Mixing purebred dogs with different personalities has become popular over the years. This process allows breeders to combine the best qualities of both dogs to create a better version of the parent dogs.
One of these mixed dog breeds is the muscular and bulky-looking Boxer Rottweiler Mix or as commonly called Boxweiler, Rotty, Boxie Rottie, and Boxer Rottie. It is produced by mixing a Boxer and a Rottweiler. However, don’t be fooled by a Boxweiler’s physical appearance because behind that ‘macho’ physique is a playful and affectionate canine companion.
In this article, we’ll discuss with you what it takes to take care of Boxie Rottie, like, is it a good guard dog and what are the perfect types of physical activities for a Boxweiler. You will also find out if the Boxer Rottweiler is ideal for a family with young children. How big does a Boxweiler get, is it a good pet? Let’s find out now…
What Is A Boxweiler?
As mentioned, Boxweiler is a mix of two popular German dog breeds, the playful Boxer and the powerful Rottweiler. Both its parents were bred as herders and hunters but nowadays, serve as good guard dogs or as police dogs.
Boxweilers have been bred for over 40 years in the US but as a mixed dog breed, the Boxweiler is not recognized by AKC as a separate breed. However, if it is necessary to establish its lineage, a Boxweiler is recognized by the Dog Registry Of America.
What Does A Rottweiler Mixed With A Boxer Look Like?
If what you want is a big, athletic dog, this buddy is what you may be looking for. The Boxer Rotties are medium to large-sized dogs with lean and muscular bodies. On average, it stands between 21 and 27 inches and may weigh from 50 to 100 lbs.
Commonly, they have a large square head with long snouts and some wrinkling on the face, and droopy jowls owing to their Boxer parentage. The Boxweilers have short and thick coats. Most of them are colored brown or black with some of them sporting brindled coats or having white patches on their fur.
Are Boxweilers Good Pets?
Yes, they are good pets, especially for active families that love the outdoors. The Boxweilers are very playful, gifted with high intelligence, and enjoy the company of their human families. However, because of their big, powerful physique, it is necessary to be mindful of the presence of small children to avoid any accidents when playing.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Boxweiler?
Because of its strong stock, a Boxweiler is a pretty healthy breed that has a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years. A proactive attitude with regular vet visits would increase the quality of life of your Boxweiler.
Still, some common health issues may arise due to old age or poor breeding practices that can affect the health of your canine buddy and these are…
Canine Hip Dysplasia
This is a degenerative disease that affects large dogs which may be genetic in nature or a result of being overweight. This happens when the ball and socket of the hip or joints are rubbing and grinding together instead of gliding smoothly. Common manifestations include lameness in their gait, difficulty in jumping or running and pain.
Panosteitis
This is an inflammation of the bone marrow or some bones of the legs. It affects young and growing dogs and may last until they reach maturity. This condition is episodic and may last for several weeks and improve the next. Lameness in one or more of the legs is a common manifestation.
Hypothyroidism
This is a common endocrine disorder characterized by an underactive thyroid which causes bodily functions to slow down. Excessive shedding in their coat, weight gain and lethargy are common symptoms.
Bone Cancer
Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that afflicts large dogs like your Boxweiler. Genetics could be a factor but a bone injury suffered earlier on can be the cause.
There are other health issues that may affect your Boxer Rottie and these are dental disease, ear infections, heart problems, cataracts, and skin allergies.
How To Take Care Of Your Boxer Rottweiler Mix?
Exercise
If there is one aspect of caring for a Boxweiler we need to emphasize, that is, to give it enough exercise every day. These are very active dogs and releasing all that energy is foremost in keeping your pet physically and mentally healthy and strong.
Go ahead and take him out for a run or engage in a good game of frisbee. These will give you and your pooch lots of bonding time and enjoyment.
Diet
A muscular dog like the Boxweiler needs a diet rich in protein and multivitamins. The amount of food you feed your pet is dependent on its weight and overfeeding is one of the problems some owners tend to have with their pooches.
Pet Plate is one great option to monitor your pet’s health. It is made from natural ingredients and freshly made to give your canine buddy the best well-balanced meal possible.
