Miniature Boxer: Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Facts

The miniature Boxer is a smaller variation of the big and intimidating Boxer dog that we know. It is the result of interbreeding a Boxer dog with a smaller canine breed. 

If you are curious about whether this tiny canine fare as well as their standard version, you should definitely continue reading this guide. 

This article discusses everything about the miniature Boxers, including their appearance, temperament, health condition, puppy costs, and more!

What Is a Miniature Boxer?

The miniature Boxer is a smaller version of the standard Boxer dog. It is developed by crossbreeding a purebred Boxer with smaller dog breeds such as the Boston Terrier, Corgi, Beagle, and English Bulldog. In other words, miniature Boxers are not purebreds. 

Mini Boxers were developed for those who want to take care of a Boxer but can’t manage and maintain a big and powerful canine. 

While this may sound like they are perfect tiny pooches, you would be disappointed to know that they are believed to be predisposed to specific health problems targeting their parent breeds.

Also, be cautious when buying this dog since many breeders cross the Pug to a toy Fox Terrier or a Rat Terrier and label them as mini Boxer.

Furthermore, the miniature boxer is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an official canine breed just like other crossbreed dogs or designer dogs. 

So far, this mixed breed is only registered on the Dog Registry of America and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC). 

Where Do Miniature Boxers Come From?

Naturally, the gene pool of the standard purebred Boxer does not come with a miniature version. To achieve the downsized miniature Boxer dog, breeders pair their standard-size Boxers with smaller canine breeds. 

However, we cannot exactly identify where these mini Boxer crossbreeds came from for lack of documentation.

Nevertheless, the typical dog breeds that are crossbred with Boxers include purebred dogs such as Boston Terriers, Corgis, Beagles, and English Bulldogs.

However, there is no guarantee that the litters will be miniature, even with crossbreeding with smaller canines. 

Depending on which parent they inherit most of their genes, the puppies might look like large Boxer dogs with features of other breeds or a miniature version of their Boxer parent.

Miniature Boxer Size and Weight

On average, the miniature Boxer height is around 15 to 22 inches tall, and they weigh 25 to 55 pounds when fully grown. These measurements categorize them as small to medium-sized dogs.

Mini Boxers reach their full-grown size and weight typically around 18 months. However, you can still expect your mini Boxer to gain a few more inches and pounds until it reaches two years of age.

If you have weighed your miniature Boxer and it does not fall between the suggested size here, do not panic and consult your veterinarian. 

Remember that this mini dog is crossbred with other pooches; thus, it is difficult to predict their size accurately.

Miniature Boxer Appearance 

The appearance of a mini Boxer will vary depending on what dog breed is crossbred with the traditional Boxer dog. That being said, their physical features may greatly vary. They may also fall under the 7 types of Boxer dogs.

Important note: Ear cropping and tail docking in miniature Boxers are optional.

Here is what a miniature Boxer looks like depending on their breed combinations:

Boston Terrier Boxer Mix

When it comes to breeding miniature Boxers, the Boston Terrier Boxer mix is probably the most popular choice to be paired with the standard Boxer. 

The Boston Terrier Boxer mix exhibits the basic features of the Boxer dog but has a relatively smaller size like the Boston Terrier. 

Like its Boxer parent, the Boston Terrier Boxer mix has a short coat that can come in black, brown, fawn, blue, and white.

Corgi Boxer Mix

Most Corgi Boxer mix dogs inherit the short stature of their Corgi parents. 

Typically, they acquire the muscular appearance of the Boxer breed, but their pointy ears are definitely from their Corgi origins. In terms of coat color and markings, it is similar to that of their parent breeds.

Beagle Boxer Mix

Also known as Bogle, this miniature Boxer sports the exact characteristics of its Boxer parent — a muscular and medium-built body. Some of them also have hanging jowls and smooth, dense coats just like their Boxer parent. 

Depending on which parent it will inherit coat colors, a Beagle Boxer mix can have black, white, fawn, brown, tan, black, or a combination of the said colors.

English Bulldog Boxer Mix

The English Bulldog and Boxer combination results in a small to medium-sized canine that sports a muscular build. 

English Bulldog Boxer mixes either look like a smaller Boxer breed or a larger English Bulldog variety. Most of them also inherit the skinfolds of their English Bulldog parents. 

Miniature Boxer Temperament and Personality

For the most part, miniature Boxers inherit the same characteristics as their Boxer parent. 

The general personality traits of this hybrid mix include being loyal, affectionate, playful, highly intelligent, and social. 

They are also as active as their standard-sized Boxer counterparts. But since these floppy-eared dogs have a smaller stature, mini Boxers are relatively easier to manage. 

Mini Boxers are loyal and affectionate to their families. They are also protective of anyone they consider their “people.” 

