If you are looking for a playful, confident, and highly energetic dog breed to match your active lifestyle, then you must consider getting the Australian Shepherd Boxer mix, also known as the Australian Boxherd.
The Australian Boxherd inherits the best traits of both of its parent breeds, resulting in an intelligent hybrid dog that takes the role of a family protector very seriously.
This guide will talk about everything you need to know about the Australian Boxherd — from its appearance and temperament to the pros and cons of owning this mixed-breed dog.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 23 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 60 – 80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Fawn, brindle, white, tri-color, black, blue merle, red |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, protective, highly-active |
| Suitable for: | Families with an active lifestyle |
What Is an Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Boxer mix is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Boxer. This mix results in a medium-sized dog that is often very energetic and has a bold personality. This hybrid dog, also known as the Aussie Boxherd, makes a great pet for families with an active lifestyle.
Having intelligent parents that have been used as working dogs, this mixed breed may be a strong-willed dog. If not trained properly and consistently, an Australian Boxherd may exhibit undesirable behavior.
However, since both Australian Shepherds and Boxers are known to have amazing temperaments, you can expect no less from Australian Boxherds, especially if given the proper treatment and training.
As with any other mixed-breed dogs, Aussie Boxherds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). That means they cannot compete in agility and conformation shows hosted by the organization.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Origin and History
Like many mixed-breed dogs, there is very little to no information about the history of the Australian Boxherd. That said, tracing where it came from and how it originated can be quite challenging.
To better understand the origin and history of this mixed breed, we can look into the histories of both its Australian Shepherd and Boxer parents.
Its Australian Shepherd parent was developed and bred to work as herding dogs for farmers in the United States. The breed gained more popularity in the 1950s after an Australian Shepherd was featured in rodeos and films.
However, it wasn’t until 1993 that this dog breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. Today, Aussies are still popular herding dogs but are also now used as service, therapy, drug detection, and companion dogs.
Boxers, on the other hand, were originally bred to serve as hunting partners. These dogs were developed in the 1800s when an English Bulldog was bred with the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct hunting dog.
Like the Australian Shepherd, the Boxer breed now plays a vital role as a show, companion, and guard dog.
Given the history of both dog breeds, it is safe to assume that breeders crossed the Australian Shepherd and the Boxer in the hopes of producing a protective companion dog.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Appearance
Since Australian Boxherds are mixed-breed dogs, their appearance can be quite hard to guess. Often, they may take after the appearance of the parent with the stronger gene or a combination of both parents.
Your Australian Shepherd Boxer mix may either have a short, compact muzzle like its Boxer parent or the well-defined and slightly elongated muzzle of its Australian Shepherd parent.
Some Boxherds may inherit the Boxer’s black facemask and short, smooth coat. On the other hand, other Boxherds may feature the Australian Shepherd’s short to medium-length, straight to wavy coat.
As with their coat, Australian Boxherds can come in a variety of colors. They usually flaunt their Boxer parent’s colors. This includes brindle and white, among others.
Likewise, they can also sport the tri-color, black, blue merle, and red coats of their Australian Shepherd parents.
Watch this video to see what an Australian Shepherd Boxer mix looks like:
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Size and Weight
Size-wise, Australian Shepherd Boxer mixes are typically medium to large. When fully grown, this mixed-breed dog will grow to about 23 to 25 inches in height and weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
As with other big dog breeds, Australian Boxherds usually reach their full size by the time they are 24 months old. Note, however, that their general health and nutrition may impact their final size.
Genetics play a huge role in determining a mixed-breed dog’s final size, which is why it would be very helpful to check both the mixed breed’s parents.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Temperament and Personality
Given its Boxer parents’ reputation for being aggressive, this mixed breed is often considered dangerous and mean. However, Australian Boxherds are often good-natured, friendly, and very affectionate.
An Aussie Boxherd’s herding instinct, which it got from its Australian Shepherd parent, allows it to protect its owners in potentially dangerous situations, making it an excellent watchdog.
Additionally, these dogs generally get along with kids well. Note, however, that getting along with kids and babies does not happen instantly.
For your Aussie Boxer to be comfortable and behave around children, you may need to train them during their puppyhood.
The same is true with being friends with other dogs. Although Aussie Boxers are generally not afraid of other dogs, it is still important to engage them in socialization activities at a young age.
Moreover, since this hybrid is a mix of two active dogs, expect that this will be an energetic family pet. Also, note that its Australian Shepherd parent is an energetic and fast runner, so the Boxherd is likely to inherit this trait.
