The following information is provided to educate potential Boxer puppy buyers and to warn potential Boxer "breeders" about the responsibilities (moral and legal) that come with breeding companion animals.

Things to consider before buying a Boxer puppy

As part of our pet education services, Florida Boxer Rescue Inc. warns prospective Boxer puppy guardians that the puppies you see advertised in the newspaper are most likely not health tested, and in most cases, are also not well-bred! Stay away from "breeders" who have "both parents on the premises." This is a sure sign of a casual or backyard breeder. Always ask to see health certificates and examine pedigrees. Watch for repetitious names. Being advertised solely as "AKC certified", means very little, as it is very easy to obtain an AKC certificate, and certainly does not mean a dog who has one should be bred!

The following is a list of health tests for Boxers being bred:

● OFA or PennHIP certification against Hip Dysplasia

● OFA certification, Holter Monitor against Aortic Stenosis and Cardiomyopathy

● OFA certification for thyroid problems

● CERF eye certification that would show dog is free from eye disease

Additionally, both parents should have a clear history and be free from generalized demodicosis (mange).

Good breeders will monitor the frequency of cancers, type of cancer, and the age of death of the ancestors in their pedigree (going back many generations) and will NOT breed those dogs who have a history of rampant cancers.

*Keep in mind a dog must reach a certain age for these tests to be performed and show valid results.

Click here for a list of recommended Boxer breeders

Did you know that some home insurance companies now include Boxers on their "vicious breeds" list?

A Boxer--vicious? Well, thanks to backyard breeders, puppymills and pet stores, some Boxers do not possess the characteristics this wonderful breed is famous for. Boxers who are not treated well and puppies who are born to ill tempered parents and are not cared for appropriately during the first 8 critical weeks of life (such as when they are taken from their mothers before 8 weeks and shipped off to pet stores), could suffer from health and behavior issues.

Casual or backyard breeders and the puppymill industry are single-handedly responsible for the decline of the Boxer breed. When you have poorly bred dogs, not only will your dog be a poor physical representation of your particular breed, but he/she may have temperament issues. Because the Boxer dog has been affected by commercialization and over-breeding (being ranked in the top 10 for most popular dogs), it is hard to "guarantee" the inexpensive Boxer puppy you are purchasing possesses all the characteristics that the breed is known for (good with children, even-tempered, etc...). 

 Boxers are very popular, trendy dogs, and that means there is a high demand for them. As a result,  "breeders" crank out litters without regard to health, confirmation or temperament,  to meet that demand.

Conscientious and reputable breeders produce not only Boxers who are stunning in appearance but generally healthy and even tempered.  

Well bred Boxer puppies are expensive! Even if you are not interested in the "show circuit" and merely want one for a family pet, you should never purchase a puppy from unprofessional "breeders" for a few hundred dollars or from a pet store! To do so, you are supporting backyard breeders or puppy mills by lining their pockets, and keeping them in business!

How many times have you seen this on a sign at a pet store:

"Our puppies are from professional, reputable breeders!"

This statement is 100% false because no reputable breeder would ever sell their puppies to a third party. A reputable breeder will meet, interview and screen the homes her puppies go to.

FBR, Inc. is only aware of a few Boxer breeders in Florida who perform necessary health testing to ensure healthy, well-adjusted, and even-tempered litters, true to the Boxer standard. Please visit Tampa Bay Boxer Club's website for more information.

Health testing is wonderful but please realize it does not "guarantee" that your puppy will be free of all disease and illness for his entire life. It does mean that the breeder is knowledgeable, responsible and insightful enough to monitor her bloodlines and do her best to produce healthy and even tempered dogs true to the standard.

The bottom line is, only purchase a puppy from a breeder who is extremely knowledgeable about the breed, performs testing and is willing to help you in every facet of dog guardianship, even years down the road.

Puppy "Lemon Law"

A Florida resident has recently won a judgment against a "breeder" because the puppy died before 1 year of age of a congenital defect. (This person sued the "breeder" and won). If you are even contemplating breeding, we advise you to read over the Florida Statute 828.29 so you have an understanding of the laws, your rights and the buyer's rights, should your puppies be born with hereditary defects (something that proper health testing could prevent).

Florida State Statutes On-line Search

Good Breeders vs. Poor Breeders

If you are determined to breed Boxers, please be responsible and find a reputable breeder to be your mentor. 

** PLEASE NOTE**  Florida Boxer Rescue, Inc. has very few (if any) puppies. Boxer puppies are usually not the ones who need the assistance of a rescue organization, as they are viewed as a marketable "commodity" by the general public.