The Boxer Pug mix is one of the happiest dog breeds you’ll ever meet. This furball of sunshine is affectionate, playful, and always ready to bring smiles to its owner’s face with its mischievous and silly antics.
As a combination of two revered breeds that share similar and contrasting traits, the Boxer Pug mix is a uniquely fascinating hybrid.
If you want to find out what makes the Box-a-Pug a charming and rare breed to own, keep reading this guide! We’ll discuss its appearance, temperament, health issues, and more.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 10 – 25 inches |
| Weight: | 14 – 80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, apricot, fawn, white, brindle |
| Temperament: | Loving, cheerful, playful |
| Suitable for: | Families with children; experienced owners |
What Is a Boxer Pug Mix?
The Boxer Pug mix, also called the Box-a-Pug or Poxer, is a cross between a Boxer dog and a Pug. As a mixed-breed dog, the Pug Boxer mix bears the charming, loving, and happy personality of its parent breeds. This mix makes an excellent family dog, even for families with kids.
Being an offspring of two breeds with different backgrounds makes the Pug Boxer mix a versatile hybrid. Pugs are cherished house dogs, while Boxers are outstanding guardians of families and properties.
While the Poxer’s uniqueness and versatility can make it very enticing to own, finding one will require patience and effort as it can be quite hard to come by.
This is due to the size difference between the Pug and the Boxer, which makes breeding them a challenging feat.
As a mixed breed, the Pug mix Boxer can be registered with the Dog Registry of America, Designer Breed Registry, and AKC Canine Partners.
Boxer Pug Mix Origin and History
The Boxer Pug mix has no established account of its origin, although this designer breed was thought to be first produced in the 2000s. As to their parent breeds, the Boxer and the Pug have well-documented histories.
The Boxer, deriving its name from the way it uses its front legs when playing or fighting, is a descendant of the Bullenbeisser. It was developed in Germany to be a hunter of bison, bear, and wild boar in the 1800s.
As the years progressed, the versatile Boxer held many roles, such as a cattle dog, protection dog, military dog, guide dog, and athlete, on top of being a reliable family companion.
Meanwhile, the Pug had its roots in ancient China as it was one of the preferred companion breeds of the emperor and its ruling class.
Its reputation as a favored breed of royalty continued as it was the chosen companion of King William III and Queen Mary II in England during their reign in the 1600s.
Pugs then became popular around the world and, to this day, continue to be one of the most beloved family companions with their endearing charm and sweet personalities.
Given the versatility and sweet temperament of its parent breeds, a desire to combine the two would eventually come about.
And with the successful crossing of the Boxer and the Pug, a lively and affectionate Poxer was produced.
Boxer Pug Mix Appearance
A designer breed like the Pug Boxer mix will have its unique appearance determined by the traits it inherits from its parents. One Poxer may not look exactly like another of the same kind.
Poxers usually come in black and fawn colors like their Pug parent. But they can also come in white, brindle, and other coat colors similar to their Boxer parent.
Typically, a Box-a-Pug has a muscular and square-built body. Its head can either be square-shaped like the Boxer or round like the Pug. It has a wrinkled face and dark, expressive eyes.
In addition, it can have drop or semi-erect ears. Its muzzle is short and square-shaped, with a distinct underbite. As to its nose, it is black and is often broad.
Meanwhile, the Pug mixed with Boxer has a wide and deep chest, and its body is supported by its strong legs and small round feet. Its tail is set high, and if it takes after its Pug parent, it will be curled tightly.
Overall, the appearance of Boxer mixed with Pug dogs will reflect a strong yet adorable canine, a perfect blend of its parents’ traits.
If you want to see how charming and lovable a Boxer Pug mix’s appearance is, watch the clip below:
Boxer Pug Mix Size and Weight
Predicting the exact size of a Boxer Pug mix can be difficult. Depending on its uniquely inherited set of genes, an adult Poxer can be a small to large-sized dog.
Boxer Pug mixes can stand anywhere between 10 and 25 inches and weigh from 14 to 80 pounds.
Some Poxers reach their final adult size when they are nine months old, while others continue to grow until they turn two.
This may be something to consider if you are particular about the size of the pet you want to own, as a larger dog will require a bigger living space.
Boxer Pug Mix Temperament and Personality
A Boxer Pug mix is an extremely loyal family companion. This canine is very affectionate, lively, and playful. It enjoys being involved with family activities and loves giving and receiving attention from its humans.
As such, separation anxiety is a likely consequence if this designer dog is left by itself for extended hours.
In addition, Box-a-Pugs do well with children. However, playtime with toddlers must be monitored to avoid accidents, especially if Poxers inherit the size of their Boxer parent.
Meanwhile, if a Pug Boxer mix takes after more from the Boxer in terms of temperament, it will have a natural guarding instinct and will tend to be a bit wary of strangers, other dogs, and pets.