Finally, expect to see slight differences in temperament between a male and female Australian Shepherd Boxer, as is the case between an Aussie Shepherd and a Boxer.
Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Australian Shepherd Boxer mix is a generally healthy breed that lives around 10 to 12 years. This mix lives about as long as its Australian Shepherd and Boxer parents’ lifespans.
However, Aussie Boxherds can still be prone to some health problems because both of their parent breeds are susceptible to several health issues.
Some of the most common health issues seen in Australian Shepherd Boxer mixes are as follows:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a very common disease that primarily affects medium- to large-sized dogs such as the Aussie Boxherd. The hips of a dog with hip dysplasia fail to develop or line up normally, which results in a dislocation of the ball and socket.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This condition is the most frequent cause of heart failure in large dogs, such as your Aussie Boxherd’s Boxer parent. Dilated cardiomyopathy happens when the low chambers of the heart become enlarged, causing the muscle wall to become thinner and lose the ability to pump blood for the rest of the body.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a hereditary disease that may gradually lead to blindness over time. The most common first symptom of PRA is night blindness, which may later result in total blindness.
As with any other pet, you must have your Aussie Boxer mix checked by a licensed veterinarian regularly to make sure they are in tip-top shape. Doing so will also help you detect early signs of serious health conditions.
How to Take Care of Your Australian Boxherd
Making sure that your Australian Boxherd’s needs are met is one of the most crucial responsibilities of a dog parent. When these dogs are well taken care of, they become even better family and companion dogs.
Read along to learn the nitty-gritty details of taking care of your Australian Shepherd Boxer mix.
Food and Diet
Dogs about the size of an Australian Shepherd Boxer mix may have high dietary needs to sustain their energy. Typically, they need to be fed around 3 to 6 cups of dog food every day.
Depending on your budget and preference, you may opt to give them high-quality dry kibble, wet food, or home-cooked meals. Just make sure that they get enough nutrients.
Giving a good amount of dog treats each day or while training is okay as long as you do not overindulge them, as these may cause obesity and similar health problems.
Cleaning and Grooming
The cleaning and grooming needs of your Australian Shepherd Boxer mix will depend on the coat it inherits.
If it inherits its Australian Shepherd parent’s coat, you might need to do more frequent routine maintenance, such as daily brushing, to prevent matting and tangling.
However, if it inherits its Boxer parents’ short coat, you will have less to worry about maintaining it. Weekly brushing will go a long way toward keeping their coats clean and shiny.
Regardless of the coat type, owners only need to bathe their Aussie Boxherds at least once every other month or whenever necessary.
It is also important to brush your Australian Boxherd dog’s teeth daily or at least three times a week to avoid tartar buildup and gum disease. Make sure to trim your dog’s nails and clean its ears once a week, too.
Training and Exercise
You should begin teaching your Aussie Boxer obedience and potty training while he is still young. Although these are very intelligent dogs, training them when they are young will help them master these skills faster.
The Australian Boxherd is a cross of two highly energetic dogs. That said, expect this mixed breed to be equally energetic as its dog parents.
On average, these dogs may require an hour of exercise or at least one long walk each day, which will help them exhaust their energy.
If your dog has unreleased energy, it is more likely to become hyperactive and difficult to control. That is why you must know how to calm them down.
Like its Australian Shepherd parent, this mixed breed can adjust to apartment living. However, it is still recommended that they have a large space — preferably a gated yard where they can run around.
How Much Does a Boxer Australian Shepherd Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Typically, Australian Shepherd Boxer mixes cost between $650 and $1,500. This price may still increase depending on the breeder you buy from and the dog’s overall quality.
Note, however, that the expenses do not end there. Aside from the puppy’s price tag, you also need funds for your dog’s supplies, vaccines, and other puppy needs.
The following table summarizes the initial costs of owning an Australian Shepherd Boxer mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
People who want to take home this mixed breed puppy should budget $505 to $3,150 in addition to the puppy’s price. This will cover the initial expenses associated with rehoming your Aussie Boxherd.
You should also set aside a budget for your dog’s monthly and annual expenses. Purchasing pet insurance will also be very helpful in protecting your finances in case of a medical emergency.
Places to Find Australian Shepherd Boxer Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding reputable breeders of mixed-breed dogs such as this Australian Boxherd can be quite hard. Fortunately, you don’t have to start your search from scratch because we have leads on where to find one.
