Are Boxers really the perfect dog breed for apartments? If you live in a high-rise building or a condo, you might want to consider adopting a boxer instead of another type of breed.
Because of their temperament, and their intelligence, they are well suited for living in apartments.
Boxers are considered to be one of the most intelligent breeds of dog. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.
In addition, they are very friendly and playful.
Many people believe that Boxers are too large for apartments. However, these dogs are actually quite agile and can easily fit into smaller spaces.
As long as your apartment is big enough for them, then there shouldn’t be any problems.
If you have children, then you should definitely choose a Boxer over other breeds. These dogs are extremely loyal and protective.
If you require a companion who won’t cause any trouble, then this is the best choice.
A Boxer has a short coat, which makes him look even more adorable.
He also sheds less than many other breeds. This means that you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after him as much (they still shed a fair amount).
Some people think that Boxers are aggressive towards strangers. However, this isn’t true at all. They are actually very gentle and calm.
These dogs are easy to care for. They require minimal grooming and no special diet.
As far as big dogs go, boxers do extremely well in apartments or smaller settings, especially if they are exercised enough. Keep on reading to find out why!
Are Boxers Good Indoor Dogs?
Yes! They are excellent indoor dogs. They are very obedient, smart, and well-behaved indoors.
Furthermore, they are great family companions and are usually happy to stay inside most of the day. They are not aggressive towards children and are generally very gentle.
Their high energy levels mean that they require regular exercise, but this does not cause aggression, just a bit of mischief or boredom.
Why Boxers Are Good Apartment Dogs
They Don’t Make A Lot Of Noise
Many people find that their neighbors complain about the noise made by Boxers. However, this is only because they haven’t been trained properly.
When properly trained, Boxers never make a lot of noise. In fact, most of the time, they barely make any noise at all. Typically, if a boxer is barking, it is for a very good reason.
You will need to train boxers to recognize the noises coming from surrounding apartments so that they do not bark and get too excited for these.
They are able to process commands like “quiet”, reasonably easily
Boxers Are Very Loyal Towards Owners
Boxers are extremely loyal to their owners. They are very protective of their family members and always look after their masters.
They are also very affectionate towards people who treat them well. Boxers are also excellent playmates for other animals, such as cats.
They Thrive In Mild Climates
Because they are brachycephalic breeds of dogs, they are vulnerable to extreme heat. They also are prone to sunburn due to the fact that they have less hair.
Therefore, they are great for apartments where the temperature can be controlled for the most part, and you do not have to worry about exposing them to extreme heat or cold very often.
They Help You Make Friends
Because of their friendly natures, they easily interact with other people, especially your neighbors.
They are always looking to interact and so will give you ample opportunity to chat with your neighbors in the apartment block-this is especially good if you are an extrovert or if you are wanting to make new friends.
Are Boxers High Maintenance Dogs?
In terms of hygiene and upkeep, they are low maintenance dogs. They are quite independent and do not require constant grooming and bathing.
They are very clean animals and only need occasional brushing.
However, when it comes to attention needs, they do require quite a bit of attention and can seem quite needy as they do not understand the meaning of personal space.
They are essentially overgrown lapdogs that do not like to be left alone for extended periods of time.
They Are Better When Supervised
If you are planning to get a boxer puppy, you should know that they are better off when supervised by an experienced owner.
It is important that you supervise your boxer during his first two years of life because he needs to learn how to behave.
They can be quite boisterous and can get up to mischief when left unattended, especially in open and outdoor spaces-hence why they are appropriate dogs to keep in an apartment.
Living in proximity to your puppy allows you to supervise your dog more easily and can reward them for making good choices.
They Like To Be Near Their Family
If you have a busy lifestyle, then you may find it difficult to spend quality time with your dog. But if you have a Boxer, then you don’t need to worry about this problem.
These dogs love spending time with their families.
In fact, they prefer being near their owners than going out for walks. So if you want to keep your Boxer close to you, then you should consider getting a small house.
A boxer has no insight into the concept of personal space and would enjoy life if they were strapped to your back, on top of you, on a permanent basis.
They are super cuddly, despite their athletic build and although excitable as a young dog, if trained properly, this can be managed quite easily.
They Don’t Shed (As Much!)
Boxers shed less than many breeds of dogs. This is mainly due to the fact that they don’t grow hair in certain areas. Also, they rarely develop fleas and ticks.
And since they don’t shed much, they require little grooming. Therefore, they are spotless dogs and only need to be brushed a couple of times a week at most.
