Toy Boxer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Toy Boxer?

The designer dog craze first reared its head in the 1980s. The Toy Boxer or Miniature Boxer is one of the more complex hybrids.

Although this breed boasts a unique background and comes in the form of a rare dog breed, there isn’t too much information surrounding its origins. Unfortunately, since their introduction, there hasn’t been much documentation about this dog.

This type of dog is a hybrid breed that is still in its stages of development, most likely first showcased in the US within the past 20 years.

Who are Toy Boxer dogs best for?

Toy Boxers are best suited to those looking to invest in a dog for the entire family, providing they are socialised and trained from a young age.

Boxers that are untrained, however, are not suited to those with young children, as they can be quite boisterous when playing.

However, they are not aggressive and are instead very affectionate and loving with families.

How much grooming does a Toy Boxer need?

Toy Boxers do tend to shed a bit, although this can be reduced through the correct diet. A healthy, balanced diet consisting of a variety of high-quality dog food and freshwaters will ensure a shiny coat that is less prone to shedding hair.

Another way to control this is to adopt a daily grooming regimen. It is also a good idea to bathe your Toy Boxer at least once a week using a quality dog shampoo, which will help to get rid of any detritus in their coats.

Do Toy Boxer bark much?

Boxers are full of energy, extremely intelligent, and very playful. They are happiest when busy. Toy Boxers don’t tend to bark in excess; however, this is dependent on their personality and designer breed.

Miniature Boxers are also very protective of their humans, so they may bark if they feel their owners are in any danger. This can often mean they will bark at strangers.

Do Toy Boxer bite?

In most cases, if your Toy Boxer is nibbling or biting you, he or she is either teething or showing affection. If this isn’t the case and they are giving a hard bite, it is important to gently tap your Miniature Boxer on the nose and say no firmly whenever they do this. If teething, invest in toys that will help to counteract this.

What is the temperament & personality of a Toy Boxer?

The Mini Boxer is celebrated for being an extremely friendly, affectionate, and gentle breed - perfectly suited to families. Their playful and alert nature ensures they are a great family fit, especially for families with other pets and kids. This is mainly down to the fact they are easy to train and, on top of this, are extremely social creatures.

Boasting a combination of Boston and Boxer in their make-up, the Mini Boxer is an extremely loyal family dog yet can be wary of strangers. If you live in an apartment block or a big city where strangers are in free flow, this breed may not be the best choice for you.

What is the weight & size of a Toy Boxer?

As with the majority of hybrid dogs, the size and weight of the modern Boxer can be determined by the strongest gene pool. For example, if the Boston Terrier is the dominant gene pool, your Miniature Boxer may weigh under 11 kg.

If the Boxer is the dominant gene pool, your Toy Boxer could come in at a weight of 22 kg, especially once he or she is fully grown. This is quite a weight difference for a medium-sized dog and something to think about when considering this breed.

Irrespective of their size, Toy Boxers (despite their name) necessitate lots of room and aren't suited to cramped environments or small spaces. Why? They boast lots of energy, which means they need lots of room to run around.

Miniature Boxers who aren’t privy to space may become bored, unhappy, and lethargic. If kept indoors too long, Miniature Boxers may show signs of destructive behaviour.

How much training does a Toy Boxer need?

The Miniature Boxer is renowned for being extremely playful. They’re also confident and like to be leaders of the pack. This is why behavioural training and socialisation are so important.

To control Miniature Boxer puppies, you must inform them that you are the boss early on in the human-puppy relationship.

Thankfully, they can be trained easily as they are highly intelligent. Yet despite this, a firm approach and consistent training are still required from a young age, as one of their traits is stubbornness.

Training with rewards tends to work well with Boxers and Boston Terrier breeds, whilst training in the shape of negative reinforcement is not. The important thing (as with all puppies) is to be patient with your Mini Boxer.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Toy Boxer?

The Toy Boxer or Mini Boxer tends to be prone to a few heart-related ailments, including the likes of murmurs, hypothyroidism, and cardiomyopathy - thankfully, these health problems are all treated easily.

In rare cases, Mini Boxer dogs can also be prone to some cancer-related illnesses, as well as respiratory problems, especially if they have more Boston Terrier genes. This is down to their short muzzle.

Less harmful diseases in Miniature Boxers include allergic dermatitis, hip dysplasia, and cataracts.

An important point to note? Just because these issues have been seen in this breed before doesn't mean they will affect your puppy, but it is still important to do your research. This will assist you in spotting any potential ailments at an early stage.

What is the lifespan of a Toy Boxer?

Their lifespan averages between 12 and 15 years, which means you get to enjoy them for a lengthy stint, providing you care for your Miniature Boxer correctly and give them lots of love.

How much should you feed a Toy Boxer?

Like the majority of dogs, the Miniature Boxer necessitates a well-balanced, high-quality diet to ensure good health and good quality of life. All in all, these breeds prefer a premium dry food mixture as opposed to wet food.

Kibble is a great option for your Miniature Boxer Puppy, as it contains an array of essential vitamins and minerals, provided you choose a brand that boasts high-grade, natural ingredients.

It is important to tailor the dry food to your Toy Boxer’s size, age, and energy levels. The medium breed is a great all-around option. It is important to change the food as your puppy matures, as adult dogs require different nutrients than younger dogs. For the best results, you should speak to your vet.

They will be able to tell you more about your Miniature Boxer puppy's exact dietary requirements as well as more about portion control, which is a hugely important part of your dog’s diet.

According to the American Kennel Club, this is one of the dog breeds prone to being overweight should your Mini Boxer have access to more food than necessary.

What is the price of a Toy Boxer in Australia?

This purebred Boxer is seen as rare and is therefore on the more expensive side. On average, Miniature Boxers in Australia may set you back between $450 and $2,000, depending on the miniature Boxer breeders, their Boxer and Boston Terrier gene pool, breed combinations, and location.