Aside from enjoying what I do, I love seeing the looks on the owner’s faces whenever they see their pets in a good state, as well as when I treat them. Another priceless moment was when I had the chance to treat almost a hundred dogs (or more) and talk to the owners. With this, I firmly believe that dogs, just as humans do, deserve a family that loves them, a roof above their heads, and friends that keep them company throughout their lives.
The Boxer mixed with Mastiff, known as the “Boxmas”, is a breed that looks frightening at first glance but in reality, they’re loyal and loves belly rubs! One thing most owners note is that the Boxmas is fiercely protective of its owners as well as very courageous and energetic.
The Boxer breed is a medium-sized dog that exudes energetic and playful energy that radiates especially when they’re with their family and friends. They’re tagged as the “Peter Pan” of breeds because they don’t fully mature until the age of three. A Mastiff, on the other hand, is the largest breed of all. But despite the large built, their temperament is one of the calmest because Mastiff comes from the word “mansuetus” which means domesticated.
Having a Mastiff crossed with Boxer genetically enhances your puppy’s muscular built, as well as their loyalty and outstanding guard watching trait. A natural instinct that may show is the reaction to suspicious people because your hybrid will not bite, but most likely push the stranger to the ground.
Weight | Males: 160-230 pounds; Females: 120-170 pounds |
Height | Up to 36 inches tall |
Size | Varies from medium to mostly large, but larger than a regular Boxer breed |
Coat Type | Medium to dense, single coat |
Coat Color | White, brown, black, brindle, apricot |
Amount Of Shedding | Variable to high |
Eyes | Brown |
Nose | Black |
Ears | Upright, medium length |
Temperament | Calm, Relaxed |
Life Expectancy | 10 to 12 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Kid Friendly | Yes |
New Owner Friendly | Yes, but with a proper introduction |
Breed Recognition | No |
The Mastiff Boxer mix is a gentle giant that is popular among households because of the great built and even temperament. More families are choosing to adopt a hybrid of the Boxer and Mastiff because of the positive reputation of being very protective and being right around children.
Although they are naturally inclined to be protective, it is best to start early socialization training because if not, your pups will eventually be wary of everyone else aside from your family. While this is a good thing in terms of protection, but it might be a pain to always have to control your hybrid because of socialization issues.
Just as any dog, you Boxer mixed with Mastiff should not be left alone because this makes them restless and agitated which results to them chewing on things big and small. If you turn a blind eye and let this habit go on, your hybrid might uncontrollably destroy more stuff in the future.
Families all over the world have started to decide and adopt Boxer Mastiffs because of the built plus calm temperament. This combo is a perfect result of two great parent breeds historically recognized in Europe.
A common misconception is that mixed breeds are healthier than pure breeds, but that’s not always the case. In a research conducted by scientists at UC Davis, they proved that the health of a puppy (hybrid or pure) depends on the health history of both parents as well as the living conditions, etc.
When given a chance to purchase online or pet store, don’t do it. Both are from puppy mills which are involved in breeding, but they don’t necessarily make the health of the parent dogs a priority. These companies or institutions focus too much on the reproduction that they neglect everything — all for transactions and sales.
If you wish to purchase a well fed and well brought up hybrid, opt to contact a local breeder instead. A local breeder is ten times better because unlike online ads or pet stores, they care and love for the puppies they produce. You can even ask for the health history of both parent breeds as well as each puppy, and they’d be happy to present the documents you need. Take note of how they handle and interact with the puppies.
In line with finding a good breeder, make sure you ask to visit the kennel and check the area and space they have for producing hybrids. It is vital to take note of the living conditions they have at home because this may also contribute to the health status of your desired puppy.
Here are a few good breeders to start your Boxer mixed with Mastiff search:
Chopper And Jezabelle’s Boxmas Babies
You may also check adoption centers/ rescue centers:
Boxer Mastiffs are easy to groom overall but generally shed in large amounts, which is why you should schedule days that you thoroughly brush their fur. Daily brushing is essential even for your short hair because it eliminates and lessens dirt accumulation as well as hair accumulation in the house.
Make sure to eliminate any “doggy smell” by bathing your hybrid but don’t overdo it because it may cause dryness and overproduction of oils. Don’t forget to clean their ears and brush their teeth as well.
Ear and teeth hygiene should be an everyday priority to avoid dirt and bacterial accumulation in the ears and cavities or tartar, which could lead to infections in the future. Chewables are okay, but they don’t entirely replace the purpose of brushing.
A hybrid will generally manifest all good traits from the parent breeds, but it doesn’t mean there are no health concerns you should take note of and check. Some of the conditions to take note of are:
Always make sure to visit the vet even when your boxer mastiff mix doesn’t show any signs or symptoms to ensure that they are 100% healthy and thriving. Ask for vitamins or supplements that can significantly improve your dog’s health.
