The Boxer Pitbull dog is a unique and fascinating breed that can make a wonderful companion for active families. They are a cross between a Boxer and a Pitbull, which can result in a dog that is energetic, playful, and loyal.
Boxer Pitbulls are generally medium to large in size, with males weighing between 60-80 pounds and standing 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming.
In terms of exercise needs, Boxer Pitbulls are highly energetic and require regular physical activity to stay happy and healthy. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.
A different take: Can Pitbulls Be outside Dogs?
Characteristics
The Boxer Pitbull dog is a unique breed with a mix of characteristics from its parent breeds. This dog typically weighs between 60-80 pounds for males and 50-70 pounds for females.
Their height ranges from 17-20 inches for males and 16-19 inches for females. They have a stocky and short build, with a short, straight, and smooth coat that sheds minimally.
Their coat color can vary greatly, including black, red, white, grey, brindle, fawn, blue, brown, tan, and more. They have dark, wide, and round eyes, and their nose is also dark. Their ears are pointy with a slight droop or rose-shaped.
Here are some key characteristics of the Boxer Pitbull dog:
Breed History
The Bullboxer Pit's breed history is a fascinating tale of two parent breeds with distinct backgrounds. The Boxer, which originated in Germany in the 1800s, was used to transport supplies and ferry messages to troops during World War I and II.
The American Pit Bull Terrier, on the other hand, was first employed in blood sports and used in baiting bears and bulls. This history has contributed to the Pitbull's reputation, but it's essential to note that this reputation is often unfair.
The Bullboxer Pit itself has its roots in the now-extinct Bullenbeisser breed, which was a strong and agile Molosser dog. Some breeders still mix Boxers and American Pit Bull Terriers to create this hybrid breed.
A different take: Mini Boxer Dogs
Here's a brief overview of the breed's development:
- Boxer: Developed in Germany in the 1800s from Bulldogs and German Bullenbeisser
- American Pit Bull Terrier: Originated from Terrier and Bulldog bloodlines, bred for strength and tenacity
- Bullenbeisser: A now-extinct Molosser dog known for its strength and agility
These breeds have been combined to create the Bullboxer Pit, a loyal and protective companion with a zest for life.
Bull Highlights
The Bull Highlights section is all about what makes these amazing dogs truly special. They're a mixed breed, which means they don't have the same purity as their Boxer or American Pit Bull Terrier parents.
One thing to keep in mind is that Bullboxer Pits may tend to overeat, so owners must be diligent about monitoring diet.
These dogs have often been used as farm or guard dogs, due mostly to their loyal nature and powerful strength. They're often referred to as "nanny dogs" due to their protective nature towards children.
The Bullboxer Pit's coat has been seen in almost every color imaginable, with brown, tan, yellow, and black being the most regularly seen coat colors.
Bullboxer Pits do shed all year long, but brushing can help. It's also worth noting that they require a significant amount of exercise, making them a great fit for active owners.
Here are some key exercise requirements for Bullboxer Pits:
Overall, Bullboxer Pits are a high-energy breed that require a lot of attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Health and Care
The Boxer Pitbull mix is a generally healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any concerns early.
Some common health problems in Boxer Pitbulls include cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and bloat. Demodectic mange, allergies, and obesity are also potential issues.
To keep your Boxer Pitbull healthy, it's essential to monitor their food servings to avoid overeating and obesity. A daily exercise routine of at least two hours, including brisk walks, frisbee, and swimming sessions, can help keep them active and healthy.
Here are some common health issues in Boxer Pitbulls and the recommended diagnostic tests:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Demodectic Mange
- Allergies
- Obesity
- Heart
- Skin Scraping
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
- Allergy Tests
Health and Care
The Bullboxer Pit is generally a healthy breed, but like any dog, it's prone to certain health issues. Obesity due to overeating is a common problem, so it's essential to monitor food servings and keep snacks to a minimum.
