who feel they need to bash show lines in order to promote pet breeding. If they are negative about linebreeding, or claim that show lines have more health or temperament problems, its a sign to locate another breeder.

Health is important, but temperament is paramount. However, most breeders put health, temperament, and conformation on an equal level. A boxer who is healthy, but does not look like a Boxer is not a better dog. Nor is the beautiful dog with an unsound temperament. A boxer can have all these things, and most reputable breeders plan their breeding programs to improve conformation, and retain or improve the longevity, while keeping an absolutely sound temperament.

If you visit a Website, and get the first impression that the breeders are there for the sake of producing pets, and selling puppies, I would recommend locating another breeder.
If these same breeders hint that American show lines are unhealthy, or unsound in temperament, please remember that breeders who show their dogs take these dogs in public on a regular basis. These dogs are seen regularly by other breeders, and the general public. If the dogs had serious health, or temperament issues, those breeders would not likely be involved in the breed for long, or would quickly get a reputation for breeding/owning dogs of poor health, and bad temperaments.

Often, bad breeders feel they need to detract from dogs owned by reputable breeders for the sake of selling their own dogs, or to make people believe that they are the ones doing things right. But yet, these same people often 'advertise' litters as 'Champion lines' or 'Champion sired' (Ask which registry - at this time, an AKC Champion is held in the highest regard, as UKC Championships are MUCH easier to attain, and now, you can even buy a 'Championship certificate' online which has NO meaning at all.) These breeders also often will put up class win photos, or match win photos to impress buyers, while on another page, they bash the breeders who regularly attend these same events.

When you find a breeder you like, and whose dogs you prefer. Contact them, and arrange a phone call and meeting. Meet the dogs, discuss upcoming or current litters, and be patient! Remember, the breeder is often busy with training, and caring for the litter. If you find a breeder you like who has no current pups, but has a litter planned, I recommend waiting. A good relationship with a great breeder is worth the wait.