The Boxador, a sibling to the Borador, is a popular mixed breed between the famous Boxer and the Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also referred to as Laboxers or Boxerlabs, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Boxadors are loyal, friendly, and intelligent canine companions to their human parents. Their affectionate nature is enhanced, especially when they grow up in a warm and loving home.

Boxador Characteristics and Traits

While it is impossible to guarantee or predict the size, traits, or temperament of any mixed breed puppy, a breeder can only hope that the Boxador inherits the protectiveness of the Boxer and the kindness of the Labrador. Nonetheless, through positive reinforcement, you can train your Boxador to adopt your preferred Lab or Boxer traits.   

• Appearance

Pure breeds tend to have a consistent set of characteristics that become established in their lineage throughout generations. Mixed breeds such as the Boxador, on the other hand, tend to have somewhat “unpredictable” characteristic combinations from both sides of their ancestral heritage. They do not conform to any specific appearances. Each dog is unique to the next. Some will have similar physical traits to their Boxer parent, while others will lean more towards their Labrador parentage.

While it is hard to predict which parent a Boxador puppy will resemble, it is possible to have a general idea of the outcome. With Boxers and Labradors as the parent breed, it’s a safe bet that your Boxer Lab mix puppies won’t be small in size. Adult Boxers can weigh up to 80 lbs (36 kg) and reach a height of 25 inches (63.5 cm). Labradors are similarly as large. Fully grown Boxadors can attain a height of between 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63.5 cm) and weigh up to 80 lbs, which is within the range of their parents’ size. Females, however, tend to be smaller than their male counterparts.

Boxador’s coat resembles that of their Boxer parent. They typically have smooth, straight, and shiny coats that don’t shed a lot, hence requiring minimal maintenance. When it comes to color, Boxador coats come in gold, brown, chocolate, brindle, or a combination of these colors. Do not be surprised, however, to see white markings on your furry friend’s coat.   

• Temperament

To fully understand the Boxador’s temperament, it is essential first to recognize the character traits of its purebred parents. The Boxer, whose name refers to its tendency to stand on its hind legs and “box” with its front legs, is a playful dog who is good with children and families. A descendent of the German Bullenbeisser, the Boxer was initially bred for hunting. In these hunting sprees, they were tasked to seize prey for their masters.

Bred originally as gun dogs, Labradors are kind, loving, and outgoing. They are the perfect companions for everyone, including novice owners. Due to their friendly nature and intelligence, they excel at assisting disabled people and helping out in rescue missions. These traits are the reason why Labradors are the most popular dog in the US.

As a result of inheriting the protective gene, typically from the Boxer parent, Boxadors make excellent guard dogs. Neither Boxers nor Labradors are prone to barking or howling, so you should ideally not expect much noise from your Boxador. However, they may bark because of fear, as well as their need to protect you. With a reassuring hand, however, you should be able to calm your furry friend down.

Active and fun to be around, Boxadors love to be involved in family activities. They don’t fare well as loners and can get bored very quickly. You should, therefore, not leave them alone for long periods. So if you usually don’t spend much time at home or do not enjoy games and activities, the Boxador might not be the best fit for you.

Caring for a Boxador

The Boxer Lab mix has high energy levels and consequently needs an owner who can keep up. Therefore, these dogs are best suited to someone who loves the outdoors just as much as they do.

Boxers are playful and energetic, while Labrador Retrievers are loyal and eager to please. When you combine these wonderful traits, you wind up with a lovable and fun-loving dog. Their loyal and friendly character makes them an excellent family dog meaning that the whole family can always enjoy hiking, swimming, and many other outdoor activities together.

Like their Labrador parent, Boxadors love to eat and can rapidly gain weight if allowed to feed freely. You should, therefore, give them high-quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule. Two meals per day should be ideal for keeping your buddy happy.    

• Personality

Although Boxadors are considered gentle giants, they could accidentally bowl over small children when extremely excited. It may be crucial to supervise their contact with younger children to avoid any accidents. However, these dogs make wonderful family pets for families with older children.

While Labradors enjoy interactions with other canine companions, the same cannot be said about Boxers. Boxers were originally bred as fighting dogs, hence their name. So if you want your Boxador to mingle well with other dogs, it’s essential to work on socialization from an early age. Playing with other puppies will encourage your little buddy to become calm and docile with other dogs when they mature.

Another factor to remember is that Boxadors can inherit protective instincts from the Boxer parent. As such, proper socialization is crucial to make them more comfortable around unfamiliar humans and other canines.   

• Lifespan and Health

Labrador Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, similar to the Boxer. Moreover, a recent study shows that with proper care, the Labrador and Boxer can get to as high as 14 and 15 years, respectively. With such healthy genes, your Boxador puppy is sure to be around long enough to share many memorable moments with you.

Boxerlabs are known to be a relatively healthy dog breed. However, their parent breeds are known to be susceptible to health issues such as hip dysplasia and obesity. With that in mind, you should always keep up with your veterinary appointments to catch any health issues before they advance. Consulting your vet for a customized home care routine will go a long way in taking better care of your furry friend.   

• Exercises and Activities

Given their playful nature, Boxadors require an exercise schedule to help them burn off pent up energy. Exercise solutions can vary from long daily walks to a game of fetch, an hour of active running around the backyard, or a good hike. However, vigorous exercises are not encouraged in hot weather as their Boxer parents are usually susceptible to heatstrokes, and this condition could be hereditary. 

Final Thoughts

As a mixed breed, the Boxador is sure to inherit the best of both worlds from his parent breeds. Unfortunately, some bad traits are also bound to be inherited. In fact, novice dog owners are discouraged from getting Boxadors due to their unpredictable characteristics.

Nonetheless, with a steady and sure hand, your fur baby is guaranteed to grow to become loving, affectionate, and, most of all, loyal.