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Are you looking to adopt a large dog, but aren’t sure which one you want? If so, you may want to consider the Rhodesian Boxer!
The Rhodesian Boxer is a relatively new dog breed you may not have heard of. But that’s OK! You’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together some information about the Rhodesian Boxer to help you determine if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Rhodesian Boxer?
The Rhodesian Boxer is a hybrid dog breed that’s a cross between two purebred dogs, a Rhodesian Ridgeback and a Boxer. These are two very strong dog breeds that result in a large, confident, energetic dog. The history of these dogs is not clear, so we’ll have to take a look at both parents to learn more about the dogs.
Quick Overview of the Rhodesian Ridgeback
The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed that has a unique physical characteristic. The dogs have a ridge that runs down the middle of their backs, giving them their name. These dogs are a mix of African hunting dogs that have this distinctive ridge and European hunting dogs.
This dog breed is very athletic, highly intelligent, and has a beautiful bearing. The dogs were originally bred in Africa to hunt lions, bears, and boars. This is a dog that has stamina, strength, and courage. The dogs are still used for hunting today, though they are also beloved family companions.
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The other purebred parent of the Rhodesian Boxer is the Boxer. The dogs are a Bully dog breed originally bred in Germany to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. These dogs are also known for their stamina, courage, and strength.
Today, most Boxers live a life of ease as family companions. These dogs are large, muscular, and have block-shaped heads. They look very intimidating; however, their eyes give away their joyful, mischievous spirits!
Boxers are very playful and have a ton of energy. They’re also referred to as “Peter Pan” dogs because they are not fully mature until they are three years old. So, they have an extended puppyhood compared to other dog breeds.
These dogs are fearless, highly intelligent, friendly dogs that are loving and loyal to their families.
With purebred parents like these, you know the Rhodesian Boxer is a wonderful dog!
Rhodesian Boxers usually stand between 22 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
Rhodesian Boxer Appearance
The Rhodesian Boxer is an athletic, sturdy dog with an athletic body and broad chest. The dogs also have strong necks with blocky heads. Their muzzle is usually long and pointed, like their Rhodesia Ridgeback parent. However, some dogs may have the shorter muzzle of their Boxer parent.
These dogs may also have the dark mask, dark eyes, and black nose of their Boxer parent. The dogs’ ears are triangular and flop over, hanging close to the face. Their legs can vary in length, depending on which parent they most resemble.
Rhodesian Boxers have an elegant, noble bearing and a long tail that’s straight. Their coat is short and thick. The dogs come in a wide range of colors, including gold, tan, and shades of brown with dark facial markings.
Rhodesian Boxer Temperament
The Rhodesian Boxer is a highly intelligent, alert dog who is curious about everything around him. They tend to have a mellow personality that’s also loyal and protective of their families. The dogs will warn you if strangers are around your home.
These hybrid dogs love to play and can get along with kids; however, they’re best for families that have older kids who respect dogs and know how to play with them the right way.
Rhodesian Boxers want to be with their families. If they’re left alone for long periods, they can develop separation anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behaviors. The dogs may dig, bark, chew, and more. This is not a dog you can leave alone out in the yard all day—they want to be with you and your family. Rhodesian Boxers are very charming companions, and they are extremely loving and loyal to their families.
Are Rhodesian Boxers Good for Families?
Yes, these dogs love to play and make wonderful companions for older kids. We specify older kids because these are large dogs. When they play hard, they may be too much for younger kids and could easily knock them over.
Plus, they’re very protective of the entire family. If any stranger comes to your home, this is a dog that will let you know. They’re usually not aggressive but can definitely act as an excellent deterrent to intruders.
Do Rhodesian Boxers Get Along with Other Pets?
This is a dog that can have a strong prey drive, which means there’s always the potential for the dog to chase after smaller animals, such as cats and rodents.
When the dogs are properly socialized and raised with other pets, they can get along quite well together.
Food & Diet
Rhodesian Boxers are very energetic and need a high-quality kibble twice a day. The dogs require between 2 ¾ cup and 4 3/8 cups of dog food, divided between two meals a day.
However, keep in mind that your dog’s food and dietary needs are based on his age, build, size, and activity level. For instance, younger dogs may need more calories than older dogs that sleep most of the time.
Exercise Requirements
When it comes to their exercise requirements, the Rhodesian Boxer needs at least one hour of exercise a day, though more is better. They need plenty of play time and mental stimulation. These are highly intelligent working dogs that need to wear off excess energy.
Training
These dogs are highly intelligent and have a broad stubborn streak. These attributes can make the dogs challenging to train. So, they’re not recommended for inexperienced pet parents.
The Rhodesian Boxer responds best to positive reinforcement training methods that include lots of love and some treats!
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The Rhodesian Boxer is a unique, large dog that is very intelligent and has a lot of energy. They’re best for active families that have older kids. And the dogs must be properly trained and socialized to get along well with small pets.
If you choose to adopt a Rhodesian Boxer, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a playful, smart canine companion for years to come!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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