Growth stages in the adolescent Boxer give breeders and exhibitors early heart attacks. The puppy hopeful that was so promising may seem to have disappeared before your very eyes. While overall bone and balance are not subject to change, other points of conformation go through rather dramatic stages.
The hopeful may suddenly appear to toe out badly in front. This may not be a permanent catastrophe. If the ribs have not begun to spring, this toeing out may correct itself as Hopeful puts on muscle and substance in front. Usually between 8 and 10 months you will see these "east and west" fronts vanish or improve
That beautiful correct puppy bite may change with the second set of teeth. Usually between 4 and 6 months you may see profound changes, sometimes disturbing. There are no guarantees. Just as a good mouth can go bad, a questionable mouth may become right with age. Early wryness may disappear with the second teeth, but if it remains apparent at 8 months it is likely to haunt you forever. Showing teeth or tongue at any age is a cause for great concern and usually relegates a pup to pet status.
Many breeders make the mistake of showing immature puppies too soon. If Hopeful looks like an ungainly colt at 10 or even 20 months, wait. Very few judges will reward profound immaturity in a class of much more "together" dogs. If you persist, you may become discouraged and lose faith in your otherwise worthy prospects. Remember many puppies that finish brilliantly young look like toads when they are 3, and Hopeful may finally be stunning at that age and remain so for the rest of its life. Be patient!
White markings that appear undesirable in the whelping box may remarkably diminish in proportion as Hopeful grows up. This is especially true of white up the stifle, beyond the corners of the lips or in a too generous wide blaze between the eyes. Unless you are looking at an obviously gross mismarking, such as an eye entirely surrounded by white, wait a bit. Wide blazes have a way of narrowing as the skull grows larger. Likewise, white on the stifle may only just show in profile as the puppy grows taller. Too much white on the mask may also diminish in proportion as the contours of the muzzle take shape.
While many puppies with excellent feet retain them from the time they stand up, others with perfectly acceptable feet may look terrible at teething time. If Hopeful's cat paws vanish between 4 and 6 months, have faith; they may return. Be sure to give plenty of exercise and do not allow sliding on slick surfaces. Snow and ice take a toll on adolescents' feet, so give spring a chance!
Many things can and do go wrong in a puppy's development from whelping to winning. Wise breeders know when to be concerned and when to sigh deeply, close their eyes and wait.
Flea Preventives
At this, the height of the flea season, be very careful of any products you give to or put on your dog or apply where your dog can ingest them. They may be toxic. This applies to so-called all natural products. Some of' the most dangerous poisons are natural. Always consult your vet and use your common sense when reading and interpreting manufacturers warning labels.
Stephanie Abraham
P. O. Box 346
Scotland, CT 06264
