Ever thought of a Dachshund and Boxer combo? Probably you are a lover of these two cute breeds and having a hard time choosing between the two. Well, you can have a perfect blend of these two breeds in one dog.
Let’s talk about this unique crossbreed, the Dachshund Boxer mix, popularly called the Dachxer or Boxer Doxie. Like every other mixed breed, you are more likely going to find them in the shelters and rescues. So, consider adopting one as opposed to buying. These adorable canines are affectionate companions and can quickly fall in love with you before you leave the shelter.
| Boxer Dachshund Mix facts | |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Designer breed |
| Average Height | 10 - 20 inches |
| Average Weight | 13 - 55 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10 - 13 years |
| Coat type/color | Depends on the parent breeds |
| Temperament | Energetic, loyal, protective, affectionate, etc |
| Shedding Level | Minimal |
| Health Problems | Cardiomyopathy, intervertebral disc disease, eye-related diseases, degenerative myelopathy, etc. |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal |
| Suitable For | Family with or without children, singles, elderly, and first-time owners. |
| Price | $1000 - $1500 |
What Is Boxer Dachshund Mix?
The Boxer Dachshund Mix is a crossbreed between the incredibly patient Boxer and the super affectionate Dachshund. They are small to medium-sized pups. In other words, they fall between the tall, large Boxer & the small sturdy Dachshund.
Dachxers adore children and are exceptionally patient with them. But can be hostile or someone not part of the immediate family. Owing to the strong attachment to kids in the family, they make a wonderful choice for a watchdog.
The Boxer Dachshunds are quite energetic and live an active life. They tend to become frustrated and destructive without adequate exercise.
Boxer Dachshund Mix Origin
Crossbreeding is a relatively new concept in this era. So there is little or no information about or knowledge as to how the Boxer Dachshund Mix came about. However, we can trace the origin of the individual parent breeds to better understand the cross.
In the mid 16th century, the Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs. They are an invention of German breeders. Primarily, Dachshunds were bred to tackle the problem of badgers and were also commonly used for rabbits and fox hunting. The nature of their bodies makes it easier to burrow in underground tunnels in search of games and also an added advantage during the World Wars. They are famous for their loud barks which is a way of communicating with their human masters.
Like the Dachshund, the Boxers originated in Germany in the late 19th century. The Boxers were bred from the Old English Bulldog & the now extinct Bullenbeisser. They are fast hunting dogs. Its task was to seize the prey & hold it until the hunters arrived. They were later brought to the U.S. after the end of the first World War.
Taken home by returning soldiers, the Boxer was introduced to a large audience & soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, & a guard dog.
Boxer Dachshund Mix Appearance
Stature
Boxers are medium to large-sized muscular dogs with wrinkled faces that look intimidating. They have a strong square-shaped jaw like the bulldog. The head is the most prominent feature of the Boxer.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, are long-haired and muscular with short sturdy legs. They have a long and narrow stout.
The mix, Boxer Dachshund, can take after any of the parents. They can also be a unique mix of the two.
Usually, they have features that tend to be somewhat between the Boxer and the Dachshund. For example, the facial elements would most likely be a combination of the wrinkled and square-shaped face of the Boxer and the long and narrow stout of the Doxie.
Size and Weight
The Boxer Doxie can inherit features from both parents, the Boxer & the Dachshund.
Both parents vary greatly in size & weight. The Boxer weighs about 55 – 70 pounds while the full-grown standard Dachshund averages 16 – 32 pounds. Usually, the crossbreed between the two results in a hybrid that is smaller than the Boxer but larger than the Dachshund.
The Boxer Doxie, therefore, weighs about 13 – 55 pounds making it safe to say that they are small to medium-sized dogs. Sometimes, Dachxers tend to grow as long as their Dachshund parent then as tall as their Boxer parent.
Coat
The coat type & the color are significant aspects of the Boxer Dachshund Mix. These can be a perfect blend of the two different parents.
There are 3 coat types (or densities) for this crossbreed, viz-
- Short type
- Normal type
- Straight type
Dachxers usually inherit the short-haired coat from the Boxer parent while sometimes they inherit the gene for the straight coat hair from the Doxie parents. The normal coat type is a blend between the two parents.
The coat color of the Dachxer varies too. The dominant color in the Dachshund breed is red, followed by black and tan. However, the recognizable coat colors in the Boxer breed are fawn & brindle, frequently with a white underbelly & white on the feet. “Fawn” denotes a range of colors – light tan or yellow, reddish tan, mahogany, or stag/deer red, & dark honey-blonde.
Therefore, the Boxer Dachshund may inherit in whole or in combination, any of these colors.
Boxer Dachshund Mix Temperament
Dachxers make excellent family pets. And they are good with children. They can be exceptionally protective of little kids roaming around the house. This is especially evident when these children stray near dangerous areas in the house like near the steps, going out the door unaccompanied, reaching for a live electric circuit, etc. Dachxers can put themselves between the kids and such dangers.
They are known to show extreme patience and gentleness towards kids. They simply adore them.
Boxer Doxies are incredibly watch dogs. They have a natural reservation or suspicion toward strangers. When they see unfamiliar people or hear strange noises, they will let you know their barks.