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
For your interest: Pitbull Dog Health Problems
Bullboxer Pits require a lot of exercise, aiming for at least two hours of physical activity every day. This can include brisk walks, frisbee sessions, swimming, and agility training.
To prevent cracking and drying out, it's essential to maintain the paw pads of your Bullboxer Pit. Your vet can recommend an appropriate moisturizer for use on your dog's paws.
Here are some common health issues that Bullboxer Pits suffer from:
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
To keep your Bullboxer Pit healthy, it's also essential to be aware of the following potential health issues:
- Demodectic Mange
- Allergies
- Obesity
Your vet can perform various tests to diagnose potential health issues, including:
- Heart tests
- Skin Scraping
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
- Allergy Tests
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help keep your Bullboxer Pit healthy and happy.
Bull Size
The Bullboxer Pit is a sturdy breed, weighing in at 50 to 80 pounds.
Their medium size belies their stocky build, making them a compact but substantial dog.
Most Bullboxer Pits range in height from 16 to 20 inches.
Female Bullboxer Pits can often be a little smaller than their male counterparts.
Grooming and Nutrition
Grooming your Boxer Pitbull mix is a breeze, thanks to their short and sleek coat. Brushing once or twice a week will help manage loose hair strands and stimulate natural skin oils.
A sturdy yet gentle grooming brush like the Paws and Pals Deshedding Tool is perfect for removing loose, unhealthy hair and dandruff. This brush also reduces pet odor and shedding, leaving a soft and shiny coat.
To keep your dog's ears clean, use a product like TrizCHLOR Flush to prevent bacterial infection. Regular nail trimming with a tool like The Safari Professional will also prevent splitting and cracking.
When it comes to nutrition, your Pitbull Boxer mix needs a balanced diet that meets their high energy levels. Feed them 2 ½ cups of food every day, but adjust according to their activity level. A sports formula dog food is suitable for Pitbulls, while Boxers do well on a variety of food formulas.
Here are some top dog food choices for your Pitbull Boxer mix:
Remember to choose a food that meets your dog's age and nutritional needs, and always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.
Grooming
Grooming is an essential part of caring for your Bullboxer Pit, and it's relatively straightforward given their short and sleek coat. Brushing once or twice a week can help manage loose hair strands and stimulate the production of natural skin oils.
You'll want to check your dog's ears regularly to prevent infection by cleaning out wax buildup and debris. Trimming the nails is also crucial to prevent splitting and cracking.
The Bullboxer Pit sheds moderately, so be prepared for some dog hair in your house. Brushing a couple of times a week can help reduce shedding and keep their coat looking healthy.
Bathing your Bullboxer Pit once a month should suffice, but if they get dirty or muddy, they may need a bath more frequently. Using a premium quality shampoo specially formulated for active dogs can help keep their coat clean and healthy.
Consider reading: Hair Loss Boxer Dogs
Some great tools to help with grooming include the Paws and Pals Deshedding Tool, which removes loose hair and dandruff, and the Safari Professional nail clippers, which keep your pet's nails clean and healthy.
Here are some recommended grooming products for your Bullboxer Pit:
- Paws and Pals Deshedding Tool – A sturdy yet gentle grooming brush that features a stainless steel blade.
- Hartz Groomer’s Best 3-in-1 Conditioning Dog Shampoo – A shampoo that cleans, detangles, and conditions your dog's coat.
- TrizCHLOR Flush – A product that helps maintain healthy skin and ears by flushing out bacteria and debris.
- The Safari Professional – A high-quality nail clipper made of stainless steel.
Combination Food Requirements
Your Pitbull Boxer mix needs a diet that's tailored to their unique needs. Both Pitbulls and Boxers require 2 ½ cups of food every day, but this can vary depending on their activity level.
To guarantee a healthy and longer life, start with a high-quality dry dog food that meets their nutritional needs. Avoid giving them nutrient-deprived food and opt for a formula that's designed for medium-sized breeds with medium-to-high energy.
A good diet for your Pitbull Boxer mix should include high-quality protein, balanced with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, promoting overall health and a shiny coat. Look for options that are rich in real meat, and avoid corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meals.
