Virginia Zurflieh, editor

PLEASE JOIN THE STAFF AND WRITERS...

of BU in celebrating Carole Connolly’s extraordinary Life with Boxers by making a donation to the American Boxer Charitable Foundation in her memory. Carole could have no finer memorial than our contributions to the breed she loved so dearly, via the foundation to which she devoted the latter part of her life. Please make your check payable to the American Boxer Charitable Foundation, and send it to:

ABCF
c/o Bliss Bancroft
18670 Judicial Road
Lakeville, MN 55044

THE CASE FOR CHARACTER

As you read Donald’s Story (Beth Pariseau), Temperament and Heredity (Cecilie Stromstad & Henning Lund), and The Emperor’s New Clothes in this issue of BU, reflect on the following statement, taken from the Boxer Standard: "Character and Temperament -- These are of paramount importance in the Boxer." Then reflect on the times that you, and I, and most other breeders have made excuses for our dogs’ behavior...behavior for which there really was no excuse. There has been a great deal of talk lately about the importance of health testing our breeding stock -- and of course, health is an important issue. But nothing is more important to the future of the Boxer breed than maintaining typical, sound Boxer temperament -- "self-assured," "playful," "patient with children," exhibiting "fearless courage." Because character, not conformation or even health, is the one thing that will continue to attract new fanciers and pet owners to the Boxer.

SPEAKING OF HEALTH TESTING...

We are beginning the new year (for some purists, the new Millenium :-) by featuring the BU Health Tested Boxers -- all 18 of them! Please welcome the latest entry, Cindy Baril’s Ch. Copper Hills Night Storms, and please note that the criteria for qualifying for a free ad have been slightly modified. Check it out on BU’s Health Tested Boxers Page, and then if you’d like to place your own free ad, just contact Pat (pat@boxerunderground.com) or me (Vzboxers@aol.com) with your dog’s information.