Boxspring (Boxer & English Springer Spaniel Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Breed Overview

The antics of the Boxspring will make you laugh. This pup is a winning combination of two sweet dogs your family will surely enjoy. The Boxer is a lovable pup that will lavish affection on his family. The English Springer Spaniel is a handsome pup that is eager to please and easy to train. Both bring an outgoing nature to the mix for an excellent choice for a new pet.

Both parent breeds are hunters. The Boxer’s history includes hunts with big game, like bears. The English Springer Spaniel is the classic bird dog, flushing upland game when the time is right. These similar backgrounds account for the high energy of the Boxspring.

The essential aspect to know about the Boxer Spaniel mix is that he needs exercise. You can almost say that it’s in his blood. He has the stamina and endurance to carry it out, too. While he doesn’t have to go into the field, he’ll do best in a home that can keep him active with enough mental stimulation to make life interesting.

Boxspring Puppies

Boxspring Characteristics

Getting a puppy isn’t something to take lightly. However, part of the process is doing the research to make sure the dog you have in mind is a good fit for your lifestyle. The Boxspring is incredibly playful but intense.  The Springer in your pup has a keen prey drive and, thus, an equally strong wanderlust potential. He’s a dog that you should always keep on a leash so that he doesn’t try to get in touch with his hunting past.

On the positive side, neither parent is much of a nipper or barker. Of course, early socialization is an excellent way to curb any of these bad behaviors before they become a nuisance. The Boxspring needs a strong leader to keep his intensity in check. He’s not the best choice for first-time pet owners or seniors. He has too much energy, which will make it challenging for those individuals.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxspring

1. The Ancestry of the Boxer Goes Back Thousands of Years.

The early ancestors of the modern-day Boxer go back to 2000 B.C. with the ancient Assyrians. Centuries later, the Germans began selectively breeding the breed, which they called the Bullenbeisser.

2. The Boxer in America Can Trace Its History to the Four Horsemen of Boxerdom.

Four German Boxers are the rootstock of the breed in the United States. Sigurd, later the Best of Breed at Westminster in 1935, fathered the other three pups: Lustig, Utz, and Dorian. All three added championships to their honors. They also sired other award-winning Boxers on the show circuit.

3. The English Springer Spaniel Has Some Friends in High Places.

It’s easy to see why anyone would fall in love with the English Springer Spaniel. He’s so adorable! George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush owned the breed. He also captured the heart of royalty as a pet to Princess Grace.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxspring 🧠

The Boxspring gets an ample dose of intelligence from both parents. As a hunting dog, the English Springer Spaniel had to think on his feet—all four of them! This pup is eager to please and will learn your routine quickly. These traits make him a delightful pet for the individual or family with time to devote to his upbringing.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Boxspring is an excellent choice for a family with children, especially older ones. He may even tire out the kids first, and he is affectionate with just about everyone. However, he doesn’t like being alone. Unfortunately, both parents are prone to separation anxiety.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Spaniel side of the Boxspring gets along with other dogs. After all, he often hunted with other gundogs in the field. The Boxer, however, is suspicious of other canines. Then, there is the prey drive. If the family cat runs from him, expect an intense chase. That instinct will likely persist, even if he is raised with another pet in the household.

Things to Know When Owning a Boxspring:

By now, it’s probably clear that the Boxspring has special needs regarding exercise and training. That’s par for the course with any dog. Remember that many pups are the product of years of selective breeding for the characteristics that serve them best in their job. That’s why it’s always a smart idea to look at the entire picture. Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes the Boxspring tick.

Food & Diet Requirements

Feeding your pet a high-quality diet will help ensure he has a good start in life. We suggest feeding him a commercial food formulated for medium-sized dogs. Also, make sure it’s appropriate for his life stage. Puppies grow quickly. The right food has enough calories and nutrients to support this rapid growth.

The Boxer and English Springer Spaniel have a moderate tendency to gain weight despite their high energy level. Therefore, use the instructions on the dog food label as a guide to how much to feed him. Monitor his size and adjust the amount accordingly. We’d also suggest using treats as a training aid only to make it easier to keep him trim and fit.

Exercise 🐕

As we’ve discussed, the Boxspring needs daily exercise to stay happy. However, that doesn’t mean letting him loose to run it off in the backyard. He also craves time with you. A daily walk is an excellent way to accomplish both goals and keep you healthy! The dog park is a possibility as long as you’ve socialized him early in life.

Training 🦮

Taking firm control of training is imperative when your Boxspring is still a puppy. A dog with his strength and energy needs an owner who can manage him. Luckily, this pup is intelligent and eager to learn new things. You’ll likely find that he is easy to train. We recommend using positive reinforcement instead of harsh reprimands when he is naughty. Both parent breeds are sensitive in that regard.

The Boxspring is capable of other tasks because of his intelligence. His affectionate nature makes him a decent choice for a therapy dog or a competitor on the agility circuit of dog shows. Training is a great way to bond with your pet.

Grooming ✂️

The ease of grooming depends on which parent is dominant in your Boxspring. The Boxer is a breeze. He’ll do well with occasional brushing and baths. Although he sheds, it isn’t much compared to some dogs. The English Springer Spaniel is another story. His long coat requires more attention and professional grooming to make him look his best.

We recommend getting him used to brushing and combing as a puppy so that it’s less of a chore when your pup needs it. The same advice applies to his nails. Handle his paws frequently so that he is accustomed to having his feet touched. You should also check his ears occasionally. The long fur of the Springer makes him susceptible to ear infections and mites.

Health and Conditions ❤️

One concern with a popular breed like the Boxer is overbreeding. That increases the risk of genetic conditions. It’s another reason to avoid puppy mills when looking for a pet. Both parent breeds are relatively healthy. However, we suggest you get a dog with an Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) evaluation for joint problems.

Male vs Female

There is a noticeable difference in the size of male and female Boxsprings. A large male dog will need an equally strong owner. If you don’t intend to breed your pet, we recommend getting your pup neutered or spayed as per the advice of your veterinarian. Some breeders make it a condition of a sale. The cost of the surgery is considerably more expensive with females than males. The recovery also takes longer.

Final Thoughts

The Boxspring is an excellent choice for an active family or individual who can keep up with their energy. While he may challenge you with his strength and enthusiasm, he is an affectionate pup who will be a steadfast companion, whether on the trail or going for daily walks in the neighborhood. Besides, his friendly nature is hard to beat. The Boxspring has a lot to offer and makes a remarkable pet.

See also:

• Rhodesian Boxer (Rhodesian Ridgeback & Boxer Mix) Info, Pics, Facts

• Boxachi (Boxer & Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Featured Image Credit: PeakPx