Here are some places to begin your search for an Australian Shepherd Boxer mix for sale:
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies has been in the industry for more than 22 years. They have already established a solid reputation for matching healthy and quality puppies with devoted owners. They have a lot of Australian Shepherd mixes and Boxer mixes, including Australian Boxherds. To buy from them, you can check their website.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an online pet classified website that partners with responsible breeders that produce healthy puppies. They have over a thousand purebred and mixed-breed dogs on their website, but it is best to check from time to time if they have Australian Boxherds available.
- Lancaster Puppies – This is another online pet classified website with over 10,000 purebred and mixed-breed dogs, including Australian Shepherd Boxer mixes. The best thing about Lancaster Puppies is that they do not allow puppy mills to advertise on their website, so you are assured of a healthy and quality puppy.
If you still haven’t found the dog of your dreams from the places above, you can try adopting instead.
Here are some places where you can find an Australian Boxherd for adoption:
- North Texas Australian Shepherd Rescue (NTASR) – NTSAR is a non-profit organization that rescues neglected, abused, and surrendered Australian Shepherds and their mixes. They place them in foster homes temporarily and undergo rehabilitation, and are spayed or neutered while awaiting adoption.
- Adopt a Boxer Rescue – This all-volunteer organization caters to abandoned Boxer dogs and their mixes. Their service areas include Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., and Rhode Island. Adopters must be within these areas to be qualified to adopt.
- Lone Star Aussie Rescue – This Texas-based non-profit organization is focused on rescuing and rehoming abandoned purebred and mixed-breed Australian Shepherds. Before putting them up for adoption, rescued dogs are spayed and neutered and given the necessary vaccination to make sure they are safe and healthy.
For a better chance of finding this mixed-breed dog, check out Facebook groups dedicated to this breed.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Boxherd
Now that you know the key information about the mixed breed, it is time to know the advantages and disadvantages of owning this dog to see if this is a good match for you.
Listed here are the pros and cons of owning an Aussie Boxherd to help make your decision-making a bit easier.
Here are the pros of owning an Australian Boxherd:
- Highly energetic: This is an advantage for families with an active lifestyle. This mixed breed loves being on the move and doing something, so they would surely accompany you to your next jog and hike.
- Great watchdogs: If you are looking for a companion dog that can protect and alert you to potential danger, this dog is a match for you. They have natural protective instincts that will be very helpful in protecting you and your home.
- Great with kids and other animals: When trained and socialized early on, Aussie Boxherds can get along well with kids. The same is true with fellow animals. Just remember to always keep an eye on them when playing with kids since accidents may happen anytime.
Meanwhile, here are some cons of having an Aussie Boxherd:
- Cannot be left alone: Unfortunately, Aussie Boxherds cannot be left alone for long periods. These dogs are extremely devoted, which means they can be prone to separation anxiety when this happens.
- High exercise needs: Aussie Boxherds need more exercise compared to regular dog breeds. Aside from taking them out for daily runs, they will appreciate it more if you give them enough time to play freely.
- Can be destructive if bored: Like other dogs, Aussie Boxherds may resort to chewing on your furniture, digging, and similar destructive behaviors when unable to use their energy.
Using the information on this list, you should be able to determine if this mixed breed is the right breed for you. This should also help reduce the likelihood of getting a dog that doesn’t suit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Shepherd Boxer Mixes Good Dogs?
Aussie Boxherds are generally good dogs. However, just like its Aussie Shepherd parent, who is capable of biting people, this mixed breed can bite too.
Remember that dogs do not automatically behave accordingly. They need owners to train them and teach them what is right and wrong while they are still young.
Do Australian Shepherd Boxer Mixes Shed?
The amount of shedding in Aussie Boxers is determined by the coat they inherit from their parents. However, these dogs generally do not shed as much as purebred Australian Shepherds.
No worries, though, since shedding can be managed with daily brushing to remove dead hair before it falls out.
Are Australian Shepherd Boxer Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Australian Boxherds shed and drool a lot, which means this breed is not considered hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers must think twice before getting this mixed breed.
Are Australian Shepherd Boxer Mixes Aggressive?
Although its Boxer parents are known for being aggressive, Aussie Boxers are not. These dogs are very affectionate and get along well with kids.
However, note that these dogs have protective instincts, which means they can sense danger and will do anything to protect their owners.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Boxherd undeniably makes a great family and companion dog. This dog has a good balance between being affectionate and protective.
However, it takes the right family and individual for this mixed-breed dog to thrive. Though they can live with novice dog owners, they need active owners who always have time to spare for them.
That said, you must weigh things first and see if this dog’s needs match your lifestyle. You also need to check if you can commit to the responsibility of owning this breed for a lifetime.
Are you ready to take home this mix? Let us know your thoughts about the Australian Boxherd in the comments below!
