Boxerdoodle: Boxer Poodle Mix

What is the Boxerdoodle?

That’s the first question that popped up in my mind. From the name, we can gather that it’s a cross between a Boxer and a Poodle.

The Boxer Poodle mix is a designer dog that was bred to have a low-shedding coat and the winning personalities of each parent. But we’ll get to its temperament a bit later.

This rare mix is of German descent, just like the Poodle and Boxer. Some argue that the Poodle originated in France in the 1500s, but the Germans quickly swooped in and adopted its name, Pfudel, into their language.

Despite its parents’ rich histories, the Boxer Poodle Mix was only developed within the last two decades. It’s very much a new breed.

What Does A Boxerdoodle Look Like?

We all recognize the sweet demeanor of a Boxer. Now, take that innocent expression and combine it with the curly-ish coat of a Poodle.This mix typically carries the sturdy and muscular stature of a Boxer.

To determine the size of a Boxerdoodle, we must first look at the Poodle genes. Poodles come in three main sizes: standard, mini, and toy.

But due to the size of the Boxer, 22 – 25 inches (57 – 63 cm), we can conclude that all Boxer Poodle mixes will be on the larger side.

The average size of a Poodle Boxer is between 10 – 25 inches (25.5 – 63.5 cm) at the shoulder. So yes, there’s quite a margin.

The same goes for the weight. It’s roughly between 12 – 70 pounds (5 – 32 kg). I know that seems like a vague estimate, but it all depends on the size of the Poodle.

This breed can come in many different coat colors: solid tan, black, red, or brindle.

And did you know there are three different types of water-repellent coats?

• Long and wavy
• Short and thick
• Very curly

As mentioned above the average lifespan on a Boxerdoodle is between 10 – 12 years.

How would you describe the temperament of Boxerdoodle?

The Poodle, which is also an active breed, is most commonly known for its intelligence and easy training ability.

So, one can predict that the Boxerdoodle would take on the personality of both its parents. This mix is described as friendly, loyal, and extremely loving.

It’s the winning temperament of the Boxer Poodle Mix that makes it a great family dog. This breed does well around children of all ages and other animals.

The Boxerdoodle is naturally protective and occasionally barks when something doesn’t feel right or when someone is threatening the safety of a home.

The Working Boxer Poodle Mix

It’s no wonder many families choose this breed as a watchdog or guard dog.

It makes total sense that the Boxerdoodle would belong to the Working group, but what exactly does that mean?

Working group dogs are quick to learn, strong, watchful, and alert at all times. They were originally bred to assist people in their work duties, including protecting property, pulling sleds, and performing water rescues.

With A Great Dog, Comes Great Responsibility

• In order to perform such superhero tasks, the Boxerdoodle must be taken care of properly.
• Grooming: luckily for you, this mix is considered hypoallergenic and sheds minimally. It’s a great choice for owners with allergies. The grooming part is easy.
• Exercise: this is where a Boxerdoodle takes work. This dog has a high energy level that requires daily exercise. It loves to run around at full-speed in an open space.
• If you live in an apartment, your pup will adapt to smaller spaces… only if you take it for long walks or to the dog park to release all its energy before going home.
• The last thing you want is a hyperactive Boxer Poodle Mix in a cramped apartment. Broken dishes and toilet paper everywhere!
• Training: this should be easy for such a bright dog. However, the Boxerdoodle’s sensitivity does not respond well to harsh treatment.
• Physical punishment can result in a rough and stubborn dog.
• Instead, practice positive reinforcement with treats and rewards. That’s how they learn best with a patient, fair, and confident owner.
• It’s also a good idea to begin socialization early.
• Feeding: the Boxerdoodle typically eats between 2 ½ – 3 cups each day. If you expect your dog to perform strength and agility tasks, it must be given a high protein diet, consisting mainly of fish and chicken.

Ready To Adopt A Boxerdoodle?

Most designer dogs tend to be on the pricier side, so prepare for that. Poodle Boxer puppies are also hard to come by, and because they’re so rare, their price goes up to $1,200 – 1,500.

There is no official website for Boxerdoodle adoptions or breeders, so your best bet is to go through PuppyFind, BlueRidge Boxer Rescue, or Next Day Pets.

If you can’t find the exact breed you’re looking for, consider these similar dogs. They’re all winners!

• Boxer & Beagle Mix
• Boxer & Labrador Mix
• Pitbull & Boxer Mix
• White Boxer

How Much is a Boxerdoodle?

