Boxador: Dog breed characteristics & care

• Boxadors have many names. They are more than just “boxadors.” These pups are also called boxerdors, lobroxers, and even boxerlabs.
• They need plenty of attention. While adorable and fun-loving, boxadors need daily TLC from their favorite people, so they may not be best for families that travel a lot.
• The breed is a great option for multi-pet households. Boxadors, especially when socialized young, do great with other dogs, cats, and small children.

Like their boxer parents, boxadors are high-energy and are always up for a good time with their family. These hybrid dogs grow strong attachments to their family, which means that they can suffer from separation anxiety if they spend too much time away from their humans. Labrador retrievers, one-half of the boxador parentage, are highly intelligent and people-pleasers. Combine that with how both breeds are loving dogs, and you have a highly adaptable and trainable family pet!

As with most dog breeds and hybrids, working on positive early socialization with your boxador is a good idea. This helps them be friendly to strangers, tolerant of unexpected situations, and best friends with other family pets.

👉Keep in mind with this boxer lab mix breed, there isn’t yet a breed standard. Boxadors can be solid, 50-lb large dogs, or extra-large and weigh in at over 100. It all depends on their parentage.

In many cases, the deliberate creation of a new designer breed is to eliminate undesirable traits from purebred dogs and ultimately, lead to a new breed. For the boxador, the result is a typically healthier hybrid than both the Lab or boxer parent. Still, certain health conditions can have an impact on boxadors living a happy and healthy life.

• Hip dysplasia. Most common with bigger dogs, hip dysplasia occurs when the femur bone and hip no longer align correctly. This misalignment can create pain for some dogs.
• Heart disease. Boxadors, like their boxer parents, may be more susceptible to certain heart conditions, like arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. Go to source (ARVC) or aortic stenosis Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source  (AS), both of which can impact these hybrid, designer breed dogs.
• Hypothyroidism. For dogs suffering with hypothyroidism Trusted Source VCA Hospitals Community of veterinarians with up-to-date veterinary information. Go to source , it comes about in a few different ways, including  lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy. In both cases, pet owners should watch for common symptoms like slow or no hair growth, lethargy, and unexplained weight gain.

Cost of caring for a boxador

Overall a healthy designer breed, the average boxador doesn’t have a lot of health related costs. Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and parasite prevention (like Simparica Trio for flea, tick, and heartworm protection) can amount to a few hundred dollars a month. Still, because of the chronic conditions that can arise later in life, it’s a good idea to invest in pet health insurance early on. Because most pet insurance reimburses you rather than paying directly to the provider, it’s best to also set up a pet savings account so that you’re prepared for the unexpected.

While boxers and Labradors may have bred naturally over the years, breeders began intentionally breeding the hybrid boxador  around the 1990s in North America. Historically, combining recognized, established breeds has been a good technique for eliminating issues in parent breeds — doodle breeds (with poodle parentage), for example, create hypoallergenic varieties of dog breeds that owners typically can’t have due to dog allergies.

As boxadors grow in popularity, so have their recognition by various organizations. While the boxador isn’t yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC),  Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

Caring for a new puppy of any breed can be overwhelming. You’ll need to make your first trip to the vet and schedule your dog’s vaccinations to keep them in good health from the start. We can even help you puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething. No one likes to think about losing their new dog but FidoAlert provides a free Fido ID and tag so you’re prepared just in case. Here are some other basics specific to boxadors.

Exercise

As a cross breed with high energy levels, boxadors need a lot of exercise, and will do best with an active owner. Either in the form of a hike, walk, or rousing game of fetch, these dogs need at least half an hour a day of dedicated time where they can stretch their legs and burn off energy. Remaining active (and using supplements to promote good joint health) can help your new four legged family member stay healthier longer. Big homes with yards are ideal for these boxer mixes, but they make overall good family dogs and can adapt to any sort of house or apartment.

While their shorter, thinner coat doesn’t necessitate any special measures during the summertime, it’s still important to make sure your dog doesn’t get too hot or too cold, depending on the season.

Grooming

Grooming for a boxador is a pretty straightforward and simple process. Their short coat means that weekly brushes, and baths as needed, is enough to take care of your Boxador’s coat. Other tasks, like regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing, should be done regularly to ensure your dog’s health.

Diet and nutrition

Like all dog breeds, feeding your Boxador a high quality commercial dog food is always a good choice. It’s important to work with your vet when deciding how to choose a dog food because they can provide specialized guidance, up to date information, and address any unique needs your dog has.

Boxadors can be a medium sized dog, or a bigger one. It really depends on the size of the dogs in their lineage. Because of that, how much food to feed your dog will depend on your vet’s recommendation, and their weight and nutritional needs.

Because boxadors are part Labrador, they are known for high intelligence and thus, easier to train. But, they are also stubborn and often possess a high prey drive as well. Owners, particularly new dog owners, may need to gain insight and tips from trainers on how to establish dominance and train dogs so that they are well rounded and properly socialized! Here are a few suggestions to get you started with training any dog:

• Be patient. While intelligent, your Boxador won’t pick up a new trick on day one. Be patient with them, and don’t get aggravated.
• Start from day one. As soon as you bring your new dog home, whether they are an adult or a puppy, start with training sessions and socialization.
• Have fun! Seriously, making training fun, engaging, and keeping it rewards based is the best way to train your boxador manners or a new trick.

Not quite sure that a Boxador is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:

• Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Similar in personality but smaller in stature, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel is a great addition for pet owners looking for all the personality, but in a smaller package.
• English cream golden retriever. A purebred alternative, the English cream golden retriever has the elegance of an established breed, and trainability of a boxador.
• Boston terrier. Ideal for those looking for a pint-sized boxer, the Boston terrier has a big personality, but in a smaller (and easier to manage) package.