Mini Boxers: Everything You Could Want to Know

Miniature Boxers are some of the cutest dogs on the planet, plus they make awesome pets. I’ve always wanted one but needed a little more information. If you are looking at getting a Mini Boxer, here are all the facts you and I both need to know.

Mini Boxers may be smaller than a purebred Boxer, but they still make good family protectors. A Mini Boxer has a great combination of traits that add up to one fantastic dog.

Miniature Boxers

Miniature Boxers aren’t purebred Boxers that are smaller; rather Mini Boxers are a hybrid mix. Something that is called a designer breed. It’s a Boston Terrier mixed with a Boxer.

This mix is a relatively new hybrid. However, even though it’s new, it is a popular mix to have, especially in America. Popularity is increasing as well.

There are some other breed combinations that are called Mini Boxers. These are: a Pug mixed with a Fox Terrier, a Pug with a Rat Terrier, or a Pug mixed with a Boston Terrier.

This is because of the “smushed” face that Boxers have, similar to a Pug. The parents of the mixes may also not be purebred, according to the Dog Registry of America.

The majority of Mini Boxers are Boxer/Boston Terrier mixes, so that is what this article will focus on for the majority.

One of the other important things that you should know is: a Mini Boxer usually isn’t that small. In fact, they are considered to be medium-sized dogs.

They are called “mini” because they are smaller than a regular purebred Boxer. It’s a difference of a 4 – 5 inches and 20 lbs, generally speaking. Females are smaller than males.

Instead of talking about what about the parents, let’s dig into what a Mini Boxer is actually like. If you are looking for the smaller “mini’s” than picking a female will be the best option.

Appearance

Physically, a Mini Boxer is between 15 – 22 inches tall when fully grown. Since a Mini Boxer is a mix, there is no guarantee of what he or she will look like.

Their weight is between 25 – 55 lbs. Some may be bigger than others. It just depends on which parent the dog takes after. Going with a female will usually mean having a smaller dog.

Some will have a good mix of both genes, while others may look more like a Terrier than a Boxer (or the other way around.)

Some things that are consistent is the eye color and nose color. The nose of a Mini Boxer will be black, and he or she will have dark brown eyes.

When it comes to the body of a Mini Boxer, the dog will either have a compact body, or a medium size body. This body will be muscular. The head of a Mini Boxer will be a bit square and have a blunt muzzle. It is not uncommon for a Mini Boxer to have an underbite.

The ears can be droopy or short and strait up, it just depends on what genes are dominant.

Mini Boxers have short, straight, coats that are smooth and fine. This coat can be black, fawn, brindle, or white. The tummy area will usually be lighter in color.

Something that is important to note is that white Boxers typically have more health issues, so getting a white Mini Boxer might be a little risky. Deafness and blindness are some of these issues.Check with the breeders when possible before getting your dog, if you are going that route.

Shedding will be moderate with this breed. That beautiful coat your Mini Boxer has will shed a little bit, every day, all year.

It’s hard to predict what a hybrid mix will look like for sure, some dogs might be a little smaller than average, or bigger. It’s good to know what the parents look like if you are interested in knowing what your pup will look like full-grown.

Temperament

Personality of a dog is even more important than the size and look of your pet. Good thing is, if you are interested in a Mini Boxer, is that they have amazingly cute and loveable qualities.

Here are some of their most prominent personality traits:

• Loyal
• Friendly
• Alert
• Loving
• Intelligent
• Gentle
• Social

This makes for a really good family dog. Lets break it down a little bit more.

Loyalty and Alertness

Tight bonds are formed between a Miniature Boxer and his/her family. Next to nothing can break it.

Mini Boxers take a lot after purebred Boxers in this regard. Boxers are known to be protectors so it makes sense that a mix breed would have this quality too.

A Mini Boxer will be willing to step in if he or she feels their family needs protecting but with training and socialization doesn’t have aggression problems.

These dogs are alert around strangers, but don’t attack. They are wary, and like to keep an eye out.

Mini boxers are good watchdogs because of this.

Friendliness and Gentleness

You aren’t likely to see a Mini Boxer attack anyone because they are gentle in nature. Training is important to getting dogs to behave, no matter the breed.

However, Miniature Boxers are usually naturally kind and friendly. Their goodness really shines through around kids. They show patience with them.

Just another reason they make really good family pets. They aren’t overly aggressive but do have enough energy to play and entertain members of the household.

Loving

Their loving nature ties in really nicely with friendliness. However, one critical thing to know about a Mini Boxer is that they are loving. They are great at giving love but do need a lot of love back.

Miniature Boxers do not do well with being left alone often.

They are cuddly animals, and like to be big lap dogs. This is one way that they show their love. Generally, they need a lot of attention.

If you can’t be home a lot, and no one in the household can be, a Mini Boxer isn’t the best option.

Dogs that are left alone generally mean trouble. Not only are they sad, but they might start breaking things or tearing apart furnature. Obviously, this is no good.

Mini Boxers do best in households that they can truly become part of the family and have a lot of interaction with others.

Intelligent and Social

Being intelligent and social usually leads to being trained easily. Mini Boxers are great at understanding commands. Training is not too hard, especially if you have trained other dogs before.

Having a well-trained puppy will make for a happy home, especially in a family environment.

Mini Boxers will get along well with other pets in the household. They get along best with other dogs but can also be great with cats. Introduction to other animals early on in the pups life will help improve social skills even more.

All of these traits make for a companion who will be a happy addition to a family.

Health Problems

Unfortunately, there are quite a few health issues that Miniature Boxers face. Since the hybrid breed is new, there aren’t any official studies of health issues for this breed.

