About Apex Boxers

3 generations in profile 2005. Rosie her mum Kiri and grandma Wilma
'Apex' and 'AtApex' are the registered kennel prefixes of Dr Daniela Rosenstreich

Apex Boxers is a small kennel based on carefully selected proven lines and a lifetime of experience with the breed. Currently in NSW Australia but also registered in New Zealand and breeding/competing in both locations.

PAGE CONTENTS: Philosophy | History | Current Dogs | For Puppy Buyers | Contact Details

BREEDING PHILOSOPHY
I aim for 'quality' not 'quantity' of puppies. I produce litters only when confident that a mating will produce top quality Boxers in terms of temperament, looks, longevity and quality of life. Boxers that people can enjoy with pride for many years.
I am concerned that many breeders focus too much on the show ring; following fashion trends that in many cases produce dogs prone to injury; paying little attention to health; and not assessing their dogs' temperaments beyond the kennel walls or showring. For me, show success is not a main objective - I seek to produce healthy dogs with sound temperaments and correct balanced construction that enables them to be active into their teens.
I believe it is important for Boxers to remain dogs capable of the tasks they were bred for and a correct Boxer temperament is also well suited to modern family life (see my page about the Boxer breed for information about boxer temperament.) I ensure that my dogs lead full and active lives - getting out and about into many situations, as well as competing in working events, so that both their physical and mental constitutions are well tested.

Sound construction and good health are of prime importance to me (what's the point in breeding a litter with perfect eye colour, for example, if they're destined for short lives or uncomfortable ones?!). I select lines based on health and longevity through ongoing extensive pedigree research - results are displayed in my latest Extended Pedigree.

My dogs are put through rigorous health screening to safeguard against introducing problems in the future - hips are scored for HD, hearts are checked for murmurs, and as of 2005 dogs are screened with a 24 hour holter monitor and thryoid tested. (Few Boxers outside of North America are so thoroughly tested). My Health Page has information about the health testing that all breeders should be carrying out). I also strive to keep my lines free of annoying conditions Boxers can be prone to like skin allergies, and collitis. Boxers can also be prone to cancer and I'm delighted to be able to say that I am not aware of a single Apex boxer who has had cancer!! Not bad over four generations!

A LITTLE HISTORY
My family acquired their first boxer at the start of the 1970's when I was 4 years old. My father was a vet and my mother breeds boxers and competed very successfully in breed shows and obedience competitions, as well as being involved in tracking and utility trials. Growing up within the world of dog breeding, showing and working events gave me a great headstart.
In January 1986 I got my first boxer of my own: Fratzi who was a wonderful companion to me and a top show dog and producer. From Fratzi's last litter in 1990 I kept Freddy. I competed with Freddy in obedience with some success but I didn't end up being 100% satisfied about breeding on from Freddy and so in 1992 I brought home Wilma to be my new foundation bitch and I was so glad she was around (at age 13 years) to play with her great-grand kids.
I ensure that all the dogs I breed from are exhibited at conformation shows, but my real interest is in dog sports that allow boxers to use the abilities the breed was developed for. I have tried my hand at obedience, tracking, flygility, and agility. As well as competition, I have been actively involved teaching obedience and agility at all breeds training clubs.

THE CURRENT APEX DOGS
I own or co-own 5 Boxers but only two live with me: Kiri (born 1996) retired from agility in 2006, while her daughter, Rosie, (born 2001) is going from strength to strength in agility with plenty of ribbons both in NZ and Australia competing against all breeds (their wins are displayed at the bottom of my agility page). Two of Rosie's 'pups' (born Feb 2006) are currently competing in both conformation and agility in Dunedin NZ: Gus, and Yana, and another, Diesel, competes in conformation in the North Island of NZ.

INFORMATION FOR PUPPY BUYERS
If you're interested in an Apex pup, the latest information on litters is posted on my Puppy page. As I have few litters, I'm not always able to offer a pup to the wonderful people who contact me. However, as I care deeply about the Boxer breed I do my best to help good homes find good boxers. Too many nice people end up with problem dogs because they assume that all breeders are conscientious. Please take care - the breeders who do so much damage to the breed and cause such pain to loving families couldn't stay in business if puppy buyers were more careful. My website includes lots of hints about finding a sound healthy boxer - start at the Choosing a Pup Page.

CONTACTING ME
I'm always happy to hear from anyone with a love of Boxers - please contact me:
Dr Daniela Rosenstreich, Bathurst NSW / Dunedin NZ
PHONE: Australia 0404640903
EMAIL: