Carlson was found as a stray.  He is a bit of an older guy but that doesn't mean he's a bump on a log! He loves to play with the other dogs and seems to love every person he meets. He loves to be near his people. I suspect he was loved as he is very well trained and has excellent house manners.  Medically he is VERY health and active.  Carlson is extremely smart and has earned a reputation as quite a Houdini... meaning he can escape a crate and jump a fence.  So he'll need to live in a  active home with a HIGH fence so that he doesn't escape!!

Carlson qualifies for our Senior for Seniors program! If adopted by a senior (55+) her adoption fee is $75.

Foster Update:  Affectionate with big brown eyes and a smile? Check. Great attitude? Check.  Potty trained? Check. Healthy and in shape? Check. Looking for a great family dog who is energetic, as loving as a puppy, but still his own man who appreciates an afternoon at the dog park? Carl obviously came from a great home before the shelter, as he is well trained, house broken, eager to please his humans (he sneezes with excitement when you return home) and learn new tricks, and also uses his walks for the right reasons (exercise and bathroom breaks).  He is a houdini with fences so they must be at least 6 feet.  Carl could fit in a smaller home with kids and other dogs (no cats), but of course dogs are happier when not bored and well worn out!  Here is some more info about our Carlson:

• 100% House trained and can hold it all day
• Healthy - good weight and enthusiastically enjoys exercise
• As a running companion, can run about 1 mile before wanting to just walk
• Loves dog parks and playing in water
• Carl is not an over eater - he is strong, but does respond well when you remind him not to pull on walks
• Loves to explore and sniff as well as play catch
• Eager to learn new tricks: already knows No, Sit, Stay, Shake and Come
• Loves bones to chew on but does not chew on household items
• Playful and gets along with all humans, all dogs, children
• Not socialized with cats and should live in a cat-free home

Foster Update:  Carl continues to get compliments on his handsomeness, very expressive eyes, and happy demeanor when we go for walks. Most passersby automatically say 'is that a boxer?' and Carl always sniffs, and licks in return. He continues to be PERFECT with his bathroom record, though he does pull out his big brown eyes when I prepare "people food." He listens and learns, from "no" when I establish where he cannot go in the house - he also responds very well to positive reinforcement with treats. Carl has shown me that he is getting better at the "stay" and "come" commands and has also shown me that he knows "roll over." His favorite trick is still to lay on his back and show his belly in hopes of a good rub.

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Boxer's ancestors were two German mastiff type dogs, the Bullenbeiszer and the Barenbeiszer. They were later crossed with the powerful ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Early on, these dogs were prized for hunting, bull baiting, and pulling carts. A bit farther down the family tree, Boxer ancestors became cattle dogs, and were used to round up livestock. They were also popular circus and theater dogs because they learned tricks so easily. In spite of its German origins, "Boxer" is an English name that describes the Boxer's punchy fighting style. Boxers are happy, high-spirited, playful, curious, energetic, highly intelligent, eager and quick to learn. This has made them ideal for police work, military work, and search & rescue. Although its ancestors may have been fierce, today's Boxer is actually a great family dog.  A well brought-up and properly socialized Boxer will also get along with his own kind and other household pets. Even so, female boxers will sometimes fight with other female dogs; although they may be the best of buddies the rest of the time. Boxers are very clownish and playful, and have been known to grab and carry ANYTHING around--including your knickknacks--if he thinks he can get away with it. The Boxer's nature is to protect you, your family, and your home, but known visitors will be welcomed warmly. Boxers love to jump, so it's up to you to teach him when it's not okay to do so (like when people come to visit.) This breed requires a dominant owner. An excellent watchdog, the Boxer will restrain an intruder in the same way a Bulldog does. They have a life expectancy of 11-14 years.