Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Boxweiler (Rottweiler Boxer Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

Share

boxweiler-lying-in-the-grass-biting

A Boxweiler is a mix of a Rottweiler and a Boxer—so you know you are going to get a large dog! They are strong and sturdy in build and have the personalities to match. The Boxweiler tends to have characteristics of both parents, so they are both playful and protective.

Breed Overview

Height

21 – 27 inches

Weight

70 – 100 pounds

Lifespan

8 – 13 years

Colors

Brown, fawn, white, black, brindle

Suitable for

Active families with older children, experienced dog owners

Temperament

Protective, dedicated, playful, intelligent

The Boxer Rottweiler mix make good dogs for experienced dog owners who can give them the firm training and attention they need to thrive. Active families with older children are ideal for these energetic dogs. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn more about this breed!

Boxweiler Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Boxweiler Puppies

If you want to adopt one of these playful and dedicated dogs, it is important to make sure you are choosing a reputable breeder if you decide to work with one to get a Boxweiler puppy.

Although they are not common, it may be possible to find Boxweilers in shelters throughout the United States. You may also be able to find a Boxweiler through a Boxer or Rottweiler breed-specific rescue.

It is also very important to know that Boxweilers are prone to some pretty serious health problems and you may incur higher than normal veterinary costs throughout your dog’s lifetime.

Parent Breeds of the Boxweiler
Image Credit: Left- volofin, Shutterstock | Right – Shedara Weinsberg, Shutterstock

divider dog faces oct 2024

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxweiler 🧠

Both of their parents are intelligent canines who have been used as working dogs for years, so it is no surprise that the Boxweiler is the same. They are smart and very trainable, provided they have an experienced owner who knows how to bring out the best in them. Boxweilers are playful and affectionate toward their families but can be wary of strangers. This makes them excellent watchdogs and protectors.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Boxweilers are good dogs for families with older children. Their large size does not make them a great choice for families with small children. Although Boxweilers are not known to be aggressive toward their families, smaller children can make them nervous. Young children may also not understand how to play gently with such a large dog.

Boxweilers also need families who will not leave them alone for long periods. The Boxer Rottweiler mix becomes very attached to its family and can become destructive when left alone for too long. However, for the right family, the Boxweiler can make a wonderfully playful, and dedicated companion. They love to run around and play as much as they love to cuddle on the couch at the end of the day.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

The Boxer Rottweiler mix is a large dog descended from two breeds who were originally hunting dogs so they may not be the best choice if you have other smaller pets. They also tend to prefer to be the only pet in the family. This being said, they can get along with other dogs and even cats as long as they are introduced to them at a young age. Because of their size, they should always be monitored while around smaller animals.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning a Boxweiler

Boxweilers are great pets for the right family. They have a good deal of energy and need plenty of firm training due to their size. Along with these considerations, you should also be aware of their potential health problems, grooming needs, and diet requirements. Read on to learn more about what you can expect if you plan on bringing a Boxweiler into your family.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Even though they are active dogs, the Boxweiler will gain weight if overfed. They require high-quality food for large breeds to meet their energy requirements. You should talk to your veterinarian for recommendations for your dog based on their specific health conditions, life stage, and activity level.

Because of their tendency toward weight gain, you should limit the number of treats you give your Boxweiler. You should also avoid giving them table scraps. The best way to help them maintain a healthy weight is to stick to a regular feeding schedule and make sure they get plenty of exercise.

Exercise 🐕

The Boxweiler has a lot of energy and needs plenty of physical and mental exercise. They do not do well in a small apartment or when left alone for a long time. They love games like fetch and chasing a ball. The Boxweiler also enjoys long walks and time outside with their family. If you have a large, fenced yard and a family that likes being outside, that would be perfect for a Boxweiler.

Mental exercise is also important for the Boxer Rottweiler mix. They are intelligent and need mental stimulation. Interactive games and food puzzles are perfect choices to keep their brain active.

Training 🎾

Boxers and Rottweilers are both highly trainable and intelligent and the Boxweiler inherits these traits. There is a slight tendency to be stubborn, but an experienced trainer can overcome this obstacle and bring out the best in your Boxweiler. They like to please their owners and enjoy the challenge that learning new commands provides them with.

The Boxweiler must receive training from puppyhood as they are large dogs who need some discipline and training to ensure they will be great pets.

Grooming ✂️

The Boxweiler has minimal grooming requirements. Their coat is short and requires brushing once or twice per week, perhaps more frequently during shedding seasons.

Rottweilers do drool frequently, so if your Boxweiler takes after their Rottweiler parent, they may do so as well. Occasional baths may be helpful if your dog begins to smell.

Finally, regular nail clipping, tooth brushing, and ear cleaning will prevent issues with your pet’s feet, mouth, and ears.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Minor Conditions
  • Ear Infections – The Boxweiler tends to get frequent ear infections. Regular checking and cleaning of their ears can help prevent these.
  • Dental Issues – Regular teeth brushing can help prevent problems with your dog’s teeth and gums.
Serious Conditions
  • Hip Dysplasia – Like many large breed dogs, Boxweilers are prone to this painful and often debilitating condition. If it becomes too painful, surgery may be required.
  • Cancer – Cancers like bone cancer and hemangiosarcoma appear more frequently in these breeds than in others. In some cases, life can be extended but these cancers often spread quickly before they are detected.
  • Heart Conditions – Most heart conditions can be detected with frequent physical exams. Many are controlled with medications that can extend your pet’s life.
  • Degenerative MyelopathyThis condition affects older dogs. It is progressive and attacks the spinal cord leading to the loss of hind limb coordination and eventual paralysis.