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Here are some top dog food choices tailored to meet the specific needs of your Pitbull Boxer mix:
- Dog For Dog Food
- Wellness Core Dog Food
- Nutra Thrive dog food supplement
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for Large Breed Puppy
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
- Iams ProActive Health Mature Adult Large Breed
Remember to match your dog's diet to their age, as puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs.
Exercise and Training
Exercise is crucial for a Boxer Pitbull dog, and the amount of exercise they need changes as they grow. Puppies should have limited activities to prevent injuries, but adult dogs require 60-120 minutes of exercise per day to maintain good health.
A Boxer Pitbull dog needs a lot of space to move around, so an ideal home would be one with a large backyard or a lot of room inside to run around. They are also sensitive to extreme weather conditions, so a raincoat or sunscreen is necessary depending on the season.
To keep your Boxer Pitbull dog stimulated and exercised, you can try interactive games or treat-filled puzzle toys in the garden. It's also essential to choose durable toys that can withstand their strong jaws. A Boxer Pitbull dog is not suitable for apartment living due to their high energy needs and large size.
Here are some exercise and training tips for your Boxer Pitbull dog:
- Start with short walks or playtime for puppies until they reach maturity (around 1-16 months)
- Provide 60-120 minutes of exercise per day for adult dogs
- Use a leash when exercising in areas with restrictions or to prevent them from jumping into strangers
- Choose durable toys that can withstand their strong jaws
Exercise Requirements
The exercise needs of your Pitbull Boxer mix are crucial for its overall health and well-being. Puppies of this breed should be limited to regular short walks or play until they reach a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months.
As your Pitbull Boxer mix grows older, the daily exercise requirement will change. Adult Pitbull Boxers need 60-120 minutes of exercise to maintain good health, and they thrive in lively environments with plenty of space to move around.
Both the Pitbull and Boxer breeds are bundles of fun with lots of energy, but the Boxer is the most energetic of the two. They need intense exercise, and when they're not being exercised outside of the home, they need stimulation in the garden with interactive games or treat-filled puzzle toys.
To maintain their intensely muscular frames, Bullboxer Pits need at least two hours of vigorous activity per day, either through brisk walks or jogs, or through alternative activities like swimming, flyball, and agility training.
Here's a summary of the exercise requirements for your Pitbull Boxer mix at different stages of its life:
Remember, the combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it's essential to have a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. With regular exercise and training, your Pitbull Boxer mix will be a loyal and loving companion.
Here's an interesting read: Training Pit Bulls
Training
Training your Pitbull Boxer is a crucial part of their development, and it starts with early socialization with other pups. This will ensure they're well-behaved around other canines.
To begin training, you'll want to teach your Pitbull Boxer basic commands like sit, stay, and fetch. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball will help prep them for this activity.
Constant practice is key to achieving desired effects, especially when it comes to behavior training. Introduce the command "Bark" and its opposite, and reward your pup for being silent.
Chores training is also essential, and teaching your Pitbull Boxer to fetch your newspaper is a great way to start. If they're already familiar with basic commands, you're good to go.
To add some fun to your training sessions, try teaching your Pitbull Boxer to roll over. Start by getting them to lie down, and then reward each action accordingly.
A firm hand is necessary when training a Pitbull Boxer, as they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats, is the way to go.
Here's a list of training tips to keep in mind:
- Start early with socialization and training.
- Use positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats.
- Be firm but consistent in your training.
- Practice regularly to achieve desired effects.
- Make training fun with activities like fetch and roll over.
Remember, exercise is also a crucial part of your Pitbull Boxer's training. They require a lot of physical activity to maintain their powerful figure and muscular appearance. Aim for at least two hours of exercise per day, and consider adding agility training or swimming to mix things up.
Ownership and Lifestyle
As a responsible dog owner, you'll want to prioritize regular veterinary checkups to ensure your Boxer Pitbull stays healthy. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that's tailored to your dog's needs.
