Instructions
Visit AmericanBoxerClub.org, the American Kennel Club (AKC) parent club for the breed. Search for your local boxer club as recognized by the American Boxer Club. Visit the website or contact your local club for more information on local breeders.
Contact local breeders provided by your local boxer club. Organize a time and date for in-person meetings when at least one--but preferably both--boxer parents will be on site. Upon meeting you, the parent boxer should show reserved curiosity at first, and then exhibit friendly behavior once it knows you are not a threat. Although dogs are individuals, like people, seeing the temperament, appearance and health of the parents can tell a great deal about their offspring.
Evaluate how the breeders interact with the dogs at their home. The dogs should be affectionate, yet well trained, with their owner. They should not cower or shy away from the owner or you. Visually inspect the home for clean water, healthy food options and other signs of healthy dogs. There should be a clean outdoor space for the dogs with plenty of room for exercise, and the breeder should allow you to see the puppies interact with each other.
Interview the breeder. Ask how long they have been breeding boxers. Explore every aspect of dog breeding with them. The breeder should be knowledgeable about the breed standards and history, as should you. Ask to view the ancestry of the puppies for several generations, or their papers.
Allow the breeder to interview you, as it is important that the breeder find the perfect match for their boxer puppies. The breeder should have an application form for you to fill out. Questions on the form often include those about your family, home, experience with dogs and possibly additional personal information. They will often require the entire family to meet the prospective puppy, ensuring the puppy meets the needs of your family. A respectable breeder will treat the process as an adoption, not as a sale.
How to Choose a Boxer Breeder
Choosing the right breeder is a daunting and important task. Responsible boxer breeders only breed dogs that are excellent examples of the breed, possibly raising the cost of their puppies. Adult boxers should be muscular with a short coat. They should have an under-bit jaw and clean, brown eyes. The parents should not exhibit hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism or other common diseases prone to boxers. They should be alert and protective, yet friendly.