The Boxer and the Pug are two dogs from different parts of the world, historically, but share much the same temperaments and physical appearances. This makes them a perfect genetic match for mixed-breed puppies! The Poxer, as they’re otherwise known make wonderful companion pets with their intelligent, loyal, affectionate and quirky personalities. Let’s dive into the Boxer Pug mix further to see if they could be your next household pet!
Image credit: oldtownhome
The Boxer Pug Mix (Poxer) – At A Glance
| Weight: | 20–25lbs |
| Height: | 14–20 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Coat colours: | Brindle, Black, Brown, Fawn, Silver. |
| Temperament: | Attention-seeking, intelligent, protective, stubborn & playful. |
| Suitable for: | Families with children, couples without children, single individuals & the elderly. |
What Does a Poxer Look Like?
The Poxer will adopt a healthy mixture of its two parent breeds’ physical appearance. It will likely be a small to medium-sized dog, that will likely have a flat nose, like the Pug, but a slightly longer snout – like the Boxer. You can expect your Boxer Pug mix to be a slightly larger dog than your average Pug, with a rounder belly and longer than the average Pug. Their ears will likely droop downward, like the Boxer.
Photo: Instagram
The History of the Boxer Pug Mix
The history of the Boxer Pug mix is largely a new mixed breed of dog, and their history as a mixed breed isn’t well known or well-documented, though this is reportedly due to an inability to maintain the Boxer’s physical appearance throughout the breeding process.
We can also surmise that the Boxer Pug mix first appeared sometime during the late 1990s or early 2000s when mixed breeding of dogs first peaked in popularity in the US.
Let’s take a look at both parent breeds to find out more about this curious, quirky mix.
The History of the Boxer
The Boxer has a history that stretches back to 19th Germany, where they bred as bull-baiting dogs – a cruel sport in which dogs were released into a field with an angry bull and ran until either the dog was killed, or the bull collapsed from exhaustion. Pitbulls and other terriers were bred as “bull-baiting” dogs.
Later, Boxers were employed as slaughterhouse dogs – helping butchers herd cattle into pens.
Boxers weren’t imported to the United States until after the First World War and were among some of the first dogs to be used as police dogs.
How Popular Are Boxers?
Despite their relatively late introduction to America, Boxers have become relatively popular family dogs over the last seven or eight decades. In 2021, they were the 14th most popular dog in the US, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Boxers a Good Dog For?
Given their small size and weight, Boxers are generally considered to be good family dogs. They’re relatively good with children and fiercely loyal to their owners. Aside from this, they are loving and affectionate dogs with moderate energy levels.
How Did The Boxer Come About?
Boxers were first bred in Germany in the 19th century and rose from cruel bloodsports such as “bull baiting”, to become favoured among American and some European police departments as working dogs.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Boxer?
The exact history of the crossbreeding of Boxers is largely undocumented, though, given their size and temperament, they tend to be a fairly popular cross with other breeds of a similar size.
Some popular crossbreeds with Boxers include:
- German Shepherd Boxer Mix (Boxer Shepherd)
- Beagle Boxer Mix (Bogle)
- Boxer Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Boxer)
- Chihuahua Boxer Mix (Boxachi)
- Corgi Boxer Mix (Coxer)
The History of the Pug
In contrast to the history of the Boxer, the history of the Pug stretches back centuries to Ancient China, where they were bred as companions and lapdogs for Chinese nobility and royalty.
Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the 16th century, as the world began to open trade and commerce routes between East and West. This led to them being popular pets of Queen Victoria and William of Orange, who kept them as pets as they took the English throne in 1688.
Pugs were an early arrival in the United States, officially being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and first arriving in the United States some years prior.
How Popular Are Pugs?
Given their early arrival in the United States, the Pug has had plenty of time to clumsily amble their way up the affection ladder of the American public. In 2021, they were the 33rd most popular dog in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Is The Pug a Good Dog For?
Their size, shape and overall temperament make the Pug the perfect family pet. They’re lovable, loyal and lap dogs through and through. Calm and collected and low-maintenance, they’re great whether you have kids or not, and are a great companion for the elderly as well.
How Did The Pug Come About?
