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Boxers and Hunting?

14K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Rick_503 
#1 · (Edited)
Anyone here train their boxer to take hunting with them?

I know from the history of boxers, that they were originally bred to be used as working dogs, many times in Hunting applications in Europe. Their strong jaws holding the prey, such as wild boars, until the hunter arrived.

Of course other dogs, such as my brother's short haired pointer, are great for upland and duck hunting.

Wonder how good a boxer would be tracing the scent of a wounded animal, such as a deer, or flushing out rabbits while rabbit hunting. Many other breeds do great in these aspects. Just wanting to know if anyone uses boxer for hunting?

Even if not, when I go hunting this fall, Hank will be going to the hunting camps with me, though he may not actually go out on the hunt. I still have a lot of venison left over from last year, and hope to get several deer this year, and can use much of the scraps to supplement his food. Many I now do this and of course the dogs love fresh venison.

Would be awesome to take Hank on a Hog hunt. I think he would really enjoy this, and get hims trained up well prior to the hunts.


Found a couple links exploring this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMig5M-3pnQ

http://carnivoraforum.com/topic/9819616/1/

http://www.montanaoutdoor.com/2013/04/boxers-make-great-hunting-dogs/

http://www.easttexashogdoggers.com/forum/index.php?topic=21163.0
 
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#3 ·
I absolutely agree. All dogs that hunt hogs get bit and hurt- not a question of if, but when. Some require hundreds if not thousands of dollars worth of surgery. I wouldn't do it, esp if I was you. With your $2,000 limit, it might be life ending with him- if you don't have insurance. I've also never really heard anyone else hunting deer or otherwise with Boxers. My own opinion, they are wayyyy too prey driven & spastic to be able to make the situation a positive one. My opinion only - someone may be able to prove me wrong, but I just don't see it. Agility, pointing - yes- those kinds of things yes- but hunting - no I wouldn't consider.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Wel, for Deer hunting, not the dog/boxer actually hunting the deer. But, if there is a wounded deer, being able to help track it. Of course this would entail much training, as there are of course other breeds that are more prone to tracking scents.

I could see possibly rabbit hunting, as would flush the rabbits out. Of course I usually have problems doing this myself when walking along brush lines. The thing I would worry about with the boxer in rabbit hunting, with how quick things go the boxer could get in the line of shot. So I don't know if that is the best idea.

Anyway, Hank will be a good companion though at least back at the hunting camp. And he will love some of the vittles. My brother saves some of the organs for his dog, and he loves them - can't get much more 'raw' than that.

Do a lot of coyote hunting as well, but I don't think Hank would do good in that environment, as his scent would probably keep the coyotes away?
 
#5 ·
I have friends that own real working bred pitt bulls not the "bully type " you see out and about occaisonally they will hog hunt because they were bred for it but its a huge ordeal kevlar vest, only the strongest most in condition dogs go and its a rare occurance.
I do however believe a boxer could be trained for tracking a deer or retrieving waterfowl I am a force free trainer who specailizes in canine sports. I also own 3 boxers I train them in tracking and nosework and retrievals very succesfully because they were bred to be a working type dog they need a job and are eager to please. I would look up the local gun and dog club or retriever club and get in with a local trainer
 
#7 ·
A boxer could be the best decision to make for your hunting dog, as they work well with other breeds, too. The dog’s behavior is dependent on the training he/she receives. The boxers “physical prowess and dominant personalities will give you a huge helping hand, regardless if you’re hunting fast, smart or strong game.”
 
#8 ·
My boxer is one year old, but he is still so active and likes to play around. I go often camping and being away from him I was thinking how he is there without me, even if I know that I left him in good hands. I heard that boxers are great for hunting and outdoor activities. Though for me he is still too young for such serious activities. I see here many people train the boxer to become a good hunter. I believe I have to do the same. I will start by tacking my daypack and Martin and go camping. I will let him run as much as him wants. Then I will train him to haunt following the links and advice here.
 
#9 ·
I would never ever put my dogs in danger by allowing them to tangle with wild animals you are asking for an injury and a bad one if he is not torn up by some frightened and wounded animal you are pretty much assured a nice torn knee or an eye injury from running thru the underbrush. The brachealsyphalic dog has a hard time with distance running especially in the heat they don't have an all weather coat like hounds do. I take my dogs in the woods everyday (on leash) and we stick to trails they are excited when we run across deer they are confused by coyotes and wary. I think your dog would be best in camp just being your buddy. But that's my opinion.
 
#11 ·
Rabbits... Too funny, when Diesel was about a year old we were camping in Central Oregon in a pretty remote area where he could run. He took off for a bit, caught him with a huge jack rabbit bleeding out in his mouth. I had no idea they could catch a rabbit. Never happened again, not sure what it is with rabbits-mortal enemy lol
 
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