Boxer Dachshund Mix: The Feisty Dog With a Big Heart
If you’re a fan of Doxies and Boxers, you’ll be a fan of this mix. The affection and silliness of a Boxer combined with the enthusiasm and stubbornness of a Doxie pack are quite a punch, so step into the ring and let’s take this cross head-on.
The History of the Dachshund Boxer Mix
The idea of designer dogs is a new one, and this cross is among the most unusual ones. That means that there is precious little info on the cross-breed itself. So, to understand the cross, we need to learn about the parent breeds first.
Believe it or not, Dachshunds are hunting dogs. They were bred in Germany, somewhere in the 16th century to deal with the problem of badgers that were terrorizing the country folk. To fulfill this task, Doxies had to be determined and fearless. Their bodies had to adapt to navigating the underground tunnels that their prey lived in, and that’s why their legs were so short and their bodies almost comically long. The breeders favored these traits because they helped the dogs deal with their foes more efficiently.
Of course, the sheer cuteness of Dachshunds that inspires so many Dachshund memes is great, too, but it’s just an added plus. One lovely Dachshund fact is that these sweethearts were Picasso’s inspiration!
These pups bark so much because it is a way to communicate with their human hunting partners who stay above the ground while the dogs go into the burrows to face the badger and drag it out. They had to do quite a bit of digging as well to make the tunnels wider when necessary, so they retain that habit to this day.
Dachshunds have been among the most beloved dogs in the USA since World War I, so including them in our list of the best dog breeds to adopt was a no-brainer. If you’d like to know about these brave little fellows, check out these ten facts you should know about Dachshunds with pictures.
Boxers are a younger breed than Doxies, and their history dates back to when they emerged as a separate breed at the end of the 19th century in Europe. They were also primarily hunting dogs and were bred to have a strong bite that enabled them to hold onto their prey until their human partners arrived.
During World War I, they were used as messenger dogs, guard dogs, attack dogs, and package carriers. That’s how they came to the USA—accompanying the returning soldiers who got attached to their canine comrades. Their popularity blossomed, and today they take the 11th place on the AKC’s list of the most popular breeds, barely managing to outrank Doxies that occupy the 12th place.
Best Dog Treats for Your Furry Friends
Selecting the best dog treats for your furry friends involves considering their preferences, dietary needs, and overall health. Opt for treats made with high-quality, natural ingredients, avoiding artificial additives or preservatives. Treats with real meat or wholesome grains can provide a tasty and nutritious reward.
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- These single-ingredient salmon treats are ideal for pets with allergies, sensitive stomachs, diabetes, or special dietary requirements.
- Salmon is a natural source of fish oil rich in omega-3, omega-6, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and vitamins A, B12, and D for skin and coat support.
- Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids in salmon helps support a healthy heart and promote hip and joint health.
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- Delicious treats are packed with nutritious goodness and a natural, sweet and meaty flavor your pup will love.
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- Real sweet potato is a natural source of vitamin A, which helps maintain strong eyesight, healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
- Sweet potato also delivers vital dietary fiber and antioxidants to support your pal’s healthy digestion and overall good health.
- Contains no added artificial preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors, and no fillers or grains.
- Helps support strong teeth with nubs and ridges that act like toothbrush bristles.
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- Free of artificial flavors so you can feel good about your dog snacking on these treats.
- Helps freshen breath, minimize tartar buildup and encourage healthy gums.
- Sealed for the freshness your dog craves.
Three Reasons Not to Adopt a Boxer Dachshund Mix Pup
Even with all of their funny, cute, and likable traits, a Boxer Doxie is not a dog for everyone. Here are three reasons not to adopt one.
- They will slobber all over you.
- They will think your hamster is dinner and a show.
- They won’t like having people over.
They Will Slobber All Over You
While Boxer Doxes don’t drool as much as purebred Boxers do, they don’t not slobber either. As soon as you have something tasty, salivation will start, and with every shake of their cute little heads, you can expect a rainfall. It doesn’t have to happen, because your pup can go all Doxie in that regard, but they’ll probably have at least partially Boxer traits. If that’s not something you think you can handle, avoid any Boxer crosses.
