Boxer Shepherd (German Shepherd & Boxer Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Breed Overview

The Boxer Shepherd mix is a crossbreed of two immensely popular breeds: the German Shepherd and the Boxer. Both German breeds are known for being active and loyal. Both, especially the German Shepherd, are trained as service dogs and frequently used as guard dogs. Their use as service dogs indicates how well both breeds can be trained, but, as with any dog, you should start training at a young age and be consistent.

Because these dogs are often used as guard dogs, you are also advised to socialize them at a young age. You should also take care when adopting an older dog. Look for signs that it was used as a guard dog and ensure it is friendly and confident.

The German Shepherd Boxer requires a lot of exercise, is generally considered healthy, and will become an integral family member. The crossbreed will take on a similar size as their parents, so you can expect your pet to weigh in at about 70 pounds.

Boxer Shepherd Puppies

Boxer Shepherd Characteristics

When you're looking for a Boxer Shepherd, take your time to find a reputable breeder. As always, you should meet the puppy before deciding whether to buy, and a reputable breeder will let you meet the parents and, potentially, any siblings. Familial traits can be passed from one dog to the next, but individual attributes are more important than breed attributes.

Finding a Boxer Shepherd at a dog shelter might take some patience, but you can always ask for other mixed dog breeds that resemble the Boxer Shepherd. By adopting, you'll be saving money, and you can change a dog's life at the same time.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxer Shepherd

The Boxer Shepherd is a cross of two very intelligent breeds with similar attributes. The German Shepherd is used as a guard dog, service dog, police dog, and in various other service roles. They are easy to train and can learn new commands quickly and easily. While the Boxer is said to share similar attributes, they can come across as being accident-prone and a bit dim. With constant training, the possibilities with this breed are almost endless.

The German Shepherd can be shy and wary of strangers, and some Boxer Shepherds can adopt a similar attitude. Therefore, socialization should be considered essential to your pet’s early life. You can take them to puppy classes, enroll in a dog agility class, and take them down to the park, where they can meet other puppies and their owners.

Boxers can be a bit silly, and your Boxer Shepherd might have fits of boisterousness. While they're usually calm around children, you might want to clear the decks for a five-minute charge.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Boxer Shepherds are considered excellent family pets. They are easy to train and are constantly willing to take on new information and commands; they crave the love and attention of their owners. Although they have adopted some of the rambunctiousness of the Boxer, they usually reserve it for when small children are out of the way.

The German Shepherd Boxer will require a few walks daily, but they'll also enjoy playing games with family members of all ages. They can become very close friends with children, and through early socialization, they should welcome new additions to the family.

You should monitor activity around your children because the size of the German Shepherd Boxer can pose a danger even if they are friendly.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Boxer Shepherds love other dogs simply because they recognize an opportunity to play. They enjoy playing at the park and can also thrive with another dog in the house. They can live with cats and other pets, but it is always easier if you can introduce them at a young age, and the size and liveliness of the Boxer Shepherd Mix can be intimidating for smaller animals like cats.

Things to Know When Owning a Boxer Shepherd:

Boxer Shepherds can make exceptional family pets. They are bright and attentive, with fun and silly sides that can keep all family members entertained for hours. Below are some factors to consider when you are thinking of adding one to your family.

Food & Diet Requirements

Boxer Shepherd’s dietary requirements are similar to those of other dogs. They will likely be voracious eaters and gobble up any food you serve them. You can portion their meals and speak to your veterinarian to ensure that they’re receiving enough protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

The ideal dog food for the German Shepherd Boxer Mix should feature meat protein, such as chicken, lamb, or beef, as the first ingredient. You can also introduce fish oil to aid in keeping a healthy and shiny coat, while carbohydrates and fat give your dog the energy they need to get through the day.

Exercise

Boxers and German Shepherds are lively and energetic dogs. They are also strong and intelligent. This combination means that you will benefit by giving your dog regular exercise. You should walk your dog at least once daily, ideally giving them two or more walks.

