Congrats for considering a boxer, but definitely, do your homework and if possible, try and visit some kennels and see how boxers interact..That's what I did, and even with all the reading I did, I still wasn't fully prepared, but then again, are you ever?
Boxers are inside dogs, that short nose of theirs makes them susceptible to heat extremes, be it hot or cold. When I got my first boxer, I lived in Southern Calif, so weather was not an issue...We penned off part of our backyard, built him a dog house and he stayed outside durinng the day. My ex came home at lunch to check on him.. I know, everyone that we were taking a chance on something happening to him staying outside..The only calamity was Buck eating the Malibu lights....
Having said that, I recomend crating..Most dogs learn to think of their crate as a second home and a lot of dogs will go into their crate on their own, just to get away from things..It's not cruel at all to use one, altho my hubby hates to use it for Samson..Any age dog can be crate trained it doesn't have to be a puppy...Samson was 6 before he saw his first crate and does very well...
Boxers are definitely "people" dogs..2 boxers are better than one..They keep each other company, entertained and hopefully out of mischief..That doesn't always work tho....Yes they can do very well having to stay by themselves during the day. mine did when we both were working all day, but be prepared when you get home!!! All that energy is unleashed, but the joy of having someone that happy to see you is priceless...
Hope this was some help & let us know what you decide.. Are you looking at a puppy or an older dog? If older go through a rescue, but make sure that they are a legit rescue..There have been some instances of some actually being puppy mills...