Breed Profile: Boxador (Boxer / Labrador Retriever Mix)

Looking for an exuberant best buddy? The Boxador — a cross between a boxer and Labrador retriever — is a marvelous mutt that has plenty to offer to his family members.

We’ll share everything you need to know about these loyal and lovable mixed breed doggos below, so that you can determine whether one would be a good match for your lifestyle. 

What Is A Boxador? 

While the Boxador’s origin and history isn’t particularly well documented, it’s clear that these athletic mutts have risen in popularity due to their adorable looks and eager-to-please attitudes.

These canine companions are sure to love accompanying you on any adventure with a wagging tail following behind them. 

Most people love life with these enthusiastic and intelligent pups. However, it’s important to evaluate the potential traits of any mixed breed dog carefully to make sure you can meet your dog’s needs appropriately. 

Mixed breed dogs’ temperaments and characteristics can be difficult to predict, but meeting your mutt’s parents and learning about the parent breeds can help you gain an accurate understanding of what your puppy may be like. 

Understanding the Parent Breeds

Understanding and welcoming the traits of each parent breed is key when adding a mixed-breed doggo to your family, since there’s no guarantee that your mixed breed puppy will have an even split of characteristics from either parent. 

Below, we’ll break down the basic traits of the boxer and Labrador retriever to help you learn what to expect from  your future furry friend. 

The Beautiful, Bouncing Boxer 

These loyal, loving dogs are known for their playful personality and adorable looks. Boxers (and most boxer mixes) are athletic yet patient pups, who do well with all members of the family, big and small. In fact, boxers are some of the best dogs for babies in the world.  

Boxers want nothing more than to be around their family members and do well in active households where there is always something to keep them busy. Reaching about 65 to 80 pounds, these muscular pups need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Boxers are also known for holding onto a puppy-like spirit well into adulthood. While this is undoubtedly charming, boxer owners must be ready to put in the work with training. 

These pups tend to drool and snore quite a bit, though they do not shed heavily. Boxers make excellent watchdogs, though they’ll need guidance as they can sometimes take these duties a little too seriously. Despite their few shortcomings, these canine clowns are sure to make you laugh and leave a pawprint on your heart. 

The Lovable Labrador Retriever

The other parent of the Boxador is the ever-popular Labrador retriever. These friendly, outgoing dogs are well-loved due to their people-pleasing attitudes and playful spirits. Labrador retrievers and Lab-mixes usually make amazing companions so long as they get the exercise and mental stimulation they need to keep their tails wagging. 

These sweet dogs love spending time with their family members and — like boxers — do well with kids and other pets. Labs are medium sized dogs weighing between 55 to 80 pounds. Luckily, these adaptable dogs are fairly intelligent and an easy-to-train dog breed, so long as they earn a treat or two for their efforts. 

Labrador retrievers were originally developed to help fishermen, and they were also used as bird-hunting dogs tasked with retrieving waterfowl. So, it’s no surprise that these dogs love a good swim. As long as these dogs are given access to plenty of exercise, training, and cuddles, you’re sure to find a loyal, life-long companion in a Labrador retriever. 

Boxador Traits and Characteristics

You can’t always predict a mixed breed dog’s personality with 100% accuracy. However, you can infer some traits based on the characteristics of a Boxador’s parent breeds. 

With that in mind, here are some general guidelines of what you can expect from a Boxador. This outline can help you determine whether or not these designer dogs are the right fit for your family and lifestyle. 

• Size and Shape: Boxadors are medium to large dogs usually weighing between 60 and 90 pounds. They’re usually 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder though mixed breed pups vary in size and shape. These dogs often have a boxer-like frame, but with more bulk like their Labrador retriever parents. 
• Temperament: The energetic Boxador is always ready to play and enjoys spending as much time as he can with his family. These pooches are likely to act like permanent puppies and do well around kids as long as they are taught to understand hoe yo interact gently with little ones. Luckily, the intelligent breed is eager to please so training shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. The Boxador is a loyal, happy-go-lucky dog that is always ready for his next adventure. 
• Coat and Colors: These pups will have a short, shiny coat that won’t require much maintenance other than a weekly brushing. That being said, these dogs may need access to a coat throughout the colder months to keep themselves cozy while out on walks. The main coat colors of the Boxador are black, white, brindle, and brown. Occasionally, these pups have white markings along the snout and chest like their boxer parents. 
• Intelligence: The Boxador is wickedly smart though you may not have guessed it based on his sometimes clown-like personality. With the right incentive, these dogs are sure to learn a whole range of tricks as they are eager to please their families. However, it’s still important that these dogs learn their doggie manners early on as their large size could make training more challenging as they get older. 
• Training Challenges: Luckily, these pups should be fairly easy to train. That being said, they are prone to separation anxiety, so they’ll need a home where someone is around most of the time. In addition, these energetic dogs may display destructive behaviors if their daily exercise needs aren’t met. The Boxador is also slow to mature, so you’ll need to invest in consistent, positive training sessions. 
• Grooming: Boxadors don’t require a whole lot of grooming due to their short, low-maintenance coats. That being said, these pups will shed and need a brush at least once a week. You’ll also need to give these active pups regular baths and brush their teeth on a daily basis to keep them healthy. 
• Exercise Needs: These energetic dogs are going to need plenty of exercise on a daily basis, so standard walks on their own won’t do. Your Boxador will love going on regular runs, hikes, or playing an engaging game of fetch or frisbee whenever he can. Ideally, Boxador homes have a large, fenced-in yard where these sweet pooches can get out some of their endless energy. 
• Health: These pups are pretty healthy, especially for larger dogs, and they have an average canine lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, they are susceptible to health conditions shared by both parent breeds including hip dysplasia, cataracts, and diabetes. As you would with any dog, you’ll want to make sure your Boxador is up to date on his appointments with the vet to keep him feeling his best. 