Since both parents are hunters, you can count on your Dachxer to be brave, fast-paced, and have a clear unidirectional goal in mind. Aside from having a stubborn streak, they can be playful and fun to be with. However, their pigheadedness got from the Doxie parent, could pose some difficulty in training.
Combined with their facial tact for humor and affectionate nature, Dachxers are a good recommendation to reduce stress and anxiety. Their little personality just makes you laugh all the time. Yes, Boxer Doxies can be very entertaining.
Boxer Doxie hardly gets along with other dogs, not to talk of other animals that they might naturally consider as prey. If there are other animals or pets in the house, you need to hatch a plan to prevent hazardous events from occurring.
Also Read: Pitbull Dachshund Mix: A Complete Guide To The Dox Bull
Boxer Dachshund Mix Health Issues
As with all mixed breeds, there is a potential for the Boxer Dachshund to inherit the worst genetic propensity from both their Dachshund and Boxer sides. However, this doesn’t mean that they will develop these disease conditions but it would be good to watch out for any of these diseases to ensure your doggies get the best possible care they deserve.
Here are some of the most common Boxer Doxies health problems –
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – This degenerative disorder which is common in both Doxies & Dachshund mixes is a result of their body shape. The intervertebral disk presses against the nerves in the spinal cord. This occurs when the disk becomes dry & brittle and then can not afford energy as it should. Pain and nerve damage result and if left untreated surgery will be required to avoid paralysis.
- Canine Cardiomyopathy – This is a disease of the cardiac muscle that results in a decreased ability of the heart to generate pressure to pump blood around the body.
If you notice labored breathing, a blue tongue, excessive drooling, or collapse, it might be early indications that your dog has cardiomyopathy.
- Canine Degenerative Myelopathy – Also known as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy. It is an incurable progressive disease of the spinal cord resulting in hind limb paralysis in older dogs.
It is painless and limits the dog’s motility and eventual loss of bladder & bowel control.
Other disease conditions include –
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Cushing’s disease
- Eye-related problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloating
- Deafness etc.
The average life expectancy of the Boxer Dachshund mix is 10 – 13 years.
Living Needs Of Boxer Dachshund Mix
Your Dachxer puppy needs adequate nutrition, grooming, exercise & training to live a healthy life and prevent health-related issues.
Nutrition
When it comes to feeding your Dachxer pooch, choose high-quality food consisting of proteins, vitamins, and minerals in the right proportion. Avoid low quality that could endanger the health of your pup.
Apportion the daily food portion according to the size of the dog. If your puppy takes after the Doxie parents, it will need a smaller portion of food but if it inherits the body and stature of the Boxer parent, it will need a larger portion each day.
Some dogs prefer wet food to dry ones and vice versa. Adhere to its needs accordingly. As with all dogs, the Dachxer’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their old age.
Grooming
The Boxer Doxie’s grooming routine is entirely dependent on its coat type. Generally, Dachxers are low-maintenance breeds. They do not require daily brushing. If the fur is long and straight like the Doxie parent, it will require brushing 2 or 3 times a week. But if your pup is short-haired, brushing once a week is ideal.
Shedding is minimal but you may need to trim their fur to avoid tangles & keep the fur looking its best.
Bathe them as need be. Brush their teeth 3 or more times a week. Clip their nails every 2 – 3 weeks & inspect their ears and eyes for possible infection.
Dachxers are known to be droolers & their jaws tend to be wet and moist. This could create an environment for bacterial or fungal growth. So appropriate attention should be given to avoid that.
Exercise
Both Dachshund and Boxer parents are both highly active dogs. So, it is no brainer that their cross is also active and energetic. They require a moderate to high level of exercise each day. This involves 60 to 90 minutes split into 3 different times of the day.
If your puppy inherited the short legs and long torso of the Doxie, it may be wise to avoid letting them climb down staircases or jump over fences as they could easily injure their backs.
Having a fast-paced, hunger-for-speed nature, it is important to give them enough exercise. This could help them stay lively & avoid being frustrated and destructive.
Training
You need a lot of patience & possibly get frustrated while dealing with a Dachshund. For one thing, both individual parents are a bit stubborn and pigheaded. This poses a big problem while training.
Their intelligence affords them a sense of Independence – the right to choose what or what not to do. So, they know what you want them to do but they might simply choose not to do it. Irritation and annoyance could set in & if you do not have a lot of patience and endurance, you may give up.
As with many dogs, giving treats, praises, and gifts can go a long way in training your pooch into the desired dog you want it to be.
Also Read: Poodle Dachshund Mix: Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits
Boxer Dachshund Mix Price
The price of a Boxer Doxie ranges from $1000 – $1500.
If you decide to purchase a Dachxer puppy, you’ll need to be aware of some non-certified breeders who sell these puppies online and through local avenues such as newspapers. This is important because these breeders don’t care about the welfare of the litters.
To ensure you purchase a healthy pup, you need to always check the medical history of both parent dogs. Important documents about the crossbreed and vaccination certificate must be provided.
Final Thoughts
Boxer Doxies are fantastic family dogs. They have a big heart and are incredibly gentle with little kiddies. They are fun to be with & can make you laugh all day.
Training can potentially be troublesome but Dachxers are intelligent and clever mixed breeds that are adored by every member of the family.
If you run every morning, your Dachxer can be your jogging pal and you’re sure to have a sweet and lovable furry friend for years to come.
