Boxerdoodles (Boxer and Poodle mix)
What is a Boxerdoodle? Produced from crossing a Boxer with a Poodle, the Boxerdoodle is a rare hybrid designer dog that is available in large, small and medium sizes. With its sweet expression and muscular strong structure, the Boxerdoodle is popular for being a perfect family dog. Smart, playful and friendly, the Boxerdoodle is well known for inheriting the best traits from its purebred parents.
Are Boxerdoodles hypoallergenic? Doodle mixes tend to produce less pet allergens and this is the case with a Boxerdoodle. Boxerdoodles don't shed as much as Boxers and they tend to produce less allergens in comparison to purebred Boxer dogs, making this hybrid attractive for people who may be sensitive to pet allergens such as pet dander.
Also known by another name Boxerpoo, the super friendly nature and exceptional playfulness of Boxerdoodles makes them great additions to any family. As a result of their innate need for playing and exercising, the activity levels of Boxerdoodles makes them not ideal to live in apartments or small condos. But with the presence of a fenced yard, your Boxerdoodle will become the best play buddy with your kids. That said, it's very important for you to supervise play sessions that involve small kids to avoid the children or the dogs from being hurt due to reckless playing.
Although there can be different sizes of Boxerdoodles due to the varying sizes of Poodles from toy to standard Poodles, these designer dogs are generally substantial in regard to size attributed to the size of both purebred parents. As such, Boxerdoodles can make great watchdogs. Being a crossbreed between two purebred dogs, the Boxerdoodle inherited the intelligent and elegant Poodle, while the Boxer gives this dog a protective and playful character to create a perfect addition to your family. Read on to know more about this awesome breed...
Boxerdoodle Life Expectancy
What is the lifespan of Boxerdoodle? Boxerdoodle life expectancy span depends on their sizes. Smaller Boxerdoodles are known to have longer life expectancies that can be from 13 to 14 years, while larger Boxerdoodles can live for 10 to 12 years. Other determinant factors that play an important role in the longevity of a Boxerdoodle include lifestyle, health as well as diet and exercise.
Boxerdoodle Size
As highlighted earlier, the size of Boxerdoodles depends on the Poodle size involved when producing the pups. But typically, Boxerdoodle dogs weigh from 20 to 60 pounds and some in between this range. Their height can range between 13 and 23 inches, but there can also be some smaller Boxerdoodles when a Miniature Poodle is a part of the mix.
Boxerdoodle Temperament
Being an offspring of two purebred Poodles and Boxers, the character traits of the Boxerdoodles just as their appearance isn't predictable. It depends on which side the pup favors more genetically. However, the parents are well known to be trainable and energetic dogs with a rich history in sporting and working.
The Poodle and Boxer parents are also known to be social canines that love being around those they love and visitors as well. These traits are also expected to replicate in the Boxerdoodle pups. Boxerdoodles may at times inherit genetic traits that are only common to one parent.
These dogs are very friendly and social, and once the new pup arrives home he will instantly become a loved additional member in the family. Due to their playful nature, they will definitely love to be involved in a place with much activity. As such, they are very much likely to form strong bonds with kids.
Being a dog that likes outdoors and activities, Boxerdoodles enjoy accompanying humans they love outdoor treks and hikes. They love swimming a lot and you shouldn't be ever surprised if you come across a body of water and your Boxer Poodle mix decides to spend some time swimming. Their funny and goofy antics make Boxerdoodles a great source of entertainment for your family.
Boxerdoodles are known to have a high level of intelligence and smartness. This is attributed to the fact that Boxer and Poodle mix dogs are offspring of two highly trainable dog breeds. As such, there's no doubt that these dogs will not give you a hard time while training them. You just need to follow the recommended routine of socializing them and training them early on. If this isn't followed, you may end up with a very stubborn Boxerdoodle. In fact, some Boxerdoodle owners refer to the dog as crafty!
These designer breeds are also known to be great opportunists. For instance, if you happen to leave in the open or kitchen table, you shouldn't be surprised if you happen to find it missing. They should be trained to behave well in such cases when they are still in their puppyhood stage. Boxerdoodles are known to be adept at balancing reward against risk, it's as if they are aware of where or not the punishment they could receive is outweighed by the benefits they reap from their actions.
Apart from their high level of intelligence, Boxerdoodles show great loyalty to their owners and love them to death. They are very protective and do their best to please their owners. If you're ever in need of a loyal, loving and social family friend, the Boxerdoodle is what you need. While Boxerdoodles can be unpredictable at puppyhood, they usually mellow-out as they age.
Are Boxerdoodle dogs suitable for families with children?
Having originated from two family-friendly purebred dogs, expect to have a great Boxerdoodle addition to your family. The gentle, playful and friendly nature of Boxers and Poodles reflects very well in this designer mixed breed. Both Boxerdoodle parent breeds are known to be patient with kids. However, larger breeds of Boxerdoodles tend to be energetic and bouncy, and are, therefore, not recommended for families with little children as they can accidentally hurt them. Boxerdoodles also require an above average amount of physical activity throughout the day and only people who can dedicate a lot of time to walking and playing with the dog throughout the day should consider this energetic mix.
