Pitbull Boxer Mix: The Ultimate Guide

Published: 01/25/23 •  11 min read

The Pitbull Boxer is a mixed-breed dog resulting from mixing a Pitbull Terrier and a Boxer. Otherwise known as the Bullboxer Pit, or a Boxer Pitbull mix. These dogs are known for their protective nature and parent breeds developed nearly simultaneously in Europe and bred for similar purposes.

Pitbull Boxer Mix
Photo: Instagram

The Bullboxer Pit is a medium-sized dog that’s an athletic breed requiring daily walks. This popular crossbreed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Boxer is fast becoming a beloved companion pet.

Pitbull Boxer Mix – At a Glance

Weight:50 – 80 pounds
Height:17 – 25 inches
Lifespan:10 – 13 years
Coat Colors:Black, red, white, grey, brindle, fawn, blue, brown, tan or a mixture thereof
Temperament:Intelligent, lively, active, protective
Most Suitable For:Active families, active single individuals

What Does a Pitbull Boxer Mix Look Like?

Pitbull Boxer Mix
Photo: Instagram

Like most mixed-breed dogs, the Bullboxer Pit or Boxer Pitbull mix will inherit different parts of its parent breed’s physical appearance. When it comes to his facial features, the Boxer Pitbull mix will have a short snout with the Boxer’s traditional black nose and forward-facing droopy ears.

You can expect your Boxer Pitbull mix to have a broad chest but a similar body shape to the Boxer – a much slimmer physique than that of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The Pitbull Boxer cross could inherit various coat color patterns, but most Boxers are either a solid brown or a brindle coloring, with Pitbull Terriers having a variety of different colorations.

As with most mixed-breed dogs, it is difficult to accurately predict the exact physical appearance, as that depends largely on the dominant gene.

The History of the Boxer Pitbull Mix

The Pitbull Boxer mix isn’t a very old Pitbull Boxer cross, having been around for around 20-25 years. They were likely created during the crossbreeding craze of the 1990s and early 2000s in the United States.

Fortunately, both parent breeds, the Pitbull Terrier and the Boxer have an extensive history to help us better understand where the Bullboxer Pit came from.

The History of the Boxer

The History of the Boxer

The Boxer dog was developed in Germany during the late 19th century from the Old English Bulldog and the now-extinct Bullenbeiser breed – an ancient Mastiff-type breed. The Boxer was originally developed as small-game hunting breeds and as bull-baiting dogs.

Later, as bull-baiting became less popular across Europe in the mid-19th century, Boxer’s became butcher’s helpers dogs – used to herd cattle inside large butcher shops in Germany.

As the First World War loomed, Boxers became used as war dogs, including messenger pack dogs, attack dogs, and camp guard dogs. Boxers didn’t arrive in other parts of the world until after the First World War when returning soldiers imported them to the United States.

They didn’t reach popularity until the late 1930s and are considered popular family dogs today.

How Popular Are Boxer in the United States?

The Boxer is a popular family pet and hunting dog in the United States today. In 2021, they ranked as the 14th most-popular dog in the United States.

Who Are Boxer a Good Dog For?

Given their relatively small footprint and calm temperament. Boxers are great family pets with a loyal nature, most suitable for a family home with a house and yard. They aren’t well-suited for apartment life, as they can suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors.

Boxers are gentle dogs with children and are quite obedient. They also have powerful strength when walking – so be sure you can handle them before getting one.

How Did Boxer Come About?

Boxers were bred from the now-extinct Bullenbeiser dog and Old English Bulldogs imported from Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. Used as hunting dogs initially and for the popular blood sport of bull-baiting.

As bull-baiting became unpopular in the latter half of the 19th century, Boxers became butcher’s helpers and companion pets.

When Did We First Cross-Breed The Boxer?

The Boxer’s popularity as a crossbreed dog has been growing in recent year. Crossbreeding didn’t begin in earnest in the United States until the 1990s and early 2000s. This has led to several popular Boxer mixed breeds.

These include:

The History of the Pitbull

The History of the Pitbull

Like the Boxer, the Pitbull Terrier – or the American Pit Bull Terrier as recognized in the United States – has a history of ‘bull-baiting.’ Pitbull Terriers were bred during the late 18th and early 19th centuries specifically to participate in the blood sports of bull-baiting and dog fighting.

In 1835, the practice of bull-baiting was outlawed by the British government, along with dogfighting in a landmark piece of legislation – the Cruelty Against Animals Act. This made the Pit Bull suddenly without utility to those who loved the breed for their participation in bull-baiting and dogfighting.

Some time between 1845 and 1860, the Pit Bull Terrier was introduced to the American canine landscape. The breed was unfortunately once again used in dog fighting until that was outlawed.

In 1934, the Pitbull Terrier was recognized by the United Kennel Club as the American Pit Bull Terrier, although critically, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize Pitbull Terriers at all.

Since then, Pitbulls enjoyed a decent amount of popularity. However, there were several incidents of Pitbulls being directly involved in deaths and mauling of dogs and humans. This led to the Pitbull being outlawed in many American cities – they remain in a legal grey area throughout many American states today.

How Popular Are Pitbulls in the United States?

Pitbull Terriers, despite their legal status, have remained popular throughout the country – with some estimates putting the American Pit Bull Terrier at 20% of America’s ‘strong’ dog population – though as they are not an AKC-recognized breed, it is difficult to get an accurate population figure.

Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?

Pitbulls are an energetic breed with fairly rigorous exercise requirements. They would do best with an owner who can keep up with their need for daily exercise.

Pitbulls are also very strong and powerful dogs and require a lot of restraint when walking, thanks to their terrier instincts. Therefore, they’re not the best dogs for novice dog owners. Their size and strength also preclude them from being owned by the elderly.

