The Boxer Jack Russell mix combines some of the best features of small dogs, the terrier nature of the Jack Russell complements the Boxer’s short stature and tough build to give you a loving and faithful companion, but also something of an exercise machine.
If you’re looking for a small dog for your space, then the Boxer Jack Russell mix is a sure-fire possibility. Though they’re suitable for apartment-living, you must ensure that you can give it the exercise it needs. The Boxer Jack Russell combines intelligence with speed and agility to provide a great hunting dog, but an equally capable family pet.
Boxer Jack Russell Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 25–60 pounds |
| Height: | 10–25 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Coat colours: | Tri-colored, white, brown/black. |
| Temperament: | High prey instinct, protective, active, playful, loving. |
| Suitable for: | Active singles or couples, families with children. |
What Does a Boxer Jack Russell Mix Look Like?
The Boxer Jack Russell gets much of its physical facial features from it’s Jack Russell genetics, with a narrow, longer face and floppy triangular ears. The bodies of the two breeds are very similar in stature – short and stout with a ferocious prey instinct. This is reflected in their muscular hindquarters, their short legs have allowed them historically to chase foxes into dens.
The History of the Boxer Jack Russell Mix
While unfortunately, little information is readily available about the Boxer Jack Russell mix specifically, we can glean that they were first cross-bred to provide owners with a quicker, more nimble mix of hunting dog – owing to the Jack Russell’s speed and agility, though the Boxer’s genes would add extra strength and toughness to the mix as a hunting companion.
Boxer History
Boxers were originally bred in Germany in the 19th century from a now extinct breed known as the Bullenbeisser – these dogs were originally used as bull baiting dogs and later migrated to helping butchers herd cattle into slaughterhouses. Boxers migrated then to become hunting dogs for Europeans, owing mostly to their very strong jaws and large bite footprint, making them perfect takedown companions for fox, duck and other medium-sized game.
How Popular Are Boxers?
Boxers rank fairly well on the popularity scale in the United States, coming in as the 14th most popular dog of 2021, according to the American Kennel Club. Boxers now aren’t generally used for hunting in the same way as they were in the 19th century and have, like the Jack Russell, migrated to become family pets.
Who Are Boxers a Good Dog For?
Boxers tend to be a particularly energetic breed, but they’re equally friendly and lovable with those they know and can be sometimes standoffish with strangers. This makes them a great family pet, providing that you have the resources and necessary time and energy to put into the exercise requirements (which aren’t crazy, by any means), they make fantastic companions. Though they were bred for aggression and hunting, they can be wonderfully gentle, making them a fine fit around children.
How Did Boxers Come About?
Boxers were originally bred as hunting companions in Germany in the 19th century, being a cross between a German Bullenbeisser (a type of Mastiff, now extinct) and a imported British Bulldogs.
When Did First Cross-Breed Boxers?
While historical information on Boxer crosses is spotty, we do know that there are now several different types of attempted crossbreeding of Boxer dogs. This likely began in the 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding in the United States became more popular.
Here are several popular Boxer crosses:
- Boxer Labrador Retriever Mix (Boxador)
- Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxadane)
- Boxer Rottweiler Mix (Boxweiler)
- Boxer Beagle Mix (Boxel)
- Boxer Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Boxer)
Jack Russell History
The Jack Russell is a breed of terrier that was developed in the 19th century by Parson John Russell, an avid hunter who wanted to create a dog that could work well down a foxhole, was fast enough to catch the foxes he hunted – small enough to follow them down the hole if not – and was good enough with other dogs to hunt alongside Bloodhounds. Essentially, John Russell wanted to create a small addition to his army of thirsty, quick hunting dogs.
Thus, the Jack Russell was bred and became a firm favourite among English and European hunters.
How Popular Are Jack Russells?
Unfortunately for the poor Jack Russell, they aren’t the most popular dogs in the United States. They aren’t even in the top 50. They currently rank 72nd most popular dog in the United States, this is likely due to their hyper-energetic nature and the fact that the AKC only recognized them as a breed, officially, in 2012.
Who Are Jack Russells A Good Dog For?
While Jack Russell Terriers may not rank highly in terms of popularity, if you’re looking to adopt one, they are generally a good dog for almost anyone, with the exception of the elderly due to the amount of energy they have (and will therefore need to burn off). They’re very affectionate and loving animals and are generally good with kids – though they sometimes nip, so you need to be aware of that.
How Did Jack Russells Come About?
