Boxer Shepherd (German Shepherd & Boxer Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

The Boxer Shepherd mix is a crossbreed of two immensely popular breeds – the German Shepherd and the Boxer. Both German breeds are known for being active and loyal. Both breeds, but especially the German Shepherd, are trained as service dogs and frequently used as guard dogs. Their use as service dogs is indicative of how well both breeds can be trained, although as with any dog, you should start training at a young age and be consistent.

Because these dogs are often used as guard dogs, you are also advised to socialize them from a young age. You should also take care when adopting an older dog of this breed. Look for signs that it was used as a guard dog and make sure it is friendly and confident.

The German Shepherd Boxer Mix does require a lot of exercise, is generally considered to be healthy breeds, and they will willingly become an integral member of the family. The crossbreed will take on a similar size to its parent breeds, so you can expect your pet to weigh in at about 70 lbs.

Boxer Shepherd Puppies

When you’re looking for a Boxer Shepherd, take your time to find a reputable breeder. As always, you should meet the puppy before deciding whether to buy, and a reputable breeder will let you meet the parents and, potentially, any siblings. Familial traits can be passed from one dog to the next, although individual attributes are more important than breed attributes.

Finding a Boxer Shepherd at a dog shelter might take some patience, but you can always ask for other mixed dog breeds that resemble the Boxer Shepherd. By adopting, you’ll be saving lots of money and you can change a dog’s life at the same time.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxer Shepherd

1. Boxers Were Used as War Dogs by Ancient Assyrians

The Boxer is an ancient dog breed that stems back to the ancient Assyrians of 2000 B.C. They were used as war dogs thanks to their power and bravery. Today, the most common breed of dog for use in explosives detection is the German Shepherd, which is also used as police dogs and service dogs, because they are known for being one of the easiest dogs to train.

The first K9 unit to respond to Ground Zero on 9/11 was a German Shepherd named Apollo.

2. Boxers Are Great with Kids

Boxers have a somewhat unfair reputation for being fighting dogs. They are lovers rather than fighters. Boxers are family orientated and they make especially good pets for children. Not only are they loving and loyal but seem to have an inherent understanding of children’s needs.

They are patient and gentle with children, despite being headstrong and boisterous at other times. Boxer Shepherd Mixes tend to take on this attribute, so they are incredibly loving, but they do demand love in return.

3. The German Shepherd Breed Has Its Own Motto

The German Shepherd is one of the most loved breeds in the world. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1908 and even has its own motto – Utility and Intelligence. It was given the motto by breed champion Captain Max von Stephanitz.

Stephanitz is widely credited with having introduced the modern German Shepherd breed and was responsible for setting the standards for the breed. Utility and intelligence are arguably the two words that best describe this heroic breed and the attributes that make it popular in a host of service roles.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxer Shepherd 🧠

The Boxer Shepherd Mix is a cross of two very intelligent breeds, and it has similar attributes. The German Shepherd is used as a guard dog, service dog, police dog, and in a range of other service roles. It is easy to train and can learn new commands quickly and easily. While the Boxer is said to share similar attributes, he can come across as being accident-prone and a bit dim. With constant training, the possibilities with this breed are almost endless.

The German Shepherd can be shy and wary of strangers, which means that some Boxer Shepherds can adopt a similar outlook. As such, socialization should be considered an important part of your pet’s early life. Take them to puppy classes, enroll in a dog agility class, and take them down to the park where they can meet other puppies and their owners.

Boxers can be a bit silly and your Boxer Shepherd Mix might have fits of boisterousness to contend with. While they will usually calm this activity around children, you might want to clear the decks for a five-minute charge.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Boxer Shepherds are considered excellent family pets. They are easy to train, constantly willing to take on new information and commands, and they crave the love and attention of their owners. Although they have adopted some of the rambunctiousness of the Boxer breed, they usually reserve this for when small children are out of the way.

The German Shepherd Boxer Mix will require regular walks, at least once a day, but their high level of intelligence means that they will learn games to play with family members of all ages. They can become very close friends with children, and through socialization at an early age, they should be welcoming of new additions to the family.

You should monitor activity around your children because the size of this breed means that they still pose a danger even if they are being friendly.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Boxer Shepherds tend to love other dogs simply because they recognize an opportunity to play. They will enjoy spending time at the park playing, and they can also thrive with another dog in the house. This breed can live with cats and other pets, although this is always easier if you can introduce them at a young age, and the size and liveliness of the Boxer Shepherd Mix means that it can be intimidating for smaller animals like cats.

Things to Know When Owning a Boxer Shepherd:

Boxer Shepherds can make exceptional family pets. They are bright and attentive with a fun and silly side, that can keep all family members entertained for hours on end. Below are some things to consider when you are thinking of adding one to your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Boxer Shepherd’s dietary requirements are similar to those of other dogs. They are likely to be voracious eaters, gobbling up food you put down. As such, it is down to you to ensure that they’re receiving a good basis of protein, fat, vitamins and other nutrients.

The primary food source for the German Shepherd Boxer Mix should be meat protein such as is found in chicken, lamb, or beef. You can also introduce fish oil to aid in keeping a healthy and shiny coat, while carbohydrates and fat give your dog the energy they need to get through the day.

Exercise 🐕

Boxers and German Shepherds are lively and energetic dogs. They are also strong and intelligent. This combination means that you will benefit by giving your dog regular exercise. You should walk your dog at least once a day, ideally giving him two or more walks.

To keep your Boxer Shepherd Mix entertained and switched on, you can enroll in agility classes or take them hiking or climbing with you. Both breeds and the subsequent crossbreed will enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

Training 🦮

German Shepherds and Boxers are intelligent dogs. Unless they receive appropriate mental stimulation throughout the day, they are more prone to destructive and unwanted behavior. Provide them with toys, ensure that they are mentally engaged while you’re at home, and start training from as young an age as possible.

German Shepherds are renowned for their ability to learn. This is why they are chosen as service dogs, and why they can make exceptional pets. Even when you think your dog has learned everything it possibly can, a Boxer Shepherd Mix will surprise you by picking up new habits. Training helps ensure that the habits they do pick up are desirable.

With that said, you will need to assert dominance; otherwise, your dog will try to rule the roost. You will have to meet and overcome challenges from the German Shepherd dominant breed. Because they can easily become bored, you will also have to find new and innovative ways to mix up training and continue to provide a mental challenge. Dog agility is a great way to combine flexible training with physical exertion and socializing.

Grooming ✂️

Boxer Shepherds take traits from both parent breeds. Some have a long, German Shepherd style coat, but most tend to get the short coat of their Boxer ancestors. Those with short-haired Boxer Shepherds should only need to brush once a week, but if your cross has inherited the long-hair of the German Shepherd, you will need to groom two or three times a week, especially if your dog is active in fields or, worse still, ponds and lakes.

Bathing may be necessary but should only be done when necessary. Excessive bathing can strip your German Shepherd Boxer Mix’s coat of its natural oils, so it could do more harm than good.

Brush teeth at least two or three times a week, ideally every day, and wipe their ears clean once a week to prevent ear infections.

Health and Conditions ❤️

We have to look at common health problems associated with the parent breeds to get some idea of how healthy a crossbreed is likely to be. Boxers are prone to a number of health complaints including cancer, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, bloat, and allergies. German Shepherds tend to suffer from bloat, myelopathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Both breeds suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. With that said, there is no guarantee that your dog will suffer from these conditions, but you should keep an eye out for any signs of them developing.

Male vs Female

The male of this breed tends to come in slightly larger, but there are no real differences in the breed’s other attributes.

Final Thoughts

The Boxer Shepherd is a crossbreed of Boxer and German Shepherd: two of the most popular dog breeds. They are extremely intelligent, have lots of energy, and they can make excellent family pets when socialized and trained properly.

Their life expectancy is typical for breeds of this size and although Boxers in particular are known for having a wide range of potential health problems, they are less prevalent in crossbreeds. The German Shepherd Boxer Mix does require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but if this is provided there is very little that you cannot train this breed to do.

Both parent breeds have been used as service dogs because they are easy to train. Boxers are known for being a bit silly, and this attribute can be present in the cross, so it might be a good idea to give your dog some space when it’s having a Boxer moment if you have small children. Other than that, this breed is likely to get along with all family members.

Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock