Breed Characteristics:
Apartment Friendly
?How well will this breed adapt to apartment living? Is the apartment size the most important factor when it comes to proper living conditions? Is the breed suitable for apartment living?
Good For First-Time Owners
?Some dogs aren't suitable for first-time dog owners. Is this breed a good match for someone with no dog experience? Can training help them be on their best behavior with owners with no dog experience? Are they suitable to be handled by someone who is just entering the canine world?
Overall Sensitivity
?Some dogs are sensitive. Certain breeds are rough on the outside, while having the softest heart on the inside. In other words, some dogs are 'thick-skinned' while some are 'easygoing.' Is this breed prone to sensitivity?
Tolerates Being Alone
?Separation anxiety in dogs is a serious condition that can affect a dog's life quality. Is this breed prone to this condition? Can you leave him alone for hours? How destructive this breed can become when bored, neglected, or not loved enough?
Affectionate With Family
?How affectionate this breed will be around his humans? Will he welcome new family friends easily or he will choose to be shy? Some breeds can be clingy with owners, while others don't attach a lot. Will this breed act as the family's best friend?
Kid-Friendly
?Some dogs will tolerate children, while others will adore well-behaved ones. Dogs and children should always be supervised, no matter how well trained the dog might be. Will this breed act as a nanny dog or he will stay away from children?
Friendly Toward Other Dogs
?Some dog breeds cannot wait to run to the dog park and run with others. Others prefer to be with their humans, and not to be a part of a multi-pet household. Is this breed dog lover or not? How friendly this breed will be toward other dogs?
Friendly Toward Strangers
?Some dog breeds tend to be reserved toward strangers and highly suspicious. Others are fast to walk away with them easily. How welcoming this breed is toward strangers?
Drooling Level
?If you love to clean all the time drooling level in dogs is a trait that you should mind. Is this breed less likely to drool, or you will always need a towel on hand?
Easy To Groom
?Heavier shedding during the shedding season is something that every dog needs to go through. However, some dogs shed just a bit all year round. Is this breed one of them? How often should you groom this dog?
Overall Health
?What can you expect from this breed in terms of health? Are there any genetic conditions to vary about? Is obesity a major issue in this breed? By knowing more about the dog's health, you are learning how to help him live a longer and healthier life.
Prone To Obesity
?Treats are a great addition to training sessions. Dogs love sweet bites of dog treats but they should be served in moderation. Treats can lead to obesity, next to poor nutrition. Can this breed gain extra weight from treats? How prone to obesity this breed actually is?
Trainability Level
?Training some dogs is easier than others. How easy this dog will be to train? What can you expect? Some dogs are huge people pleasers and they will master commands easily, while others will try to outsmart you.
Intelligence Level
?Dogs are smart beings. We do our best to train them, but they do still end up training us to adapt to their needs. How intelligent is this breed? Will he try to outsmart you? Or he will need multiple training sessions to master basic commands?
Prey Drive
?Dogs were bred for a specific purpose. Those who were bred to hunt have natural instincts to hunt, even today. This is why many dogs, like Terriers, will chase other animals. They will also have a hard time concentrating on your commands when there is something small moving. Is this breed prone to following his prey instincts?
Barking Level
?How vocal this breed is? Can you expect neighbors to ring you often to calm your dog? Or you can sleep without worries of hearing your Fido bark? Some breeds are highly vocal, others have unusual sounds, and some are silent. Is this breed prone to barking?
Energy Level
?Low-energy dogs are happy with regular walks and indoor chill times. High-energy dogs are always ready for action. Is this breed a couch potato, energetic dog, or somewhere in between?
Exercise Needs
?Some dogs are more than happy with a slow stroll down the street. Others need hours of active time to stay happy and fit. Is this breed demanding in terms of exercise? How much exercise this breed needs to stay happy and healthy?
Playfulness Level
?Some dogs never lose that puppy spirit, not even in their senior years. Others are more serious and prefer having a job to do. Is this breed demanding in terms of playfulness? Can you expect playfulness in their senior years as well?
The Boston Boxer is what the world got once breeders combined Boston Terrier and Boxer.
With so famous parents, it comes as no surprise, that this mixed breed was an instant hit. Regardless of their popularity, this mixed dog breed is still one of the rarest dog breeds alive.
Also known as Mini Boxer, the Boston Boxer goes by many names but the initial name – Boston Boxer is best used for the breed.
This breed will usually differ in terms of appearance and temperate, as it’s the case with other mixed breeds as well.
