My family, including a 9 month old daughter, just adopted these puppies from a rescue that stated their mother was a Chocolate Lab and the father was unknown. We were told they are 8 weeks old, but we are thinking they are younger.
We are new dog owners and were hoping for an easy to train, gentle dog that would love, but not hurt our daughter. With us being dog owning newbies, we are just checking to ensure we are the right family for them. Being a new mom I am just being protective to make sure I educate myself with the right information for the breed to ensure proper training.
We will keep them no matter what the breed, but it would be helpful to know for training purposes. So far it seems there is some growling, a little barking and play biting going on, but otherwise they are very sweet dogs and are whining because we believe they were taken from their mother too soon. Thoughts?
By Candace
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After 40+years raising AKC Boxers and doing breed rescue, I have to say your puppies look as though they are Boxer-Lab cross. Do an online image search to see photos and I think you'll see what I mean, then check with your vet who will likely confirm the mix.
In fact, looking at the photo you've posted, I'm 99.9% sure these little loves are Boxer-Labs, and that they are over 10 weeks old in the photo. Erm, Boxer puppies? They whine a lot - they really do think they should be in your arms (preferably with a bottle planted in their mouths, lol!) until around 6 months! Try a hot water bottle in a terry wrap at night to keep them somewhat quieter; the play-fighting will continue for the rest of their lives so watch they don't accidentally take that too far.
Both are large working breed dogs with Labs of course being the larger, and as such mature at a slower rate than most dogs - Boxers (full or mix) don't fully mature until around aged three years so expect 'puppy' behaviours like chewing and whining until then. As above, my primary experience is with Boxers and I'm a lot biased towards the wonderful breed:)
But I do have some understanding of the Boxer-Lab cross, and they are rarely if ever a 'problem' in a proper home. Both breeds are known also for their superior intelligence and that includes a reputation for being able to evaluate quickly to distinguish what is or isn't a dangerous situation, for example. So they make excellent guide/guard/military/police dogs - in fact as you probably know the Lab is still used today for guide dog work. The only reason the Boxer is no longer routinely used for 'official' work is the shorter average lifespan of 7-9 years - in a cross the average lifespan bumps up closer to the Lab's.
That reputation for outstanding intelligence breeds true for the cross dogs too, so you'll want to keep them well exercised, feeling as they 'have a job' (guarding the house and family, keeping pests out of the garden, etc). A consequence of such high intelligence is a keen sense of 'fair' - Boxers especially will sulk if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
Females generally reach a height of 20-25" at the shoulders with males coming in about 3-5" taller; both genders in this cross tend to weigh 35-60lbs with the females being lighter. Generally speaking, that is. You may find you have smaller dogs or your dogs may be on the larger side, it depends on so many factors pre-postnatal that only a vet should be relied on for more info.
Both breeds are known to be very good family and companion dogs IF trained properly and raised in a gentle well organised home.
There are so many good books, Internet resources, and local low-cost (your Parks and Recreation/Leisure Services) training resources out there now that I'll stop now after reassuring you that having these dogs in your home shouldn't be anything but happy! Congratulations on choosing such a fantastic cross to become part of your family - you won't regret the decision:)
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