Generally, Boxerdoodles thrive so well in the company of children. Just ensure to follow the recommended guidelines by training and socializing these dogs at an early stage to enhance a perfect companionship with the children. Although Boxerdoodles are great friends for everyone in the family, they usually do better with older children.
Always socialize Boxerdoodles to be around small household pets in your homestead when they are still young. Ideally, socializing and training the Boxerdoodle as early as possible really pays off. When doing this, ensure to always reward your Boxerdoodle for behaving well, and always adhere to a proper regime of training once he's at home.
How much exercise do Boxerdoodle dogs require?
Being a mix of two active purebred dog breeds, the Boxerdoodle will definitely require plenty of exercises. One to two hours a day should be enough to keep your Boxerdoodle active. To keep his mind well engaged, involve him in canine sports, which is also a source of excellent exercise.
Poodles are known to be great at retriever hunt tests, obedience, tracking and agility, skills that are also likely to be in the Boxerdoodle. If you enjoy taking long treks or jogging, Boxerdoodles love being in a company with active people and will accompany you very comfortably. Swimming is another favorite activity for these dogs and you need to expose him to such as many times as possible.
Due to the sensitivity of Boxers to hot and cold climates, you should always be conscious of the prevailing temperatures whenever you take out your Boxerdoodle for exercise more so during the months of summer. This is because the cold and heat intolerance is likely to be inherited by the Boxerdoodle.
Living with a Boxerdoodle
Realistically, Boxerdoodles can change the way you live to a large extent. As such you need to consider if you have what it takes to handle this dog before acquiring it. First of all, getting a Boxerdoodle and maintaining it all together is expensive. From vet checkups to feeding, you will definitely need to dig a little bit deeper into your pockets to handle the Boxerdoodle.
Secondly, Boxerdoodles like living in open places like houses with a backyard that will allow them to play and run around. It would be a tad very confusing to live with a Boxerdoodle in an apartment or smaller Condo. However, these dogs can adapt to apartment living so long as you ensure you're taking your dog out on leashed walks to satisfy its activity levels.
Also ensure to spend sufficient time with your Boxerdoodle, since boredom and being neglected can easily make this designer dog develop destructive behaviors. Don't leave the Boxerdoodle alone for extended periods of time, as it's likely having problems related to anxiety loneliness. Once these dogs are well socialized early enough, they get along well with children. That said, you need to supervise the dogs' interaction with younger children, as they can easily hurt them due to their masculinity. Remember to curb the territorial tendencies of these dogs, as they tend to treat other pets and strangers hostilely.
Caring for Your Boxerdoodle
Being a dog with high energy bursts, it will definitely demand a lot of exercise needs. As such, ensure to aim for at least one hour of exercise each day, and ensure the walks you expose your dog to are carried out briskly. Ideally, activities carried out in the outdoors should also include the potential for fetch games, agility training, and even swimming. Being smart dogs, Boxerdoodles should always be challenged both physically and mentally for them to thrive well.
Beyond exercise, ensure to do thorough checks in their ears for pests and debris when cleaning them. Due to their high exercise demands, ensure to regularly check their nails. If they are long and clicking on the floor, clip them gently as required. You can get some advice from your vet on how to do this since these dogs are likely to develop a repulsive character and run away whenever he sees the clippers. This happens if the Boxerdoodle happens to be hurt during the nail-clipping process. After long outdoor activities, always ensure to check the Boxerdoodle for any signs of damage to his paw pads.
Boxerdoodle diet
Depending on an individual dog, Boxerdoodle diets need to be formulated differently based on their size. Regardless of the dog's size, Boxerdoodles are known to be dogs with high energy bursts. Always stick your Boxerdoodle to a healthy, regular diet. Never leave food out for your Boxerdoodle to free feed. This can easily cause weight gain including other health problems that are associated with the same. This worsens further if the Boxerdoodle isn't well exercised.
Just as it's usual for all dogs, the dietary needs of Boxerdoodles will change gradually from when they are puppies, into adulthood and other senior years. Ensure to get some recommendations about the diet of your Boxerdoodle from your veterinarian. This is because there's a vast variation among these dogs from energy, health, and weight, which determine the specific recommendation for each dog.
Boxerdoodle Appearance
Boxerdoodles appear in different small and large sizes due to the toy and standard sizes of the Poodle parent. These dogs normally have a curly coat or hair that is wavy but can be short or long. They are also muscular and boxy with long tails, floppy ears, and their short muzzle can resemble that of the Boxer parent. With their long legs and small feet, they are excellent swimmers and fast runners, making them perfect for duck hunting. Boxerdoodles can be available in almost any color, but they are mostly chestnut or dark brown colored. They can also feature one of the following colors: black, red, brown, fawn, white.
Boxerdoodle breed history
Being among the newest designer hybrid dogs around, it is not known very well when the Boxerdoodle was first produced. But there are several guesses that suggest this breed is likely to have popped up from the scene of the previous decade between 2001 and 2010. Nevertheless, their parents have solid histories that can be well traced.