Having said that, they do still shed, so make sure you have a good vacuum on hand.
Additionally, in terms of bathing, you will only have to bathe your boxer a few times a year to avoid stripping their skin from its oils-which may result in eczema and other skin issues.
They Have Sensitive Temperaments
Like humans, Boxers have sensitive temperaments. They are prone to separation anxiety , and they can become stressed easily.
Hence, it is imperative that you provide them with lots of attention and affection.
You should also try to give them as much exercise as possible. In addition, you should never leave your boxer alone for long periods of time. This could lead to aggression or even biting.
They are also acute observers and like to keep watch of you as their owner, so they prefer to be closer to you to see what you are up to and to learn from you.
How Much Space Do Boxers Need?
As boxers are a larger breed of dog, they do require a lot more space than say a Chihuahua or a Jack Russell Terrier.
However, this doesn’t mean that a boxer is unable to live in an apartment.
Even a small apartment can be suitable for a boxer, as long as you provide them with enough exercise and entertainment.
As we said earlier, boxers are a breed of dog that thrive on routine, and routine is essential if you are raising a boxer in your apartment.
Due to the lack of space, your boxer might become naughty if he does not get enough exercise, and is not trained efficiently.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at whether, or not, boxers are hard to train.
Are Boxers Hard To Train?
Boxers are one of the easiest dogs to train. They can easily pick up simple commands quickly.
They are also very intelligent and quick learners. All you need to do is to show them what to do and reward them when they do it correctly.
You should always be consistent with your training. It is very important to be consistent with your training.
If you want your Boxer to obey you, then you should stick to the same schedule every day.
Training Your Puppy
When it comes to training your puppy, most trainers agree that crate training is essential.
Crate training is the process of keeping your puppy in a small area called a crate until he learns his basic commands such as sit, stay, down, come, and other similar commands.
Crate training helps your puppy develop self-control because it teaches him to wait patiently until he gets his reward.
When you first bring your puppy home, it’s essential to introduce him to the crate right away.
Make sure that your puppy knows that he cannot leave the crate unless you tell him to. Once he understands this concept, you can start teaching him the rest of the commands.
You must make sure that you teach your puppy these commands slowly and consistently.
Do not expect your puppy to learn everything immediately. Give him lots of praise and rewards every time he does something correctly.
It is very important that you never punish your puppy for doing something wrong. Punishment will only confuse him and cause him to associate bad behavior with punishment.
Instead, correct him whenever he does something wrong. This way, he will learn to understand that there is no reason to disobey you.
It is also critical to keep your puppy busy during the day. Take him out for walks, play fetch, give him treats and toys and let him interact with other dogs.
These activities help your puppy bond with you and strengthen his social skills.
Training Tips
There are many different ways to train your puppy.
Some trainers prefer using clicker training, which involves rewarding your puppy with food or treats whenever he performs a particular command.
Other trainers prefer positive reinforcement training, which uses verbal praise instead of food or treats. Both methods work just fine. Choose whichever method works best for you.
How Many Walks A Day For A Boxer Dog?
A dog needs at least one hour of exercise every day. That means that a boxer needs to walk at least three times per day.
Of course, if you live in an urban environment, then your dog may be able to get by with two walks per day.
But if you live in a rural area where walking trails are few and far between, then you should plan on taking your dog out for at least four walks each day.
How Long Should You Walk A Boxer Dog?
Boxers have a playful nature and should be exercised on a daily basis. They will enjoy the mental stimulation from games such as fetch or tug of war.
Adult dogs need to be exercised, for a minimum of, 30 minutes twice per day, but at best 60 minutes twice a day.
Puppies have lower requirements, but still, takes up about 40 minutes of your day to get them the exercise and mental stimulation they require.
These are big chunks of time, so it is best to create a routine for yourself and the dog.
They Need Mental Stimulation
Boxers are very smart dogs. They are also highly energetic and therefore need mental stimulation. This means that you should play games with your boxer regularly.
Some of the best games include fetching balls, tugging, and playing hide and seek.
They love to use their brains and love canine enrichment activities, which are useful to use when cooped inside on account of bad weather.
Tasks that require sniffing out objects will allow your boxer to problem-solve and will tire them out relatively easily.
Conclusion
In summary, boxers are wonderful pets to have in an apartment. They are loyal, affectionate, and easy to train. They are also playful and active and love human company.
However, like all puppies, they need supervision and training.
If you are thinking about getting a boxer as a companion animal, please read our article on what to consider before having a boxer move in.
Thank you for reading!