Bullboxer Pits are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food servings and avoid over-snacking. A sensible diet is just the beginning, as they require a significant amount of exercise each day.
Aim for at least a couple of hours of exercise daily, including brisk walks, frisbee sessions, swimming, and properly monitored agility training. This will help keep your Boxer Pitbull happy and healthy.
Puppy Price
Puppy Price can be a significant concern for many potential owners. The cost of either a Pitbull or a Boxer from a reputable breeder starts at around $800.
You'll need to consider the specific breed you're interested in, as prices can vary. The Boxer can go up much more in price as he is more sought after and there are fewer of him available in rehoming centers compared to the Pitbull.
If you're considering adopting a Pitbull, be sure to check out Pitbull Rescue Central's database, where you can search for Pitbulls state by state.
Curious to learn more? Check out: American Pit Bull Terrier Cost
Families
The Pitbull Boxer combination is a great choice for families, but it's essential to consider their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature, which can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids.
Training and socialization are crucial to manage this behavior. Check with your local authorities to see if Pitbull mixes are banned or restricted in your area.
Bullboxer Pits can thrive in large spaces, but they also require owners who will dedicate time to train, socialize, and love them. They will want owners who can provide a stable and loving environment.
Early socialization is key with this breed. They are intelligent dogs, and love to be rewarded for good and correct behavior.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a Bullboxer Pit is right for your family:
• Large living space required
• High exercise needs (at least 2 hours per day)
• Training and socialization essential
• Supervised play with children necessary
• May be restricted or banned in some areas
Remember, with the right care and attention, a Bullboxer Pit can make a wonderful addition to your family.
Here's an interesting read: Did They Ban Pit Bulls
Bull Rescue Groups
If you're considering bringing a Bullboxer Pit into your life, you'll want to know about the rescue groups that can help you find one.
Bullboxer Pit Rescue Groups may be hard to find because they're a mixed breed, but you can try Boxer or American Pit Bull Terrier breed-specific rescues, which often care for mixes too.
If you're new to rescue groups, you might be wondering what to expect. Green Acres Boxer Rescue and Save-A-Bull Rescue are two examples of organizations that can help you find a Bullboxer Pit in need of a forever home.
You can start by reaching out to these groups to learn more about their adoption processes and to see if they have any Bullboxer Pits available for adoption.
Here are some rescues you can try:
- Green Acres Boxer Rescue
- Save-A-Bull Rescue
Care and Maintenance
Boxer Pitbull dogs are generally healthy, but they do have a few health concerns to be aware of. Ear infections, aortic stenosis, BOAS, and hip dysplasia are some of the conditions they're more prone to getting.
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Bullboxer Pits can become obese due to overeating, so it's essential to monitor food servings and not over-snack. Aim for a couple of hours of exercise every day, and supplement with brisk walks, frisbee, and swimming sessions, along with monitored agility training.
A monthly bath is usually sufficient for these dogs, but regular brushing with a curry comb or soft bristle brush is necessary to control shedding. If any skin disorders develop, medicated shampoo may be required.
Paw pads require special attention to prevent drying and cracking. Use a good dog-safe moisturizer, starting as early as possible, to sensitize your dog to having their feet touched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Boxer Pit Bull mix called?
A Boxer Pit Bull mix is commonly known as a Bullboxer Pit, which is a cross between a Boxer and an American Pit Bull Terrier.
What is the temperament of a bullboxer dog?
Bullboxers are intelligent and responsive dogs that can be stubborn at times, requiring calm and confident training. With the right approach, they can thrive and become loving and loyal companions
Sources
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- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_bull (wikipedia.org)
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- Souza, Clarissa P., et al. “Evaluation of Immunological Parameters in Pit Bull Terrier-Type Dogs with Juvenile Onset Generalized Demodicosis and Age-Matched Healthy Pit Bull Terrier-Type Dogs.” Veterinary Dermatology, vol. 29, no. 6, 23 Aug. 2018, doi:10.1111/vde.12681. (nih.gov)
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