• The Boxerdoodle is a rare breed. This means there are extremely few organised breeders. Given the scarcity, you need to be extremely mindful of the breeders that do exist. Ensure they follow the strictest standards of puppy care and are experienced in managing health outcomes.
• Also to be quite honest, given the complexities of breeding Boxers well, crossing them with other breeds requires some deep planning, expertise and forethought. I quite like crossbreeds (I mean you are reading OodleLife.com which provides Poodle cross breed information). I personally would still encourage extreme in seeking a breeder for such a niche dog.
• To be quite honest, the best way by a very long shot to source a Boxerdoodle is to adopt one.
• Poodle crosses can be deliberate, or sometimes nature just happens!
• All three of the owners I interviewed for this article found their Boxerdoodle in a rescue. Not only is rescuing and adopting great for the world, it also helps prevent dodgy breeders for rarer cross breeds.
• Because they are so rare, there is no price guide possible for a Boxerdoodle. Any claims otherwise are not true. The costs of adoption in the USA and first year expenses average to be around $400-500 if all shots, neutering, and immunisations are up to date

Are Boxerdoodles Hypoallergenic?

• Whether or not a Boxerdoodle is hypoallergenic will depend strongly on the amount of Poodle genetics present. There is also an element of luck.
• A first generation (50% Boxer and 50% Poodle) Boxerpoo can vary wildly in coat type. If there is a wavy or curly coat, there is a higher chance of a coat that allergy sufferers can tolerate.
• A reminder that no dog or coat type is truly hypoallergenic, it is just that certain coats produce less dander. Less dander means that there is less risk of allergies triggered.
• A back cross second generation F1b Boxerdoodle is even rarer than a regular Boxerdoodle. To do this, you would back cross a Boxerdoodle with a purebred Poodle. This is extremely likely to result in a Boxerdoodle that does not shed. They are also far more likely to be allergy friendly. This is because the percentage of Poodle genetics increases to 75% as a result of the back cross.

Grooming and Health for a Boxerdoodle

• You need to go into owning a Boxerdoodle with eyes wide open and willingness to adapt. Both breeds are generally healthy but the result of a cross can produce either fewer issues, or double the health issues.
• Be prepared for regular routine Veterinary checks to ensure that your Boxerdoodle remains healthy.
• In terms of grooming, expect the coat type to impact how often your Boxerdoodle needs attention. Non-shedding Poodle coats that are wavy or curly will require more maintenance.
• Stick with a Poodle Mix appropriate shampoo, and once your Boxerdoodle is older consider 6 weekly grooming sessions either at home or with a groomer.
• Traditional Boxer coat types will be easier to manage, but expect more shedding.

Training and Exercise

• Training a Boxerdoodle will be a mixed bag. Both breeds can be very intelligent. Often Boxers are eager to please and great candidates for training. Some Boxers are devastatingly intelligent, and quick on the uptake of new skills.
• Some Boxers however have a stubborn streak, and can be a little bone-headed (not a bad thing… but not helpful when training). This can be overcome easily, but be open to a little more repetition and encouragement for these situations.
• Poodles can mostly be trained well – but be mindful of over excitedness having a negative impact on the training. Both Poodles and Boxers have a habit of the undesirable behaviour of jumping on their owner when excited. Take steps to ensure this is not an issue.
• Boxerdoodles are moderate energy dogs. The exercise requirement per dog can vary greatly. Caution if you are apartment living, but as long as you exercise or exercise-through-play daily for around 30 minutes, most dogs will be fine.
• What about swimming, running and hiking? The owners I spoke to said their Boxerdoodles enjoyed walks and swimming. Actual distance running is not advisable with a Boxer, and the same thoughts likely apply to a Boxerdoodle.
• Your Boxerpoo is going to love your active lifestyle, but will not complete the half marathon with you.

Is the Boxerdoodle the best Doodle for me?

• The Poodle-Boxer cross has a size that can be a wild card, but it’s guaranteed that they’ll have a ton of energy and intelligence. If you don’t mind getting surprised, then this Poodle mix might be the canine buddy for you.
• They’re recommended for active and devoted dog owners who can provide the physical and mental stimulation that an energetic fido requires. The Boxerpoo can be considered a versatile breed because they can just relax and cuddle with the family or be a partner at work.
• Not only that, but they’ll surely be appreciated by dog lovers who are looking for an allergy-friendly fur baby.
• Do you have a Boxerdoodle? Are you planning to get one? Let us know what your life is like with this Poodle hybrid by sharing your story below.