Still, you will love every appearance of theirs. This breed is perfect for city life, due to their size – they are smaller than standard Boxers, making them more compact.
As long as Boston Boxer is trained right, he will adapt to any surroundings. Just like many other mixed-breed, the Boston Boxer comes with a significant amount of energy that needs to be burned out.
This is something to consider if you are thinking about welcoming this breed into your life.
If you are looking for a mixed breed dog who is playful and loves standing next to your side, then the Boston Boxer is a breed to consider having.
Quick Facts
Real name: Boston Boxer
Other names: Miniature Boxer, Mini Boxer
Breed type: Mixed Breed Dogs
Weight: 22 to 55 pounds
Height: 15 to 23 inches
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Litter Size: 5 – 8 puppies
Color: Black, brown, fawn, blue, and white
Coat: Short coat
Boston Boxer History
As a mixed breed, it is possible that Boston Boxer existed naturally for decades.
However, designer breeders started intentionally mixing Boxers and Boston Terriers in the late 1990s.
Officially, this breed is relatively a new breed. As for the origin, dog experts assume that this mixed breed was developed in North America, although this adorable mixed dog can be found across the globe nowadays.
This breed was an instant hit and the high demand for the breed, pushed breeders to perfect this breed even more.
Again, if you are sure that this breed is for you, think about visiting the local shelter.
Even designed dogs end up without owners (due to various life circumstances) and alone, waiting to be adopted.
Boston Boxer Physical Appearance
The Boston Boxer is a relatively new breed, which means that there are few standards when it comes to size and overall appearance.
With that in mind, you can expect your Boston Boxer to be the small-to-medium size.
They usually weigh between 22 to 55 pounds and range in height from 15 to 23 inches from the shoulder.
Still, some may be smaller or bigger in overall size. A great thing to do when getting a mixed breed is to check parents’ appearance standards, so you can know what to expect.
As a general rule, the Boston Boxer will have strong and muscular legs, a deep chest, and gloppy ears.
Head should be rounded and nose commonly black. The coat is always short, in common colors of black, white, brown, silver, and red.
Boston Boxer Personality
An experienced dog owner will always do proper research on the breed. This is a good practice when you want to be sure of the temperament of the breed.
Doing throughout the research is something that should be practiced no matter how small or big a dog you are thinking about welcoming into your home.
In fact, proper research should be a must if you are just starting as a dog owner.
When it comes to this breed, it’s safe to say that the adorable Boston Boxer collected the best from his parents. First and most importantly this breed is a great family dog.
The Boston Boxer is an extremely calm breed, who is loyal to the owners and loved ones.
As such, this breed will be great addition to any family size, and family with smaller and older children.
Make sure that you educate your children on how to behave around dogs.
It’s crucial to explain to them, no matter how old they are, why it’s not ok to pull a dog’s tail, why water and food bowl and off-limits, and why they should never disturb the dog when he is resting or sleeping in his crate.
The Boston Boxer may be friendly toward his people, but he will be wary of strangers.
They aren’t aggressive, but that won’t stop him from being a great watchdog.
They are great guard dogs as well, but being watchful is more of their nature.
This breed is highly curious, just like his Boston Terrier parent, and will enjoy nothing more but following his favorite humans around the house.
They may show some signs of stubbornness, and they might try to outsmart you.
This is why it’s always better to have some dog experience before you get a dog.
Otherwise, you may end up with a dog who is highly intelligent and equally stubborn.
In some dogs, stubbornness can be seen in the hard forms of destructive behavior.
This is the main reason why training should be taken as a serious and long process.
Boston Boxer With Children And Other Pets
Since Boston Boxers can range in size people see them differently. Smaller versions are often seen as moving toys in eyes of children.
This is why children should know how to behave around dogs.
Children tend to be excited around dogs, especially when they are smaller in size.
Since this is an affectionate and gentle breed they will always behave around children.
Still, no matter how well the dog might behave, dogs and children shouldn’t be left alone without supervision.
Make sure that you follow through initial steps on introducing your children to Boston Boxer.
Children should know not to disturb dogs when eating, drinking water, and resting in their corners.
Also, children should understand that dogs – and other animals – aren’t told and why pulling their tails is a cause for accidents.
As for the other pets, Boston Boxer should get along nicely with other pets as long as introduced slowly and calmly.
Thanks to their open and playful personality, they tend to get along with other animals nicely.
Still, they will function the best with other animals when introduced at a young age. Early socialization is the key when it comes to proper interaction both with humans and other pets.
