Adult female Boxer eventually getting a male Bullmastiff puppy

by Tim
(Belfair, WA USA)

I have had my female Boxer since she was 8 weeks she is now 6.5yrs old I am wondering if she will be alright with a new addition to the family?

I plan on getting this purebred in the next few months, I will crate the male Bullmastiff. I concerned about her getting jealous and somewhat aggressive until they get used to each other and he gets bigger.

Any ideas?
Thanks. Tim







Hi Tim
A lot depends on the temperament and personality of your Boxer. If she's a happy, friendly dog who isn't particularly 'alpha' or dominant and she isn't dog aggressive, then chances are that she'll accept a new dog into the home without too much animosity.

Adult dogs are usually pretty tolerant of puppies and the problems arise as the new pup becomes and adolescent and then an adult, especially if both dogs are of the same sex. As you're planning on getting a male dog this shouldn't be a major problem providing they are both good tempered dogs.

Of course, when a new pup is brought into a family that has a single resident dog (especially one who is several years old) you need to expect some jealousy, sulking, acting out and so on. If you're very close to your Boxer and spend a lot of time together she is going to feel a bit usurped by a new pup. Make sure that you still spend plenty of one-on-one time with her so that she doesn't feel as though she's 'lost' you to the new addition.

I'd recommend that you read my Introducing A New Puppy page as it has lots of tips and advice to help you get through those early weeks.

Hope this helps, best of luck with your dogs.