Dental Water Additives
Regularly brushing your pet’s teeth is crucial in promoting great oral health. Another option is to add a few drops of dental water additives to your pet’s water bowl. It is a great way to prevent gum disease, stops the formation of tartar and keeps your dog’s breath clean and fresh.
To Drool Or Not To Drool
Rottweilers have big heads and loose upper lips causing them to drool a lot.
So, depending on which parent it takes after, your Boxweiler can potentially be a drooler.
Designating a certain area in your house where he could drink would reduce the number of drool spots around the house.
Are Boxer Rottweiler Mixes Aggressive? Temperaments Of Boxer Rottweiler Mixes
The Boxer Rottweiler Mixes are a happy mix of 2 intelligent breeds. Generally, the Boxweilers can get the disciplined and aggressive traits of the Rottweiler parent or the more playful personality of a Boxer. Which temperament is more pronounced depends on which gene the pups have inherited.
This makes the Boxweilers good guard dogs because they are alert but are not prone to attack strangers. Notwithstanding that, they are smart, trainable, and very good with families.
Are Boxer Rottweiler Mixes Friendly?
Early socialization is crucial in developing a great personality for Boxweilers. Introducing the puppies to new sights and smells will make them more adaptive and less wary to new people and other dogs resulting in more well-behaved and confident Boxer Rottweiler Mixes.
Boxweilers are also great with older kids who know how to handle big dogs. One has to be more delicate however when it comes with smaller kids. Adult supervision is always recommended to avoid accidents.
Are Boxer Rottweiler Mixes Easy To Train?
Owing to the high intelligence trait from Rottweilers, Boxweilers are regarded to be highly intelligent and can be trained with ease but fur parents should be persistent and firm with their commands for it can be stubborn at times. You should show who’s the boss and at the same time give positive reinforcements to bring out the best in these dogs.
Separation Anxiety
Boxweilers are very affectionate and loving and they enjoy interacting with their human families. You can leave them alone but be sure to be home after work, lest, the Boxweilers are prone to separation anxiety.
Do Boxer Rottweiler Mixes Shed A Lot? Grooming Tips For Boxer Rottweiler Mixes
Although Boxweilers need moderate grooming, keeping them clean and well-taken care of is a necessity. In this section, we will discuss various ways to keep your pooch in top-notch condition.
Brushing
Boxweilers have a thick short-haired coat that needs brushing several times a week. They are not hypoallergenic and shed some fur so brushing several times weekly is recommended. This is needed to remove loose hair that could otherwise get into your furniture and clothes and also distribute natural oils along their body.
The Furminator Undercoat DeShedding Tool is a great product that reduces your problem with unwanted fur around the house. It actually reduces shedding by as much as 90% if done regularly. Its ergonomic design allows you to brush your buddy with ease.
Bathing
If you are dealing with active dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, dirt accumulation in their coat would surely be a problem. Bathing your Boxweilers at least once a week is recommended to keep their coats shiny, clean and free of outdoor debris.
A product like Mighty Petz 2-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner provides great care for your Boxweiler’s coat. It is all-natural and uses no harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin.
You should also clean the wrinkles around their snout with a damp towel. This will lessen the incidence of bacterial infections and smelly odors. Regular ear examination with your vet is also recommended to check for any infections.
To round it off, regular nail-clipping and teeth brushing also help in the overall maintenance of your Boxer Rottweiler Mix.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Boxweiler Cost? Boxweiler puppies range from $300 to $500 or more depending on the breeder. Beware of puppy mills and backyard breeders because they usually are a source of sickly pets. Another option is to adopt from your local rescue centers. In addition, the yearly average cost for their medical needs is $450 to $600 while non-medical needs range from $500 to $650.
Do Boxers And Rottweilers Get Along? Boxers and Rottweilers can get along swimmingly for they share similar characteristics. They are both intelligent, energetic and playful. Although the Rottweiler can be intimidating for the Boxer because of its bigger size, especially when they are engaged in some rough-playing, proper supervision and early socialization when done right should solve this problem.
Can Boxweilers Swim? Boxers and Rottweilers are both herders and not natural swimmers and so it is with the Boxweiler. A little patience and ingenuity could trick your pooch into taking into the water. Before attempting to put your dog into the water, make sure to suit him up with a flotation device and use a toy to motivate him to jump into the water.