The Boxweiler is prone to some of the same health conditions that bother both Boxers and Rottweilers. While mixed breeds can be healthier than purebreds, there are still some more serious conditions that you need to be aware of if you are going to bring a Boxweiler into your family.

Male vs Female

There is no obvious difference in temperament between the male and female Boxweiler. Both are great family dogs with the right training and socialization. When it comes to size, females tend to be slightly smaller than males.

divider dog faces oct 2024

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxweiler

1. The Boxer Rottweiler Mix Are Highly Sensitive

The Boxweiler is a very sensitive dog. Thus, they do not respond well to negative training of any kind. Positive reinforcement will get you much better results with these intelligent dogs.


2. Both Boxers And Rottweilers Are From Germany

Both of the Boxweiler’s parents come from Germany. It is believed that the first Boxweiler was born sometime during the 1980s. There is debate over whether this occurred in Germany or elsewhere.


3. They Need Plenty of Mental and Physical Activity

Boxweilers have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise of both the mental and physical variety. They thrive when challenged to use their brains and bodies.

divider dog faces oct 2024

Conclusion

The Boxweiler is not the right dog for everyone. They are sweet, protective, and loyal but they do have specific energy and training needs that must be met. However, if you are active and able to dedicate the needed time and effort to their training, the Boxweiler might be a good fit for your family. They make excellent playmates, companions, and watchdogs.


Featured Image Credit: Malachi Jacobs, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Spice Cabinet Dangers Most Dog Owners Don’t Think About

Most people know chocolate is off-limits for dogs. Fewer realize that some of the most common herbs and spices sitting in a kitchen...

A Major Breakthrough in Canine Anxiety Care: FDA Approves First Dual-Purpose Medication

Why This FDA Approval Is Such Important News For years, veterinarians and pet parents have struggled with a frustrating reality in canine behavioral...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! Can Shock Collars Cause Seizures? (June 1, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Behind Most “Bad” Dog Behavior Is a Pretty Simple Problem (and Solution)

Dogs are supposed to be easygoing companions, and many seem to live up to it: sleeping on the couch for hours, watching the...

More related

Cane Corso vs Mastiff: Vet-Reviewed Key Differences (With Pictures)

People often confuse the Cane Corso with the giant English Mastiff since they’re both pretty big dogs. Both breeds are loyal, loving, and...

How Many Emotional Support Animals Can You Have? Regulations & FAQ

More and more people are turning to emotional support animals (or ESAs) for help with anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders and conditions....

10 Essential Rules for Raw Dog Food: Vet-Verified Nutrition Considerations

Raw feeding is a controversial subject among dog owners, with some advocating for and some against it. There are clear guidelines from regulating...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (November 20, 2025)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Pirate’s Booty? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & Risk

Pirate’s Booty—it’s not just buried treasure! For over 30 years, fans have loved to snack on these delicious, golden cheese puffs. They bill themselves as a more natural (and tastier) option on the cheese puff market, without the artificial colors...

Can Dogs Eat_Pirates Booty

Can Dogs Eat Mint? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

What do you think of when you think of mint? Fresh breath, spruced-up salads, smoothies, and mojitos. But have you ever wondered if your dog can have mint? Smelly dog breath is a common complaint, so is it okay to...

can dogs eat mint

10 Best Dog Foods for Less Poop in 2026 – Reviews and Top Picks

If it feels like you’re going through an excessive amount of poop bags, you might wonder if there is a way to decrease the amount of waste your dog creates. Sometimes, your dog may be dealing with a medical issue...

yorkie dog pooping on the grass

Does Rachael Ray Dog Food Come From China? Facts & Recall History

Rachael Ray Dog Food is known for being a relatively affordable dog food brand with good quality formulas and nutritious recipes. This brand sources its ingredients and manufactures its food in multiple locations, but none of these locations include any...

Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Variety Pack Wet Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Warm Food? Vet-Verified Benefits, Risks & Facts

Though most dog food formulas are designed for straight-into-the-bowl convenience, some people opt to warm them up before their pooch tucks in. Feeding your dog warm food is perfectly fine as long as it’s suitable for heating up (freeze-dried raw...

Can Dogs Eat Warm Food

Can Dogs Eat Kimchi? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

Every day, you sit down at some point to munch on your food. As you move your hands for the first bite, you see your dog staring at you with those puppy eyes, begging for a taste. You have no...

Can Dogs Eat_Kimchi

6 Best Air-Dried Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Air-dried dog food hasn’t been around on the market for all that long, but it deserves more attention than it’s been given. Often over-shadowed by freeze-dried or dehydrated dog food, air-dried dog food is often overlooked but can stand its...

miniature schnauzer dog eating on the sofa

Cat Food vs Dog Food: The Main Differences

Many people have both dogs and cats in their homes. With the high cost of pet food, some owners are starting to wonder what the differences are between dog and cat food and if both animals can eat the same...

Cat Food VS Dog Food

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter