Is a German Shepherd Boxer mix the right dog for you?
It’s cute combination of the loyal German Shepherd and the fun loving Boxer dog.
But is this pup the best choice for your family?
Or your lifestyle?
Let’s find out what you can expect from this curious cross.
The History of the German Shepherd
The name German Shepherd used to be an umbrella term for several different kinds of herding dogs.
In the 1800s, a German cavalry officer developed his perfect herding dog from these breeds.
That same officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, co-founded the first club dedicated to the newly established breed.
The popularity of the dog began to grow, thanks to the adventures of celebrity German Shepherds RinTin-Tin and Strongheart.
German Shepherds are the dog of choice for military and police work, too.
The History of the Boxer
Like the German Shepherd, the Boxer also originated in Germany sometime in the late 1800s, although ancestors of this breed go back as far as 2,500 B.C.
Those ancestors were known as big game hunters able to take on bears, bison and wild boar.
Since then, the Boxer has been bred down to a smaller but just as impressive dog.
Also like the German Shepherd, the Boxer is a worker bee.
Known for its ability to herd cattle, work with military and police forces and provide protection.
The modern Boxer is one of the 10 most popular breeds in the U.S.
It’s not clear when the German Shepherd Boxer mix first came into the scene, but we can be confident it’s here to stay.
What is the German Shepherd Boxer Mix Like?
For one thing, it is a medium to large-sized dog, which makes sense when both parents are 25 or more inches.
In fact, the German Shepherd and Boxer have quite a few appearance features in common.
Both parents have a solid, sturdy build.
The German Shepherd and Boxer puppy will likely inherit that trait and weighs from 65 to 95 pounds fully grown.
Coloring is another shared feature of Boxers and German Shepherds.
You can expect German Shepherd Boxer puppies to be:
- tawny brown with a black face
- light brown
- dark brown
- or grey.
The pup will have a combination of both parents coloring, but many have the Boxer’s dark face or white patches.
German Shepherd Boxer Features
The floppy ears of a Boxer are controlled by a dominant gene, which means all the puppies in a Boxer German Shepherd litter will have them too.
But the shape of a dog’s muzzle is controlled by several genes.
This means a Boxer German Shepherd puppy could have a muzzle which closely resembles one parent, or looks like a mix of both.
A Boxer Shepherd mix dog will probably have a short and thick coat.
The German Shepherd Boxer Mix Temperament
The German Shepherd Boxer puppy comes from parents known for their intelligence and trainability.
Both parents are athletic, too, but that’s where the commonalities end.
A German Shepherd has a softer temperament and natural reserve.
Boxers are a little more outgoing.
Their puppies could inherit one or a mix of both personalities.
Even within a single litter, some puppies could be a little shy, and other bouncing extroverts.
Life with a German Shepherd Boxer Mix
Both parents develop a strong bond with their owners and family members and are natural herders.
That can extend to herding other pets and small children.
They’ll need help and guidance to learn what’s acceptable and appropriate.
An Austrian study of dog bites in children found that kids are five times more likely to be bitten by a German Shepherd than a Labrador Retriever or a crossbreed dog.
For this reason, German Shepherd mix breed dogs might not be the best fit in a household with young children.
However, breed is only part of the story with dog bites – training and socialization are important factors too.
Ultimately, you can expect your German Shepherd Boxer puppies might be:
- Smart
- Loyal
- Playful
- Obedient
- Protective
The exact traits will differ from dog to dog, though, depending on their personal temperament and that of their parents.
Care Needs of German Shepherd Boxer Mix Puppies
These are dogs that generally like to run and play.
They are not likely to be happy living with a couch potato.
They need plenty of outdoor time, exercise and enrichment toys to be content.
Without that, the Boxer Shepherd puppy can be rambunctious and moody.
These are intelligent dogs that not only respond well to training but thrive on it.
Start the training early.
As the dog grows older expand it, so you keep your best friend mentally stimulated.
Socialize at a young age, as well, and introduce the puppy to a diverse group of dogs to prevent aggression issues later in life.
When adequately socialized as a puppy, the adult German Shepherd Boxer mix may acclimate better to new pets.
Health Concerns With a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Dog
All designer dogs can inherit characteristics and health issues from their parents.
This is why checking the parentage of a Boxer x German Shepherd is so critical.
The best way to understand the potential health problems of a crossbred puppy is to look at what conditions frequently affect their parents.
Conditions common in Boxers include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Thyroid disease
- Degenerative Myelopathy – a degenerative neurological condition which leads to hindlimb paralysis
- Cancer
German Shepherds are at risk of:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Thyroid disease
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Bloat
- Allergies
Finding a Healthy German Shepherd Mix Puppy
There are some common hereditary problems for both parents like hip dysplasia.
