[nagdu] Julie why a boxer? was re: Boxer guides from Pilot

[Lyn Gwizdak]

I've read in the breed profiles of Boxers that they have a shorter life span 
than the other mid sized breeds.  Boxers are like the very large breeds.  I 
wonder why this is so.

Lyn and Landon
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 6:26 PM
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Julie why a boxer? was re: Boxer guides from Pilot


> Okay, Monty is a Boxer and lab mix.  From everything I know and what Boxer 
> people tell me, Monty's personality is much more that of the Boxer, except 
> for his love of food.  I absolutely love the way Monty works, his 
> approach, his work ethic, his stubborness, his ability to stick by his 
> decisions no matter how dumb I am and his focus on one person-me.
>
> Maybe I'm trying to find his clone, but if these qualities are among all 
> Boxers, I want one. The sporting breeds are very sociable, happy to meet 
> people and make new friends.  I strongly prefer a more aloof dog. 
> Boxer's are in the working group and were bred to do work.  Their focus is 
> on the work.   I like that.  They also have a short coat that is easier on 
> my husband's allergies, especially when we have more than one dog in the 
> house.  Out of harness they are affectionate with the family, playful and 
> energetic.
>
> My second choice for a guide dog would be a Doberman for many of these 
> same reasons.  Pilot is also the only place that currently has Dobermans.
>
> I'll be honest and say that Pilot would not be my first choice except for 
> the fact that they have the two breeds I would consider.  I don't like 
> that they don't teach hand signals.  I think their way of having students 
> relieve their dogs is a bit odd.  They don't train traffic to the same 
> level as other schools.  They are not an accredited IGDF program.   I'm 
> unclear about their ownership policy.  The GDUI survey states that they 
> grant ownership, but it also says that they retain the right to remove the 
> dog for various reasons.
>
> It's a lot to consider.
>
> Julie
>
>
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