An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer starts with checking out parent dogs for unbecoming traits like aggression, hyperactive and extreme shyness.

This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from a reputable breeder or from a pet shop that get their animals only from known breeders.

Exercise prudence if you are getting your Boxer puppy from pet stores, which often get their supply from breeders of unknown reputation.

These "puppy mills" as they are called are not known to put much emphasis on quality and health of pups they are producing.

Reputable breeders would adhere to accepted standards for Boxers in terms of uniformity in breed, good health, temperament, size and color.

Reputable breeders would be able to show pedigree and registration papers and/or pictures of parent dogs that may reside somewhere else.

Professional breeders are also there to produce dog show champions or prospects.

Even if you are not looking to raise a show champion Boxer, known breeders can provide you with some "best buy" puppies because not all puppies in a litter are show prospect/champion materials.

But full litter would have had benefited from same proven bloodlines, nutrition and medical care. So you can choose from among good-looking brothers or sisters of potential champion for a bargain.

The answer is "no" if you are type who mostly leave your dog on a chain. Boxers require much of your love, attention and companionship although they are easy to take care of.

One Boxer-lover even said to never get one as pet if you work full time!

Another point to consider is that costs for food, training, grooming, medical care, toys and other supplies do add up.

Still, for many years now, Boxer has ranked in top 10 of favorite purebreds by American Kennel Club, numbering about 35,000 Boxers registered in 2003.

Boxers Crave Attention

Boxers need constant attention and love to be babied. Treat your Boxer as your best friend and play, play, play with him.

One three-month old Boxer loves her bath more when owner sings to her. Be it playing, talking or singing to them or taking them for a walk, Boxers simply love attention.

Shower them with love, affection and attention as well as some treats.

These keep Boxers happy. Left to their own devices, Boxers can become very destructive when lonely, bored and ignored. One is known to jump over 6-footer fences if owner is gone for too long.

Give extra space when you have to leave Boxers alone over extended period. They donÆt like to be locked in a room. One owner gives a 4-year old male Boxer run of hall stairs, landing and its own bedroom and dog is much happier and not destructive at all.

When you have to leave Boxers alone, you better make sure they have a toy they really like or they'll find something to do that you probably really won't like.

Destructive Streak in Boxers

Boxers are too smart and strong for their own good, and if they're bored and undisciplined they can be a disaster in house.

That is why obedience training is important, in order to prevent destruction of too many of your belongings. Training makes a happier dog.