In regards to the Poodle part of Boxerdoodles heritage, it takes us back to ancient Egypt times. The Poodle later became popular as a duck hunter in France. On the other hand, the Boxer's origin dates back to the 19th century, where it was perfectly used as a fighting dog and farm dog for working.
The Boxerdoodle is very well known as a designer dog. As such, it's yet to receive official recognition as an official breed by the American Kennel Society. Unfortunately, some of these designer dogs have ended up in shelters.
How to groom a Boxerdoodle dog?
If your Boxerdoodle happens to inherit the Poodle's coat, you're almost home free. In this case, all you need is a fast allover rub once or twice in a week using a curry brush, rubber brush or hound glove. On the other hand, you will need extra effort if your Boxerdoodle inherits the Boxer's coat in order to maintain your dog's comfort and attractiveness. In this case, you will need to groom your Boxerdoodle on a bi-weekly basis to get-off any loose fur before it spreads in your house.
Just like with other dog breeds, you will need to attend to the teeth, nails, and ears on a regular basis. To help your pup get used to this routine, start the grooming process early enough. Brush their teeth daily using canine toothpaste to prevent your Boxerdoodle from getting any dental problems while maintaining fresh breath. Clean the ears gently to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Boxerdoodles normally have a wavy and curly coat, although this can vary in length from short to long. To enhance regular maintenance of the long-coated Boxerdoodles, use a wire brush and commit yourself to brush the dog at least twice or thrice a week to prevent the development of mats. Bathing the Boxerdoodle should only be done when necessary using vet-approved shampoo. Avoid bathing your dog frequently as it could damage the natural oils that keep the dog's skin moist and soft.
When it comes to climate, Boxerdoodles are known to be highly adaptable. Due to Boxerdoodles' range in coat length and size, you'll need to consider the type of Boxerdoodle to have based on where you live. If the weather seems to be frosty, ensure to provide your Boxerdoodle with an ideal and suitable dog coat. During the hot months, ensure fresh water and shade are always available during activity and outdoor play sessions.
Boxerdoodle training
How to train a Boxerdoodle? As highlighted earlier, Boxerdoodles are smart and intelligent animals. Additionally, the dogs are also always eager to please those they love. As such you don't expect them to be strong headed when it comes to being obedient. So long as your training sessions are fun, interesting and not extremely repetitive, training your Boxerdoodle will not be a problem. These dogs usually respond so positively to positive reinforcement methods that involve praises and rewards.
There exist many training methods for your Boxerdoodle. Of all, one constant is that you shouldn't always use food as a reward. You obviously don't want to have an overweight dog due to the health issues associated with that. That said, socializing and training your Boxerdoodle should begin early, especially when there's a Boxer influence involved in this case. This is very important as it helps to harness the enthusiasm of the Boxer puppy. Socializing these dogs at an early stage also helps them to be tolerant of other dogs.
Boxerdoodle Potty Training
Potty training a hectic process that can easily make you feel down when struggling with your little puppy. Boxerdoodles being smart and intelligent dogs, they usually don't give a very hard time to housebreak. Failing to allow your puppy to relieve himself in an appropriate place repeatedly can lead to future soiling problems. As such, you need to understand that little puppies need to relieve themselves frequently due to the small size of their bowels and bladders, and the Boxerdoodle pups are not an exception.
Once you begin the potty training process, ensure to complete it to avoid your Boxerdoodle from developing any soiling problems in the future. Just know that puppies are creatures of habit and will not wee in an unfamiliar place. Avoid punishing your Boxerdoodle for any accidents, as they are bound to happen. This may cause the Boxerdoodle to fear and mistrust you and will hamper the potty training process.
Step by step potty training process:
Identify a potty area outside your house: Once you get your puppy at home, ensure to first establish a specific area which should be the dog's toilet. This makes it easier for you to clean up. Take your Boxerdoodle pup outside to pee after every one or two hours.
Confine your Boxerdoodle in a crate: This helps to avoid accidents in the house. Whenever your puppy is not eating or playing, just ensure to take him out to relieve himself and bring him back to the crate. Apart from the night time, avoid overdoing this, as a crate isn't a place for jailing your Boxerdoodle.
Look out for signs: most dogs will show signs that they need to relieve. They usually press their little nose against the door, give a little whimper, scratch at the door using the paw, bark or even sniff on the floor. Take your Boxerdoodle out immediately if you get to see any of these signs.
Teach Command and Reward: Whenever your dog relieves himself, ensure to mention a command that he can relate to going to the toilet. This could be Goood! or Go potty! or any other you find convenient. This should be accompanied by praise and reward to help your Boxerdoodle associate the pottying process in a particular area with a positive experience. Eventually, your Boxerdoodle will learn going out by himself by just uttering the command.
All these don't happen in a fortnight. You need to be consistent, have patience while applying positive reinforcement techniques if you need quick results in the potty training process.
Owning a Boxerdoodle pros and cons
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