Boxer German Shepherd Hybrid Mix Dog Cross Breed Guide
Many rescues and shelters now adopt and reassign German Shepherd Boxer hybrids to new families due to their steadily increasing popularity. Breeders now also opt to crossbreed the Boxer and German Shepherd because of their extraordinary personalities.
Boxers and German Shepherds both make reliable family companions as well as dependable working pets. Breeders mix the German Shepherd and Boxer to produce a German Shepherd Boxer hybrid.
Otherwise named the Boxer Shepherds, these crossbreeds became famous owing to their high intelligence. Many aspiring dog owners who visit rescue homes notice the active pup or dog and in most instances, prefer to sign up for their adoption immediately.
Due to the crossbreed’s surging popularity, we would recommend anyone looking for a Boxer Shepherd to thoroughly do their research and learn a few things about this celebrated cross.
Adopters need to understand the breed’s diverse personalities, appearance, grooming routines, and training requirements. We carefully considered all life aspects of the German Shepherd Boxer cross and compiled every tidbit of information you ought to know about the species.
In a nutshell, the Boxer Shepherd evinces smartness, activeness, some level of stubbornness, and friendliness. The dog won’t fit every family but certainly will make the best companion when nurtured in the right hands.
Boxer Shepherd Parents
Understanding Boxer Shepherds and their personality requires aspiring owners to look into their parents’ past life and nature. Sometimes the hybrid takes after both parents in equal measures, while in some instances inherits 90% of one parent’s genes.
You will find it especially difficult to determine the puppies’ more predominant genes until they are fully mature. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you set feasible expectations and prepare for the hybrid’s eventuality, regardless of the side they choose to inherit predominantly.
German Shepherd
When ranking dogs worldwide, GSDs often come in second or third place. Breeders, enthusiasts, and exhibition judges consider the breed intelligent, good-looking, confident, and a reliable defender to keep as a family pet.
The German Shepherd performs exceptionally well when tasked to aid in law execution, military services, seek and rescue, and many other tasks. Families choose to adopt German Shepherds because of their loyalty, general friendliness even to strangers, intelligence, and liveliness.
Conventionally, German farmers nurtured the breed as marshaling dogs to guard their sheep. However, the species’ popularity declined when nations associated the Alsatians to Germans during the First and Second World Wars.
Currently, German Shepherds still retain their herding and protecting prowess. Enthusiasts who aspire to keep protective pets that make the best family friends consider the German Shepherd their first option.
Because of their working-class descent, GSDs require intense outdoor exercises to make good use of their excess energy.
Despite their intimidating posture and unreasonably negative stigma, GSDs often suffer from detachment anxiety, particularly in the absence of family members – they have sensitive personalities.
Inexperienced owners sometimes adopt German Shepherds while lacking proper knowledge of raising and training them effectively. An improperly trained dog can act aggressively or belligerently not only as a pup but also during adulthood.
Shepherds develop strong connections with their primary trainers and caregivers, but will still love every family member. For this reason, breeders often mix GSDs with other breeds to produce an impeccable hybrid.
Boxer
Boxers rank amongst the top fifteen breeds worldwide. The species first lived in Germany where they also originated. Breeders who created the first Boxers intended to breed family-friendly variants of Bullenbeisser dogs.
At the time, German hunters used ‘wild’ Bullenbeisser canines for hunting down bears, bison, and wild boars. Boxers do not reserve Bullenbeissers’ terrifying appearance – over time; Boxers developed a unique personality that labeled them the canine comedians.
A boxer can entertain family members, and jump around energetically and radiantly. Luckily, Boxers retain Bullenbeissers’ valiant traits, and will readily protect your home and family when in danger.
The breeds also don’t like staying on their own for too long. Besides developing strong bonds will all family members, Boxers love children and will build an equal fondness for kids in the family.
The dogs demonstrate lots of intelligence. However, Boxers prefer finding more exciting stuff to do, and will rarely listen to the master.
Due to the breed’s high energy levels and affection, breeders fancy crossbreeding Boxers with other species to produce smart, protective, and energetic hybrids.
German Shepherd Boxer Hybrid
A breeder gets a Boxer Shepherd after crossbreeding two trendy German dogs; the German Shepherd and Boxer. Although their appearances and personalities vary, crossed breeds inherit the best traits from both parents.
After adopting the Boxer Shepherd, you’ll notice that the hybrid will naturally grow into a softer version of GSDs and a more complying version of Boxers. You’ll ultimately get an obedient and protective dog that will also keep you entertained.
On that note, we can delve straight into all the Boxer Shepherds’ physical and genetic traits, including appearance and behavior.
Temperament
A Boxer Shepherd is a careen dog that performs best when assigned an objective to accomplish. The hybrids love it, even more, when they make humans around them entertained. Besides, Boxer Shepherds crave their families’ attention and like getting involved in family amusements.
