Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these great (and sometimes not
so great) words of knowledge:
> I'm sure I told you all that back near the first of November, we
> rescued a freezing, starving Boxer dog. Good grief, what a stroke of
> fortune. I have had many dogs in my life and currently have 3 other
> great dogs, but this "gentleman" is more than I ever hoped for. I
> have a potentially fatal affliction (don't mourn, just get over it - I
> have) At this moment, as I type, he is trying to get me to "play" -
> which, OMG is an invitation for stiches. OK, I have to go deal with
> the mutt - just rest assured that if you are looking fer yer first dog
> - a Boxer is the way to go. Loyal beyond belief. If I'm sick in bed,
> He's at my feet and anyone who enters the room gets a facefull of
> teeth and growl until he figures that theyre really supposed to be
> there. Dang, get a dog - that's all I can say.

My wife and I raised and bred boxers for almost 15 years.

Boxers are very loyal and HIGHLY PROTECTIVE of "their family". They are
not protective in a vicious sense, but protective in that, until THEY
determine the person/situation is OK, that person/situation is not going
to get to you as long as they are alive.

If you have kids, get a boxer. The ONLY other breed I am aware of that
is better with kids than a boxer is a golden retriever.