The Pug was originally bred in Ancient China to be companion pets for Chinese royalty and nobility, since their origin (around 400 BCE), they’ve been companions of English and Dutch royalty dating back to Queen Victoria and became popular American pets early in the 20th century.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pug?
Crossbreeding of the Pug hasn’t taken place at any scale – this is due to their size and physical appearance not necessarily being the most desirable for those looking to create a designer dog.
They also present the problem of potential mixed-breed dogs inheriting the Pug’s flat face. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome then presents as a possible medical issue.
However, despite these issues, popular Pug crossbreeds have still sprung up.
They include:
- Pug Poodle Mix (Pugapoo)
- Pug French Bulldog Mix (Frug)
- German Shepherd Pug Mix (Shug)
- Pitbull Pug Mix (Pit Pug)
- Corgi Pug Mix (Corpug)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament sets it apart from the pack; it’s why two dogs of the same breed can have differing temperaments – though most dogs of the same breed will inherit similar temperamental traits. You’re unlikely to find a lazy Husky, or an overly energetic Pug, for example.
Knowing this, it is critical that you thoroughly research the possible temperaments that your new dog may adopt when it comes into your family home. A Dog’s temperament isn’t completely genetic. It’s derived from environmental factors, lived experiences and more. But bringing a dog into your home that is completely different, temperamentally, to you and your family could make life harder for you, your family and the dog.
What is the Temperament of the Poxer?
Luckily for most owners, the Boxer Pug mix is a perfectly delightful dog to have around! Whether you’ve got kids or not, or are elderly, the Boxer Pug mix has a happy-go-lucky, affectionate and playful temperament, particularly as a puppy.
You may expect a little stubbornness initially – Pugs are particularly stubborn dogs – though this can be rectified with patience and persistent training.
Is the Boxer Pug Mix Friendly?
In general, Boxer Pug mixes are very friendly dogs!
Is the Boxer Pug Mix Easy to Train?
Though you may encounter some initial stubbornness, the Boxer Pug mix is quite easy to train.
How Much Can The Boxer Pug Mix Weigh?
The Boxer Pug mix can weigh anywhere from 20 to 25 pounds.
How Tall Can The Boxer Pug Mix Get?
The Boxer Pug mix may reach between 14 and 20 inches tall at shoulder height.
Similar Sized Breeds
The Boxer Pug is similar in size to many small dogs, such as the English Bulldog, the Basset Hound and the Beagle.
Does the Boxer Pug Mix Shed?
Despite being short-haired, the Boxer Pug mix is a light to moderate shedder and will require a weekly brush.
How Much Exercise Does A Boxer Pug Mix Require?
The Boxer Pug generally requires a moderate amount of exercise – between 30 and 40 minutes each day, whether that’s running loose in a game of fetch, or a brisk walk.
How Long Can a Boxer Pug Mix Live?
The average life expectancy of the Boxer Pug mix is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Boxer Pug Mix Have?
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) (causes airway/breathing difficulties)
- Bloating (gastrointestinal problems)
- Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (heart problems)
- Hip dysplasia (joint issues)
- Obesity
- Arthritis
- Breathing Difficulties (typically caused by BOAS)
How Can You Find a Boxer Pug Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you begin to search for a Boxer Pug mix puppy for sale, we recommend that you begin by searching for one to adopt. You can do this by checking out your local veterinary office, or animal shelter to see if one has been dropped off.
Alternatively, you can check online at https://www.petfinder.com/, where you can search by locality for your preferred breed of pup.
How Much Does a Boxer Pug Mix Puppy Cost?
While exact figures on puppy costs are hard to come by as this is a relatively new breed, you can expect your Boxer Pug mix pup to cost between $500 and $1000, though breeders may vary.
If you’re looking into where and how to find a reputable breeder of the Boxer Pug mix, we first recommend that you check out the American Kennel Club’s guidelines on finding a reputable breeder.
Is the Boxer Pug Mix the Right Breed For You?
The lovable Boxer Pug mix is the perfect puppy for so many homes! Their loving, loyal nature, paired with their laissez-faire, low-maintenance approach to life make them one of the best fits for the elderly, or those who are just looking for an easy dog to take care of for their family or by themselves.
In short, the Boxer Pug is a fantastic addition to any household!