That doubles the puppy’s odds of developing the condition.
With this in mind, both parents should be health tested before breeding.
Tests you can expect the responsible breeder to do include:
- Hip and elbow evaluation
- Thyroid test
- Cardiac exam
- Degenerative Myelopathy DNA test
Before purchasing a German Shepherd Boxer mix puppy, ask the breeder about the parent dogs’ medical history.
And for proof of health tests.
Does the German Shepherd Boxer Dog Make a Good Family Pet?
A German Shepherd Boxer dog is an excellent choice for the right home, but it might not be the best breed for everyone.
The ideal home might be with someone who is athletic and likes to spend time outdoors.
They need plenty of exercise and training.
This mix breed makes excellent watchdogs but will need close supervision around small children and other pets.
One thing you can probably count on from a Boxer Shepherd mix puppy is loyalty and protection.
They tend to be pretty healthy, but they can have medical problems that require ongoing treatment or correction.
Finding a German Shepherd Box mix puppy
If you are looking for a German Shepherd Boxer mix puppy, start with a reputable breeder.
Stay away from puppy mills or getting a dog from a classified ad.
You need to know the history of the puppy to ensure it is healthy and not aggressive.
A proper breeder will allow you to meet the dog’s parents so you can see for yourself what to expect from the offspring.
In some cases, you may need to travel to find the right breeder, but it will be worth the effort when you get that new puppy home.
Do you have a German Shepherd Boxer mix?
We’d love to hear about him or her in the comments below!
References
- Schalamon et. al, 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites in Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years, Pediatrics.
- Leppanen & Soloniemi, 1999. Controlling canine hip dysplasia in Finland. Preventive Veterinary Medicine.
- Meurs, 2004. Boxer dog cardiomyopathy: an update. Veterinary Clinics Small Animal Practice.
Robin Esler says
I had a Boxer Shepherd mix, she was the BEST dog. Does anyone know where I can find a breeder? I can not find this same mix and I’ve been patiently waiting. Anyone knows anything about where to find a breeder, please let me know. Our Ellie lived a good, healthy 15 years and we miss that companionship and we want that same mix.
Lisa Isaacs says
We have a white Shepherd Boxer Mix Female she has little brown mixed in her coat. Her Momma was a boxer (brindle in color) and dad was Shepherd (black, brown yellow). I love watching her play she seems to have the best qualities of both breeds. She will be 5 this Sept. Her name is Quinn.. She loves to fetch her ball and frisbee. She likes us to hide her toys and she goes and finds them… she is great on the leash and does not pay any attention to other animals or people walking buy.. she is not aggressive with other dogs or people. Now how she would react if she felt I was in trouble I don’t know . She has a keen sense of smell and her hearing is impeccable… She is very intelligent.. I can’t imagine her not being around.. own fall is she sheds a lot and it’s white. But it does not bother me tho I think she is perfect…
Sandy says
2 years ago I was asked to foster a stray Dog that was about a yr old. I immediately fell in love and adopted him. I already had an 8 yr old boxer. I had DNA testing done. He was 23% German Shephard and 76% Boxer. He also has the genes for DM. He looks like a boxer except he isn’t as stocky. He weighs 60 lbs. He bonded well with my other dog but is very jealous. If she is next to me, he will sit on her try to wiggle between us. Like others he absolutely ADORES kids. But the downside is his excitement makes him knock over younger kids and terrifies shy kids because he is a licker.he loves to play and I’d swear he was part greyhound because he is the fastest sleekest runner I have seen. He is highly active and will jump over obstacles like sofas, steps etc and in the process has torn his cruciate ligament. It doesn’t slow him down. He is very intelligent but as noted does have a short attention span. Twice is about as often we can play the same game. He did well in an agility course he was in. he loves ‘go find’, puzzles, knows the name of his different toys, knows left from right, stop, car plus others. His favorite besides treat is walk. Putting his halter on is a task in itself because he just can’t sit still with his excitement. On the down side of all of this bundle of love, he.has severe issues with men. I’ve had a trainer for him that helped but if he sees a man yelling at a kid,, tickling a screaming kid, a man walking toward me on a sidewalk,, he goes crazy….in a bad way. I have a feeling some of it was due to his previous life before the streets.. He isn’t other dog friendly so dog parks aren’t a good thing for him although after several weeks in agility with the same dogs he was better behaved. He isn’t normally destructive except for tissue boxes and the cardboard rolls in toilet paper but he does counter surf. His ears flop over and in the crease where it folds, he has had sores for months. We’re trying allergy treatments now. I can’t imagine life without this marvelous, intelligent loyal, protective lovebug!
