[PRIYERZ]

I want to adopt this puppy

The owner says the mom is a german shepherd and dad is a boxer.
I saw the mom... definitely a large german shepherd. I did not have a chance to see the mom.

Any insight on what this type of guy might be like? I know it's hard to tell since you don't know what traits he will inherit more. I was originally interested in finding a boxer / boxer mix.

How big do you think this lil guy will get? He is at a little under 6 weeks in this picture. The mom seemed like she was about..... 60 lbs. I'm about 5'5 and she came up to my waste when sitting on her hind legs.

The more I read online about being careful who you get your puppies from... it seems there is no win-win situation. At a rescue you have no idea who the parents are you are just going on a whim. At a breeder youa re paying a large sum of money when you could be saving a dog. This will be my first dog and I am really worried about making the wrong decision.

[Todd]

You are def. making the right decision by adopting him! Those dogs in the shelter need you more than dog breed by breeders. My personal opinion is that one should rescue a dog from a shelter and only purchase one from a breeder if they plan on showing or breeding the dog themselves.

Like you said, you can never tell how big a dog will get, especially without seeing both parents. Boxers are a breed of dog that have the potential to be a range of different sizes. I've seen 60 pound boxers and 90 pound boxers. shepherds are generally pretty big dogs. I'd guess your dog will end up being somewhere between 60 and 80 pounds if kept in fair shape. As far as height goes, I'd estimate anywhere from 22-28 inches. Give or take a bit for this is a VERY rough estimate. Here are a few boxer/shepherd mixes but remembr your dog will most likely turn out quite a bit different because you never can tell for sure with a mixed breed. Good luck!

*Please let me know if these photos show up. They aren't showing up on my laptop. Thanks!

[Lara's mom]

What a lovely puppy! As long as you're prepared that this will be a big dog, absolutely go ahead and adopt!

I'd look at where the puppy is living. Is it clean? Are the puppies friendly? Any runny eyes, noses or signs of loose stools?

Also, since this is a mixed breed, don't get talked into paying a lot of money for the puppy. Good luck!

[Lunareclipse]

He is going to be a big and very active doggy. I hope you have the time and patience for him. Shepherds and boxers both like to work, so I hope you can come up with something that will keep his little brain occupied most of the day.

[PRIYERZ]

Yes big and active is what I was going for!!! I have been using the internet to find games for him while I'm not home.

The only couple that I've found are the "find it" game (which doesn't seem doable until he is old enough to go around the house and be trusted)
and tying up a treat or food in a towel or old tshirt or something and letting him work on getting it out while you are gone for a couple hours.

If anyone has any other ideas please let me know! One especially for puppies. I know most people just leave a toy or two in the crate with the puppy. I"m sure once he starts getting a little older he'd like to be a little mentally stimulated!

Other than that I"ll be home and have time to work with him for an hour or two a day beyond his normal exercise and such! I'm so excited!

[Lunareclipse]

I leave nylabones with peanut butter on them for them to find and munch while I am gone. And I hung a rope bone from the top of buster's cage for him to play with while he is in there.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Lunareclipse

I leave nylabones with peanut butter on them for them to find and munch while I am gone. And I hung a rope bone from the top of buster's cage for him to play with while he is in there.

some raw meaty bones from the butcher or pet store would be great to keep him occupied as well. also take a wash cloth and get it all wet then put it in the freezer. This will be great when teething because the cold chewie acts as a numbing agent for sore teeth during this stage. It's free too! stay away from rawhides.

Kongs r great too! Here r some great recipes. u can search more on google;

http://www.kongcompany.com/worlds_best.html

[PRIYERZ]

If anyoen has a picture of their baby boxer/shepherd mix and an adult picture I'd be interested in seeing it!

I know my guy own't look like it... but I've seen such varying adult dogs for this breed!

I think my guy looks more boxer... I guess we'lll see!