Around children, mini Boxers are seen to show gentleness and patience. Hence, a well-trained miniature Boxer is exactly what a human family is.

Most mini Boxers acquire the friendly character of their Boxer parents. They usually get along well with other pets, especially if they have grown up with them. 

However, you still need to keep a keen eye on your miniature Boxer’s activities as it can sometimes become overly protective and show aggression towards dogs of the same sex or other animals they aren’t familiar with. 

These miniature mixed dogs are also wary and distrustful towards strangers, whether they are male or female. But, they wouldn’t attack unless they sense grave danger or are provoked.

Through proper training and early socialization, miniature Boxer dogs will no doubt be a joy to be around. 

Once you get past their overprotective tendencies and territorial nature, you’ll realize that they are well worth your money and time.

Miniature Boxer Lifespan and Health Issues

Miniature Boxers have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. It’s quite longer compared to the standard Boxers, which is only 10 to 12 years, but this does not mean that they all live a long life. 

Some cross the rainbow bridge earlier as they succumb to common health problems and issues that are prone to their parent breed.

Here are some of the common health issues that you should monitor on your mini Boxer:

• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a debilitating condition that occurs when the joints on the hips abnormally grow and loosely fit on the hip socket. The deformity causes the ball and socket joint to grind against each other, which causes excruciating pain. As hip dysplasia progresses, the joints in the hips may start to deteriorate. 
• Hypothyroidism: This health condition is usually caused by inflammation or shrinkage of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for the production of hormones in a dog’s body. Miniature Boxers with this disease may show signs such as hair loss, reduced activity, and weight gain. 
• Patellar Luxation: The term patella refers to the kneecap, while luxation means “dislocated.” Hence, a miniature Boxer that suffers from patellar luxation has its kneecap dislocated. The common signs of patellar luxation include skipping when walking and kicking legs (which they do to realign their kneecaps).
• Corneal Ulcer: Corneal ulcer is a common eye problem for Boxer dogs. It is caused by abrasion or erosion in the corneal part of the eye. Mini Boxers who experience this may rub their eyes with their paws in an attempt to relieve the intense pain.

These are just some of the serious health issues that mini Boxers may acquire. As a responsible owner, you should regularly take your dog to the veterinarian to ensure that it is healthy and free from these illnesses. 

How to Take Care of Your Miniature Boxer Dog

Miniature Boxers are actually easy to take care of and maintain even though they are mixed-breed dogs. They only need a healthy dietary plan, an active lifestyle, and lots of affection. 

To elaborate on this, here are some of the tips you can follow in taking care of your miniature Boxer dog:

Food and Diet

Since it is a muscular and energetic dog breed, miniature Boxers need dog foods that can sustain the energy they need and the nutrients required for muscle growth. 

They need two to three cups of high-quality kibble every day and some treats in between. 

Just be careful not to resort to overfeeding, as miniature Boxers are prone to being overweight. An obese mini Boxer is more vulnerable to joint-related problems and diabetes. 

Make sure to stick to the fixed feeding schedule of your mini Boxer so you can easily monitor its eating habits. 

Cleaning and Grooming

Like their Boxer parents, mini Boxers do not require a ton of effort in grooming and cleaning.

Since they usually have a short, dense coat, mini Boxers only need coat brushing a couple of times a week. 

However, you may need to brush them more frequently during their shedding period to remove danders, dead skin, and loose hair on their coat. This is to keep their coat healthy.

In choosing the shampoo for your mini Boxer, buy one that is specifically formulated for densely coated dogs. Commercial shampoos for humans might contain chemicals that are harmful to your mini Boxer. 

You should also clean their ears, trim their nails, and check their ears regularly to avoid infection. 

Lastly, brush your dog’s teeth and pay attention to their oral hygiene to prevent plaque accumulation, which can lead to periodontal disease.

Training and Exercise

Mini Boxers are highly intelligent dogs. They are easy to train, and they love to please their owners.

At a young age, mini Boxers should be exposed to other people, pets, and dogs to help them develop social skills. 

Leash training should also be done right after you take it home. A leash-trained dog can properly stroll in dog parks which is probably one of the ultimate goals of pet-owning

For mini Boxer behavioral training, you should make use of positive reinforcements such as treats and praises. 

This training method has been proven more effective than punishments and scolding. Whenever your dog does something good, give it a yummy treat or call it with endearment while petting it.

As for exercise needs, this designer dog needs to burn their energy constantly, or else it will resort to destructive behaviors. 

This means that if you want to own a mini Boxer, you should be willing to take them on regular walks in the dog park or play with them at least once a day. You should also give it ample mental stimulation as you would for a larger dog.