Always prioritize your Boxer Mastiffs food to ensure that they live a long and healthy life. Although large, their lifespan is not as long compared to others, that’s why taking note of what you feed them is essential. If you have the extra time, plan a specific diet according to the breed’s needs.
Your hybrid will grow to be a large dog, so it’s easy to overlook the amount of food you’re going to give. Make sure you make arrangements with members of the family to ensure an adequately measured amount of food for your puppy. Treats are advisable but don’t give them too much. Choose gifts that have low calories instead, so that obesity is avoidable.
The best choice of food would be those that are rich in protein for proper muscle building and repairing. Protein can be obtained through dog food alone, or you could ask your local vet for additional snacks and supplements.
You can find protein in meat such as chicken, lamb, fish, and beef. Meat meals are concentrated forms sans the moisture but offer the same amount of protein as well. Fats are essential for eye and brain development because of the rich sources of Omega-3 Fatty acids. Chicken meat and fish oil are excellent sources.
Avoid giving your Boxmas foods rich in common allergens such as corn, soy, dairy, wheat, and potatoes. Also refrain from giving any food coloring, as these may compromise the immune system. Never give them table food because it might cause different allergic reactions ranging from skin allergies to difficulty in breathing. If continued for a long time, table food can affect your hybrid’s overall health and lead to certain heart diseases.
To give your Boxer crossed with Mastiff better nutrition, check the following high quality and nutrient-packed dog food available on the market:
Your dog may be big or small, but you need to keep it happy and healthy all the time. Never give them the worst dry dog food that is low in nutrients and filled with by-products, and opt for best dry dog food instead. You won’t go wrong if you start with Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, and Nutra Thrive dog food supplement — they all live up to their amazing reputations.
For the littlest of munchkins, check out our list of best puppy food brands, and for gray-coated, wise grandpa-doggos, opt only for the best senior dry dog food.
Your stunning mixed heartthrob carries the genes of their super-gorgeous and incredibly different parents. But that means that you are in luck as you can offer your little charmer both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food. Let them have a final say in which kibble they nibble. If their choice is unlike anything they’ve eaten before, you will want to consult with their vet and verify if that particular food is truly the right choice for your pooch!
Your hybrid came from two lean and muscular breeds that have a slim built, so it’s best to help them maintain their weight and let them serve their original purpose: to watch, guard, and protect. It’s essential to invest in equipment that enhances your hybrid’s mental capacity as well as the physical aspect.
In line with the diet, also schedule a daily exercise regimen for your Boxmas. They are highly energetic and exuberant by nature, which means they require at least an hour of intense activities and exercises. This program includes running, walking, playing fetch, obedience exercises, and jogging.
Never contain your Boxer crossed with Mastiff in a small space such as apartments or condos. Fulfill their need to stay fit by choosing a home that has adequate running space if you plan to adopt a Boxmas. Another option is to take trips to the park or jog around the neighborhood. All this is for the betterment of your dog’s mental state. If left idle for too long, they can be agitated or easily distracted and tend to destroy or chew on things out of frustration.
Here are some toys to help exercise your Boxmas:
It’s a no brainer that your Mastiff crossed with Boxer is an intelligent breed, so you have to make a proper plan to execute and train them thoroughly. It can be a challenge for most owners because of the intelligence plus energetic combo, but with patience and determination, your hybrid will follow proper orders in no time.
Boxers are easy to lead and train. This trait will save you a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, Mastiffs are also easy to prepare but take note that they’re capable of play biting.
Make sure to familiarize yourself and your pup with play biting and attacking an intruder or stranger. Training is essential not only for warding off strangers but also for your dog’s proper attitude.
Here are a few tips to help you train your hybrid:
Before you allow your Boxmas to interact with family members (especially children), ensure that you’ve undergone socialization training to avoid wariness and fear. You may visit the vet and ask for tips on how to improve your hybrid’s social skills, and most likely they’ll advise you to go to the park and let them play with other dogs and let them get used to seeing strangers daily.
Another thing to remember is always to have a big space for them to move around when around children to avoid any unwanted accidents. Your hybrid is a large dog and might be prone to crashes if confined in a small space. You can renovate your backyard and put obstacles or toys, or you may visit the park and play with other dogs.
But in general, Boxer Mastiffs are very loyal, fun, active, and protective. Leaving them along with children is okay, and there’s nothing to worry about or fret. The temperament from both parent breeds ensures that there is no aggressiveness or violence along with, of course, proper training.
Older members of the family can pitch in and help training the big fellow, and this also allows more exposure to different people. This plan will avoid the unwanted one-owner type of dog in the future, as well as agitation and idleness.
As an owner, it is your responsibility to ensure a healthy diet, proper living space, frequent trips to the vet, and specific training to help your hybrid live the best years of its life. Don’t forget to attend to the needs of your dog and always remember to give them the love and companionship they deserve through love, care, and attention.