Like their boxer parents, boxadors are high-energy and are always up for a good time with their family. These hybrid dogs grow strong attachments to their family, which means that they can suffer from separation anxiety if they spend too much time away from their humans. Labrador retrievers, one-half of the boxador parentage, are highly intelligent and people-pleasers. Combine that with how both breeds are loving dogs, and you have a highly adaptable and trainable family pet!
As with most dog breeds and hybrids, working on positive early socialization with your boxador is a good idea. This helps them be friendly to strangers, tolerant of unexpected situations, and best friends with other family pets.
👉Keep in mind with this boxer lab mix breed, there isn’t yet a breed standard. Boxadors can be solid, 50-lb large dogs, or extra-large and weigh in at over 100. It all depends on their parentage.
In many cases, the deliberate creation of a new designer breed is to eliminate undesirable traits from purebred dogs and ultimately, lead to a new breed. For the boxador, the result is a typically healthier hybrid than both the Lab or boxer parent. Still, certain health conditions can have an impact on boxadors living a happy and healthy life.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. Idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy is shrinking of the normal thyroid tissue.
Dr. Dwight Allyene
Overall a healthy designer breed, the average boxador doesn’t have a lot of health related costs. Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention (like Simparica Trio for flea, tick, and heartworm protection) can amount to a few hundred dollars a month. Still, because of the chronic conditions that can arise later in life, it’s a good idea to invest in pet health insurance early on. Because most pet insurance reimburses you rather than paying directly to the provider, it’s best to also set up a pet savings account so that you’re prepared for the unexpected.
While boxers and Labradors may have bred naturally over the years, breeders began intentionally breeding the hybrid boxador around the 1990s in North America. Historically, combining recognized, established breeds has been a good technique for eliminating issues in parent breeds — doodle breeds (with poodle parentage), for example, create hypoallergenic varieties of dog breeds that owners typically can’t have due to dog allergies.
As boxadors grow in popularity, so have their recognition by various organizations. While the boxador isn’t yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Caring for a new puppy of any breed can be overwhelming. You’ll need to make your first trip to the vet and schedule your dog’s vaccinations to keep them in good health from the start. We can even help you puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething. No one likes to think about losing their new dog but FidoAlert provides a free Fido ID and tag so you’re prepared just in case. Here are some other basics specific to boxadors.
As a cross breed with high energy levels, boxadors need a lot of exercise, and will do best with an active owner. Either in the form of a hike, walk, or rousing game of fetch, these dogs need at least half an hour a day of dedicated time where they can stretch their legs and burn off energy. Remaining active (and using supplements to promote good joint health) can help your new four legged family member stay healthier longer. Big homes with yards are ideal for these boxer mixes, but they make overall good family dogs and can adapt to any sort of house or apartment.
While their shorter, thinner coat doesn’t necessitate any special measures during the summertime, it’s still important to make sure your dog doesn’t get too hot or too cold, depending on the season.
Grooming for a boxador is a pretty straightforward and simple process. Their short coat means that weekly brushes, and baths as needed, is enough to take care of your Boxador’s coat. Other tasks, like regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, should be done regularly to ensure your dog’s health.
Like all dog breeds, feeding your Boxador a high quality commercial dog food is always a good choice. It’s important to work with your vet when deciding how to choose a dog food because they can provide specialized guidance, up to date information, and address any unique needs your dog has.
Boxadors can be a medium sized dog, or a bigger one. It really depends on the size of the dogs in their lineage. Because of that, how much food to feed your dog will depend on your vet’s recommendation, and their weight and nutritional needs.
Because boxadors are part Labrador, they are known for high intelligence and thus, easier to train. But, they are also stubborn and often possess a high prey drive as well. Owners, particularly new dog owners, may need to gain insight and tips from trainers on how to establish dominance and train dogs so that they are well rounded and properly socialized! Here are a few suggestions to get you started with training any dog:
Not quite sure that a Boxador is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
A boxador is a hybrid dog breed and the result of a boxer and a Labrador retriever. They are known for their muscular build, short hair, and expressive eyes. Distinguishing characteristics include their playful and energetic nature, intelligence, and loyalty.
Yes, boxadors are known for their family-oriented personalities, friendliness, and protective and patient nature. They are generally suitable for families with children and other pets.
Playful, energetic, and friendly are the best words to describe a boxador. Their temperament is majorly affected by their genetics and upbringing, including factors like socialization, training, and environment.
Boxador owners should be aware of common health issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, heart problems, hypothyroidism, and obesity. Regular vet check-ups are critical for early detection and treatment of these, and other, health issues.