Pitbulls would do best in a family home, with a house and yard, so they get plenty of exercise.

How Did Pitbulls Come About?

Pitbulls were bred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, from the Old English Bulldog and the Old English Terrier to be a fighting dogs and to participate in the sport of bull-baiting.

When Did We First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?

Due to breed bans, Bully breed owners have had to get creative, this has involved crossbreeding their Pitbull Terriers with other dogs. Made popular during the 1990s and early 2000s, crossbreeding spread like wildfire throughout the Pitbull ownership community.

Several popular Pitbull crossbreeds include:

How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?

One of the most important aspects of dog ownership is ensuring that you find a dog that’s a good match for you and your family. This means doing some research on the temperaments of your potential prospective breed(s) and finding a good match.

If you’re an active family, you want to find high-energy dogs that are going to be able to enjoy adventures with you. However, if you’re a more homely family, you will want a breed with medium levels of energy, but is most comfortable at home.

You’re also not going to want to put a dog in a situation where they’re going to be unhappy and potentially encourage destructive behavior. For example, putting a large dog that needs space into an apartment.

What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Boxer Mix?

The Pitbull Boxer cross is an interesting temperamental match. Both the Boxer and Pitbull are moderately energetic, medium-sized breeds with an affectionate temperament. The Pitbull Boxer cross will be a very loyal pet and may offer a protective attitude toward strangers.

A Boxer Pitbull mix is a very intelligent dog. They expect to be kept engaged during playtime with mental stimulation and physical exercises.

Are Boxer Pitbull Mixes Good with Children?

Yes, they can be great with children when properly socialized and trained. Both parent breeds, Boxers and Pitbulls, are known for their affectionate and gentle nature towards family members, including children. However, due to their size and energy levels, it’s essential to supervise interactions between the dog and young children to ensure everyone’s safety.

Are Pitbull Boxer Mixes Protective?

Yes, Pitbull Boxer mixes can exhibit protective instincts towards their families. Both parent breeds are known for their protective nature, so this trait is often passed down to the mixed breed. Proper training can help ensure that their protectiveness is well-balanced and doesn’t lead to aggression.

Is The Pitbull Boxer Mix Friendly?

The Boxer Pitbull mix is a very affectionate and friendly dog. It can even sometimes be hyperactive. If this friendliness becomes annoying or mildly aggressive, be assertive and ensure you tell them to stop.

Is The Pitbull Boxer Mix Easy to Train?

The Boxer Pitbull mix might exhibit some stubbornness early on in training and hyperactivity – the combination of these might make the Boxer Pitbull mix challenging to train. Ensure you learn and utilize positive reinforcement techniques and be persistent with training.

Are Boxer Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?

Aggression in any dog breed can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, socialization, training, and environment. While some individual Boxer Pitbull mixes may exhibit aggressive behavior, it is not a breed characteristic. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training play a significant role in shaping a dog’s behavior and temperament.

How Big Will a Pit Boxer Mix Get?

The size of a Boxer Pitbull mix can vary depending on the individual dog and its genetics. On average, they can stand anywhere between 20 to 26 inches (50 to 66 cm) at the shoulder and weigh between 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg). Some may be smaller or larger, depending on the specific traits inherited from their parent breeds.

How Much Can A Pitbull Boxer Mix Weigh?

The average weight of a Pitbull Boxer mix is between 50 and 80 pounds.

How Tall Can A Pitbull Boxer Mix Get?

The average height of a Pitbull Boxer mix is between 17 and 28 inches tall.

Similar-Sized Breeds

There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Pitbull Boxer. These include:

Does the Pitbull Boxer Mix Shed?

The Pitbull Boxer mix is a low-shedding dog, thanks to their single coat. While they’ll still require a bi-weekly brush.

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How Much Exercise Does A Boxer Pitbull Mix Require?

Boxer Pitbull mixes will be a very active dog that requires plenty of exercise! At least 45 minutes of daily exercise is needed for this active breed.

You will also need to offer your Boxerbull Pit some mental stimulation – you could use a KONG toy, filled with dog treats to provide that stimulation when your Boxerbull Pit is home alone.

How Long Can a Pitbull Boxer Mix Live?

The average life expectancy of a Pitbull Boxer is between 10 and 13 years.

What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Boxer Mix Have?

What is the lifespan of a Bull Boxer dog?

The lifespan of a Boxer Pitbull mix is typically around 10 to 14 years. Providing them with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care can contribute to their overall health and longevity.

How Can You Find a Pitbull Boxer Mix Puppy For Sale?

Before you start searching for a Pitbull Boxer mix for sale, consider looking for one to adopt instead! Adoption is a much cheaper, simpler and faster option than finding a reputable breeder of Bullboxer Pits.

You can check your local animal shelter or vet clinic to see if anyone has dropped off a Bullboxer Pit, ready for adoption. Or, if you’re unsuccessful in person, check online at AdoptAPet.com.

How Much Does a Pitbull Boxer Mix Puppy Cost?

The average cost of a Pitbull Boxer mix is between $500 and $1000! This is almost double the cost of a traditional adoption.

If you’re still intent on buying a Pitbull Boxer mix, you’ll need to find a reputable breeder. We’ve created a definitive guide to finding and working with a reputable breeder, and how to avoid puppy mills.

Is the Pitbull Boxer Mix the Right Breed For You?

Whether or not the Pitbull Boxer mix is the right breed for you is largely a matter of personal choice. Examine the Pitbull Boxer in detail and see if it makes sense for your family to adopt this loving, loyal, adorable and active breed.

If you’re sure that the Pitbull Boxer isn’t the breed for you, we have dozens of other breed guides, breaking down the best mixed-breed dogs for you to consider.

Nick Meagher

I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.

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