The Boxer Mastiff mix is an imposing medium-sized mixed-breed, weighing between 70 and 100 pounds, owning this dog isn’t the faint of arms or heart. However, despite their imposing size and weight, the Boxer Mastiff is a lovable creature with a friendly and playful nature that makes them a great family pet or a pet for single individuals. Though they’re perhaps not best as first-time pets, or for those without an active lifestyle.
Image credit: ernietherescuedog
Boxer Mastiff Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 70–100 pounds |
| Height: | 23–36 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Coat Colours: | Fawn, brindle, black, brown or white. |
| Temperament: | Loving, affectionate, active, energetic, playful and strong-willed. |
| Suitable for: | Families with or without children or single individuals – experienced owners will find this dog easier to handle than inexperienced ones. |
What Does a Boxer Mastiff Mix Look Like?
The Boxer Mastiff mix will borrow a decent amount of its physical appearance from both of its parent breeds and is most commonly found with a Boxer face and a Mastiff frame. This means a longer snout, black nose and ears that droop backwards. The Boxer Mastiff will mostly likely have smaller eyes, with a longer, stocky, muscular body with a medium-length tail.
Photo: @dublin_boxmas
The History of the Boxer Mastiff Mix
There is little recorded history of the Boxer Mastiff mix, as it is a fairly new designer breed – these ‘designer dogs’ began to gain popularity in the 1960s and that popularity peaked in the 1990s and early 2000s. While not definitive, we can estimate the Boxer Mastiff mix was first bred around this timeframe.
A deeper dive into both parent breeds should give us some idea of where the Boxer Mastiff mix comes from.
Boxer History
The Boxer was originally bred in Germany in the 16th century, intended to be a replacement dog for the then-extinct “bullenbeisser”, a dog that was traditionally used for bull baiting. Boxers were later used as cattle-herding dogs in large slaughterhouses and hunting companions for European hunters. It is only in the last century or so that they became less working dogs and more companion dogs.
How Popular Are Boxers?
The Boxer remains a fairly popular dog in the United States, ranking fourteenth in the American Kennel Club’s most popular dog listings of 2021.
Who Are Boxers a Good Dog For?
Given their size and strength, Boxers are great family dogs or are good dogs for single individuals – providing that they can handle their size and strength. Boxer males can weigh anywhere between 65 and 80 pounds, so bear this in mind when you’re looking to adopt a Boxer.
How Did Boxers Come About?
Boxers were bred to be working dogs by the Germans in the 16th century, intended as cattle dogs and hunting companions – they originally worked in butcher’s slaughterhouses, wrangling cattle. Only in the last century or so have Boxers become popular companions and family pets.
When Did First Cross-Breed Boxers?
It has been difficult to pin down when the Boxer was originally cross-bred, though, given its storied history beginning in the 16th century, it’s not difficult to imagine that the Boxer was crossbred throughout the centuries. Though, in the United States, the popularity of crossbred dogs exploded in the 1990s and 2000s.
Mastiff History
The history of the Mastiff stretches back almost 2,000 years – and there are even records of the breed stretching back to Europe and Asia that predates their English lineage. The Romans also owned Mastiff dogs that were used as fighting dogs in their fighting arenas. Beyond Rome, Mastiffs occupied the role of guardian dogs of English royalty and nobility for centuries and were also used as working dogs by the English gentry. Only in the last century have they become companion pets.
How Popular Are Mastiffs?
Despite their long and storied British heritage, the Mastiff is reasonably popular in the US as well. Occupying the 35th spot in the American Kennel Club’s most popular rankings for dogs in 2021.
Who Are Mastiffs A Good Dog For?
Given their size and weight, Mastiffs are great dogs for those who can handle them. The elderly and single individuals without the necessary strength aren’t recommended as owners. However, those who do choose to adopt or purchase a Mastiff will find that they’ll be loyal and loving pets for years to come.
How Did Mastiffs Come About?
Mastiffs have a history that stretches back at least 2,000 years to the fighting pens of Ancient Rome. They were originally used as fighting dogs by Roman soldiers to test gladiators. Then, as time wore on, they were used as hunting companions and fighting dogs for English nobility and companion/guard for royalty. It is only in recent centuries that the Mastiff has been used as a companion-only pet in the West.
When Did First Cross-Breed Mastiffs?
Mastiffs’ history as an ancient breed of dog, dates right back to the times of the Romans, and there have been many attempts to trace a direct lineage from one Mastiff to another of a different type. There have been so many different types of Mastiff crosses that it’s not difficult to imagine that they have in fact been crossbred for centuries, though records are few and far between.
What is the Temperament of the Boxer Mastiff Mix?
The Boxer Mastiff mix certainly isn’t a dog for everyone, but it is a cheerful, courageous, loyal and loving companion pet. They are very protective and strong-willed. Given their energetic nature, they might not be the best fit for those looking for a more aloof, easier-going dog.
Are Boxer Mastiff Mixes Friendly?
Yes, Boxer Mastiff mixes are very friendly dogs, owing much of that friendliness to their Boxer genetics.
Are Boxer Mastiff Mixes Easy to Train?
Both sides of the Boxer Mastiff genetics have a history of command-following in one way or another, so you should expect your Boxer Mastiff to be a fairly easy dog to train if a little stubborn at times.
How Much Can Boxer Mastiff Mixes Weigh?
The Boxer Mastiff usually weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.
How Tall Can Boxer Mastiff Mixes Get?
The Boxer Mastiff will usually stand between 23 and 36 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
The Boxer Mastiff typically is of similar size to a traditional Boxer mixed-breed dog like the Boxmatian (Boxer/Dalmatian), or the Boxdane (Boxer/Great Dane), or the Cane Corso.
Does a Boxer Mastiff Mix Shed?
Given that the Boxer Mastiff has short, sleek fur, you’re not likely to see a tremendous amount of shedding from this mix. However, they are not hypoallergenic dogs either, so they will require some brushing.
How Much Exercise Does a Boxer Mastiff Mix Need?
The Boxer Mastiff likes nothing better than to be exercised! While not necessarily on the same energy levels as, say, a Husky, the Boxer Mastiff will require roughly an hour of exercise every day, and preferably be allowed to run freely in an off-leash area during the weekends.
Failure to properly exercise your dog can lead to boredom and related health issues, including obesity, diabetes and others.
How Long Does a Boxer Mastiff Mix Live?
We can assume the life expectancy of the Boxer Mastiff mix is anywhere between 10-13 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Boxer Mastiff mix lives like diet and exercise.
What Health Conditions Could the Boxer Mastiff Mix Have?
How Can You Find a Boxer Mastiff Mix For Sale?
Finding a mixed-breed Boxer Mastiff mix won’t be difficult for you. However, before you search for such a dog via a breeder, we recommend that you check out your local animal shelter or veterinary office for anyone who may have put their Boxer Mastiff up for adoption recently.
You can search online for a Boxer Mastiff mix in your area via https://www.petfinder.com/.
How Much Does a Boxer Mastiff Mix Cost?
The average cost of a Boxer Mastiff mix puppy will hover around $800, with the price varying based on the breeder and location.
If you’re looking for a way to tell a problematic breeder from a good one, be sure to read and follow the AKC’s guidelines for finding a reputable breeder.
Is the Boxer Mastiff Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for a dog that’ll help you stay energetic and active, but also has a strong family connection and a loving side, then the Boxer Mastiff mix may be your perfect pet!