Pat says
We have a Shepherd Boxer mix that came to us at a month old. Her momma stopped nursing and turned on the pups, so they had to be removed from her. We nursed her until she could eat and drink on her own. We had a chihuahua in the house at the time and she took to him right away. When he got sick she would lay with him and wrap her front leg around him. She is a very loving but excitable dog. When she sees people she gets very excited and wants to play. She is also very protective if someone raises their voice she goes to sit with the other person and stares down the one who raised their voice. She is a little stubborn with training. She is smart but knows what she can get away with. She is now 2 1/2 years old.
Monica Brandt says
I have boxer shepherd mix and she is the absolute greatest dog!! She is great with the kids and runs around with them everyday in the yard. Very protective and obedient. She is a people pleaser but will bark or growl to strangers. Honestly she is the best dog I’ve ever been around. We rescued her when she was a pup and she is almost 2. I cant imagine our life without her 🥰
Allison Mones says
We have a new 9 week old German Shepherd Boxer Lab cross. We’ve had him for two weeks and he’s the most well adjusted puppy so far. He’s got two modes – hyper/active and cuddly/sleepy. He loves everyone so far, including kids and all other dogs and cats…very social, and rarely fearful of anything. So far, best puppy ever!
Desiree says
We have a 7 year old German Shepard/ Boxer mix. We’ve had him since he was 10 weeks old. He is such a lover and so good with kids even when they annoy him. He is very obedient although he can get into trouble if left alone too long. He enjoys being around people. He will lay at my bedside until I get up and only barks when he hears or sees someone outside. By far the best dog breed.
Vanessa says
I have a 6 month old German Shepard mix but he has trouble socializing with other dogs we tried socializing him with my cousin husky puppy but he ended up being the under dog and being pushed around and when we take him on walks when he sees other dogs he hides behind me and barks at them
What should I do?
Cheryl cupples says
I have a German shepherd boxer mix. I found him with some kids that had him locked in a kennel way to small for him. He had been locked in there for 2 days with no food an occasional treat and no water. I took him home that minute. I noticed when we got home he had a broken tail and what looks like cigarette burns on his but. He is the best thing that ever happened to me. He is so loving and snuggly it only took about 2 days to train he is around maybe 6 months old. He can give high 5 and is sooo sweet. The only thing is he is going to eat me out of house and home. I was trying to just feed him cuz he was literally just bones and skin but he’s got a little belly now and looks good. How much should I be feeding him? I have only had him for 9 days but I love him so much.
Cheryl
Aubrieana says
Three bowls a day when u eat so he doesnt feel left out
Dave Kelsey says
Cheryl, I think you have struck gold. I had one and he was the best dog ever.
Beverly Johnson says
We have a precious little girl, named KALEY Boxer shepherd mix.
We got her when she was about 6
Weeks old…she’s now almost 3 yrs old. Totally has a all the best qualities of both breeds. Loyalty
And protection is paramount in her.
Very loving and happy!
Dorothe Wiedle says
Nice read. I’m not sure if my guy, who I’ve had for 9 years, is a shepherd boxer mix but he sure looks like one and he’s definitely loyal, silly, protective.
anne martin says
I just adopted a pup, I believe German sh. +boxer + pug. She is around 8 weeks, and I must train her. Any advice?
Does anyone know how big she will be/?
Kattie in Lewisville Texas, owner of Daisy Mae says
I was given an oops puppy, neighbors boxer met the other neighbors German shepherd, who was 9 weeks old and could not be happier. She is now 5. Learning new things is always so fun for her. My daughter taught her to open doors, give 5, knows left and right, sits, lays, and working on closing door after opening. She uses the post it note trick to teach the big things. Learning to potty train was a breeze. We did the every hour for every month of age. Again, annoying at first but worth me setting an alarm every hour or every other at the time. She will NOT go to the bathroom in the house unless its an absolute must. She sleeps and cuddles with my daughter every night. The only annoying thing at night is that she rotates between under the covers and over them. Loves to play at dog park, loves to lick kids, and talks to us when she wants something really bad. Just ask her if she wants to go to Dairy Queen, and she will talk! She knows load up and sits in the car as if she is human. She loves to play outside and run. Loves playing in the rain/lake/river, just water in general is her passion .Long post but had to praise my baby girl and give the much deserved attention.
Jim says
I love your post. I just adotedban eight week old puppy. Her favorite bone is in my arm.