They Will Think Your Hamster Is Dinner and a Show
The prey drive of these little fellows is something else. They’ll chase whatever, as long as it’s moving and seems scared. If you have any small animals around, remove them from your pooch’s presence unless they’re meant to be dinner. If you don’t, you’ll make your Boxer Doxie extremely happy, but you’ll be bereft of guinea pigs.
They Won’t Like Having People over
This cross is the Cersei Lannister of dogs—extremely distrustful of anyone outside of their immediate family. Not the other Cersei thing. Even when properly socialized, they won’t enjoy having too many people in their territory. They’ll love you and your family to bits—but if you enjoy entertaining, you might want to find a more of a people-person kind of dog.
Three Reasons to Adopt a Dachshund Boxer Cross Dog
If the rain of saliva is okay with you, you don’t have any small animals that could get accidentally eaten, and you don’t have a habit of inviting people over too often, you’ll be just fine with a Dachxer. Here are three reasons to adopt one of these little cuties.
- They are fantastic family dogs.
- They make amazing watchdogs.
- They are incredibly entertaining.
They Are Fantastic Family Dogs
These pups love their entire family with all their little hearts and will even be gentle with little kiddies. Doxies can be a bit snappish, but the Boxer side almost always prevails in this regard. Boxers adore children and are generally quite fussy about them. You’ll see your dog start panicking when your kid wanders too close to a staircase, for example, and it’s not unusual for them to put themselves between a child and whatever danger is lurking.
They Make Amazing Watch Dogs
Their natural distrust of strangers makes these pups an excellent choice for a watchdog. They’ll always let you know when there is something suspicious going on. If they inherit the Boxer size, they can serve as guard dogs as well.
They Are Incredibly Entertaining
The silly antics of these little guys and gals would be worth it, even if they brought nothing else to the table. They are weird little creepos and will make you laugh all the time. Their affectionate nature, combined with their hilarious behavior, makes for the ultimate anti-stress dog.
Appearance and Personality of the Dachshund Boxer Mix
There is no way to be entirely sure how any cross-bred puppies will turn out. They can take after any of the parents or be a perfect blend of the two. The same goes for Boxer Doxies.
In general, they’ll be larger than a typical Doxie but smaller than a Boxer. Their head shape tends to be a mix of the parents’, with a snout that’s not as long and narrow as a Doxie’s but also not as wrinkled as a Boxer’s. The cross will rarely inherit the short legs of a Doxie, but it can happen.
In terms of personality, be prepared for playfulness, need for speed, and a lot of stubbornness. Both parent breeds are hunters, so they’re brave, determined, and have a bit of a one-track mind. They are pretty clever but won’t always be easy to train because of their independence and pig-headedness.
They won’t get on with any animal that would naturally be prey, and they may even refuse to tolerate other dogs. If you have other pets, you should prepare for potential problems.
Dachxers make fantastic family pets, and they usually have plenty of patience for children. They tend to be fiercely protective, so they make excellent watchdogs as well.
| Weight | 13–55 pounds |
| Height | 10–20 inches |
| Size | Medium |
| Coat type |
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| Coat color |
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| Shedding | Moderate |
| Eyes |
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| Nose |
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| Ears | Large and floppy |
| Temperament | Energetic, stubborn, intelligent |
| Life expectancy | 10–13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid-friendly | Yes |
| New owner friendly | No |
| Breed recognition | Not recognized as a breed by the AKC |
Health Issues Connected to a Dachshund Boxer Cross
There is a common belief that, due to the more diverse gene pool, cross-breeds are naturally more resilient to the diseases that strike pure breeds. This belief is unfounded, and it is just as likely for your pooch to inherit all the issues typical for the parent breed as it is for them to inherit none. Here are the health threats to your dog based on the problems that typically affect Doxies and Boxers.
- Intervertebral disc disease. This back problem typically affects Doxies and Dachshund mixes. The deterioration of the cushioning discs between the bones of your pup’s spine causes the discs to slip inwards and press on the spinal nerve. It can shorten a dog’s lifespan if not treated properly. This is a painful condition that could result in paralysis, so take your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any signs of discomfort or unwillingness to run or go up or down.
- Eye-related problems. Both parent breeds are prone to eye-related health issues, so take your pooch to the vet for regular checkups. If you do, you might be able to prevent or slow down the development of conditions that could cause your dog to go blind.
