Miniature Boxer – Is The Pint Sized Boxer Mix A Good Pet?

A miniature Boxer is a Boxer dog who has been bred to be small.

This can be achieved by crossbreeding, deliberately introducing the gene for dwarfism, or breeding several generations of runts together.

However, all of these approaches come with drawbacks, especially in terms of their health.

So which type of miniature Boxer is best? What should we know about this tiny breed?

The Miniature Boxer

Do you love the boisterous Boxer, but wish that wonderful personality came in a smaller package? Then the words “miniature Boxer” might just capture your imagination.

Boxers are charming, active, intelligent dogs. The breed has a devoted following, and he’s just as devoted to his family.

Given the Boxer’s popularity, it’s no wonder that a smaller version of this beloved breed would be equally sought after.

But what exactly is a miniature Boxer?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the name “Miniature Boxer” really means. Plus the pros and cons of miniaturization.

The Appeal of the Miniature Boxer

Boxers have distinctive features.

Round faces, big eyes, and smaller snouts all add up to human adoration, thanks to the baby schema response.

But there’s more to the appeal of a miniature Boxer than just looks.

At 55 to 75 pounds, the traditional Boxer is a medium to large-sized dog. His athleticism means he’s well-muscled and strong.

Why Choose a Smaller Version?

Plenty of would-be Boxer owners just can’t physically manage a dog that large. Or don’t feel comfortable doing so.

Others may live in a place that doesn’t allow large dogs. Perhaps they just aren’t up to the costs of feeding and caring for a larger dog.

In these situations, a miniature Boxer might seem like a great alternative to the traditional, full-sized Boxer.

Where Do Miniature Boxers Come From?

It’s important to recognize that there is no true, officially recognized miniature Boxer breed.

Instead, most dogs advertised by breeders as miniature Boxers are actually crossbreeds between Boxers and smaller dogs.

Because a crossbreed may take more after one parent than the other, there is of course no guarantee that a Boxer cross will have that famously loyal and friendly temperament.

However, there are two other ways that breeders produce miniaturized versions of a Boxer.

Let’s Take a Look

Canine dwarfism is genetic health condition affecting the dog’s bone growth and structure. It will result in a smaller-sized Boxer.

And repeatedly breeding from runts, or unusually small purebred Boxers, tends to also result in smaller puppies.

All three of these methods have their drawbacks. Some can unfortunately result in dogs with serious health issues.

We’ll go through each method in-depth below, taking a look at the pros and cons.

Mixing with a Smaller Breed

By far the most common way for breeders to get a miniature Boxer is by crossing the full-sized Boxer with smaller breeds.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular Boxer crossbreeds.

The Boston Terrier Boxer Mix

When it comes to creating a miniature Boxer, probably the most popular crossbreed is the Boston Terrier Boxer mix.

The Boston Terrier is a bright, cheerful little dog. Bred for companionship, this non-sporting breed is affectionate and active.

Boston Terriers are well-suited to be apartment dogs and are relatively low-maintenance as far as grooming goes.

Is This a Healthy Breed?

Unfortunately, the Boston Terrier is also subject to many health problems as a result of his distinctive profile. The short, flattened snout means that this breed – like the Boxer – is likely to suffer from complications related to brachycephaly.

His large, protruding eyes make him prone to developing a wide variety of eye conditions as well.

A Boston Terrier Boxer mix will almost definitely be a playful, loving companion. As far as appearance goes, this mix is just about the closest you can get to resembling a “true” Miniature Boxer.

However, this mix may also require special care, or even ongoing medical attention. This is due to the genetic health issues mentioned above.

The Boston Terrier weighs up to 25 lbs and stands between 15 and 17 inches tall.

The Corgi Boxer Mix

Cute, lively, and low to the ground, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a herding breed with royal roots. But Corgis are far from ornamental. They’re strong, agile dogs, built for working out in the fields.

The Corgi Boxer mix is therefore likely to need a significant amount of exercise and attention to keep from getting bored.

Both breeds tend to be outgoing and friendly. So, you can probably expect a mix to exhibit those same characteristics.

Health Issues

Be aware that both Corgis and Boxers are prone to canine hip dysplasia. So a mix of these breeds may also develop this condition.

Both breeds are also at risk for degenerative myelopathy. This is an incurable disease of the spinal cord that causes paralysis.

Corgis stand at 10-12 inches tall and can weigh up to 30 lbs.

The English Bulldog Boxer Mix

An English Bulldog Boxer Mix is sometimes called the “Bulloxer.” It combines the athleticism and spirited nature of the Boxer with the laid back, endearingly goofy charm of the English Bulldog.

The English Bulldog stands at 14-15 inches tall and can weigh up to 50 lbs. So, a Bulldog Boxer Mix will probably be solidly in the small to medium size range.

With his gentle, easygoing nature, the English Bulldog requires less activity than the Boxer. Any mix of these two breeds is likely to produce a dog with a wonderful temperament.