To keep your Boxer Shepherd Mix entertained, you can enroll in agility classes or take them hiking or climbing with you. Both breeds and the subsequent crossbreed enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

Training

German Shepherds and Boxers are intelligent dogs. Unless they receive appropriate mental stimulation throughout the day, they are more prone to destructive and unwanted behavior. You can provide them with toys, ensure that they are mentally engaged while you’re at home, and start training from as young an age as possible.

German Shepherds are renowned for their ability to learn. That is why they are chosen as service dogs and why they can make exceptional pets. Even when you think your dog has learned everything they possibly can, a Boxer Shepherd Mix will surprise you by picking up new habits. Training helps ensure that the habits they do pick up are desirable.

However, you must assert dominance; otherwise, your dog will try to rule your home. You have to overcome challenges from the dominant German Shepherd side. Because they can quickly become bored, you will also have to find new and innovative ways to mix up training and continue to provide a mental challenge. Dog agility is a great way to combine flexible training with physical exertion and socializing.

Grooming ✂️

Boxer Shepherds take traits from both parent breeds. Some have a long, German Shepherd-style coat, but most tend to get the short coat of their Boxer ancestors. Those with short-haired Boxer Shepherds should only need to be brushed once a week, but if your cross has inherited the long hair of the German Shepherd, you will need to groom two or three times a week, especially if your dog plays outside.

Bathing may be necessary but should only be done when necessary. Excessive bathing can strip your German Shepherd Boxer's coat of its natural oils and could do more harm than good. You should brush their teeth at least two or three times a week, ideally every day, and wipe their ears clean once a week to prevent ear infections.

Health and Conditions ❤️

We have to look at common health problems associated with the parent breeds to understand how healthy a crossbreed is likely to be. Boxers are prone to several health issues, including cancer, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, bloat, and allergies.

German Shepherds tend to suffer from bloat, myelopathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Both breeds suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. However, there is no guarantee that your dog will suffer from these conditions, but you should watch for any signs of them developing.

Male vs Female

The male Boxer Shepherd is slightly larger, but there are no real differences in the breed’s other attributes.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxer Shepherd

1. Boxers Were Used as War Dogs by Ancient Assyrians

The Boxer is an ancient breed that served the ancient Assyrians of 2000 B.C. They were used as war dogs thanks to their power and bravery. Today, the most common breed for use in explosives detection is the German Shepherd. They also serve as police dogs and service dogs because they are known for being one of the easiest dogs to train.

The first K9 unit to respond to Ground Zero on 9/11 was a German Shepherd named Apollo.

2. Boxers Are Great with Kids

Boxers have a somewhat unfair reputation for being fighting dogs. They are lovers rather than fighters. Boxers are family-orientated, and they make excellent pets for children. They are loving and loyal and seem to have an inherent understanding of children’s needs.

They are patient and gentle with children despite being headstrong and boisterous at other times. Boxer Shepherd Mixes tend to take on this attribute, so they are incredibly loving but demand love in return.

3. The German Shepherd Breed Has Its Own Motto

The German Shepherd is one of the most beloved canines in the world. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1908 and even have their own motto: Utility and Intelligence. Breed champion Captain Max von Stephanitz gave them the motto.

Stephanitz is widely credited with introducing the modern German Shepherd breed and was responsible for setting the standards for them. Utility and intelligence are arguably the two words that best describe this heroic breed and the attributes that make them essential in a host of service roles.

Conclusion

The Boxer Shepherd is a crossbreed of the Boxer and German Shepherd, two of the most popular dog breeds. They are extremely intelligent, have lots of energy, and can make excellent family pets when socialized and trained properly. Their life expectancy is typical for breeds of this size, and although Boxers are known for having a wide range of potential health problems, they are less prevalent in crossbreeds.

The German Shepherd Boxer Mix requires a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but if it is provided, there is very little that you cannot train them to do. Both parents have been used as service dogs because they are easy to train. Boxers are known for being a bit silly, and this attribute can be present in the cross, so it might be a good idea to give your dog space when they're having a Boxer moment if you have small children. Other than that, the German Shepherd Boxer is likely to get along with all family members.

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Featured Image Credit: N K, Shutterstock