Why You Should Consider Adopting a Boxer Mix

If you’re considering adopting a Boxer mix, you might be wondering if this mix is right for you. Boxers are playful, loving, energetic, and extremely loyal dogs. Boxer mixes frequently have many of the Boxer’s wonderful traits, as well as physical and temperamental characteristics from the other parent breed. The more you understand about the Boxer, the better you’ll be able to tell if a Boxer mix is a good match for you and your family.

TLDR: Boxer mixes often inherit the breed’s athletic, muscular build and distinctive square-jawed facial structure. Temperament traits typically include playfulness, boundless energy, and a deeply loving, protective nature. 

All about Boxer mix dogs

Though Boxers can look strong and serious, this breed and their mixes are beloved for their fun, playful, sometimes silly personalities. Boxers act like puppies well into adulthood and adore playing, especially with children. In fact, some people refer to the Boxer as the “Peter Pan of dog breeds.” 

Though the ancestors of the Boxer were once used for hunting, the Boxer evolved over centuries to perform many types of service, from working on farms to guarding property to serving as police and military dogs. But the job at which the Boxer most excels is being an extremely loving, devoted companion. 

Along with their fun-loving personalities, Boxer mixes are extremely smart and enjoy learning, so they are considered easy to train. Just keep in mind that even easy-to-train dogs require a long-term commitment and a lot of patience. They are strong and athletic, with tons of energy, so Boxer mixes need a lot of daily exercise to be the best versions of themselves. 

Why you should get a Boxer mix

Boxer mixes often inherit some or all of the Boxer’s exceptional traits, making them fantastic pets when paired with the right families. 

• High-energy and athletic: Boxer mixes are generally filled with energy, especially if the other breeds in the mix have similar energy levels as Boxers. These athletic dogs make great hiking partners and can do well in dog sports like agility.

• Intelligent and eager to please: Boxers are smart and want to please you. As such, Boxers mixed with other breeds known for intelligence will tend to be easy to train. 

• Family-friendly: Boxers and their mixes are friendly with people of all ages. Their lively, fun-loving nature makes them perfect playmates for older kids who can handle occasional bumping or paw slaps from an exuberant Boxer mix. 

• Not prone to barking: Although any dog can bark during play or to alert you about strangers approaching, Boxers are generally quiet. Unless the other breed in a Boxer mix is known for excessive barking, most will not be overly noisy.  

• Loyal and protective: Boxers are famed for their loyalty, bravery, and watchful protectiveness. Many Boxer mixes are alert to danger and will protect their human family members if need be.

Considerations before adopting a Boxer mix

Boxers and their mixes are outstanding pets for many people, but only if their needs can be met adequately. A good match is the best way to ensure an adoption works out for the dog and the family. Some Boxer personality and health needs include the following. 

Significant exercise and training needs

Boxers and Boxer mixes are filled with energy and are hard workers. But they can be calm at home if they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and training. Depending on the individual dog, prepare to provide one to two hours of exercise each day.

Brachycephalic syndrome

This condition affects dogs with pushed-in faces (like Boxers) and refers to a collection of breathing issues caused by this physical characteristic. Brachycephalic dogs can have problems such as stenotic nares (narrow, pinched nostrils), an elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules (soft tissue in the throat and larynx blocking the airway), and hypoplastic trachea (a too-narrow windpipe). 

Symptoms include noisy breathing, labored breathing, snorting, snoring, difficulty exercising, and heat intolerance. Many Boxer mixes have less extreme facial anatomies than purebreds, so complications from brachycephalic syndrome are less common in them. However, if a Boxer mix has a very flat face, this is something to be aware of.

Temperature sensitivity

Due to their flat faces, Boxers and their mixes can also be very sensitive to warm temperatures. So, it’s better to exercise these dogs early in the morning or in the twilight hours, especially in spring and summer. Boxer mixes with very pushed-in faces also need access to plenty of shade, cool water, and fans or air conditioning when temperatures are hot. 

Not ideal for small spaces

The ideal space for a boxer mix varies depending on the individual dog. Due to their larger sizes, boisterous natures, and need for regular physical activity, adopting a large dog may not be the best choice for apartment living. That said, some smaller Boxer mixes, or those with less energy than typical Boxer mixes, might be able to live happily in a smaller home. 

High companionship needs

Boxers and many of their mixes thrive on the attention and company of their human families. These dogs don’t tend to do well if left alone at home for long hours. Without enough human interaction, Boxer mixes might develop anxiety disorders or become bored and come up with their own entertainment through destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.

What kind of Boxer mixes are there?

You’ll find many different Boxer mixes during an adoption search, but some are more common than others. Knowing the two breeds in the mix can help you make some guesses about the appearance and personality of these pups. Here are some of the most common Boxer mixes and how they tend to look and act.

South Charlotte Dog Rescue/ Sammy

Boxer and Labrador Retriever mix

A Boxer-Labrador mix dog — sometimes called a Boxador — is one of the most common Boxer mixes you’ll find in animal shelters and rescue groups. A Boxer dog mixed with a Lab is typically a medium to large breed dog (between 55 and 80 pounds), with a smooth or short straight coat. Boxadors with a Labrador coat tend to shed more heavily than Boxers, who are moderate shedders. A typical personality of the Boxador is social, friendly, smart, trainable, and highly energetic.