On the other hand, if it is more like its Pug parent, it will happily welcome the company of other people and other animals.
With that, it is best to have it trained and socialized at a young age if there are other pets at home to have it accustomed to living with other animals.
And while Pugs are known to have zero prey drive, the high prey drive of Boxers can make the Boxer Pug mix prone to chasing small animals. Therefore, a securely fenced yard is a must to ensure it is safe.
All in all, a properly trained and socialized Boxer Pug mix is guaranteed to give its owner unlimited laughs, love, and perfect companionship.
Boxer Pug Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Luckily, the Boxer Pug mix enjoys a longer lifespan as compared to its Boxer parent. Thanks to its Pug lineage, this hybrid can live for 10 to 15 years.
Although it is a generally healthy dog, it can still be prone to certain health issues like its parents.
Below are some common health problems of the Box-a-Pug:
- Corneal Ulcers: Corneal ulcer is an eye condition that occurs when the outer layer of the Poxer’s eye is damaged due to bacterial infection, trauma, chronic dry eye, or contact with foreign objects. Symptoms include red eyes, frequent blinking, swollen eyelid, and excessive tears.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Canine dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart ailment wherein the enlarged heart of the Boxer Pug mix loses its ability to pump blood throughout its body. This causes fluid build-up in its tissues and lungs. Labored breathing, coughing, weakness, and fainting are symptoms of this ailment.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip bones of the Pug Boxer mix that causes leg weakness, pain, limping, and difficulty in movement. While hip dysplasia is hereditary, obesity, unbalanced nutrition, and improper exercise can worsen this condition.
Keeping your Poxer healthy should be a top priority as a pet parent. Always see to it that your dog is getting the right nutrition, enough physical activities, and regular visits to the vet.
How to Take Care of Your Poxer
If you are interested in getting a Box-a-Pug, you need to be fully aware of how to take good care of it. Poxers have specific needs in terms of diet, grooming, training, and exercise.
That said, I have listed some pointers to help you in providing for their needs.
Food and Diet
Box-a-Pugs tend to have a healthy appetite. That said, you must ensure that they are fed with optimal food portions to maintain a healthy weight and prevent overnutrition or malnutrition.
Depending on your Poxer’s size and weight, it needs to be fed around ¾ to 6 cups of high-quality kibble daily. It may need to be fed with small food portions similar to the Pug or bigger servings like the Boxer.
To further boost its health, you can give fruits and vegetables as treats. Broccoli, blueberries, and carrots are good for dogs’ eyes. Moreover, veggies and fruits help promote good heart health.
Furthermore, Boxer Pug mixes can also benefit from bone and joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Remember to keep them hydrated by providing access to clean drinking water.
Cleaning and Grooming
Grooming your Poxer is a straightforward and easy task. Using a bristle brush, hound glove, or grooming mitt, brush its coat once or twice a week to keep its shine and remove dead hair.
Its face must also be carefully wiped every week to avoid irritations. Use a pet wipe, cotton ball, or q-tip and thoroughly clean the areas with wrinkles.
Meanwhile, a Pug Boxer mix needs to be bathed every three weeks or up to every two months to help maintain good hygiene. And to prevent nail injuries, its nails must be trimmed every month.
Training and Exercise
When it comes to training, the Boxer Pug mix’s eagerness to please and intelligence make it easy for this hybrid to learn commands quickly.
Although it may have a stubborn side, success can be achieved with patience and positive reinforcement.
Never resort to harsh training methods because this mix tends to be sensitive. Severe verbal and physical punishments will traumatize your Poxer and make it refuse to interact with you.
In terms of exercise, the amount of daily physical activity a Poxer needs can vary from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on its size and energy level.
If its physique is more like the Pug, short walks and playtime are sufficient forms of daily exercise.
But if it resembles the body and stamina of the Boxer, it may require more physical activity in the form of jogging, running, and biking with you.
These activities will help your pet stay in shape and keep it from resorting to destructive behaviors due to boredom.
How Much Does a Boxer Pug Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
On average, the price of a Boxer Pug mix ranges from $400 to $2,000. Similar to the Boxer and Pug, its price tag is affected by its lineage, colors and markings, and breeder’s reputation.
If you are more interested in getting a Poxer from a rescue or shelter, the adoption fees for this mix are between $200 to $800.
As you begin to prepare for the purchase price of your puppy, you must also include the other expenses that come with owning one.
Below are the initial expenses of the Boxer Pug mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| 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 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
The estimates above can serve as your guide in budgeting for your Poxer puppy. Always choose durable and high-quality supplies that can withstand repeated use.
Places to Find Boxer Pug Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
As the Boxer Pug mix is a true canine gem, it is quite rare, and finding one to own can be challenging.
