The Chihuahua Boxer mix, otherwise known as the “Boxachi” is a cute little dog that’s sure to steal your heart. Borrowing both its size and temperament from both of its parent breeds, you can expect a short, energetic little bugger to keep you on your toes. Mixing the Boxer and Chihuahua genes creates an absolutely adorable crossbreed that’s full of life one minute, and curling up on your lap the next!
Image credit: lifewithroxxy_boxer.mix
Chihuahua Boxer Mix – At a Glance
Weight: | 10–40 pounds |
Height: | 6–20 inches |
Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
Coat colours: | Black, Blue, Cream, Fawn, White, Red. |
Temperament: | Intelligent, affectionate, curious, playful. |
Suitable for: | Families with or without children, couples and the elderly. |
What Does a Chihuahua Boxer Mix Look Like?
You can expect your Chihuahua Boxer mix to glean a decent amount of its physical appearance from both of its parent breeds, though there’s plenty of variation in between the two parents’, so it’s difficult to tell which your Chihuahua Boxer mix will be most alike. However, you can expect your Chihuahua to have shorter fur which doesn’t need grooming a whole lot, along with a Chihuahua-type snout, with triangular ears that fold over in the front. Your Chihuahua Boxer mix may grow to between 6 and 20 inches tall, depending on which dog had the predominant height gene.
Photo: Instagram
The History of the Chihuahua Boxer Mix
The Boxer and Chihuahua mix is a fairly new mixed-breed dog, without much documented history to go on. However, both of its parent breeds have plenty of documented history – both stretching back centuries, one in South America, the other in England. Given that these two dogs come from very different histories as breeds, and come from different parts of the world – their combination couldn’t possibly produce a more adorable pet.
Let’s look at the history of the individual parent breeds, to gain a better sense of why one might want to have a crossbreed of these two as a family companion.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua’s history stretches back to the 19th century – though it’s lineage can be traced back to the time of the Aztecs, where it’s thought to have heralded from a small, mute dog known as the Techichi, kept by the Toltec Peoples of 9th-century Mexico. The Chihuahua stands at only 5 inches tall, making them the world’s smallest known breed of dog.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas in the United States are routinely found as some of the most popular family and companion pets in the country. While most Chihuahuas may have something of a Napoleon Complex, they generally make very good pets.
As of 2021’s popularity rankings, compiled by the American Kennel Club, Chihuahuas claimed 37th most-popular dog in the country.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Despite (or perhaps because of) their smaller stature, Chihuahuas are frequently chosen in the United States to be companion and family pets for many different types of families. Their relatively low-maintenance coat, calm and aloof demeanour (when not excited) and moderate exercise requirements make them a good fit for the elderly, as well.
How Did The Chihuahua Come About?
The Chihuahua was first bred in Mexico in the 19th century, but has historical lineage that stretches back to the 9th century, when the Aztecs ruled over much of Mexico. The Toltec Peoples tell of a small, mute dog called a “Techichi” that bears some physical resemblance to the Chihuahua.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
There are competing theories as to when the Chihuahua was first crossbred. Some dog historians believe that the Chihuahua is a descendent of the above-mentioned Techichi pup. Others believe that the dog was crossed with another ancient Mayan dog – this one was hairless. If the latter opinion is true, then this may well be the origin of crossbreeding of the Chihuahua.
However, it stands to reason that modern crossbreeding of the Chihuahua didn’t begin in earnest until the 1990s or 2000s, when crossbreeding in the United States piqued in popularity, following its beginning the 1960s.
The History of the Boxer
The Boxer’s history as a breed stretches back to the 19th century in England, when English butchers were looking to create a dog that would be able to help herd cattle in large slaughterhouses. The resulting cross between an Old English Bulldog and the now-extinct German Bulldog (otherwise known as a “bullenbeisser”), produced a dog that was initially used and gained popularity as a “bull-baiting” dog.
“Bull-baiting” was a sport in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries where dogs like the Boxer were released into a field with an angry bull and run till they were either killed, or the bull collapsed from exhaustion.
This practice was ended in 1835 with the Cruelty Against Animals Act, though Boxers still were used in dog fights. Later, Boxers were introduced into other parts of Europe and at the turn of the 20th century, into the United States.
How Popular Are Boxers?
Ever since their introduction at the turn of the 20th century, Boxers have enjoyed a relatively peaceful existence in the United States, in comparison to their English beginnings. Nowadays, Boxers are companion pets, though they have also been used as working dogs in police and military functions.
In 2021, Boxers scored quite highly in the American Kennel Club’s most-popular-dog listings – coming in 14th place!
Who Are Boxers a Good Dog For?
