25-55 lbs
15-22"
United States
Boston Boxers are friendly, intelligent, and playful. They require a fair amount of daily activity and love spending time with their owners and family members. Their lifespan is average for medium breed dogs at 12 to 15 years. They generally weigh between 25 and 55 pounds and grow to be between 15 and 22 inches tall. This breed generally looks like a smaller Boxer and is appropriately known as a Miniature Boxer to some. This mix has been bred for decades, but not yet fully stabilized in form or personality.
The name Boston Boxer is a combination of the names of its two parent breeds: the Boston Terrier and Boxer. The Boston Terrier is named after its city of origin, Boston, Massachusetts and was brought to the United States from England in 1865 by a city resident. In Boston, it was bred with various dogs, notably the French Bulldog, to produce the darling American breed we know today. From 1905 to 1939, the Boston Terrier was the most popular dog in the United States and remains beloved in the county to this day. It was recognized by the AKC in 1893. There are many theories about where and when the Boston Boxer’s other parent, the Boxer, originated. Theories range from ancient Tibet to 16th century France. For simplicity, however, it is commonly accepted that the Boxer is a Bulldog cousin. Boxers became a favorite in Germany during the 1800s and were developed as a hunting and sporting companion. In the late 1800s, Germans made efforts to stabilize the breed. Eventually, it gained fans in North America, and was registered by the AKC in 1904. Later, Boxers were used as guards and ammunition carriers in both World Wars. Soldiers returning from Europe eventually brought Boxers home as pets, which bolstered their popularity in North America. Boston Boxers may have been breed for decades given both parent breeds’ long history in the same geographical areas. However, they have only recently become recognized as a designer hybrid, though not by the AKC. Even so, Boston Boxer breeders should be thoroughly researched if you are considering purchasing a puppy from them.
A Boston Boxer looks like a small-sized standard Boxer. In fact, it is sometimes called a Miniature Boxer. It has a muscular and lean build that is squarely proportioned. It has a wrinkled forehead and moderately sized pendant ears, that go straight up when roused. Its wide, dark eyes and undershot bit emphasize the breed’s intense and alert expression. Its short and smooth coat is typically brindle, fawn, or black (or a combination of the three colors) with white markings that vary in concentration and location. Boston Boxer’s paws are compact and arched, presumably due to its hunting and sporting lineage.
Boston Boxers are not hypoallergenic dogs and thus not suitable for owners with allergies. Due to their short and smooth coats, Boston Boxers do not require much grooming - they aren’t even inclined to shed heavily. These dogs should only be bathed when needed so that their coats retain natural oils and shine. Additionally, owners can choose to brush them occasionally with a firm bristle brush to keep their coats in excellent shape. Boston Boxers should also have their nails clipped 1 to 2 times a month to prevent painful overgrowth or nail splitting. Like all breeds, Boston Boxers should have their teeth brushed daily.
This lively breed is friendly, intelligent, and playful. Boston Boxers are very loyal to their owners and can be weary of strangers. They can be aggressive at times, so it is best to make new introductions slowly. Generally, however, they have an affable disposition and get along with others including dogs, cats, and children very well. Boston boxers will bark occasionally and – like many hybrid breeds – are highly sensitive to their surroundings; it follows that, Boston Boxers thrive in environments where they have a relatively consistent schedule. Additionally, Boston Boxers are quite intelligent. This makes them moderately easy to train - but keep in mind they can be stubborn at times. As such, early and consistent training is particularly important with them. Beyond this, because the Boston Boxer is playful and energetic, they enjoy being with owners who have free time during the day to romp around or go on a long walk or run with.
Boston Boxers love energetic play and exercising with their owners. They are quite athletic and benefit from one to two walks a day or a long session in the dog park running around. Because Boston Boxers require a fair amount of exercise, they are best suited for suburban and rural environments where outdoor space is plentiful. They can, however, live in urban environments if there is access to off leash parks. Boston Boxers have a moderate inclination to wander and hunt, so they should always be monitored whenever they are outside. Note that this breed does not do well in extreme temperatures, so they are not to be over exercised in very hot or very cold climates. Overall, Boston Boxers will be happy if they get 45 to 90 minutes of physical activity a day and can snuggle up to their owners in the evening.
Written by Kathleen Egger
Published: 10/16/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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