- Cardiomyopathy. This condition causes the heart muscles to thin or, less commonly, thicken. This causes your dog’s heart to have difficulties pumping blood and can lead to congestive heart failure.
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis. This happens when there is abnormal tissue beneath the aortic valve. The tissue creates an obstruction that prevents normal blood flow, so the heart has to pump faster to keep the blood flowing. The muscle thickens, and faster blood flow creates a heart murmur.
- Degenerative myelopathy. This issue affects older dogs. It’s progressive, and it attacks the spinal cord, eventually causing paralysis. It’s not painful, so you’re not likely to realize something’s going on until it’s well-established and causing a lot of problems. It can’t be cured, but if you notice it early, you can slow down the progression of the disease somewhat.
Less frequent health issues that usually come from a Dachshund parent are skin problems and seizures. Many of these issues can be slowed down or completely prevented if you notice them in time and if you take proper care of your little hairy friend. Don’t neglect your pup’s regular checkups with the vet, and you might save them and yourself a lot of headaches and heartbreak.
| Major concerns | Minor concerns | Occasional tests |
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How Active Is a Boxer Dachshund Mix Dog?
Considering the origin of the parent breeds, is it any wonder that your pooch is a highly active creature? They’ll need about an hour to an hour and a half of activity every day. Split this time into three, and have two walks and one high-energy paying session every day.
If you like to run, you may bring your pup with you for a jog, provided that they don’t have the shot legs of a Doxie. Be careful if they inherit the back problems typical to Doxies, and if they don’t take them running, and don’t let them run up or downstairs.
Without enough exercise, your pup might become restless, destructive, or even aggressive. To prevent such behavior issues, make sure you never neglect their need for speed.
| Activity level | Recommended miles/day | Activity minutes/day |
| Moderate to high | 7–10 | 60–90 |
The Best Diet for a Boxer Dachshund Cross
A healthy diet can prevent many health issues. Because of that, it’s imperative to choose high-quality options when it comes to feeding your beloved pooch. If they take after their Doxie parent when it comes to size, check our list of best dry dog food for small dogs for some excellent recommendations.
Don’t overfeed your Dachxer. The recommended daily portion varies depending on the size of the dog in question. If your pup is Doxie-sized, they’ll need a bit under 1.5 cups of dry food per day. In the largest case, they’ll need 2.5 cups of dry food a day. Adapt the quantity to the weight of your pooch.
Like people, dogs have different tastes in food, and some of them might prefer wet to dry options. If your little buddy is one of them, take a look at these best-canned dog food brands. Age plays a role in a dog’s diet too. If your best bud is already a well-seasoned little fellow, check out these best senior dry dog food brands. If you’re taking care of a puppy, take a look at our list of best puppy food brands.
- Wellness Core® Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food. Doxie mixes tend to have issues with their bones and joints, especially when combined with larger breeds. The calcium and phosphorus in this brand of food keep their joints healthy, which is fantastic for your little guy or gal.
- Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food. If you’re looking for the highest-quality ingredients, look no further. With first-grade meat, veggies, fruits, Omega-3 fatty acids, chia seeds, and so on, this brand boasts some of the healthiest recipes on the market.
- Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry. This brand is an excellent choice for your puppies. It provides all the necessary nutrients, and the kibble size is small enough for the tiny puppy mouth.
No matter what you and your dog’s preferences are, make sure you avoid these worst dry dog food brands, if you want to keep your pooch happy and healthy.
Grooming Requirements of a Boxer Dachshund Mix
Grooming is relatively easy with a Dachxer. They don’t need frequent brushing—once a week should be enough if your pooch is shorthaired. If the Doxie parent was longhaired, your dog might have a slightly longer coat, but they still won’t require daily brushing. Nevertheless, in this case, you’ll need to make sure there aren’t any tangles and mats, so you’ll want to brush them about two or three times a week. Bathe them only with the best all-natural dog shampoos.
Clip their nails every two weeks, and inspect and clean their ears every week. If your pup has inherited the wrinkly face of a Boxer, you’ll need to check it every once in a while because the moisture can encourage the growth of fungi.