But, with patience and a bit of luck, you may just find the perfect one to take home. To help you find a Boxer Pug, I have listed some sources you can check out to find a reputable breeder.
Below are some places where you can find a Boxer Pug mix puppy for sale:
- PuppyFinder – Puppyfinder is a search engine that connects prospective buyers and adopters of puppies such as the Poxer with breeders, private sellers, and rescues. They provide identity verification for breeders to help protect buyers.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an online advertising site for breeders of puppies like the Pug Boxer mix. As a way of advocating proper breeding, they incentivize breeders who adhere to excellent practices in raising puppies. This is especially true for breeders who offer health guarantees and socialization.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an advertising platform for breeders and puppy sellers of various dog breeds, including the Boxer Pug mix. You can narrow your search by area, breed, gender of a puppy, and price range.
Meanwhile, if you’re considering adoption to acquire a Boxer Pug mix, I have also listed some rescues you can contact.
Below are some rescues where you can find a Boxer Pug mix for adoption:
- Boxer Luv Rescue – Boxer Luv Rescue is dedicated to saving abandoned Boxers and Boxer mixes, such as the Boxer Pug mix. They are a non-profit organization that places rescued dogs in foster homes before they are adopted. In addition, rescued dogs are vet checked, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated.
- Pugs N Roses – Pugs N Roses is a non-profit rescue that focuses on rescuing Pugs and Pug mixes like the Poxer from high-kill shelters in Southern California. However, this rescue does not discriminate against other breeds in need. Hence, you may also find other breeds and mixes in Pugs N Roses.
- Petfinder – Petfinder is an online database of adoptable pets like the Pug Boxer mix from various animal shelters and adoption organizations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition to listing pets for adoption, they also provide information on proper pet care.
You can also check out breeders and rescues on Facebook and other social networking sites. Just make sure that you exercise due diligence before doing any transactions.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Box-a-Pug
Owning a Box-a-Pug has its pros and cons. If you are still unsure whether this designer dog will be a good match for you, assessing the advantages and disadvantages of having one can help you arrive at a decision.
Below are the advantages of owning a Box-a-Pug:
- Unique look: The combination of the Boxer and the Pug results in an attractive-looking Poxer. It may appear to have the body build of the Boxer and have the adorable facial wrinkles of the Pug.
- Upbeat and loving family companions: The combined personalities of the Boxer and the Pug make the Poxer an excellent family companion with its happy disposition and affectionate nature.
- Low maintenance: The short coat of the Box-a-Pug does not require any trimming and can easily be managed with regular brushing. Nor do Box-a-Pugs need frequent bathing to stay clean.
Meanwhile, here are the disadvantages of owning a Box-a-Pug:
- Challenging to predict its adult size: Mixing a small dog like the Pug and a large breed such as the Boxer can make predicting the final adult size of the Poxer difficult for owners.
- Unpredictable temperament: Due to some temperamental differences between its parent breeds, determining how the Poxer will behave can be tricky. Its level of friendliness toward strangers and prey drive will depend on which parent it takes after.
- Difficult to find: A Box-a-Pug can be quite rare due to the specific breeding techniques that must be utilized to safely produce it. As such, finding one will require tedious effort and patience.
Bearing the pros and cons in mind, you can now better determine if the Box-a-Pug is the right designer dog for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Boxer Pug Mixes Shed a Lot?
Boxer Pug mixes can be moderate to heavy shedders, and they tend to shed all year round.
To manage the shedding and prevent hair from sticking onto household furniture and clothes, you should brush your pooch regularly.
Are Boxer Pug Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Boxer Pug mixes are not hypoallergenic. They shed a moderate to heavy amount of hair all year.
Because of this, they are not a good choice for people sensitive to pet hair and dander as this can trigger allergic reactions in them.
Do Boxer Pug Mixes Bark a Lot?
No, Boxer Pug mixes are not excessive barkers. When a Boxer Pug mix barks, there is usually a reason behind it, such as unusual sounds or the presence of strangers near your property.
If a Boxer Pug mix is barking excessively, it could be a sign of extreme excitement, anxiety, fear, or pain.
Final Thoughts
With its remarkable ability to combine the endearing traits of its parent breeds, the Poxer is indeed a uniquely sweet, happy, and loyal family companion.
If you are convinced that this mix is the right pet for you, make sure that you can fully commit to being a responsible pet parent throughout your Pug Boxer mix’s life.
Likewise, finding a reputable breeder is equally important in ensuring that you are getting a healthy pup and that you are not supporting irresponsible breeding practices.
It may take a lot of patience and effort on your part to acquire one but succeeding in making a Poxer a part of your family pack will make all the time and effort worth it.
Which trait of the Box-a-Pug do you find most appealing? Share your thoughts through your comments below!
