A combination of two working breeds, the Boxer Shepherd is the ideal choice for a multipurpose, versatile guard dog. In terms of Boxer vs German Shepherd, the two breeds have very similar histories and have been bred over the years to perform physically-demanding duties (such as herding, police and military work) which makes it challenging to differentiate between the two dog personalities. Nonetheless, this dog is a great choice to adopt for active families looking for a playful, intelligent, active and reliable mid-size guardian.
What is a Boxer Shepherd?
The “Boxer Shepherd” is a medium-sized dog and the product of GSD and Boxer parents. Defining characteristics of this hybrid include a muscular build, well-defined legs, pendant or floppy ears and a dense but short coat.
This hybrid can stand as tall as 2.2 ft (0.7 m) and weigh between 65 – 95 lbs (29 – 43 kg), weight dependent on gender.
Boxer Shepherd coat colors usually vary from shades of brown, tan, gray or black mixed with the usual Boxer characteristics of black or white spots in the muzzle or chest area. Boxer Shepherd eyes are dark brown in color.
What are some basic facts about Boxer Shepherds?
Read this next section for some practical and applicable Boxer German Shepherd mix info for prospective Shepherd dog owners.
Life span
A Boxer Shepherd has a life expectancy of 10 – 12 years.
Price
Expect to pay between US$500 – $1500 for Boxer German Shepherd mix puppies.
Commonly-occurring known health issues
This section details known health problems Boxer and German Shepherd mix dogs.
Joint problems
While it may not affect Boxer German Shepherd mix puppies as much, hip dysplasia is the most common Boxer Shepherd health problem you can prepare for. This joint problem commonly affects both GSDs and Boxers. Arthritis is also a common health problem for this hybrid, especially in older dogs. Insufficient exercise and a poor diet may worsen the joint issues, which can decrease your Boxer Shepherd’s life expectancy and hinder its quality of life.
Symptoms include weakness in the leg areas, pain during exercise or play, stiffness when walking and a hop when walking or unusual gait.
Digestive problems
Bloat and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) are digestive issues that may affect your Boxer Shepherd. Bloat happens when your dog’s stomach twists on both ends and causes discomfort, indigestion and may lead to premature death if left untreated. EPI occurs when your dog does not produce or produces insufficient digestive enzymes to properly process its food which can lead to malnutrition and a shorter life expectancy if left untreated.
Symptoms include frothy saliva, excessive salivation, a noticeable bulge in your Boxer Shepherd’s abdomen, coughing, fatigue and a lack of energy during exercise or play.
Allergies
A Boxer Shepherd is known to suffer allergic reactions from contact with fleas, pollen, mold spores, ticks and other allergens.
Symptoms of allergies include incessant coughing or sneezing, excessive salivation, redness, rashes or inflammation of the affected areas (if suffering from irritation caused by skin allergies).
How can I take care of my Boxer Shepherd?
Consider prioritizing this care, grooming and exercise routine if you decide to commit to adopting a Boxer Shepherd.
Coat
Because of its GSD parent, you can expect your Boxer Shepherd to shed frequently. An undercoat rake is not necessary because its coat tends to be rather short, but have a metal comb and pin brush ready to evenly untangle and de-mat its fur.
You can expect to groom its fur 1 – 2 times a week.
It is not advised to bathe your Boxer Shepherd regularly as the natural oils in its skin may dry up which may lead to dry skin or skin irritation.
Exercise
Boxer Shepherds are incredibly active dogs and will need a regular, moderate to high-intensity exercise schedule to maintain its overall health. A large backyard, nearby pet-friendly forest parks, and accessible dog parks are highly recommended places of activity for your Boxer Shepherd. Running, walking, hiking, jogging and playing fetch are all good activities to engage in with this dog.
You can expect to spend a minimum of 2 hours playing and exercising with your dog Shepherd every day.
Teeth
Caring for your Boxer Shepherd’s teeth means cleaning its teeth twice a week. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to massage the gumline and remove plaque or food particles from its teeth. This prevents the development of plaque and cavities, tooth loss and helps promote good oral hygiene.
Giving your Boxer Shepherd chew toys and dental snacks at a young age can be very beneficial for its oral health; you can give these to your dog when it reaches 3 – 4 months of age.
What is a Boxer Shepherd’s personality like?
Educate yourself on Boxer German Shepherd mix info regarding temperament and personality traits.
Intelligence
This personality trait is commonly found in both GSDs and Boxers. This means that GSDs and Boxers can be trained very easily. But it is also because of their intelligence will they need to be trained and engaged often.
A Boxer Shepherd can get bored very easily if it does not get much exposure to the outdoors or attention from its owner and is known to go to extreme lengths to escape its home to avoid feeling trapped, or engage in destructive behavior.
Loyalty
Boxer Shepherds are loyal and very protective of their owners. Usually, they may seem aloof, but can become aggressive when they or their owners are threatened, or are placed in situations where being aggressive is necessary.
If socialized and trained at a young age, Boxer Shepherds can become friendly to strangers while still keeping their guardian personality. This personality trait makes a Boxer Shepherd a great choice for protection or security detail.
High-energy
A Boxer Shepherd is an energetic dog that adopts its muscular build and large energy reserves from both parents. This means that this hybrid requires a lot of effort from its handlers to prioritize exercise and needs to engage in outdoor activities or play everyday.