Traits

• Estimated size: 55-80 pounds

• Characteristics: High-energy, friendly

Boxer and Pit Bull mix

You might see a Boxer–Pit Bull mix listed as a Boxer mixed with “pit bull” or more specifically, an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Though their sizes can vary, a Boxer–Pit Bull mix will likely be on the bigger side, about 50 to 80 pounds. Expect a short, smooth coat that sheds minimally to moderately. Most Boxer–Pit Bull mixes need lots of daily exercise and consistent training.

Traits

• Estimated size: 50-80 pounds

• Characteristics: High-energy, loving

The Animal Protection League Inc., Indiana/

Boxer and German Shepherd mix

A Boxer–German Shepherd mix, or simply Boxer-Shepherd mix, will likely be large (about 60 to 90 pounds). Their coat might be short and smooth like a Boxer’s, medium length or longer like a German Shepherd’s, or somewhere in between. These two breeds share a lot of similar traits, especially intelligence, trainability, loyalty, and protectiveness. If this mix takes after the German Shepherd parents, the dog might be a bit more serious than a bouncy, goofy Boxer. Lots of daily exercise and consistent training will help this mix feel calm and relaxed in the house.

Traits

• Estimated size: 60-90 pounds

• Characteristics: High-energy, curious

Andrej Antic / Shutterstock/

Boxer and Husky mix

A Boxer–Siberian Husky mix is generally medium-sized to large (somewhere between 45 and 75 pounds) and might have a smooth, short coat like a Boxer’s, a thick, fluffy coat like a Husky’s, or something in between. Shedding might be an issue if the dog has a Husky-type coat. A Boxer-Husky mix is going to take the term “high energy” to an entirely new level. Both breeds are exuberant, with the Husky even more so than the Boxer. This mix would make a great running partner or agility competitor.

Traits

• Estimated size: 45-75 pounds

• Characteristics: High-energy, goofy

Animals First/

Boxer and Beagle mix

A Beagle-Boxer mix might be on the smaller side, especially compared to other Boxer mixes. Because Boxers are quite a bit larger than Beagles, the weight range of this mix can be wide. You might find Boxer-Beagle mixes as small as 20 to 30 pounds and as large as 50 to 60 pounds. The coat will be short and smooth, but might shed a lot, especially during seasonal changes in spring and fall. A Boxer-Beagle will likely be social, outgoing, playful, and silly. Energy levels will be moderate to high, with smaller Boxer-Beagle mixes easier to exercise. This would be a great mix for families with kids.

Traits

• Estimated size: 20-60 pounds

• Characteristics: Moderate to high energy, playful

Where can I adopt a Boxer mix? 

If a Boxer mix sounds like the dog for you, you’ll be happy to know that many types of Boxer-mix dogs are waiting for their forever homes in animal shelters and pet rescues. Consolidate your search by using a pet adoption site like Adopt a Pet, which allows you to search for Boxer mixes in your area. Adopting a Boxer mix typically requires a small adoption fee, which covers the costs of caring for the dog before adoption. 

Commonly asked questions

What is the best mix with a Boxer?

There is no best mix with a Boxer, since many different Boxer mixes make wonderful pets. That said, Boxers mixed with breeds who are not brachycephalic (or have a pushed-in face like the Boxer) might be somewhat healthier and able to handle warmer temperatures. Some common Boxer mixes include Boxadors (Boxer and Labrador Retriever), Boxer–Pit Bull mixes, and Boxer–German Shepherd mixes. 

What are the best dog breeds for families?

The best dog breeds for families will vary depending on your specific family dynamics —  including how many children you have, their ages, and what types of activities your family enjoys doing. Some common family-friendly breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, Collies, Shih Tzu, and many different types of mixed-breed dogs.  

References

Anderson, Callie. Investigating Media Influence on Canine Breed Popularity and Increasing Prevalence of Genetic Linked Disorders Increasing Prevalence of Genetic Linked Disorders. 2021. https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1078&context=honorstheses

“Arrhythmias (Abnormal Rhythms) in Dogs | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.” www.vet.cornell.edu, www.vet.cornell.edu/hospitals/services/cardiology/arrhythmias-abnormal-rhythms-dogs.

“Boxer Health Panel | Veterinary Genetics Laboratory.” Ucdavis.edu, 2025, vgl.ucdavis.edu/panel/boxer-health-panel. 

Collins, Brian. “Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 1 Aug. 2023, www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/brachycephalic-obstructive-airway-syndrome-boas. 

Eckart, Kim. “Genes Contribute to Dog Breeds’ Iconic Traits.” UW News, 8 Oct. 2019, www.washington.edu/news/2019/10/08/genes-contribute-to-dog-breeds-iconic-traits/.

O’Neill, D G, et al. “Demography, Common Disorders and Mortality of Boxer Dogs under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK.” Canine Medicine and Genetics, vol. 10, no. 1, 1 June 2023, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-023-00129-w.