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Box Heeler (Boxer & Blue Heeler Mix) Info, Pictures, & Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Box Heeler Dog Breed

Height: 15–23 inches
Weight: 20–60 pounds
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Colors: Blue, brown, brindle
Suitable for: Farm dog
Temperament: Independent, energetic, hard-working

The Box Heeler is a relatively new designer dog and is a hybrid of a Blue Heeler and a Boxer. Since they were developed recently, many of the traits associated with these dogs can be more accurately gleaned from studying the parental breeds. Since both parents are known to be hard-working dogs, a typical trait of the Box Heeler is that they appreciate having a job and will be more evenly balanced in a home where they can work. They are energetic, agile, and enthusiastic dogs.Divider 1

Box Heeler Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

The price of Box Heeler puppies, as with any crossbred mix, is influenced by the cost of the parental breeds. If the parents’ pedigree is high quality, the puppies, although hybrids, will be more expensive. If one of the parents is simply a more expensive breed, the price of the puppies may go up, but they will always be much lower than any purebred would be.

Another factor determining the price of your new pet is the breeder. Don’t just trust a website or take breeders at their word. Make sure you find a reputable breeder who treats their dogs well. Although they are not as common as some designer breeds, you can check out your local animal shelters to rescue your Box Heeler pup instead.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Box Heeler

1.  Box Heelers May Be Intolerant of Hot Weather.

The short hair on a box heeler makes it more difficult for them to self-regulate their temperatures, and they are more prone to sun damage. Dogs with a moderate amount of hair have more protection from harmful rays and can insulate themselves, both from the heat and colder weather. If you have a Box Heeler or are interested in purchasing one, be sure that you can provide shade for them if they are outside during hot days.

2.  Boxers Were Developed in Germany for Dirty Jobs.

Many designer breeds were not bred until recently. This lack of history often means that there is not much information on their shared characteristics. One of the parents of the Box Heeler is the Boxer, initially bred in Germany in the 19th century. They were possibly created from a broad mix of other dogs, including Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Terriers, and perhaps Great Danes.

The goal was to breed a dog of a moderately large size and muscular build with an athletic body to work as a bull-baiting dog. When that practice was eventually outlawed, they were quickly adopted as ordinary butcher’s dogs, helping to herd the cattle and control them as they went through the slaughterhouses.

Nowadays, Boxers are commonly used as working dogs, having been one of the first breeds trained as police dogs. They also make excellent companion dogs and have been trained as seeing-eye dogs and therapy animals.

3.  Both Parents Have Strong Prey Drives Bred Into Them.

The Box Heeler often has the same high prey and herding drives associated with both parental breeds. They may try to herd people around the house. This prey drive comes from the cattle herding history of Boxers, and the herding drive is from the Blue Heelers of Australia. Your Box Heeler puppy can make the perfect hunting companion or be ready to herd anything that walks if trained correctly.

The parent breeds of Box Heeler
The parent breeds of Box Heeler: Left – Boxer (Chris Shafer, Pexels) | Right – Blue Heeler (Daniel Lincoln, Unsplash)

Temperament & Intelligence of the Box Heeler🧠

The inherited traits from the parents of the Box Heeler make for a playful dog who is alert and attentive to their family. They are known to be patient dogs, but they are often stubborn and have independent streaks inherited from their Blue Heeler parents.

Since Boxers can be hostile around new animals and people, it is vital to socialize your Box Heeler puppy early on. By participating in early socialization, you set your dog up for a more calm and content life.

Both dogs involved in parenting the Box Heeler are intelligent and curious. To satisfy a Box Heeler, they need physical attention and mental stimulation. Even if you don’t have a job for them to do, try to create something for them to participate in. Consider taking them to a dog park or training them on dog courses.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?🏡

These dogs fit well into family scenarios, especially large, active families. Although they can be independent at times, they like to feel like they are a functioning part of the pack, which is what you and your family will be to them. Box Heelers are gentle around smaller animals as long as they are introduced early.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?🐶 😽

Box Heelers can get along with other pets as long as they are socialized from an early age. Still, for one territorial animal to get along with another, they need experience interacting with other animals and strangers. Socialization helps them respond positively to newcomers.Divider 4

Things to Know When Owning a Texas Heeler

Food & Diet Requirements🦴

Box Heelers need food formulated to fit their needs. Look for high-quality brands designed to feed large dogs with high amounts of energy. If treated as working dogs, they will need even more food to give them the endurance they need throughout the day.

Do not free-feed Box Heelers to keep them from overconsumption. On average, an active adult will need around 3 cups of high-quality food a day. Try to sync this schedule with your eating schedule, or change it to morning and evening if that is easier.

Exercise🐕 

A working dog is fit and accustomed to large energy outputs daily. However, this is taken care of by their daily routine. If the dog is a family pet, they need a moderate amount of exercise a day. Generally, you can take multiple walks around 30 minutes in length. They should be walked an average of 9 miles a week to keep them happy and healthy.

Training🦮

Box Heelers are thought to be easier to train because of their traits as working dogs. They want to know the right thing to do and how to do it well. They can have stubborn and independent streaks. These traits don’t mean they are harder to train, but they need a firm hand and consistent training. Yelling at a Box Heeler for mistakes in training isn’t productive or ethical, and they respond better when you reward them for good behavior.

Grooming ✂️

The coat of a Boxer is short, sometimes barely sticking out above the skin. A Blue Heeler can have fluffier coats with moderately long hair. The grooming of a Box Heeler depends on the coat they inherited. They often have short hair that is quite dense. It needs to be brushed at least once a week to limit any shedding.

You can use a pin brush or a firm bristle brush to get the job done. Bathing a box heeler should only be done if absolutely necessary to keep their skin healthy.

As with other pups, inspect the length of their nails regularly and trim them if needed. If they play outside frequently, this may not be necessary.

Health and Conditions❤️

Box Heelers are healthy, but they can potentially inherit common diseases experienced in either of the parental breeds.

Minor Conditions
Serious Conditions

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Male vs. Female

There are no substantial differences in the personalities of the males or females. The males can grow up to 18 to 25 inches and may weigh up to 20 pounds more than the females. The females can stand up to 15 to 23 inches and are only slightly smaller than their male counterparts.

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Final Thoughts

Although Box Heelers don’t have the extended history that purebred dogs often do, or even as far back as some designer dogs can trace their ancestry, they are worth considering as the family pup. They are loyal and devoted to their pack, making them great friends to children. They should be socialized early on to behave appropriately around strangers, especially if you want to add more pets to the family later.

If you are looking for a working dog, the Box Heeler should be high on the list of considerations. Considering their hard work ethic, they would love to have a job on a farm or learn how to get through a dog obstacle.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: impromotools, Pixabay

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