Always ensure that you give Boxer Shepherds the required attention; if not, your dog might feel offended.
Because of the GSD influence, Boxer Shepherds won’t jump up and down or play too much. You can create enough playing time for the hybrids during the day to keep them calm and relaxed toward nightfall.
If you keep them more occupied and well-exercised during the daytime, you’ll enjoy your puppy’s company on the sofa and avoid stretching too late into the night to keep them entertained.
Despite their large framed and stiff demeanor, Boxer Shepherds demonstrate lots of affection for their families and prefer to snuggle on the sofa every once in a while.
Luckily, the crossbreeds can cuddle with any family member who prefers to give them the most comforting belly pats and rubs in the evening. Unlike their GSD progenitors, these hybrids don’t devote their attention to one master but rather all family members.
Nonetheless, the crosses don’t offer the same affection to strangers. Boxer Shepherds will withdraw and stay away from strangers – they also won’t jump up and down or around them looking for their attention.
Boxer Shepherds usually bark when some stranger or visitor knocks at the gate or steps into your home. By barking, the dog will forewarn of any impending threats – they make exceedingly wonderful guard dogs.
In case of any real danger, the Boxer Shepherd won’t hesitate to step first in line to protect the family. Due to their high intelligence, German Shepherd Boxer crosses require intense and varying mental and physical stimulations every day.
The hybrid also loves human company. Without constant companionship, the mix can quickly become problematic and upset. We mostly recommend that the owners keep Boxer Shepherds in homes where at least one family member or employee stays around the home each day.
Appearance and Size
Most German Shepherd Boxers appear different in terms of general outlook but share several physical similarities.
Boxer Shepherds descend from a large breed family. A fully grown hybrid will measure between twenty-two and twenty-five inches high and weigh between fifty and eighty-five pounds.
The stocky and athletic build of the hybrid matches their medium-sized frames – they end up with medium-length bodies because of the shorter square Boxer frames and more extended GSD frames. Expect large ears on your mix’s head – whether upright or floppy.
Apart from height and size, breeders and caregivers shouldn’t bother too much about the ultimate hybrid appearance. Different Boxer Shepherds will inherit varying physical traits from the parents, so you should expect diverse physical traits if you plan to nurture a litter or two.
Nonetheless, you can predict how your Boxer Shepherds will look like by observing them as puppies.
Although many breeders advise prospective adopters to choose their pups based on their personalities and appropriateness for your kin, it would be best if you also considered their physical appearance.
Coats and Colors
Boxer Shepherds often feature different coat patterns and colors, regardless of whether they come from one litter.
The crossbreeds moderately shed their coats throughout the year – they possess dense and double-coated furs. During the heavy sloughing seasons, Boxer Shepherds become heavy shedders.
A German Shepherd Boxer cross features a straight coat and a medium or short-length jacket. The jacket’s length will depend on the GSD parent’s coat – if the parent carried a short coat, the offspring would most likely inherit the jacket.
Both the Boxer and GSD parents flaunt dark colorations. The crosses will probably inherit the dark colorations as well. Besides, the Boxer Shepherd can exhibit a dash of brindle or white colors.
Some GSDs sport white coats, while some – but very rarely – have blue coats. Your puppy can flaunt any of the mentioned colors, including black.
However, with hybrids, the dog’s appearance entirely depends on some luck. Every coat color bears its uniqueness, so expect a beautiful hybrid all the same.
Living surroundings and exercise requirements
Boxer Shepherds display activeness and lots of energy, and will thus require at least sixty minutes of vigorous activity each day to stay happy and healthy. The hybrids will love it even more when the owner includes varying exercise vitalities in their typical sessions.
Integrating different exercises prevents Boxer Shepherds from becoming bored and ultimately destructive. You can take the dog outdoors for hiking, jogging, and instruct them to fetch thrown balls or toys (with treats, of course!)
To hinder any temptations of stalling on the couch or lying around idly, we advise owners to play mind games that can keep them stimulated. You can add the brain exercises to the dog’s regular exercise schedules.
Brain amusements will help the pup considerably learn new hijinks by hiding treats under different cups and motivating them to find the rewards.
Besides providing you with the company, taking your hybrid out for mental and physical exercise can offer you the perfect break from monotonous adult life.
Boxer Shepherds grow large and fast over a short time. The large hybrid will require a spacious backyard in a large dwelling.
German Shepherd Boxer crossbreeds won’t do well in small apartments – their German Shepherd and Boxer parents used to thrive in the German wild forests and thus require a continuous supply of fresh sunlight and air.
The crosses will blend perfectly with kids and diverse families, as long as they offer consistent company and give them the attention they desire. The breed’s gentleness encourages them to associate entirely with younger kids.
However, you’ll need to monitor Boxer Shepherds during their interaction with smaller children because of their sizeable intimidating posture.
You’ll enjoy the company of your Boxer Shepherd if you socialize them perfectly at an early age.
