Miniature Boxer (Boston Terrier & Boxer Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Miniature Boxer is a designer breed of dog that are a hybrid combination of the Boston Terrier and the Boxer. Even though a Miniature Boxer is significantly smaller than a purebred Boxer, it shares numerous characteristics of its appearance with either both of its parent breeds or just one.

Breed Overview

Although not recognized by major kennel club registries, these non-aggressive dogs make excellent companions for adults and children alike. Let’s take a deeper look into the Miniature Boxer and find out what makes them so special!

Miniature Boxer Characteristics

Miniature Boxer Puppies

If you’re considering a Boston Terrier Boxer mix as your new household pet, there are a few things to consider before doing so. It’s important to note that Miniature Boxers have a very outgoing personality with a very significant amount of energy. This characteristic makes them quite similar to other dogs.

Miniature Boxers are also known for their sociability and desire to be around others as they dislike being alone. Their lifespan can be anywhere from 12-15 years with the possibility of certain health conditions developing during the course of their life.

Overall, Miniature Boxers can be trained to be excellent household pets.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Boxer

Miniature Boxers are known for having a very outgoing temperament. They are best described as being intelligent, friendly, affectionate, alert, loving, playful, gentle, loyal, protective, and social. They don’t have a high tolerance for solitude so it’s best to keep them company. Miniature boxers are seen as an excellent choice for a family pet because of their friendly and protective nature.

Keep in mind that Miniature Boxers can become verbal and aggressive when they meet a stranger and associate it with a sense danger to their human family. However, once they are assured that there is no danger, they will go back to their usual behavior.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Miniature Boxers are an excellent choice for families wanting a friendly and playful companion. They can prove to be a great addition to the household for people from all walks of life including active families, novice dog owners, singles, couples, and active retirees.

For kids, having a Miniature Boxer will give them the opportunity to learn practical life lessons about responsibility, patience, and compassion.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

These high-energy dogs have no issues getting along with other dogs so long as they are properly trained and socialized. The training process begins in the Miniature Boxers first few years of life so by the time they are a bit grown, they will have no issues interacting with others and being social.

Furthermore, Miniature Boxers that have been trained get along well with family cats and other animals. This is a great perk because if you have more than one pet in your house, you will not have to worry about your Miniature Boxer getting into a fight or injuring the other ones.

Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Boxer:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Miniature boxers consume 2 cups of food daily. They require adequate amounts of meat protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to maintain normal functionality.

Pet owners should stay away from giving their dogs any food containing additives, byproducts, and fillers as that could lead to bad side effects and negatively impact the health of the dog.

Exercise 🐕

Miniature Boxers require a significant amount of exercise. Pet owners should aim to take their dogs on daily walks and give them ample opportunity to move around and play.

There is a high chance that your Miniature Boxer will be tempted to wander around while getting exercise so it’s up to you to keep them on a leash to prevent them from getting lost.

Training 🎾

Miniature Boxers need to be trained so that they can be kept as household pets. However, they are easily trainable as they are naturally intelligent and social. Providing good training from a very early age is the foundation for developing a strong and reliable relationship with your dog.

Grooming ✂️

Miniature Boxers need a moderate amount of maintenance in order to stay well-groomed. Miniature Boxers experience a moderate amount of shedding which is why they need to be brushed every single day or once every two days in order to keep them free of loose hair and debris.

It’s important to note that Miniature Boxers are not hypoallergenic. This is why people with any kind of breathing problem can experience exacerbated signs due to pet hair. This is why it is imperative for Miniature Boxer owners to stay on top of their pet’s grooming schedule.

In addition, you can give your dog weekly ear checkups and clean only as necessary to prevent any infection from forming. You can also do weekly feet and toenail checks and trim as needed based on when you deem necessary.

Pet owners should aim to give their dogs routine dental cleanings to help reduce the chances of numerous oral diseases and tooth loss.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Due to the nature of breeding, Miniature Boxers can be prone to a myriad of health conditions. These health conditions are not always easy to detect. Although these diseases may never impact your dog, having an awareness of their existence in the gene pool should not be neglected.

Some occasional diagnoses for Miniature Boxers include cataracts, Spina Bifida, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), and Cushing’s Syndrome.

Some occasional testing that may be needed for your Miniature Boxer includes, Electrocardiogram, Neurological Examination, Internal Imaging (X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.), Fecal Analysis, Blood and Urine Tests, Complete Physical Examination, Optical Examination for PRA, Electromyography (EMG), Echocardiography (ultrasound), as well as skin and hair exams.

Male vs Female

Male and female Miniature Boxers are not much different from each other. Most of the time they are very similar, with the obvious differentiating factor being size. Male Miniature Boxers can be slightly larger than female Miniature Boxers.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Boxer

1. This breed of dog originated in the United States.

The Miniature Boxer is one of the most loved breeds in the United States.

2. The predecessor of the Boxer was of German origin.

The purpose of this breed was primarily for hunting wild game.

3. The Miniature Boxer is prone to heat stroke.

Their low tolerance to heat is inherited from their Boxer side.

Summary

Miniature Boxers make wonderful pets, known for their friendly nature, loyalty, intelligence, and protective instincts. These qualities, among many others, make them an excellent addition to any household. Kids and adults alike can benefit from their social nature. Unfortunately, Miniature Boxers can be impacted by certain health conditions that exist in their gene pool. The major and minor diseases can be easily prevented by taking the initiative to have your dog get checked out by a veterinarian for routine checkups and tests such as blood and urine tests and a complete physical examination. This is why it’s important to stay vigilant regarding the health of your dog.

Just like with any other pet, maintenance of all facets of their overall health and well-being is crucial for the optimum health and happiness of your dog. Taking good care of their training, diet, exercise, and grooming are just some of the important factors that need to be kept in order so that your dog can live a healthy and good life.

With all this knowledge, you can now feel confident about owning and taking care of a Miniature Boxer. Having them be your household companion will be nothing short of a rewarding experience!

See Also:

• Frisian Water Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More
• Havachon (Bichon Frise & Havanese Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Featured Image Credit: Nick Chase 68, Shutterstock