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Boxerdoodle (Boxer & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Boxerdoodle

Height: 10–25 inches
Weight: 12– 70 pounds
Lifespan: 10– 14 years
Colors: Black, red, white, cream, mixed
Suitable for: Working environments; families
Temperament: Loyal, happy, protective, energetic, loving

A Boxerdoodle is a mix of elegance and a hard work ethic. This pup is a popular hybrid mix of the Boxer and the Poodle. The Boxerdoodle can weigh from 12 pounds up to 70 pounds. The variance in weight and size is due to the different types of poodles that a Boxerdoodle can be bred with, including toy, miniature, and standard Poodles. Be sure to research the breeding of your Boxerdoodle if you are looking for a particular size.

Other differences that may occur are their coat and standard colors, including mixes of white, tan, and black. The fur can be thick and curly or wavy and wirier. The dogs mixed with standard Poodles are quality working dogs, primarily due to their intelligence inherited from the Poodle side.

If you are looking for a trainable dog who can fit well into an active lifestyle, read on to find out how well the Boxerdoodle meets your requirements.

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Boxerdoodle Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

When you’re looking for a Boxerdoodle, take your time to find a reputable and ethical breeder. Quality breeders prioritize the puppy’s health and will let you visit their breeding facilities. They’ll also be willing to introduce you to the puppy’s parents or siblings. Meeting the parents can give you an idea of your puppy’s temperament and characteristics.

You can also try your luck at a dog shelter, but Boxerdoodles aren’t very common. Try asking for a mixed dog that resembles the Boxerdoodle or another Poodle mix. By adopting, you can find an adorable pup for your family while saving lots of money and changing a dog’s life.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxerdoodle

1.  The Boxerdoodle Is a Versatile Dog Breed.

The Boxerdoodle is a versatile hybrid due to the intriguing breeding history they inherited. The Boxer was a descendant of fighting dogs from the valleys in Tibet and has ancestral ties to almost all varieties of Bulldog. They are also related to dogs like the Dogue de Bordeaux and the Tibetan Mastiff.

In the past, they have been used as hunting dogs for large prey, like bears, deer, and boar. They were also commonly used as bull-baiters before the practice became illegal. Since then, much of their aggressive nature has been bred out of them.

The Poodle was also used as a water dog for duck hunting. For a long period in history, Poodles were even used as circus performers. When trained properly, Poodles make great companion dogs, guide dogs, and guard dogs. All in all, who knows what your Boxerdoodle is capable of doing?


2.  The Mix of Popular breeds Doesn’t Mean It Is a Popular Hybrid.

Oddly, although the Poodle has become one of the most recognized and beloved dogs worldwide, and the Boxer is immensely popular in America, the mix is relatively rare. Their rarity is part of the reason that Boxerdoodles are so expensive.

Also, many believe breeding the two doesn’t make better dogs with combined traits but detracts from the potential purebred lines. Although this is entirely unfounded, the demand has never been high, and thus, the supply is limited.


3.  They Are Adaptable Dogs.

There are not many dogs ready to take on any climate or environment that life throws at them, but Boxerdoodles are one of them. They can tolerate hot and humid locations and are ready to adapt to more frigid temperatures in the North.

Parents Breeds of the Boxerdoodle
Image Credit: Jumpstory

 

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxerdoodle 🧠

The Poodle and the Boxer parents are known to be intelligent breeds, and the Boxerdoodle can develop a cunning personality. Boxerdoodles aren’t all brains, however. They also have a massive heart that makes them loyal pets that are committed to their humans.

Although they can have substantial amounts of energy when they are younger, as they grow older, they generally begin to calm down. They can weigh the risk over the reward of their actions and get into more trouble if they are not disciplined accordingly. Keep in mind that the Poodle in them is pretty sensitive, so don’t ever employ harsh punishments.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Boxerdoodles make excellent family dogs because they are smart enough to understand the needs of small children. They can be a bit more unpredictable when young, but as the dogs grow older, they become calm and loyal pets who love their family. They are also protective dogs that stick with their pack and make sure that no harm comes their way.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Boxerdoodle isn’t that territorial and can be trained from a young age to get along with almost any animal. They have agreeable natures and enjoy getting time to play with other dogs. As with any other dog, socializing them from an early age helps ensure that they will behave well around other animals throughout the rest of their lives.

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Things to Know When Owning a Boxerdoodle:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Since the Boxerdoodle’s size and weight can vary significantly, it is hard to provide the exact amount of food they need daily. Depending on their size, you’ll need a formula designed for small or medium-sized dogs. As your dog grows, you can switch to adult and senior formulas. You can check with your vet to verify the portions and frequency with which they should be fed.

Exercise 🐕

Boxerdoodles are an intriguing mix of energetic and lazy, much of which depends on your mood. Even if they seem happy enough to lie around the house all day, try giving them at least 45 minutes of brisk exercise daily to keep them healthy.

Due to their intelligence and versatility, the exercise doesn’t just need to be walking. It could also include going for runs, doing rigorous training sessions, playing fetch, taking them to the dog park, or including them in agility training.

Training 🦮

Since Boxerdoodles are so smart, they can be speedy learners. They enjoy doing tasks that engage them mentally, and as long as the training isn’t harsh, they will be happy to learn new things.

When trainers work on obedience lessons, they always use positive reinforcement, which is ideal for Boxerdoodles since they don’t respond well to harsh treatments. Being irritated or defiant with them only encourages their own stubborn and obstinate behavior.

Grooming ✂️

Although their coats can vary, Boxerdoodles typically have longer fur that is either wavy or curly. It needs to be brushed multiple times a week to reduce the amount of shedding, as well as to prevent matting from occurring in the undercoat. Ther coats also require trimming to keep it manageable and looking good.

If your Boxerdoodle has inherited short, more wiry fur, they won’t need to be trimmed. Instead, you can brush them with a bristle brush, and use a damp cloth to remove the dirt and grime they have collected.

Beyond maintaining the coat of the dogs, check their ears, and keep them clean to avoid bacterial infections. Trim their nails whenever they begin to grow out, and brush their teeth at least once a week to stave off dental issues.

Health and Conditions ❤️

All hybrid dogs are susceptible to diseases that the parental breeds commonly deal with, but Boxerdoodles are relatively healthy. However, keep an eye out for allergic reactions and maintain regular veterinary checkups.

Minor Conditions
  • Entropion
  • Cataracts
  • Seborrhea
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Allergies
  • Skin Infections
Serious Conditions
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Bloating
  • Ectropion
  • Epilepsy
  • Hip dysplasia

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Male vs. Female

There are no noticeable differences between the size or personality of male and female Boxerdoodles.

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Final Thoughts

Boxerdoodles are well-suited for so many situations that it makes it hard for anyone who may be considering adopting a dog not to think of them. They make great hunting dogs and have a strong work ethic that makes them valuable on a farm or ranch. Not only that, but their intelligence and observant attitude make them quality protectors to have around the home. As family dogs, they love spending time with their favorite humans.


Featured image credit: Piklist

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