Best Families and Situations For A Boxador

Ready to welcome one of these boisterous buddies into your life? Here is a quick checklist to ensure these are the perfect pups for your family. 

• You have a lively household. These sporty sweethearts want nothing more than to spend as much time as they can with their family members. Boxadors are also prone to separation anxiety, so it’s best if this breed lives with a busy family in an active household where someone is usually home. 
• You’re ready to invest time in training. While these pups are happy to learn tricks for a treat, they are slow to mature so they’ll need consistent training to ensure their canine good citizenship. These smart pups love staying mentally and physically engaged, so regular training sessions are a must. 
• You’re looking for a running buddy. Boxadors are naturally energetic and active, so they’ll make amazing running or hiking companions. These pups are happy to curl up on the couch and offer lots of hugs and kisses, so long as they meet their exercise needs. 
• You have enough time to entertain these active pups. Boxadors are not highly independent pups. These dogs thrive on action and will need owners who can fulfill that need with ample attention, exercise, and engaging activities like training sessions or using puzzle toys. 
• You’re looking for a lively, family companion. These patient yet playful pups love spending time with children and adults. As long as their needs are met, these sweet pups are sure to make amazing canine companions. 

To break it down, a Boxador is not the right fit for anyone who’s looking for a laid back, independent, low-maintenance dog breed. These dogs crave excitement and are happiest when they are with the people they love. The life-of-the-party Boxador needs an owner who understands that these intelligent, active, and social dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation on an everyday basis to feel their best. 

How Can You Find A Boxador? 

Tracking down a Boxador buddy can be difficult as it would be with any designer dog. That being said, you can always scour the internet for these furry friends. 

If you know any Boxador owners, you could ask them for their breeder or if they know of any upcoming litters. You could even message Boxador owners via social media for insight.

It also might be worth asking boxer and Labrador retriever parents if they’re able to point you in the right direction.

Don’t forget the importance of selecting a reputable breeder for your Boxador. It’s also important to meet your puppy’s parents ahead of time to help you understand what your future pooch may be like. 

If you choose to adopt a Boxador from a rescue or shelter (a great idea), make sure you spend adequate time getting to know your new furry buddy to get a sense of their personality. Also, know that your chances of finding a Boxador that’s a pure 50/50 mix is pretty unlikely. You’ll probably have a smattering of other breeds mixed in (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – variety is the spice of life)!

Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Boxador

Are you still deciding whether or not the Boxador is the best buddy of your dreams? Here are some other similar breeds and mutts to take into consideration. 

• Dalmador: This Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix is known for his friendly, rambunctious personality. These spotted sweeties love spending time with other dogs, kids, and other family members though they can be protective around strangers. 
• Briard: This ancient herding dog is loyal, hardworking, and fiercely intelligent. These confident canines are great with kids and staying active. 
• Beagador: The comical beagador is a cross between a beagle and Labrador retriever. These playful pups are super sweet and intelligent, though they may have a stubborn streak that will require some patience. 
• Golden Boxer: This boxer and golden retriever mix is sure to steal your heart with his adorable looks and eternal devotion to his family. These smart pups make excellent watch dogs and love spending time outdoors. 
• Catahoula Leopard Dog: If you’re looking for a hardworking hound, the beautiful Catahoula leopard dog is a great choice. These athletic dogs love to stay busy and need an owner who can provide firm and consistent training. The Catahoula leopard dog is fiercely loyal to his loved ones. 
• Bullador: This Labrador and English bulldog mix creates an active, loving canine companion. The bullador loves meeting new people and playing whenever possible. 
• Boweimar: The boweimar is a cross between a boxer and Weimaraner. These energetic, loving family dogs need plenty of exercise and attention to keep their tails wagging. 

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All in all, the Boxador makes a larger than life family companion that is sure to brighten up your darkest days. These playful pups make amazing furry friends so long as their needs are properly met. 

Do you have one of these silly sweethearts at home? Does he show more of his boxer or Labrador retriever side?  We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!