When you want to adopt a new puppy, you have to consider all the personality traits, training needs, exercise needs, health issues, and grooming needs of your future pet. Today, that pet is the Boxer Mastiff mix, a beautiful guard dog that has a playful personality.
Many years ago, the Boxer and English Mastiff were bred as protectors or guardians. Nowadays, that has changed. Yes, some puppies still have the same instinct.
And while it seems fun while they are small, the potential of 120 pounds dog pulling on a leash or acting aggressively is terrifying. But do not worry, that is not the case.
Meet The Breed
Do you want a large dog full of character? Well then, we have to introduce you to the Boxmas. The appearance of this Boxer mix is almost as sweet as its name.
The offspring is the result of two large dogs who have protective instincts. These instincts might kick into action if the dog feels the family is in danger.
Yet, with early training and plenty of socialization, things can be changed. We have to note that the Boxmas puppy is a relatively new breed. We do not know as much, and there is no breed standard by The American Kennel Club.
But we do have plenty of information that will help you determine whether this puppy is the right for your household or not.
Meet The Parents
Whenever you talk about a mixed breed, you have to begin with the two parents. Given that there is no breed standard for hybrid dog breeds, the personality and features of the parents can help you understand your future pet. Let’s go.
Boxer
The Boxer is one of the funniest dogs around. Many years ago, this canine was a guardian dog. And while it still has some instincts, domestication has turned the Boxer into an amazing and loving pet.
How much do you know about the Boxer? Let’s take a look at some personality traits according to The American Kennel Club:
- Playful dogs that love running around and playing with toys
- Loyal to their owners and can become attached to the family
- Dogs with high energy that need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy
- They do have an independent nature, especially during walks
- Quite affectionate and love to cuddle with their owners. In a way, they are not aware of their big size
- They have a fun-loving and goofy personality, making them a joy to be around
Mastiff
The English Mastiff breed is a large dog famous for its strength, courage, and loyalty. Many call it a gentle giant because of its loving personality and big size.
They make an excellent choice for families and households that want a loyal and protective dog. Their calm demeanor, courage, and loyalty are praised by dog lovers. With that in mind, here are some common personality traits of the English dog breed.
- Fiercely loyal to their owner and household
- Brave breed that will not back down from a threat or challenge
- A gentle giant that is not aware of its size, they love to cuddle with owners
- Despite their large size, they have a calm and gentle demeanor
- Patient and easy-going, they will not start a fight
- Independent breed that can have a stubborn streak
- Reserved with strangers, it will take them time to accept new people in their circle
Appearance
Now let’s go back to the Boxer Mastiff mix. The Boxmas puppy is a family-friendly pup with a bit of a stubborn streak. But let’s begin with its appearance.
Given that their parent breeds are large, this mixed puppy is usually on the larger side. It would be nice if you have a bit of space for your puppy to stretch out and roam.
When standing, they can grow up to 30 inches, and their paws look huge when the puppy is born. A muscular and stocky dog, the Boxmas weighs between 70 and 100 pounds. They are relatively new on the scene, so breeders have not had enough time to go over all the physical characteristics.
Usually, though, they take up on the Mastiff frame and the Boxer face. Their coat is short and dense, usually in colors like brown, black, and brindle. There might be streaks of white across the body.
Despite its short coat, the Mastiff Boxer mix is a heavy shedder, but more on that later on.
Temperament
One of the big misconceptions about the English Mastiff and Boxer mix is that they are dangerous. But that is absolutely not true. They are not aggressive, despite the fact their parents were historically bred for fighting and security purposes.
Instead, this Boxer mix exhibits deep affection and love for people, children, and even other animals. They love having fun and endless entertainment with their owner.
Energetic and fun-loving, this puppy is known to be playful and dopey. You can say they are quite the performers. Having one in your home will provide hours of endless entertainment for the entire family.
When this dog is not playing, he is on guard duty. They are not overly barky but will alert the owners when they think a danger looms. Remember, this mixed puppy is a guard dog.
Now, you might think a protective dog is not good with children. But quite the opposite. This gentle giant has protective, yet patient nature, making it a great addition to a household with children.
Training
Training can be a bit challenging with this canine. Socialization is also important, even at an early age. It can help prevent guarding and protective instincts to a point they are tolerable. You do not want a 100-pound dog barking at everything that moves, right?
You should schedule interactions with humans and animals outside of your household. Use positive reinforcement to reward good and calm behavior. This will help your puppy understand that strangers are not enemies per se.
You also want to put effort into preventing your dog from becoming over-protective of the household. Yes, your dog can be attached to family members. But over-protectiveness and hostility will make it difficult for your dog to live in urban areas.
This hybrid dog is intelligent, yet stubborn at times. What you can use to your advantage is the fact they constantly seek praise from their owners. It makes the canine relatively easy to train.
Yet, keep the session short and fun. These dogs tend to get bored and distracted easily.
Exercise Needs
Let’s talk about exercise needs. When you look at the parent breeds, one is lean, and the other is muscular. Mastiffs have trouble maintaining their weight and walking for a long time. Boxer dogs, on the other hand, are quite athletic. So, your Boxmas will fall somewhere in the middle.
Generally speaking, your dog needs between 30 and 45 minutes of physical exercise per day. And then some mental stimulation to keep its brain in check.
Health
Ask owners of large dogs like Mastiffs, and they will tell you these puppies do not live a long life. The extra weight puts stress on the body. But the good news is that crossing breeds helps eliminate certain health issues and risks.
Generally speaking, a Boxer Mastiff mix lives between 10 and 13 years. There are still some health complications that you have to pay attention to.
For starters, because it mostly inherits the Boxer face, this puppy can also be brachycephalic and suffer from breathing issues. Another common problem is hip dysplasia, due to the massive weight of the large-sized dog.
Last, but not least, is gastric torsion. It is a common health issue where your dog’s stomach flips or when the pooch eats too quickly. Food dispensers can help with quick eating and portion control.
Grooming
Many people think that dogs with short coats do not shed much. But that is just not true. In this case, we have a heavy shedder.
And there is a reason for that. While they have a short coat, they have a dense coat. Make sure to brush your pooch once per week to remove dead hair. Bathe your puppy once every 4 to 6 months.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- They are heavy shedders, despite their short coat
- They drool, same as their Mastiff and Boxer parent breed
- These dogs have a massive size and need an owner who can handle it
Why Should You Get One?
- Their calm, yet protective nature, makes them excellent pets for children
- They do not need much exercise compared to some more athletic large dogs
- Relatively easy to train because of their tendency to seek praise from their owner
