Updated 16-08-2023

Boston Boxer Characteristics, Facts & Traits

When the Boston terrier and the Boxer breeds are crossed, you get a Boston Boxer, a crossbreed. These pups have a combination of their parents' greatest qualities: friendliness, intelligence, and a playful spirit. The Boston Boxer is often referred to as the Mini Boxer or Miniature Boxer because of its small size.

Due to their smaller stature compared to purebred Boxers, Boston Boxers do well in a variety of environments, including apartments, townhomes, and suburban homes with yards. These dogs, however, are high-energy creatures in need of companions that can keep up with them when they're on the run. Dogs like this one are great for people looking for a fun companion who will stick by their owner's side (sometimes literally). Learn everything you need to know about the Boston Boxer and other mixed-breed dogs in the infographic below.

Highlights

  • Dogs of the Boston Boxer breed are crossbreeding of many breeds. Unlike their Boston Terrier or Boxer parents, they are not purebreds.
  • For the Boston Boxers, black, fawn, and white are the primary colours. Their coats can be solid or patterned, such as brindle or pied, depending on the breed.
  • Allergy sufferers appreciate their short coats, and they're a popular choice among pet owners. Bathing and brushing your Boston Boxer on a weekly basis should keep its coat healthy and lustrous.
  • Boston Boxers are considered as a wonderful choice for families with young children. A little to medium-sized dog may be a lot of fun for kids if they know how to appropriately approach and play with it. Keep an eye on your kids at all times.
  • The Boston Boxer is a mixed breed that is extremely active. This energy can materialise as destructive actions if it is left unattended for an extended period of time or is not stimulated in any way.
  • Every day, be sure to take a 30-minute to an hour-long stroll with your dog, and vary it up with a few vigorous play sessions and quick strolls.
  • A well-socialized dog is a happy dog. Boston Boxers can get along with different pets as long as the introductions are done gently, quietly, and consistently.

Characteristics

Social Appearance 

Adaptability

It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.

Sensitivity Level

Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.

Intensity

You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.

Potential for Playfulness

The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.

Personality Appearance

Intelligence

In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.

Energy Level

Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment

A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.

Easy To Train

Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.

Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.

Family Affection Level

Affectionate With Family

Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.

Kid-Friendly

Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.

Dog Friendly

Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.

Physical Appearance

Amount of Shedding

Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.

Drooling Potential

While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.

Easy To Groom

Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.

Exercise Needs

Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.

They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed

Weight

22 to 55 pounds

Lifespan

12 to 15 years

Height

15 to 23 inches

History

Named after its two parent breeds: Boston Terrier and Boxer, the Boston Boxer is a mashup of the two names. In 1865, a Boston native imported the Boston Terrier to the United States from England, where it originated. Various dogs, most notably the French bulldog, were mixed together in Boston to create the adorable American breed we know today.

The Boston Terrier was the most popular dog in the United States from 1905 to 1939 and remains so to this day. In 1893, the American Kennel Club awarded it official recognition. Many ideas abound as to the ancestry of the Boxer, the Boston Boxer's other ancestor. From ancient Tibet to sixteenth-century France, people have proposed several explanations. However, for the sake of simplicity, the Boxer is often considered as a Bulldog cousin. Boxers were developed in Germany in the 1800s as a hunting and sports companion and grew popular in the country. Germans made efforts to stabilize the breed in the late 1800s.

It gained popularity in North America and was recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. In both World Wars, Boxers were employed as guards and munitions bearers. Boxers gained popularity in the United States after soldiers returning from World War I brought them back as pets. Given the extensive history of both parent breeds in the same location, it is possible that Boston Boxers have been bred for decades. However, the AKC still does not accept them as designer hybrids. Even so, if you're thinking about buying a puppy from a Boston Boxer breeder, do your homework beforehand.

Personality and Temperament

Before taking a dog home, a responsible dog owner will perform research to learn about the dog's personality traits.

Despite the fact that dogs' personalities and temperaments can vary greatly based on their ancestry and training methods, most breeds share some common characteristics. A great family dog, the Boston Terrier Boxer Mix is an outstanding choice. He’s peaceful and loyal to his owner and loved ones.

Even though they are capable of becoming good watchdogs, well-bred Miniature Boxers are not often aggressive. He is, on the other hand, apprehensive of strangers and a good watchdog because of this. Like his Boston terrier parents, he enjoys exploring the house with his owner. He has a tendency to be stubborn, but with the right training, this can be overcome.

Care

Large and roomy homes in rural areas are ideal for the Boston Boxer. Before bringing your dog to the city, make sure you have a large enough yard for him to live comfortably in an Outdoor Dog Kennel or a Dog House.

In order to prevent infection, be sure to wipe out its ears on a regular basis. Brushing your dog's teeth with specialised Toothbrushes for Dogs is recommended for dental hygiene and preventing tartar build-up.