This means most of the information gathered is just what can be passed down genetically from the parent breeds.

Boxers face health problems like:

• Bloating
• Hypothyroidism
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hip Dysplasia
• Cancer

Boston Terriers face problems like:

• Respiratory Issues (Related to Short Muzzle)
• Cataracts
• Epilepsy
• Heart Problems
• Dermatitis

There is a chance that Mini Boxer may face a problem associated with either side of its family tree.

The biggest risks are usually breathing problems, hip dysplasia, heart problems or Degenerative Myelopathy.

Skin issues can sometimes be treated with special shampoos. Other issues may require medication, which isn’t too difficult to deal with either.

Some of the best things that you can do are to feed your dog good, highly-nutritious food, and to make sure he or she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular check-ups at the vet’s office can be a really great help to your Mini Boxer as well. Vets can give you useful tips and be part of early detection if there is something that happens.

Taking Care of a Mini Boxer

Making sure that your pet is in good health and happy has a lot to do with you. Mini Boxers don’t need a lot.

Some of the most important things are to make sure he or she gets exercise and the right amount of food. Proper training will make your life easier, and add to the happiness of your Mini Boxer.

Grooming will help keep your pup handsome and healthy as well.

Feeding

A medium-sized dog, like a Mini Boxer, needs about 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food a day.

If your Mini Boxer seems to be more on the “mini” side, stick to the lower end of the spectrum.

You can also feed your dog the occasional treat as well.

It’s really important to not overfeed your dog. Since spine and hip issues, not to mention heart issues, are seen in this mix, being overweight can have quite an effect negatively on a Mini Boxer.

Make sure you pick high-quality food for your dog.

Supplements can be given as well, but it’s good to speak with your vet to see if your dog is getting what he or she needs.

A diet for a Mini Boxer should include protein, fats, sugar, vegetable, grains. Every now and then you can feed your dog some cooked chicken.

Training

We touched on training a little bit earlier on in this article, but having a well-trained pup will make your experience as an owner much better.

Mini Boxers are very smart and are great at giving you attention. This makes for moderately easy training.

When you are training your Mini Boxer, make sure you use positive reinforcement, like treats and high-praises. It’s always important to show that you are the alpha and you are in control because some Mini Boxers can be stubborn.

Something you will want to do early on in training is get your Mini Boxer in a social environment, like a dog park or in a training program. Early socialization is key.

Dogs that get comfortable with other dogs and people at a young age are less likely to show aggression issues. Plus Mini Boxers like to be social.

If you are worried about training, you can definitely take your dog to a professional. It costs more, but sometimes it is worth it.

Grooming

Mini Boxers don’t require a ton of effort into grooming.

They need to brushed a couple times a week to help keep their coats nice and shiny.

If you seem to have a particularly shed-prone dog, you might need to brush him or her every day. This helps to get rid of the loose hair. This seems like a lot but brushing often makes a big difference in where all this fur ends up.

You can use a comb or a pin brush. It takes about 20 minutes to brush you Mini Boxer, which really isn’t too much time.

Here are a couple of great grooming brushes:

• Glendan Dog Brush – $8.99, 4.4 stars
• Pet Grooming Glove – $13.86, 4 stars
• Cleaning Brush with Comb – $7.99, 4.3 stars

You should also check your pup’s paws every week and clip nails as needed. Try these nail clippers that the #1 Best Seller on Amazon.

Something you will need to do is to make sure your Mini Boxer’s ears are clean and dry. After rain or bath, make sure the ears are dry. Don’t try sticking anything into his or her ear canal.

Use dental sticks or brush your dog’s teeth a couple of times a week.

Exercise

Miniature Boxers have a medium amount of energy level. Younger pups will have more energy.

Both parents are known to have buckets of energy, so it is not surprise that this mix does. Some dogs may not grow out of this high energy phase, and always be like a puppy.

This means that as an owner, you need to be able to keep up with your dog, as well as be willing to play with your Mini Boxer every day.

You can take your dog to a fenced dog park, or let him or her play in a fenced back yard.

Mini Boxers love to go for long walks or runs. Shoot for getting your Mini Boxer at least 60 minutes of play and exercise a day.

If you live somewhere warm, make sure you don’t take your dog out to run and play during the day, as Mini Boxers don’t tolerate heat very well. It’s best to play when the weather is cooler, in the evening or early morning.

Boxers can stand the cold a little better, but it’s best not let your pup play outside unsupervised, in the very cold weather, all alone. For the winter months, it’ll best for your dog to get exercise during the warmer parts of the day.

Cost

When it comes to getting a new little Miniature Boxer puppy, you might find that they are pricier than you expect.

Puppies of the hybrid mix are $450 – $2,000.

Prices are different depending on the breeders and the lineage of the dog. More expensive dogs are likely to have parents of great lineage.

This is just the initial cost to buy a pup. You will probably spend $1,000 – $1,200 annually on raising a Mini Boxer.

This is including food and medical costs.

A cheaper route to go is to adopt rather than shop. Adoption is usually much less expensive, plus you are saving a dog. Adopting a dog costs anywhere from $50 – $250. Sometimes you can find shelters that give dogs to good owners for free.

It is harder to find the breed that you want in a shelter, but if there is a Mini Boxer, you get a beautiful companion without spending a ton of money.

I always encourage those who are looking for a dog to adopt instead of shop.

Similar Breeds

If you are really interested in getting a dog, and like some of the great qualities of Mini Boxers, there are some dog breeds that are pretty similar.

• Corgi Pitbull Mix
• Kai Ken
• Purebred Boxer
• Bull Terrier
• Bulldog

Each of these dogs have different qualities from each other and should be researched individually.

Related Questions