Make sure that introduction with other animals and smaller pets is conducted in a controlled setting. Everything comes down to training, proper socialization, and a lot of luck.
Boston Boxer Training
The most important thing when it comes to training is consistency.
Consistent training is what makes a well-behaved dog. The great thing is that this breed loves to be with his humans, and that should be used in the training process.
Arm yourself with enough patience, well-structured training sessions, and the best traits to enhance training interest and performance.
Training should start as soon as you bring your Boston Boxer home – the very first day.
Puppies are capable of mastering basic commands as of eight weeks of age and that should be your starting point.
They will love spending every second with you, so make sure that every command is mastered the best way possible.
Dogs love being busy, and only when there is a job to be done, they truly thrive.
Boston Boxer Exercise
Boston Boxers are energetic dogs and as such, they need a fair amount of exercise to keep them satisfied.
These dogs are athletic and they love nothing more, but when there is a job to be done. They can only benefit from regular daily walks and long sessions at the dog park.
They will require a fair amount of exercise and will demand your time for it.
Boston Boxers will do fine in the city areas, but the rural environments may do even better for them. When in the park, make sure that the leash is on no matter what.
Once he runs away, you won’t be able to catch him.
No matter how well trained the dog might be and how serious recall training he went through if there is something that he finds interesting he will run for it.
How much exercise does Boston Boxer need? This breed will be happy with 45 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day.
They will also love to snuggle up next to you in the evening and chill. It’s all about the balance.
Bear in mind that this breed doesn’t do well in extreme temperatures. It’s important not to over-exercise them in very hot or cold climates.
Dogs are individual beings. While it may be enough for someone to get enough exercise through daily walks, while others will demand walks + running time.
Monitor your Boston Boxer closely and see what kind of exercise does fit him the best.
Once you master his preferences, make sure that you meet his exercise needs.
Always do extra research on the breed to know what to expect in terms of personality and exercise needs.
Boston Boxer Grooming
Boston Boxers are not the best choice for owners with allergies.
Since they aren’t hypoallergenic dogs you can expect a lot of hair and dander within your home. This is why regular brushing and overall grooming are important.
Boston Boxers have smooth and short coats which doesn’t require much grooming.
Luckily, they do not shed a lot, but some shedding here and there is expected.
They should be bathed only when really needed. Too much bating can cause damage to a dog’s skin and affect its natural oil and shine.
Have the right grooming tools on hand and focus on finding the best bristle brush to use for brushing.
Brushing once a week should be mandatory, while the rest is basic maintenance.
Check gums regularly and provide food that promotes teeth health. Screen eyes for any sign of infection.
During the brushing sessions, make sure that the skin is fleas-free and there are no signs of any infection.
Nails should be clipped or trimmed once to twice a month to prevent nail splitting or painful overgrowth.
Talk to your veterinarian about teeth routine, and what is the best way to maintain his teeth.
Boston Boxer Health
When it comes to mixed breeds and their overall health, it’s always a must to check breeds parents’ health as well.
This way you will know what to expect and what are possible health issues in your Boston Boxer.
For example, Boxers are prone to bloating, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
On the other hand, Boston Terriers are prone to skin issues, eye issues, heart problems, and epilepsy.
This doesn’t mean that your Boston Boxer will get any of these conditions.
However, they can be predisposed to these conditions, which is why veterinarian check-ups are so important.
The best way to keep your Boston Boxer healthy is to enable prevention.
In general, Boston Boxers are healthy dogs as long as you provide proper nutrition, care, and a safe environment.
Some of the conditions that may appear in this breed, include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Subaortic Stenosis
- Patellar Luxation
- Distichiasis
- Deafness
- Cataracts
- Tumors
- Intervertebral Disc
- Degeneration
- Corneal Erosion
To keep your Boston Boxer healthy your veterinarian will give guidelines on nutrition, basic care, and extra tips that can improve a dog’s life.
You can always expect to hear for one, if not all, tests listed below. These tests are often performed to determine health conditions in your Boston Boxer:
- Biopsy
- Rectal Exam
- Blood Analysis
- Urine Analysis
- Orthopedic
- Cardiac
Of course, other tests can be performed as well, depending on your dog’s condition.
The Bottom Line
Boston Boxers are great family dogs. They are active, playful, and clingy enough to make your day better. To keep this breed entertained and happy you should provide enough exercise, next to regular walks.
To keep this breed healthy you shoudl provide a proper diet, regular nutrition, and regular grooming.
As long as you provide regular veterinarian check-ups and proper care your Boston Boxer should have a healthy and happy life.
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