Health 

It's safe to say that Boston Boxers are a healthy breed that can live long lives with few trips to the vet. Before purchasing one, you should be aware of a few issues that may arise.

The Boston Boxer has a number of major flaws, some of which are listed below.

Heart Murmur

Depending on the degree of your pets heart murmurs, they can pose a variety of risks. Even while many heart murmurs aren't harmful, any abnormality is cause for alarm, even if it's minor.

Hypothyroidism

A more serious condition, hypothyroidism, can affect your Boston Boxer and result in hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, muscle loss, a slowing pulse, and other symptoms. Hypothyroidism is easily treated with a small amount of medicine after it has been correctly identified.

Cataracts

Cataracts can develop for a variety of reasons, the most common of which being ageing and trauma. Boston Boxers have inherited the gene from Boston Terriers, which is the most common source of the disease. Because a film forms over the eye, you can tell whether your pet has cataracts because of this. This film may impair your pet's vision or perhaps cause permanent blindness. In some cases, cataracts can develop to more serious and long-lasting eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

Arthritis

The high level of exercise Boston Boxers engage in throughout their lives can lead to arthritis later in life, but it can also develop at a younger age. Inflammation and swelling around the joints are common symptoms of arthritis, which can be quite uncomfortable for your dog or cat. In addition to drowsiness and whining in pain, there is also a tendency to become irate.

Ear Infection

An ear infection, while not life-threatening, is something to watch out for in your Boston Boxer. Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria or fungus, which may be treated easily. If left unattended for too long, your pet's scratching might develop into more serious problems.

Recommended Health Test

  1. Cardiac
  2. Biopsy
  3. Orthopaedic
  4. Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
  5. Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)
  6. Blood and Urine Analysis
  7. Ophthalmic
  8. Rectal Exam
  9. Fecal Analysis

Nutrition

Two cups of food a day is all that miniature boxers need. Meat protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals are essential for their regular functioning.

When feeding your pet food that contains additives, fillers and fillers, you should be aware of the possible detrimental consequences on the dog's well-being.

Grooming

To keep a Miniature Boxer looking its best, it requires a reasonable bit of grooming. Because of their moderate shedding, Miniature Boxers should be combed every day or every other day to maintain their coats clear of stray hair and dirt.

Miniature Boxers are not hypoallergenic, therefore it's vital to keep this in mind. This is why pet hair can increase symptoms in persons with any form of breathing issue. Because of this, Miniature Boxer owners need to keep up with their pet's grooming appointments.

In addition, you can examine your dog's ears every week and clean only if necessary to prevent infection. You can also perform weekly foot and toenail examinations and trims as needed based on your own judgement.

Routine dental cleanings for dogs are recommended by veterinarians to help prevent a variety of oral illnesses and tooth loss.

Exercise

Miniature Boxers need a lot of physical activity. Owners of dogs should take them out for a walk every day and allow them plenty of room to run and play.

It's up to you to keep your Miniature Boxer on a leash while they're out on a walk to keep them safe.

Training

When it comes to keeping Miniature Boxers as pets, proper training is necessary. However, because they are naturally brilliant and gregarious, they are a breeze to teach. The cornerstone for building a strong and dependable relationship with your dog is providing appropriate training from an early age.

Children and Other Pets

Mini Boxers, as they are affectionately known, can be easily damaged by children who are too enthralled with the Boston Boxer's size range.

Boston Boxers are considered to be friendly and playful, making them an excellent choice for families with young children. A small- to medium-sized dog should be approached and played with in a manner that is safe for youngsters.

Because of their early socialisation and ability to tolerate other animals, Boston Boxers can get along with most other household pets. They should get used to different animals as soon as possible. If they are introduced to other animals in a calm and regulated environment, they are more likely to get along with them. In the end, it all boils down to how much time and effort you put into your training and socialisation.

Puppies

There are a few things to think about before purchasing a Miniature Boxer as a household pet. To understand Miniature Boxers, it's necessary to know that they have a strong personality and a lot of stamina to spare. As a result of this trait, they resemble other breeds of dogs pretty closely.

Because they loathe being alone, Miniature Boxers are recognised for their outgoing personalities and a strong desire to socialise with other dogs. Their life expectancy might range from 12 to 15 years, depending on the occurrence of various health issues. Generally speaking, Miniature Boxers can be trained to be good pets in the home.

Since Miniature Boxer Puppies aren't as popular as other breeds, they can command a high price. A Miniature Boxer puppy can cost anywhere from $450 and $2,000, depending on the breed.

Dog Breeds Similar to Boston Boxer

  1. Afador
  2. Goberian
  3. Australian Shepherd
  4. Basselier
  5. Doberman Collie