Boxers can be rather energetic small to medium-sized dogs, making them difficult for the elderly to handle and care for. However, Boxers are generally good with other dogs and children, making them a popular choice as a family pet – particularly for active families who can keep up with the Boxers’ moderate exercise requirements.
How Did Boxers Come About?
Boxers were originally bred in England in the 19th century as fighting and working dogs, as the result of a crossbreed between the Old English Bulldog and the now-extinct “Bullenbeiser” or German Bulldog. Unfortunately, Boxers have a much similar history in the UK to the Pitbull, bred for violence and sport.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Boxer?
Boxers are some of the most popular crossbreeds of today, however, their original crossbreeding history is somewhat difficult to determine. They originated in the 19th century in England and were likely crossbred between then and now, though documentation of this is few and far between.
Our most accurate information suggests that Boxers were likely crossbred in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s, as crossbreeding of dogs became more and more popular.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important things about ensuring cohesion when you introduce a new dog into your family, is that you have a good idea of the dog’s temperament before you go through the necessary steps of bringing one into the fold.
Make sure that you do thorough research on the possible temperaments that your new dog may have and ensure that it’s a temperamental match for your family. For example, an active dog will do much better with an active family.
Much of the temperamental questions are fairly common-sense, but a miscalculation could mean that you and your new dog are unhappy and may lead to more trauma for the dog, if it needs to be re-homed again.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Boxer Mix?
Luckily for most of its owners, the Chihuahua Boxer mix presents a fairly mild temperament. Contrary to its excitable Chihuahua genes, the Boxer brings a calming element. The Chihuahua Boxer may initially be stubborn and resistant to training, though keep at it! Chihuahua Boxer mixes are generally very friendly and loving animals to humans and other pets alike!
Is the Chihuahua Boxer Mix Friendly?
Yes, in general, you can expect the Chihuahua Boxer mix to be a very friendly dog. The Boaxchi will adopt the ever-loving, affectionate personality of the Chihuahua, with a more reserved and standoffish approach to strangers.
Is The Chihuahua Boxer Mix Easy to Train?
Your Chihuahua Boxer may initially be stubborn (as is the Chihuahua), but with patience and positive reinforcement training, they’ll eventually come around and be much easier to train after a few sessions.
How Much Can The Chihuahua Boxer Mix Weigh?
The Chihuahua Boxer mix can weigh anywhere from 10 to 40 pounds.
How Tall Can The Chihuahua Boxer Mix Get?
Generally, the Chihuahua Boxer mix can reach anywhere from 6 to 20 inches in height.
Similar Sized Breeds
Given their small to medium(ish) size potential, there are plenty of similar-sized breeds to the Chihuahua Boxer mix.
These include:
- King Charles Spaniel
- Pug
- Miniature Poodle
- English Cocker Spaniel.
Does the Chihuahua Boxer Mix Shed?
While not excessive shedders, the Chihuahua Boxer mix will shed throughout the year and won’t require excessive grooming, but a once-weekly brush will be welcomed!
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Boxer Mix Require?
Both of these dogs are fairly active, with one (the Chihuahua) having a more excitable demeanour than the Boxer. You could walk your Chihuahua Boxer mix for about 30 to 45 minutes per day and it will be happy and healthy!
How Long Can a Chihuahua Boxer Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua Boxer mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Boxer Mix Have?
- Hip dysplasia (Hip Joint Inflammation)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap dislocation)
- Heart Disease (Congenital heart defect)
In general, Chihuahua Boxer mixes tend to be very healthy animals!
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Boxer Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you look for a Chihuahua Boxer mix puppy for sale, we recommend that you try to adopt one. Sometimes, people drop their unwanted pets off at your local veterinary clinic or animal shelter. You may find a Chihuahua Boxer mix that’s up for adoption there.
Alternatively, you could always try https://www.petfinder.com/, a website that allows you to search for puppies up for adoption based on locality.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Boxer Mix Puppy Cost?
While a Chihuahua could be a cheap pup, a Boxer puppy is quite expensive (between $1000 and $3500), thus we can surmise that any mix between the Chihuahua and Boxer is likely to go for between $1000 and $2000.
The cost of purchasing mixed-breed puppies can vary based on the breeder, pedigree and location. Therefore, we strongly advise that you read and follow our guidelines on finding and working with a reputable breeder and avoiding puppy mills.
Is the Chihuahua Boxer Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you feel like your family needs a small, loving and energetic companion, that’ll shower you with affection and every conceivable opportunity, then the Chihuahua Boxer mix might just be the dog you’ve been looking for!
However, if you’re convinced that the Boxachi isn’t the right breed for you, consider reading our other breed guides to find one that might be a better fit!