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Box-A-Pug (Boxer & Pug Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Box-A-Pug (Boxer & Pug Mix)

Height: 14-21 inches
Weight: 18-27 pounds
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Colors: White, black, fawn, brindle, tan
Suitable for: Families with older children, dog owners looking for a loyal companion, households looking for a smaller watch dog
Temperament: Quirky, clownish, loyal, natural watch dog, energetic, affectionate

The Box-a-Pug, also known as the Poxer, is the interesting and unique result of crossing a purebred Pug with a purebred Boxer. Bright and full of personality, the Boxer-Pug has the guarding instincts of the Boxer with the classic quirkiness of the Pug. Despite some potential health problems, the Boxer-Pug mix can live a relatively healthier life than its purebred parents. If you’re looking for a fun hybrid that will also protect the homestead, the Box-a-Pug will not disappoint. Let’s take a closer look at this charismatic designer dog breed:Divider 1

Box-a-Pug Puppies

box-a-pug puppy
Image Credit: Annette Shaff, Shutterstock
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Pugs are one of the most sought-after dog breeds in the world, so they come at a high price. Box-a-Pugs are not purebred dogs, but they’re considered a designer dog breed and can also be costly. Factors like size and facial structure influence this hybrid more than most hybrids since most potential Box-a-Pug owners are looking for Boxer-Pug mixes that have the Boxer face with a Pug body.

Box-a-Pugs might not be easy to find at dog shelters, but you can always ask if they have a mixed-breed dog that resembles the Box-a-Pug. By adopting, you can save lots of money and you’ll change a pup’s life for the best.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Box-a-Pug

1. Box-a-Pugs Are Usually First-Generation Hybrids

Box-a-Pugs are usually the result of two purebred dogs crossed together, whereas some designer dog breeds have “established” generations. This is mostly due to the inability to retain the Boxer look through multiple generations.


2. Box-a-Pugs Are Excellent Watch Dogs

If you’ve ever wanted a guard dog that is on the smaller side, Box-a-Pugs are an excellent choice. They have a protective nature that comes from their Boxer traits, with a surprisingly deep bark for a smaller-sized dog.


3. Box-a-Pugs Are Couch Potatoes

While Box-a-Pugs can have lots of energy in their younger years, the Pug side mellows out the hyperactivity that comes with most Boxer hybrids. Although they still do need exercise daily, they’ll gladly spend most of their time snoozing on the couch.

Parent Breeds of the Box-A-Pug
Image Credit: Jumpstory

Temperament & Intelligence of the Box-a-Pug 🧠

It’s always tough to know what kind of temperament to expect with a hybrid since each puppy within the same litter can vary wildly in personality, temperament, and many other factors. One way to prepare is to look at the temperaments of both the Boxer and the Pug to get a better idea about the possible personality traits your Box-a-Pug may possess.

Known as the class clowns of the purebred dog world, Boxers are energetic and athletic dogs that enjoy living life to the fullest. Though they may be silly and goofy, Boxers are quite smart and are great with obedience. They’re gentle enough to be family dogs, but they also have fierce loyalty and will protect their household when they feel the need. They may have a serious look, but they’re highly affectionate and don’t do well left alone for long periods of time.

Pugs are inquisitive dogs that enjoy spending time with their favorite person. They’re great with new people and strangers with early socialization. They’re lovable and can be incredibly affectionate, but they have a serious stubborn streak that can make training a challenge. Although their distinctive bossiness can be a handful, their caring and loving nature are what makes them one of the most popular breeds to date.

