Boxerdoodle

The Boxerdoodle is a unique combination of a purebred Boxer and Poodle. Physically, these two breeds are quite different from each other. The Boxer is a big, strong, solidly built dog, originating from Germany, with a smooth coat and a square muzzle. The Poodle is a rather thin French or German dog of varying sizes with a long, curly, water-resistant coat. When you combine them together, you get a very intelligent, friendly dog with curly, wiry, or straight hair. The coat color can likewise vary quite a bit between white, black, and various shades of brown. Although the two parent breeds are quite popular in the United States, the Boxerdoodle itself is a rather niche dog with a small but loyal following.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning a Boxerdoodle

Size and Weight

The Boxerdoodle is a small to medium-sized dog with a sturdy frame. The size of the Boxerdoodle depends on the size of the Poodle parent it’s bred from, since the Poodle can come in standard, miniature, and toy variations. There are not many differences between male and female Boxerdoodles. Boxerdoodles typically are 10 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 12 and 70 pounds.

Common Health Issues

The Boxerdoodle is a healthy type of dog, but it has the chance to inherit many of the same health problems as its parent breeds. Some of the most common health conditions are cancer, epilepsy, allergies, dry skin, entropion (in which the eyelashes turn inward and rub against the eyeballs), and other degenerative eye conditions.

You should also look out for early signs of cardiomyopathy (in which the heart muscles weaken and have trouble pumping blood), bloating (when the stomach suddenly expands, putting pressure on other organs), hip dysplasia (when the hip joint can suddenly become dislocated), and injuries or degeneration to the spinal cord. Although some of these conditions are uncommon, they are very serious when they do arise. Fortunately, if the Boxerdoodle can avoid some of the worst health problems, then it can enjoy a relatively long lifespan of some 10 to 14 years.

Temperament

The Boxerdoodle is a very loving, energetic, happy-go-lucky sort of dog. With its affectionate personality, this dog makes friends easily and wants to be an important part of its owner’s life. One of the more interesting traits is the way that the Boxerdoodle needs to be challenged and stimulated both physically and mentally. That is why you should give this dog plenty of activities to do throughout the day. However, if it doesn’t receive enough attention from its owners, then the Boxerdoodle may try to create its own entertainment and fun, which can result in some unwanted behavior.

How to Take Care of the Boxerdoodle

The Boxerdoodle is generally a medium-maintenance dog. Many aspects of its personal care will depend on what traits it inherits from the Boxer and Poodle parents. Big, energetic, long-haired dogs will obviously require more care and attention than smaller, short-haired dogs. When you first bring it home, the Boxerdoodle requires an early health checkup (especially as a puppy), and then it should visit the vet at least once a year after that. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the dog’s care, then you should consult with your vet.

The Best Dog Food

The Boxerdoodle should be fed high-quality dog food, the amount of which depends on several factors, including its size, age, and activity level. Since the size of the Boxerdoodle can vary so widely, each dog may have a slightly different caloric intake. You should also carefully monitor your dog for signs of weight gain. If it appears that the pooch is packing on pounds, then you should cut back on the calories.

Your dog might suffer from allergies, which are common in this breed. In that case, compare some allergy care dog foods.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Boxerdoodle needs to be brushed a few times a week to prevent the fur from matting and tangling. If it has longer hair, then the Boxerdoodle will also need semi-regular trimmings a few times every year. The exact frequency of brushes and haircuts will depend on both the length of and consistency of the dog’s fur. Other important aspects of the dog’s hygiene include regular nail clippings, baths, and ear cleanings. You should also brush the teeth at least once a week to reduce bad breath and minimize the chances of dental problems.

Training

The Boxerdoodle is an intelligent, playful dog that learns quickly and adapts very well to human commands. This dog has a roaming mind and a tendency to wander around, so regular training sessions will help to instill it with some discipline. Ideally, the best time to train this dog is from the earliest possible age, when its mind is most malleable. It is highly recommended that you rely on positive training methods such as food, toys, and verbal encouragement since negativity might just discourage this rather sensitive soul. If you lack the time or patience to train it yourself, then it’s a good idea to enroll your dog in a training program.

The Boxerdoodle requires about 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day. It is very versatile in the types of activities it enjoys: walking, running, swimming, fetching, toys, and even agility training are all possible. It is a good idea to have a fenced yard or some other wide open space so this dog can roam freely. The Boxerdoodle will also enjoy accompanying you on any exercise or nature excursions. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and find shaded areas to rest frequently on a hot day.

Puppies

As with almost any type of dog, it is always recommended that you obtain your puppy from a reputable breeder. Although breeders usually demand a higher price, it is usually worth it in the long run, since the puppies tend to be healthier and better cared for. There are no rescue groups specifically dedicated to the Boxerdoodle, but you might be able to find one at a Boxer or Poodle rescue shelter that also takes in mixes. It is unlikely that you’ll find a Boxerdoodle at a general rescue shelter, but it may be worth trying with them as well. Boxerdoodle puppies are quite excitable by nature, but they tend to mellow out a little as they age. Once again, early training will help bring discipline to its life.

Boxerdoodles and Children

The Boxerdoodle is an excellent companion that likes to engage in all kinds of activities with the whole family. It is suitable for children of nearly all ages, but you should always supervise interactions between dogs and younger children, just in case one responds poorly to the other.

Dogs Similar to the Boxerdoodles

If you are a fan of the Boxerdoodle, then you might want to check out its two parent breeds, the Boxer and the Poodle. But there are many other mixes and purebred dogs with similar appearances and personalities. Here are just a few of them:

• Goldendoodle: Bred from Poodle and Golden Retriever parents, the Goldendoodle is one of the most popular designer dogs in the world. Friendly, intelligent, and vigorous, this dog is an excellent companion for the entire family. Its hypoallergenic coat is also reasonably good for people with serious allergies.
• Labradoodle: This mix is very similar to the Goldendoodle, except it’s bred from a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Outgoing and gregarious, it is an ideal companion for the entire family. The coat tends to be short and shaggy, but other variations are possible.
• Cockapoo: This cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle is a smaller dog with a coat that varies quite a bit in its texture and length. From their parents, they’ve inherited a very friendly personality and a keen intelligence, which make them an excellent companion dog.