Besides, well-socialized pups can interact freely with guests and other dogs. Generally, the Boxer Shepherds make the best pets for adoption – provided their caregivers cater to all their needs.
Training
Boxer German Shepherds can quickly grasp instructions because of their superior intelligence. However, you’ll need to exercise some level of patience when training the hybrids.
Despite the breeds’ elevated smartness inherited from the German Shepherd parents, the cross can sometimes get bored quickly and become impatient. Effective teaching requires owners to immediately begin the training schedule once you get your puppy home.
Coaching them from an early stage will instill obedience and discipline into the pups, and point out the person in charge. Early training will also teach the pups to remain obedient even in adult life.
Experts recommend merging a brief and fun training session with different rewards for acceptable behavior. The crosses will quickly master elementary tricks because of their intelligence and easy-to-learn attributes.
Don’t surrender to your dogs’ tricks, because they’ll immediately know that they can control you most of the time. Trainers should remain strict in their coaching.
Sometimes the cross will behave like a little chanteuse. However, the mix can still inherit the eager-to-impress attitude from the GSD.
All Boxer Shepherds require socialization during their puppyhood – the hybrids can sometimes become protective. We recommend adopting a pup from seasoned breeders who often begin the socialization journey when the puppies make their first steps.
You can introduce the dog to many different humans, dogs, and other pets, as well as unfamiliar places and noisy sounds.
Health
Overall, a Boxer Shepherd’s general health surpasses both parents’ health. Boxer German Shepherds live between nine and eleven years. German Shepherds live for a shorter period compared to both Boxers and Boxer Shepherds.
Several health issues that affect Boxers and GSDs can also befall the hybrid. The following enlisting includes common complications affecting the parents that you should watch out for:
- Dysplasia – dysplasia can affect both GSDs and Boxers. The problem often paralyzes the elbow and hip joints and can cause pain while walking or in the long run, arthritis.
- Spinal problems – Boxers and Shepherds can contract spinal complications. The disease often results in paralysis as well as other severe complications.
- Hypothyroidism – Boxers will most likely suffer from this infection. The disease occurs when thyroid glands produce insufficient hormones which result in various symptoms and other related conditions.
- Heart issues – Boxer parents stand a higher risk of encountering heart problems such as cardiomyopathy.
- Brachycephalic Syndromes – Because of the Boxer’s flat-shaped visage, the crossbreed will possibly suffer from respiratory complications or related symptoms.
If your crosses inherit the flat face, chances are the shape will affect their normal development, so ensure you do your research and stay close to the vet’s contact for any extra help.
Nutrition
Boxer German Shepherds blossom on high albumen diets that complement their dynamic lifestyles.
The mixes should consume between two and a half and three cups of kibble each day for faster growth. The varying apportionments you provide should depend on their age, size, and energy degrees.
We recommend all dog owners adhere to the feeding instructions on the meal’s package – the guidelines will indicate the recommended dog food amounts per the dog’s requirements and weight.
Overfeeding the crossbreed can result in obesity which often comes with its share of disadvantages and other preexisting dysplasia issues.
You should always pick the most healthy meals according to your financial capability. Always ensure that you feed your puppy a high-quality meal.
Vets usually recommend balanced diets because they keep puppies strong and healthy, and generally improve their lifespan.
When purchasing kibble, ensure that you choose packages recommended explicitly for large dogs. A large dog’s kibble will significantly help in the formation of stronger bones during puppyhood.
Besides, the right food will reduce your pup’s risk of suffering from dysplasia and additional bone complications. All in all, it would help if you nurtured your pup on high-quality protein diets.
Grooming
Your Boxer German Shepherd hybrid’s grooming schedule will depend on their coat types. Shorter coats require less grooming – you can brush them once every week to maintain their shiny and healthy outlook.
Longer coats like German Shepherds’ require regular brushing – brush them daily to prevent excessive shedding.
Owners can wash their dogs once every eight to twelve weeks. You can clean the dog’s teeth once each week. Besides, clip their nails when they grow long and begin to make tapping noises on the floor.
Pup availability, costs and rescues
A healthy puppy costs between $500 and $1200. Make sure you meet the breeder before adopting the puppies to check their overall health and relevant documentation availability.
Besides getting Boxer Shepherds from breeders, you can adopt them from rescues or institutions that specialize in crossbreeding.
Conclusion
Boxer Shepherds can quickly get fond of family members. They love participating in family amusements, making people laugh, and sleeping on the couches.
The hybrid will make a reliable family pet and guarding dog, only if well socialized and consistently trained from their onset life.
We recommend the cross for families with expansive dwellings and vast backyards. The hybrids descend from an active and working line of dogs, and will thus require a lot of space to exercise unreserved.
German Shepherd Boxer hybrids offer the best you’ll ever find of the extremely intelligent German Shepherds and the fun-loving Boxers.