Box-a-Pugs often enjoy quality time with their favorite people, which comes from both purebred personalities. While stubbornness can be an issue, the Boxer’s trainability is usually inherited. Box-a-Pugs have the potential to be sociable and friendly but will need to be socialized early and frequently to prevent aggressive issues with strangers.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Yes. Box-a-Pugs can do well with families that have older children since their smaller size can make them somewhat fragile. They’re happy and gentle enough to play with children but will also protect them if they sense something is wrong. Box-a-Pugs crave attention and will love spending time with the family, but they may struggle to keep up with highly active families.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Yes and no; it depends on the Box-a-Pug. Some may have a strong chase drive that’s inherited from the Boxer side, which can cause chaos in houses with cats and small pets. However, if properly introduced or raised together with other animals, Box-a-Pugs can do well in households with other pets.

boxer pug mix
Image By: Annette Shaff, Shutterstock

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Things to Know When Owning a Box-a-Pug:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Diet and weight management are crucial with the Box-a-Pug since both the Boxer and the Pug are prone to weight gain and obesity. We recommend a high-quality, medium-energy dry kibble with fiber to aid with digestion. Be careful to avoid overfeeding your Box-a-Pug because they’ll keep eating until they’re sick.

Exercise 🐕

Exercise can vary with this mix due to the size and athletic differences between the Pug and the Boxer. At a minimum, your Box-a-Pug will need a few brisk walks and some mental stimulation to maintain a healthy mind and body. However, some Box-a-Pugs inherit the high energy level of the Boxer and will need much more than walking to keep them content.

If your Box-a-Pug has lots of energy and is cleared for vigorous exercise, consider trying a canine sport to maintain weight and muscle. It’s important to consult with your vet before starting your dog in a high-impact sport to ensure your dog can handle it.

Training 🦮

Food-based treat training with firm yet calm leadership is the best way to train your Box-a-Pug. These hybrids like to test their boundaries often, so you’ll have to remain patient and consistent with any training regime. To avoid serious stubbornness, make sure you take your Box-a-Pug for walks to help relieve some excess energy.

Box-a-Pugs can benefit greatly from group obedience classes to help with training and socialization. If you seem to be struggling with your Box-a-Pup, these classes can be a fun confidence booster while also teaching your puppy the basics in obedience.

Grooming ✂️

Box-a-Pugs have short coats that are neither thin nor dense, but they can be moderate shedders. Weekly brushing to help get rid of loose fur and the occasional bath will help reduce the amount of shedding. Boxers tend to shed more in certain seasons, so you should expect your Box-a-Pug to be similar.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Boxers and Pugs may be popular, but their breed-specific health issues can be quite serious. Both breeds have brachycephalic faces (AKA “flat-faced dogs”) that can cause significant breathing problems and other serious health concerns. Both breeds also have other concerns that make their lifespans shorter than other breeds, but Box-a-Pugs seem to have longer lifespans than their purebred counterparts. Let’s take a look at the common health concerns of the Boxer and the Pug:

Common Health Conditions of the Boxer
  • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (“Boxer” Cardiomyopathy)
  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Obesity
  • Arthritis
Common Health Conditions of the Pug
  • Pug Dog Encephalitis
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Elongated patella
  • Collapsed nasal passages
  • Cancer
  • Bloat
  • Obesity
  • Digestive issues

Although Boxers and Pugs have some serious potential concerns, Box-a-Pugs may not inherit these conditions. Still, you should prepare to handle some of these health concerns, especially health concerns like obesity, hip dysplasia, and breathing problems that come from having flat faces.

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Male vs Female

Male Pugs tend to mark their territory, which can be a big problem if left unchecked. Not all Pugs and Box-a-Pugs have this tendency, so it’s hard to tell if this will occur with your male Box-a-Pug puppy. Aside from a small percentage of males that mark wherever they are, the choice of male or female is strictly a personal choice.

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Final Thoughts

The Box-a-Pug is a fun hybrid that can be quirky and lively while having the caring and loving nature of a family dog. This small-medium canine is a big dog at heart and can be a great companion without the high levels of rambunctious energy that Boxers have. While they can be stubborn and will test your patience, this adorable hybrid will have everyone asking what breed it is and where to get one. As long as your Box-a-Pug is given the attention and exercise it needs, you’ll have one happy companion for years.

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Featured Image Credit: Annette Shaff, Shutterstock

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