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Boxers are wonderful dogs, but they may be too large for some people. But what would you say if we told you it’s possible to find a mini version of the Boxer? Are you interested?
We’re happy to let you know there’s a smaller version of this dog breed called the Miniature Boxer! If you’d like to learn more about these dogs, read on! We’ve put together some information to help you make an informed decision on whether this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Miniature Boxer?
The Miniature Boxer is not the same dog breed as the standard Boxer. Instead, the Miniature Boxer is a hybrid dog breed (designer dog) created by breeders. Breeders developed these dogs by crossing different purebred dog breeds to come up with the Miniature Boxer.
It’s thought that the Miniature Boxer was created using Boston Terriers; however, no one is sure about the other dog breeds used to create these designer dogs. The breeders chose other small dog breeds that resembled Boxers, such as the Boston Terrier, Rat Terrier, Bull Terrier, or even the Fox Terrier.
So, this is not a recognized dog breed. Even so, they’re adorable in their own right! And because these are hybrid dogs, the breeders are never entirely sure what the resulting puppies will be like. That’s because the puppies randomly inherit their genes from both parents. The mix of genes is never 50/50 in hybrid dogs bred from two different purebred dog breeds. This is why there’s no standardization in the Miniature Boxer’s appearance.
It’s possible some hybrid puppies may look more like a Boston Terrier, while others are larger and more like their Boxer cousins. It just depends on the genes each puppy inherits.
While these dogs are not recognized by the AKC (American Kennel Society), they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Miniature Boxer Appearance
As we discussed earlier, there’s no standardized appearance for the Miniature Boxer. However, one of their parents is usually a Boston Terrier. The puppies can have a snout similar to the Boston Terrier or not. They may also have larger eyes and a muscular body, though some are more muscular than others.
Some Miniature Boxers may have a square jaw more like their Boxer, cousin. They may also have a broad head or a more rounded skull, depending on the genes inherited from their parents. These dogs usually have brown eyes, though this, too, can vary!
The Miniature Boxer’s coat may also vary depending on genes inherited from the purebred parents. Most of these dogs have a short coat that’s very fine. The fur lays straight and smooth. Miniature Boxers may come in different colors, including black, fawn, or white (this color is rarer). Some may even have brindle coats or be a solid color.
When it comes to size, the Miniature Boxer usually weighs between 25-55 lbs and stands between 15-22 inches tall. The dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
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Ask a Vet Live NowMiniature Boxer Temperament
The Miniature Boxer is a very affectionate, friendly dog. They’re also very gentle and loving. The dogs tend to also be alert and playful. This hybrid dog breed is also highly intelligent. What’s more, the dogs are highly protective of their families and are wary of strangers.
These hybrid dogs also love to spend time with their families and to be included in most activities.
Do Miniature Boxers Make Good Family Companions?
The answer is yes! These dogs make lovely family companions and playmates for kids. The dogs are full of energy and love to play!
And they also get along well with other pets! However, these dogs do benefit from proper training and socialization.
Miniature Boxer Exercise Requirements
Miniature Boxers are very active and need plenty of daily exercise. They need long walks and love places where they can run and play. They do well at dog parks and in a fenced backyard. These dogs need about 60 minutes of exercise a day, though a little more would be welcome!
These designer dogs love to pay fetch and other doggie games and they need plenty of mental stimulation. So, the dogs thrive at obedience training, learning tricks, and more.
One note—Miniature Boxers don’t do well in hot, humid areas. They have a tendency to develop heat stroke and they don’t like the cold too well, either.
Food & Diet Requirements
Miniature Boxers are a smaller dog breed that has a lot of energy, so they will do best on a diet that has high protein and fat to maintain lean muscle and provide these small dogs with energy. So, look for dog food diets formulated for medium-sized, energetic dogs. The dogs need about 2 cups of food every day, divided between two meals.
However, keep in mind that your dog’s food intake depends on his age, size, and energy levels. That means a younger dog may need to eat more food than an elderly dog that’s not as active. If you’re in question about how much to feed your fur baby, be sure to ask the vet.
These dogs love to eat and have a tendency to become obese. So, it’s essential to ensure the dog’s food consumption is not too much for his activity levels.
Training
There’s no question that Miniature Boxers are intelligent! They are fairly easy to train, though they can be somewhat stubborn. So, it’s necessary to provide these dogs with consistent training and to be patient with them.
The dogs do best with positive reinforcement training methods and early socialization.
Health Issues
While Miniature Boxers are usually healthy dogs, they are prone to some health problems, including:
- Bloating (a serious digestive condition)
- Hypothyroidism
- Cardiomyopathy
- Hip dysplasia
- Brachycephalism
- Cataracts
- Epilepsy
- Heart Conditions
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, you’ll be happy to learn that Miniature Boxers are easy to maintain. Their fur should be brushed about three times a week. And they benefit from a weekly or biweekly bath.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The Miniature Boxer can make a wonderful family companion, even for families that have younger kids. While the dogs can be stubborn, they are still trainable. They’re also very loving and affectionate with their families. And they’re wary of strangers, so Miniature Boxers may also make a great watchdog.
We’re pretty sure if you decide to adopt a Miniature Boxer that you’ll have a loving, fun companion for years to come!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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