Jim
Michael Carpenter says
I have two shepherd / boxers they are two years now and had since puppies. They are siblings one is female and the other is male. They both have been raised the same and are excellent around our children, but the female is much more timid and aggressive around strangers and other dogs. Her brother is a big goof ball that loves everyone and other dogs. They make excellent pets and need lots of attention and room to run as we have a huge fenced in back yard. Almost an acre and they both spend about 4-6 hours a day outside but are indoor dogs and spend the rest of their time in the house.
Kyle says
I have a german/boxer mix. He is 7 months now. We got him at 8 weeks. He is a great dog, smart, loving and caring. It didn’t take very long to house train. My only real issue is he developed separation anxiety, BAD!!!!! He has tore our house up, and has even hurt himself once. He is tore up two crates and the mess he makes inside is terrible. I basically have to give him a bath and wash the crate out every time even if it was only for a couple if hours. We have tried everything and nothing has worked. I don’t know what to do.
Lucy says
Hi Kyle, I’m sorry to hear your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. You can find help and information on copying with this here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs/
ATC says
We have a 10 year old GSD / boxer mix. He is an absolutely beautiful dog, very large (healthy weight around 92 lbs but has gotten up to 100 at times). He has a lot of great traits but has had some challenging behaviors as well over the years – namely some anxieties around water, leash aggression, very loud excited/ happy barking. He is not a cuddler and is wary and aloof in most situations. But he is often calm and relaxed even on days when he doesn’t get too much exercise. He is very gentle and patient around our young kids. Easy to keep clean and groom, though he is quite the shedder! Not as easy to keep the house clean. He is playful and easy to train. Excellent natural guard instincts. Did I mention he’s handsome?
Joy says
I just adopted a 4-month old Boxer-German Shepherd mix from the Humane Society and she is incredibly smart, very observant, super outgoing and snuggly. She was house trained within a couple of days, but persistence is key. I had to take her outside even before she knew she had to go. And stayed outside with her until she went, even if she was trying to drag me back home the entire time. Lots of praise when she did go outside helps. We are still working on walking nicely on a leash. But it’s my fault for not being consistent. We will will keep trying and I know she’ll learn quickly. She’s much smarter than our purebred Boxer and has more self control. Plus she’s much more outgoing and friendly to strangers and other dogs than our Shepherd-Mastiff mix. I think she we will turn out to be one of the great ones. She’ll already such an awesome dog!
Jules says
We had a boxer shepheard mix for 13 years. She was the absolute best dog in the world. We lost her a year ago in December. She was protective but loving, playful but snuggley, loved all other animals dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens, she got along with all of them. Part of my soul went with her. She loved all children and was so gentle with them, I did daycare out of my home for 7 years and she adored all of the kids. This is the best dog breed! I love and miss you Princess Ginger Snap
Carmen says
We just adopted a Boxer Shepard? ( We think), a few weeks ago. He is 5 yers old and very smart. He is well trained, but still enjoys learning new commands and gets along great with our pug. It only took him 2 days to learn the yard perimeters. He is very playful and loves to snuggle. He is an absolutely gorgeous dog, and has claimed our teenage son as “his boy”. He follows him everywhere! Extremely loving dog!
Our previous dog was a Shepard Labrottie mix. He was the absolute best of all 3 breeds, but very stubborn. We found as long as we were consistent, put him out before we thought he needed to go, and worked with him 3-4 times every day (for about 10- 15 minutes each time), he was easy to train. Shepard’s are highly intelligent and they love to learn, but you have to be consistent, firm, and repeat, repeat, repeat when training. (I have absolutely no experience with Boxers, but know they are highly intelligent as well). My suggestion in training, although I am no expert, is consistency and routines. these are intelligent dogs, but they need to know who the “Alpha Adult” is, and they will respond. Reward and praise generously when they do well.
Amy McGrath says
We adopted a Shepard/boxer mix 3 weeks ago. We got him at the humane society. So we have no idea about his parents. The litter was found outside. His is about 11 weeks old now. Listens excellent. Potty training is still a little issue. We have another mixed breed. Huskey/ pit bull. He’s 7. They love to play together. The puppy follows him every where.
Jennifer says
Hi! I have a boxer/sheperd mix and she is a terror! Love her snuggles and goofiness but am having issues with housebreaking and training. She is 3 months old, lives with 2 older dogs and can go in/out as she wants with a doggy door. Her name is Lucy and any advice would be welcome! : 0
ashley crawley says
I also have a Sheppard boxer mix he is 3 months and refuses to go to the bathroom outside I’m so lost
Lucy says
Hi Ashley, Don’t despair! Potty training problems are really common in puppies. Check out this article for routines and schedules that will hopefully help. Best wishes, Lucy