You should get a Boxer Sheperd mix dog if you’re looking for a loyal, fun, and agile companion. This mixed breed is very interesting, considering that it comes from the breeding of the very diligent German Shepherd and the great-looking Boxer.
First off, where do these dogs come from?
It turns out that both the German Shepherd and the Boxer breeds originate from Germany. The German Shepherd was made by a German soldier that was crossing different local herding dog breeds, while the Boxer finds its ancestors in the German Bullenbeisser, which is a type of mastiff.
So what will you actually get from crossing a Boxer with a German Shepherd? The resulting dog will be a very good-looking one that has a rather intriguing personality. What’s interesting about this specific mix, is that the parent breeds are pretty similar in terms of temperament and behavior, so you won’t have to prepare for a lot of surprises in this area.
You might also like my articles on other dogs like the Border Collie – Pit Bull Mix, the Redtick Coonhound, or the Long Haired Dalmatian.
When it comes to their looks, though, these two breeds of dogs are pretty much different, which means that the resulting mix can take the characteristics of either of the two parents. As for their temperament, it’s the same as with most mixed breeds. They will take traits from each parent.
General Characteristics
GERMAN SHEPHERD
- Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
- Weight: 75 – 100 lb.
- Height: 22 – 26 inches at the shoulder
BOXER
- Lifespan: 10 – 13 years
- Weight: 60 – 75 lb.
- Height: 20 – 26 inches at the shoulder
The German Shepherd is currently the second most popular type of dog in the United States and there are a lot of reasons for this. It is one of the best working dogs due to it being very hardworking and tenacious. A lot of German Shepherds have become popular in time for their public service and the breed overall is showing great strength and dignity. It is also one of the best guard dogs you will be able to find, very dependable and intelligent.
I find the boxer a great breed of dog. It is considered a very lovely dog that likes to play a lot, very beautiful but also intelligent. This dog will continue to act as a puppy but with a lot of charm even through his adulthood and is commonly known as the Peter Pan of dogs. We will be very loyal to his owner and family members, although sometimes stubborn and headstrong. He will also be alert, extremely intelligent, and a fun presence overall.
Boxer Shepherd Characteristics
Temperament
The Boxer Shepherd will be a great guard dog, taking this ability from both of its parents. Even though you can depend on him to do a great job guarding your house, you should know that neither this dog nor other breeds would ever like to be chained outside to guard the house all the time. You should never consider your dog a lifeless protection object. YOu will have to treat them as family members, take them on long walks and give them love and affection to make sure they are happy next to you.
You will notice how smart a Boxer Shepherd is even from a young age. You will notice just how smart he is and how easily he will understand commands, even though the Boxer genes in him will make him really playful and goofy.
Your dog will get a lot more tempered and well-behaved if you let him socialize with other dogs and different people. It is one of the most important tasks you will have as an owner. Extensive socialization will be needed especially to have the dog act normal around people, considering that the German Shepherd genes will make him very wary of strangers.
Just like most other breeds, the Boxer Shepherd will really like to interact with other members of the family or close friends of the owner. These dogs really hate to be left alone in the house, so you should be prepared for this if you really want to own this particular breed.
Its Health
As long as you get this pet from a reliable breeder, there aren’t a lot of health issues you should worry about. If you want to save a life and you get this dog from a shelter or rescue center, then you should go through all his health history so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
You should expect an average Boxer Shepherd to live anywhere between 10 and 12 years. When reaching adulthood it will be a large-sized dog, with an expected weight of around 85 to 90 lb.
Grooming
When talking about its shedding, things are a little more complicated. The German Shepherd sheds extensively, while the boxer will have a short coat that almost doesn’t shed at all. The Boxer Shepherd is a mix of these two, which means its coat can go either way. Be prepared for a lot of brushing if your dog will get the coat from the German Shepherd parent.
Exercise needs and lifestyle
You will need to prepare for a rather active way of life when owning a Boxer Shepherd because this is a very active dog. Most of the time, long walks won’t be enough for this dog. You will also have to give him the possibility to run and play a lot and get his needed dose of energy.
It is very important to have a strong connection with your dog. These aren’t the type of dogs to just keep chained and feed occasionally. Even the best behaving dog will get frustrated if you do this and most dogs, when they get annoyed by your behavior will rebel or become aggressive. Some might even refuse to follow basic commands or start chewing. This is why it is very important to make sure you actually have time to take care of a dog before bringing it home.
You should also be careful when your Boxer Shepherd is around small children. This dog will have to be introduced to children from a young age to ensure his best behavior. You should also teach your children how to behave around big dogs and how to respect their boundaries. Even if you do everything right, keep in mind that these dogs are playful and might injure your children unintentionally while playing.
The Boxer – German Shepherd mix can be very demanding, especially for newbie dog owners. It will need a lot of attention and affection, but it will give a lot of love in return. If you have anything else to add to the article or want to ask me any questions, leave a comment in the form below.
