Boxer Pitbull Mix Breed
16 minutesBoxer pitbull mixes, also known as the Bullboxer Pit, is a cross between the American pitbull terrier and a boxer. Boxer pitbull mixes may also be known as “pixoters” or American bull boxers. Traits from the boxer and pitbull give them a short and stocky appearance with a smooth and straight coat. Boxer pitbull eyes are typically dark, round, and even wide. You can also tell if a dog is a boxer pitbull by its ears. They’ll typically be pointy with a small droop.
A boxer pitbull mix may have a wide range of personalities, but they’re typically faithful, loyal, strong, and protective. Boxer pitbull mixes are good dogs and inherit traits from both parent breeds.
We’ll cover the various traits that most boxer pitbulls share, like size, temperament, lifespan, and coat, and help you understand what it’s like to own one.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about boxer pitbull mixes below.
A Quick Look at Boxer Pitbull Mixes
Boxer pitbull mixes are intelligent, easy to train, and loyal dogs. They grow to be between 50 and 80 pounds and typically have a mild temperament. However, they can become aggressive toward other household pets. Boxer pitbull mixes are also great at warning you about intruders as well as scaring them off.
Below we’ll take you through a table that explores the general profile of a boxer pitbull mix.
Grooming Needs | |||
Shedding | |||
Good With Kids | |||
Good With Other Animals | |||
Intelligence | |||
Easy to Train | |||
Energy Level | |||
Barking Habits | |||
Weight/Height |
20 to 26 inches tall, 50 to 80 pounds |
||
Coat Type | Straight, short, and smooth | ||
Temperament | Active, playful, aggressive | ||
Lifespan | 10 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Boxer Pitbulls?
Boxer pitbulls are one of the original crossbreeds. What’s more interesting, though, is how unique each breed was before being mixed.
Boxers originated in Germany during the 1800s and were useful in times of war. Known for their intelligence, boxers would deliver messages to the battlefield across long distances. On the other hand, American pit bull terriers were used for baiting animals like boars and bulls in blood sports.
In the past, boxer pits were known as the Bullenbeisser by German breeders. Unfortunately, this specific version of the boxer pit went extinct many years ago. That said, similar practices are used to create the boxer pits that you see today.
What Do Boxer Pitbulls Look Like?
Boxer pitbulls are gorgeous dogs. Their fur is often straight and smooth but long enough to cause problems with shedding. A boxer pitbull also has big, wide dark eyes and straight, pointy ears. However, some ears may droop on boxer pitbull mixes. In many cases, the way they look depends on the breeder and the dogs involved in the breeding process.
Other facial features include a short snout, long legs, and a broad chest. When it comes to color, pitbull boxers are usually light brown with patches of white. Some boxer pits may have more brown or a darker shade of brown that gives off a maroon appearance. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon to see shades of blue, black, and grey in their coats.
What Size Is a Pitbull Boxer?
Pitbull boxers are not the biggest dogs but are not the smallest breed either. The average boxer pit weighs between 50 and 80 pounds, so there is some variation there. Variation likely depends on the breeder and the dogs used for breeding.
When it comes to height, boxer pits are not that tall. On average, they’re between 20 and 30 inches on all fours. When standing on their hind legs, they may reach close to 50 inches.
What Is a Boxer Pitbull’s Coat Type?
Boxer pits have short and smooth coats. Their coats don’t shed often, so grooming requirements are not as frequent. A boxer pit’s coat may also be soft to the touch but definitely not as fluffy as some other breeds like golden retrievers or German shepherds.
What Is a Boxer Pitbull’s Temperament?
Boxer pits are known for being loyal and intelligent. They can sniff out danger and protect your family, but they’re also playful and lively. Boxer pitbulls have a lot of energy, so it’s important to play with them and socialize with them from a young age.
Boxer pitbulls are also good with other animals and children but only under the right conditions. Most boxer pitbulls are stubborn and become aggressive if they’re not socialized with children or other animals from a young age.
All that said, the boxer pitbull doesn’t have anything too extreme to worry about.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Affectionate?
Boxer pitbulls are affectionate dogs that are loyal to their owners. They want to play with you, spend time with you, and even cuddle up in your lap. Even when they weigh 60 to 80 pounds, you’ll have yourself a giant lap dog.
Boxer pitbulls are also easy to play with. Running in the backyard is sufficient, but they are also great hiking companions. In fact, you can do most activities with a boxer pit.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good With Kids?
Boxer pitbulls are great with kids; they will play with most toddlers and teenagers without hurting them. Plus, children can wrestle around with them without them getting too aggressive. This makes boxer pitbulls great companions for both adults and children.
That said, there is a catch. Boxer pits do have aggressive tendencies when not socialized properly. Furthermore, boxer pits may be too large to play with babies and toddlers because of their weight and strength. So before letting your child play with them, make sure they’re socialized.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good With Other Animals?
Boxer pitbulls are good with other animals. Cats, other dogs, and even more exotic pets like birds don’t have to worry about a boxer pitbull. However, they are larger dogs, so make sure you watch how your animals interact closely for signs of aggression, injury, or danger.
It’s also important to note that boxer pits may become aggressive without proper socialization with younger animals. Therefore, it’s best to socialize boxer pits at a young age, and it works even better if both pets are young.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Aggressive?
Socialized boxer pitbulls are not aggressive. As long as they’re trained properly, most boxer pits won’t display signs of aggression, snap, or harm anyone. While boxer pitbulls aren’t dangerous, failing to socialize them from a young age may lead to barking, biting, snapping, growling, and other signs of aggression.
Do Boxer Pitbulls Bark a Lot?
Boxer pitbulls don’t bark a lot. A boxer pitbull will only bark when they’re playing, in danger, or warning you about danger. Not all boxer pitbulls have the same traits, so some dogs may bark at cars as they pass your window. Ultimately, it depends on the traits the dog inherits from its parents.
The good news is that boxer pitbulls don’t bark loudly or frequently when they start barking. Instead, they’ll bark a few times and then stop unless the issue causing them to bark is still present.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Intelligent?
Pitbull boxers are intelligent dogs and respond well to most types of training. Therefore, they are easy to train, good at spotting danger, and respond well to training/commands.
Boxer pitbulls are also smart enough to understand triggers for rewards and punishment. However, punishment does not work well with this breed (or any breed) because they’ll act out more.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Easy to Train?
Intelligence is a big factor when it comes to trainability. Boxer pitbulls are easy to train because they’re smart dogs. They respond well to reward-based training and positive feedback. Moreover, they enjoy pleasing their owners, which makes them easier to train.
While boxer pitbulls are easy to train, this isn’t always the case. For example, punishment does not help them learn. Instead, it leads to the opposite and increases aggression.
Another problem is that boxer pitbulls become overly excited sometimes. When this happens, they become more stubborn and harder to train. Luckily, the solution here is to just let them cool off for a few minutes.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Energetic?
Boxer pitbulls are energetic dogs that require a lot of playtime; they’re not dogs you’ll tire out by playing a quick game of tug-o-war at night. Instead, you’ll have to dedicate a few hours of playtime per day to ensuring they’re properly mentally and physically stimulated.
Great activities to help your boxer pit expend energy include walking, hiking, running, and fetching. Of course, plenty of safe chew toys will help too.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good Apartment Dogs?
Boxer pitbulls can be good apartment dogs, but it depends on how much space you have. Smaller apartments will struggle to contain the energy of a boxer pitbull, which may result in damage and restlessness.
Boxer pitbulls also benefit from time spent outdoors in backyards and parks. Therefore, make sure the apartment is close to a park if you’re going to add a boxer pitbull to the family.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good Watchdogs?
Boxer pitbulls are good watchdogs. They’re loyal dogs, so they’ll know if someone who isn’t you is trying to break in. Boxer pitbulls also get defensive over their home or owners, so they may display aggression towards aggressors.
Boxer pitbulls also bark when they encounter danger or intimidating strangers, so they’ll know someone is around before you.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good Service Dogs?
Boxer pitbulls, like many other breeds, can be good service dogs. However, the emphasis is on the “can” part. Due to the temperament of poorly trained pitbull service dogs, it’s harder to find boxer pitbull service dogs, and they’re usually not eligible to be service dogs. That said, boxer pitbulls are becoming increasingly popular as emotional support animals (ESAs).
How to Care for Boxer Pitbulls?
Caring for a boxer pitbull is easy when you have enough space and free time. You’ll need a nice outdoor area for them to run, play, and socialize. Furthermore, it’s best to have free time so you can play with your boxer pitbull and bond with them. As for grooming and other types of maintenance, boxer pitbulls are low-maintenance dogs.
Do You Need to Groom a Boxer Pitbull?
Boxer pitbulls are low maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short and tight coat is easy to groom at home and doesn’t require professional assistance unless you notice skin irritation. To groom your pitbull boxer, give them a few baths every three months with mild dog shampoo. While that may seem like a big gap between a bath, over-grooming can lead to skin issues.
Do Boxer Pitbulls Shed?
Boxer pitbulls shed a minimal amount of fur throughout the year. Brushing them every two or three weeks is enough to maintain their coat and remove excess hair.
What Should a Boxer Pitbull Eat?
Boxer pitbulls need a diet full of nutrition because of their high energy levels. So it’s important to feed them food filled with protein, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Additionally, make sure you shop for dog food that’s specifically for large-breed dogs. While boxer pitbulls aren’t huge, athletic dogs benefit from these diets the most.
Some important specific ingredients to look for in dog food for a boxer pitbull are ground bones, fat (healthy fats), and vegetables. However, you should consult your veterinarian on all diet matters first.
What Health Problems Do Boxer Pitbulls Have?
Boxer pitbulls have a few common health issues. These health issues include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart murmurs
- Hemangiosarcoma (cancer)
- Allergies
Depending on the health issue, there are a few ways to prevent them. Hip dysplasia is challenging to prevent, but your best option is to watch them as they age and limit their activity. For example, limit sudden changes of direction and aggressive pulling.
To prevent other issues like cancer, take your boxer pitbull to the vet often to check for heart murmurs and other risk factors. For allergies, vet checkups will help you get the appropriate treatments.
How Long Do Boxer Pitbulls Live?
Boxer pitbulls have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Some boxer pitbulls will live past 14 if they’re healthy, while others may fail to reach 10 due to health conditions like hemangiosarcoma (cancer).
Are Boxer Pitbulls Expensive?
Boxer pitbulls are not expensive dogs – at least when you compare them to purebred dogs like Alaskan huskies or German shepherds. The average cost of a boxer pitbull is between $1,500 and $3,000. You may also find boxer pitbull for free at adoption centers and online.
How to Find a Boxer Pitbull Breeder?
The best ways to find a boxer pitbull are to visit a dog show or connect with the parent breed’s dog club. So, for the boxer pitbull, you’ll want to check with the American Boxer Club.
When you find a breeder it’s best to ask them some questions about the dog. These include:
- Can I see the dog’s parents (if they’re available)
- Have any health tests been done?
- How long have you been breeding boxer pitbulls?
- Are your boxer pitbull puppies socialized?
- When was the dog last vaccinated?
- What’s the process look like for taking the dog home?
- Is there a guarantee of health?
These are only some of the questions you should ask your dog breeder, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Can You Adopt a Boxer Pitbull?
Yes, you can adopt a boxer pitbull, and the process is often easy. If you’re looking to adopt one of these dogs, consider looking for rescues that specialize in the mix or rescues for the parent breeds that may have them available.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Purebred?
Boxer pitbulls are not purebred dogs. A boxer pitbull is a mix between a boxer and a pitbull.
Are Boxer Pitbulls Good for New Dog Owners?
Boxer pitbulls are great dogs for new owners as long as you’re prepared. As an affectionate and loyal dog, you won’t have to worry about boxer pitbulls staying mad at you. Furthermore, boxer pitbulls respond well to training and can learn dozens of voice and hand commands. Boxer pitbulls also have a mild temperament when it comes to barking, which is great for new dog owners.
Is a Boxer Pitbull the Right Dog for Me?
Boxer pitbulls are great dogs when they’re cared for properly, trained young, and socialized young. Therefore, boxer pitbulls may be a blessing for dog owners who love their antics, but also possibly too much work for someone looking for a more low-key dog.
Below we list traits you must love to enjoy a boxer pitbull:
- Affectionate and playful
- Good watchdog
- Affordable
- Responds well to training
- Intelligent
That said, here are some reasons you might want to avoid adopting a boxer pitbull:
- Aggressive tendencies when not socialized with children or other animals as a puppy
- They’re typically ineligible to be service dogs
- Boxer pitbulls require hours of attention each day to expend their high energy
Remember, the pros for one dog owner may be cons for another; only you can decide if a boxer pitbull is right for you.