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However, because the English Bulldog is prone to a staggering amount of health issues, we can’t in good conscience recommend this mix.

The Beagle Boxer Mix

The Beagle Boxer mix is affectionately referred to as a “Bogle,” and the name reflects his fun-loving personality.

Beagles have long been popular family dogs, with their adorable big brown eyes and happy-go-lucky attitudes.

When combined with the Boxer’s loyalty and devotion, this makes for a truly endearing mix.

Be warned, though, that the Bogle might inherit that infamous Beagle howl. Plus, it will probably need a lot of exercise.

Will this Mix Suit Me?

If you’re looking for a quieter, lower maintenance dog, the Bogle is not for you.

The standard Beagle stands at 13-15 inches tall and weighs 20-30 lbs. The smaller variety stands at 13 inches or under and should weigh less than 20 lbs.

Depending on the mix, a Bogle may be more medium-sized than miniature.

Introducing the Dwarfism Gene

Another way to get a miniature Boxer is to introduce the dwarfism gene.

Dwarfism in Boxers is caused by a health condition called achondroplasia. It is considered a bone disorder.

Canine achondroplasia is rare in Boxers. But when it does occur, it has serious consequences.

For example, a Boxer with dwarfism usually will have misshapen bones, and problems with their jaws and teeth.

Often, dogs with this type of dwarfism have shorter lifespans. They can even experience chronic pain because of their condition.

So while introducing the dwarfism gene in Boxers is certainly one way to get a smaller-than-average puppy, it isn’t a humane option.

Breeding From Runts

The “runt of the litter” is a term you might’ve heard before to refer to the smallest puppy in a litter.

But there’s a difference between a puppy who is smaller than its siblings and a severely underweight puppy. The latter is what the term “runt” refers to as far as a breeder is concerned.

Abnormally underweight puppies could have congenital defects causing their small size. As they get older they’re extra vulnerable to health issues.

Breeding two abnormally small Boxers together might create a litter of similarly sized puppies. This is a means of downsizing the breed while keeping the Boxer’s temperament and appearance the same.

But breeding two Boxers who are abnormally small may also mean passing along congenital defects. This makes for smaller but less healthy puppies.

Is A Miniature Boxer Right For Me?

If you’re ready to welcome an active, intelligent, and devoted dog into your life, then a Miniature Boxer might be just the right choice.

It’s important to be aware that the Boxer as a breed does face some serious hereditary health concerns. These include: brachycephalic syndrome, cancer, heart disease, and degenerative myelopathy.

The breeds commonly chosen to create a miniature Boxer have their share of potential health problems as well. Although, crossbreeding sometimes can reduce the likelihood of inherited diseases.

It’s up to you to do your research. Then you can decide whether or not you’re up to the task. A miniature Boxer will require a certain level of care and attention.

Finding A Miniature Boxer

The miniature Boxer is not an officially recognized breed. So, it can be difficult to find responsible breeders.

Many Boxer crossbreeds come along with a long list of potential health concerns. So, rescuing a miniature Boxer mix may be your best bet.

   

There are plenty of Boxer mixes in animal shelters just waiting for their new homes, ranging in age from puppies to seniors.

Adopting an adult dog from a shelter means you’ll know exactly what size and temperament you’re getting. Also, adoption fees are usually significantly less expensive than purchasing a dog from a breeder.

Choose Responsible Breeders

However, if you really have your heart set on a Boxer mix puppy from a breeder, make sure to find someone who is responsible and acts in the best interest of their dogs.

Not sure what makes for a responsible dog breeder? Check out our guide to finding the right breeder here, or read up on what questions to ask when calling a breeder over the phone.

This way you’ll be sure that your new puppy is as healthy as possible, so he can live a longer, happier life.

Are you still longing for a miniature boxer in your life? Let us know in the comments.

Make sure you also take a look at our guide to the miniature Husky.

References and Resources

American Boxer Association

American Kennel Club

Borgi, M., et al. “Baby schema in human and animal faces induces cuteness perception and gaze allocation in children.” Frontiers in Psychology, 2014. ll

Chetboul, V., et al. “Congenital Heart Diseases in the Boxer Dog: A Retrospective Study of 105 Cases (1998–2005),” Journal of Veterinary Medicine, 2006.

Coates, J., et al. “Canine Degenerative Myelopathy,” Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 2010.

Everts, R.E., et al. “Bone disorders in the dog: A review of modern genetic strategies to find the underlying causes,” Veterinary Quarterly, 2000.

Jezyk, P.F. “Constitutional Disorders of the Skeleton in Dogs and Cats,” Textbook of Small Animal Orthopaedics, 1985.

Miller, A.D., et al. “Degenerative Myelopathy in Two Boxer Dogs,” Veterinary Pathology, 2009.

Shelton, D., et al. “Degenerative myelopathy associated with a missense mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene progresses to peripheral neuropathy in Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Boxers,” Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 2012.