Jack Russells were bred by Parsons John Russell in England in the 19th century as a hunting companion for his bloodhounds. The man hunted foxes and other small gave for sport and their coats and he needed a quicker and more agile dog to access the foxes’ underground dens, where the bloodhounds could not go.
How Did First Cross-Breed Jack Russells?
Prior to the 1990s and early 2000s, the Jack Russell Terrier was not a popular crossbreed in the United States, due to its lack of popularity overall. However, during this time, crossbreeding was becoming more popular, allowing for the Jack Russell Terrier to be crossbred with other dogs.
Here are several popular Jack Russell crossbreeds likely created during the crossbreeding craze.
- Corgi Jack Russell Mix (Cojack)
- Jack Russell Pitbull Mix (Jack Pit)
- Jack Russell Poodle Mix (Jack-a-poo)
- Jack Russell Dachshund Mix (Jackshund)
- Jack Russell Beagle Mix (Jackabee)
What is the Temperament of the Boxer Jack Russell Mix?
The Boxer Jack Russell mix is a very energetic dog, given that both of its parent breeds are terrier breeds, that’s not surprising. Despite its energy and prey instinct, they do make very friendly and lovable family dogs. They’re generally good with other animals, too (after a familiarization period) and are good with children. They’re also fiercely loyal to their owners and will bark at anything that dares breathe.
Are Boxer Jack Russell Mixes Friendly?
In general, the Boxer Jack Russell mix is a very friendly animal, though cautious initially in their approaches to both humans and other animals, once they’ve warmed to them, there’s no getting rid of them! This is what makes them such loyal companions for humans.
Are Boxer Jack Russell Mixes Easy to Train?
The Boxer Jack Russell mix has a mixed reception when it comes to trainability. They are bred for hunting and running, so, once trained, they make fantastic companions for all sorts of outdoor activities.
However, it can be difficult to hold their attention and contain their energy at the same time. But, if you can master that part of the training process, they are very intelligent dogs, so they should be able to grasp concepts and execute commands with ease.
How Much Can Boxer Jack Russell Mixes Weigh?
Boxer Jack Russell mixes tend to come in a little on the lighter side, weighing anywhere from 25 to 60 pounds, but as they exercise, their weight tends to hold steady.
How Tall Can Boxer Jack Russell Mixes Get?
These dogs are traditionally shortarses, allowing them to maintain speed and agility over rough terrain – they were bred for such things and as such, reach ‘heights’ of between 10 and 16 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
These dogs will be similar in size to almost any small terrier dog – mixed or purebred. They will also be a similar size to larger Spaniels and similar breeds.
Does a Boxer Jack Russell Mix Shed?
While the Boxer Jack Russell is traditionally a short-haired dog, it still produces a moderate amount of shedding. You should brush your Boxer Jack Russell dog once a week.
How Much Exercise Does a Boxer Jack Russell Mix Require?
This breed tends to have an abundance of energy, though requires a moderate amount of exercise every day. You should definitely walk your Boxer Jack Russell at least once per day for approximately 45 – 60 minutes. If you live close to an enclosed, off-leash dog park, take them there and let them run!
How Long Does a Boxer Jack Russell Mix Live?
The lifespan of the Jack Russell is between 13-16 years, while the Boxer is between 10-12 years.
Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the Boxer Jack Russell Mix is anywhere between 12-16 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Boxer Jack Russell mix lives like diet and exercise.
What Health Conditions Could the Boxer Jack Russell Mix Have?
The health conditions that the Boxer Jack Russell mixes are prone to include:
Though, in general, the dog’s health will depend on its lifestyle.
How Can You Find a Boxer Jack Russell Mix For Sale?
Before considering finding a dog breeder, you should first look into Boxer Jack Russell mixes that are available at your local animal shelters.
Given the Jack Russell’s lack of popularity in the United States, you might have better luck at the shelters, rather than going through breeders.
How Much Does a Boxer Jack Russell Mix Cost?
The average cost of a Boxer Jack Russell puppy can run anywhere from $700 – $1300 for a healthy puppy. Therefore, it might be more beneficial to check local shelters first.
Is the Boxer Jack Russell Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Boxer Jack Russell is the perfect breed for the energetic young family or person, who own a house with a yard – or have easy access to a dog park/available running space for this dog. They’re very loyal, friendly and loveable little beings. Good with other dogs, children and humans – making them a great all-round choice for those looking for a rescue.