Watch this intelligent miniature Boxer accomplish its training:

How Much Does a Mini Boxer Puppy Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses

The average cost of a miniature Boxer dog costs between $500 and $2,000. However, you should expect to pay more if the puppy comes from a champion bloodline. 

Other factors directly affect this selling price which include breeder reputation, pedigree, puppy documents, and more.

If you are determined to take home a mini-Boxer, you should also be mindful of the initial expenses of owning them. The one-time fee you’ll pay for your puppy is just the beginning of your financial investment in your pet.

Here is a breakdown of the initial expenses you need to anticipate in owning a miniature Boxer puppy:

If you have noticed, these are only starter supplies that you need to acquire before taking home your mini Boxer dog. 

Owning a mini Boxer will also require you to cash out monthly and annually for its food supplies, vet checkups, maintenance, pet insurance, and other essential dog supplies. 

Hence, you need to be financially prepared before bringing home one.

Places to Find Mini Boxer Puppies for Sale or Adoption

Searching for reputable mini Boxer breeders is deemed a daunting task since this designer breed is relatively new. Only a few breeders specialize in breeding them, and often, they sell them at unreasonable prices.

To help you in your quest for a mini Boxer, I made a list of some breeders and rescues that can provide you with one. 

I understand that the more options you have, the closer you’ll get to finding the perfect mini Boxer, so let the lists below be your guide. 

Here are some reliable miniature Boxer breeders where you can possibly buy a mini Boxer: 

• LSCR Ranch – This breeder dubbed itself as “the home of the miniature Boxer.” Their miniature-size Boxers are produced by breeding a Boxer and a Boston Terrier together. Depending on the color, the puppy prices in LSCR Ranch range between $2,000 and $5,000.
• Hawk Valley Boxers – This breeder is one of the best Boxer breeders in the country. The owners of this breeding facility have been in the breeding profession for more than 25 years. Their Boxers are great foundations for miniature Boxers puppies. 
• Oakwood’s Boxers – This breeder has been breeding top-of-the-shelf Boxer dogs for almost three decades. They have well-structured and dedicated breeding practices. They also have a great lineage of Boxers that are produced and raised in a dedicated kennel facility. You can contact them for possible miniature Boxer puppies. 

Rescued mini Boxers can also make excellent pets, especially after receiving training and behavioral modification from their rescuers.

Here are some of the rescues where you can find miniature Boxers for adoption: 

• Boxer Luv Rescue – Since 1998, this rescue center has rehabilitated and rehomed abandoned and surrendered Boxers and Boxer mixes. They have found new loving homes for more than 10,000 Boxers, including miniature Boxers.
• Boxer Haven Rescue – This Michigan-based Boxer rescue started saving Boxers and Boxer mixes in 2004. They are considered the oldest Boxer-focused rescue in Michigan state, so there is a great chance that you’ll find a mini Boxer here.
• Boston Buddies – The primary aim of this rescue is to save and rehome Boston Terriers, including Boston Terrier mixes. To date, they have successfully rehomed more than 2,000 purebreds and mixes. Among the mixed breeds that they usually rescue are Boston Terrier Boxer hybrids or miniature Boxers.

If you haven’t found a miniature Boxer dog from the rescues listed above, you should not lose hope. You can try checking out breeders on Facebook as some of them don’t have actual websites and depend on Facebook for marketing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Mini Boxers Good Dogs?

Yes. Mini Boxers are good dogs. They exhibit the same gentle, loving, and affectionate traits of the standard Boxer. 

They aren’t mean, dangerous, or agressive which is commonly associated with them due to their history of being war dogs and cattle dogs.

Do Mini Boxers Shed?

Mini Boxers do shed just like other popular dog breeds. They usually lose fur year-round but only moderately. 

Managing their sheddings is pretty easy since they only have a short, dense coat. Regular brushing would suffice in keeping the shedding in control. 

Are Miniature Boxers Hypoallergenic?

Just like their Boxer parents, miniature Boxers are not considered hypoallergenic dogs. This means that if you are highly allergic to danders and fur, mini Boxers are not the best dogs for you. 

Do Miniature Boxers Stay Small Forever?

Miniature Boxers are born smaller compared to purebred Boxers. They are deliberately bred and developed to stay tiny forever just like other smaller dogs. 

However, they may still grow a little bit taller than other mini Boxers due to genetics, health condition, and diet.

Final Thoughts: Is the Mini Boxer Right for You?

The miniature Boxer really proves to be an impressive hybrid mix, appearance-wise. However, their major drawback is that they are prone to various health concerns, which can be frustrating in the long run.

If you think you are financially ready to own a miniature Boxer, and you think you can handle their unpredictable health status, then I see no reason for you not to take home one. 

Just make sure to get in touch with reputable breeders who can offer you health guarantees.

What are your thoughts regarding the mini Boxer dog? Leave us a comment below!