Brush their teeth at least three times a week, and check out this list of top 10 best dog dental chews to find some tasty teeth-cleaning, gum-protecting ideas.
| Brushing frequency | Brushes for Boxer Dachshund Mix |
| Weekly |
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Is the Dachshund Boxer Mix Easy to Train?
Both of the parent breeds tend to be a bit stubborn. Doxies are sometimes utterly pig-headed, so if your pup takes after the Dachshund parent, you might have a bit of a problem with training there.
Both Doxies and Boxers are quite intelligent, so they’ll know what you want them to do. They might simply refuse to do it because they don’t feel like it. This kind of attitude can cause a lot of frustration, but you have to keep your patience if you want to get anywhere with this cross. Like all dogs, this cross learns best with plenty of positive reinforcement, so get some tasty snacks or gifts to motivate them. Go for healthy and natural options, and avoid these worst dog treat brands. High-quality treats can help you Best Canned Dog Food Brands in the long run.
If you feel you’re not up for the task, get professional help. If you’re a first-time dog owner, you might want to find a more easily managed cross. Just make sure to avoid typical mistakes in dog training.
In case you own a little munchkin and feel like you could use some help, check out our guidelines for Dachshund potty training and the best ways to train a puppy.
Does the Boxer Dachshund Mix Make a Good Family Pet?
They usually do. Even though the Doxie in the mix tends to get snappy when annoyed, the Boxer adores children and has plenty of patience for them. There are exceptions, of course, but this cross will generally be gentle, even with toddlers that pull on their ears and cross the line in any other way. They are fantastic playmates for older children and amazing companions for teenagers. They will love the entire family and be fiercely protective if they feel that any family member is in danger.
The problems may arise if you have other pets. This cross is made of two hunting breeds, and they’ll try to hunt anything that seems remotely like prey, including any rodent pets, birds, and even cats and smaller dogs. If you already have a menagerie at home, this cross might not be a great idea, despite its many virtues.
Boxer Dachshund Mix FAQ
1. What is a Boxer Dachshund Mix?
The Boxer Dachshund Mix, also known as a Boxshund, is a crossbreed resulting from the combination of a Boxer and a Dachshund. This unique mix brings together the traits of two distinct breeds, creating a feisty yet affectionate canine companion with a big heart.
2. What are the characteristics of a Boxer Dachshund Mix?
Boxer Dachshund Mixes are known for their energetic and lively nature. They often inherit a blend of traits from both parent breeds, including the Boxer’s playfulness and the Dachshund’s distinctive body shape. Their personalities can vary, but they are generally loyal and affectionate.
3. How big does a Boxer Dachshund Mix get?
The size of a Boxer Dachshund Mix can vary, influenced by the specific traits inherited from the Boxer and Dachshund parents. Generally, they are medium-sized dogs, but individual variations may occur.
4. What kind of care do Boxer Dachshund Mixes require?
These mixes benefit from regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a balanced diet. Their grooming needs depend on the coat type inherited. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper training, and socialization are essential for their well-being.
5. Are Boxer Dachshund Mixes suitable for families?
Boxer Dachshund Mixes can make great family pets due to their affectionate nature. However, their energy levels and playfulness should be considered, especially in households with children. Proper training and supervision are crucial to ensure a harmonious relationship with family members.
Check Out These Other Cute Dachshund Mixes
Boxer Doxies are a wonderful cross, but they might not be for everyone. If you don’t think they’d fit into your home but are still enamored with the idea of taking in a Doxie mix, check out these other Dachshund mixes. They are all adorable, and you’ll find the perfect match for your lifestyle in no time.
If you are a Boxie fan, we have something for you. In the table below, you will find super cute Boxer mixes.
| German Shepherd Boxer Mix | Boxer Bulldog Mix | Mastiff Boxer Mix |
| Pitbull Boxer Mix | Boxer Husky Mix | Boxer Beagle Mix |
| Pug Boxer Mix | Lab Boxer Mix |
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxer_(dog)
- Sauvé, Christopher P., et al. “Oronasal and Oroantral Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Prevalence Within Dachshunds and a Control Group.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 36, no. 4, 2019, pp. 236–244., doi:10.1177/0898756420909657.
- Walker, Joan Hustace. Training Your Boxer. Barrons Educational Series, 2012.
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