Miniature Boxer Dog Breed

The purebred parents of the Miniature Boxer come from two different groups. The American Kennel Club (AKC) puts the Boxer in the Working Group and the Boston Terrier in the Non-Sporting Group. The Boxer, however, tends to be genetically dominant in this hybrid dog. They can perform keen watchdog duties but only light guard duties, are great at protecting the kids, and love being a companion to people in need of one. These qualities make this versatile mixed breed a great dog for first-time families and solitary persons alike.

PROS

• Highly intelligent
• Is a great watchdog
• Likes to play around
• Happy on large estates
• Can live in small apartments
• Great for first-time dog owners
• More gentle than purebred Boxers
• Deeply devoted companion and family member
• Guard dog capability is present but limited due to small size

CONS

• Requires a lot of exercise
• Tends to be aloof to strangers
• Can suffer from separation anxiety
• May need constant socialization with other dogs
• Can become destructive if allowed to become bored
• Flip side of high intelligence is a notable stubbornness
• Prone to chasing the family cat and / or other smaller animals
• Tendency to bark a lot if not properly trained, socialized and mentally stimulated

Miniature Boxers are not purebred Boxers, but they tend to basically be smaller versions of Boxers. The Boxer's temperament almost always prevails because Boston Terriers are a breed that usually allows the other parent breed to dominate genetically save for the down-sizing aspect. This Miniature Boxer information can be supplemented by visiting both parent breed pages.

The intelligence of the Miniature Boxer is both boon and bane: if handled well — early, consistent and proper training — then this hybrid's intelligence will be a boon. Failing to manage this hybrid dog's desire to learn, explore and chase will definitely result in things being chewed, items being destroyed and a growing aggression toward people, other pets and most other animals. Be sure to be responsible for your Miniature Boxer and her intelligence will reward both of you!

Miniature Boxers are great dogs because they can be trained with moderate effort and gets along well with kids. This mixed breed is playful, energetic and loyal, but they are also great watch dogs; if a dire threat emerges, they will often do what they can to be all the guard dog they can be. They love to be alongside their loved ones as much as possible too.

Although they are good hybrid dogs for first-time families and solitary people, they do require a great amount of exercise. While small in size, Miniature Boxers love to run and play almost endlessly, and their strength and stamina will surprise you.

The Miniature Boxer is produced from two very disparate parent breeds: the Boxer and the Boston Terrier. Just as the Boxer's physical characteristics will almost certainly dominate the puppies produced when crossed with a Boston Terrier, so too should the temperament tend to dominate. (Unfortunately, this mixed breed has been around since only about 2010, there is very little else definitively known about the temperament of the Boxer / Boston Terrier mix.) Purebred Boxers are highly intelligent, rather headstrong and extremely protective of their loved ones. They usually give chase to small animals, can be overly protective of their loved ones and are rather highly active; these potential personality issues can be mitigated with early training, wide socialization (at home, on walks and in parks) and a lot of exercise.

While the basic Miniature Boxer temperament is generally alright for first-time families, failing to be responsible for your puppy can result in shyness around strangers, dominating the household and destructive behavior. They do play well with kids, however, and are great watchdogs as well as are extremely devoted. It's best to learn a lot about purebred Boxers as well as spend at least some time researching Boston Terriers so you can best understand the possible temperament of your Miniature Boxer. It's even better to meet the parents; doing so will help you to understand the possible temperament that your Mini-Boxer hybrid dog may inherit.

The Miniature Boxer is one of those hybrids that tends to not mitigate the many health concerns that the two parent breeds bring to the figurative table. This crossbreed has been around only since about 2010, so the doctor is still out, so to speak, on a firm diagnosis. There are many personal reports that allege serious ailments regarding the heart, thyroid and joint problems — among a host of other issues. The biggest concern, however, is cancer, and that requires a lot of responsibility should this develop in your companion.

Visit the parent breed pages (Boxer and Boston Terrier) for a list of common health issues-- some of which can potentially be passed down to your Mini. Kept healthy, happy and well-exercised, you should expect your Miniature Boxer to live from 12 to 15 years.