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Boxmatian (Boxer & Dalmatian Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Boxmatian (Boxer & Dalmatian Mix)

Height: 19 – 25 inches
Weight: 50 – 90 pounds
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Colors: Pied, black, white
Suitable for: Active families, houses with yards, older children, and adults
Temperament: Smart, loyal, affectionate, protective, active, easily bored

A product of breeding Dalmatians and Boxers together, the Boxmatian is a beautiful hybrid dog that loves to play, spend time exercising, and engage with their family members. These dogs feature solid, powerful builds, thanks to their Boxer parent, but they’re sleek and agile like their Dalmatian parent.

While Boxmatians can become aggressive when not socialized and obedience trained, they’re typically affectionate by nature unless a threat is perceived. These dogs are always up for fun and games in the yard. They enjoy playing with older kids but can be a bit overwhelming for younger kids when they get excited.

The Boxmatian doesn’t like to be left alone for long, especially when they aren’t left with anything to do. They should always be provided with puzzle toys to keep them company when there are no humans home to interact with. Boxmatians need to be brushed often, but otherwise, maintenance is typically easy to keep up with. If you’re thinking about adopting a Boxmatian of your very own, keep reading this guide to learn all you should know as a prospective owner.
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Boxer Dalmatian Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

There are a few things that you should know about Boxmatians before deciding whether to bring one home to your family. For instance, these dogs need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day to stay fit and happy. Training and early socialization should be at the top of your to-do list when you bring home a Boxmatian puppy. The sooner you can train them and get them to know other pets, the better.

These energetic dogs will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. They’re very active dogs so they will need a lot of space to run around in and people to play with. The Boxmatian is best suited for active families who can dedicate enough time to these loving dogs.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Boxmatian

1. They Have Various Names

While the Boxmatian is a widely accepted name for this hybrid dog breed, they get referred to as various names by breeders and owners throughout the world. Some simply call them Dalmatian mixes, while others have different names for them, including Dalmoxers and Boxermations.


2. They’re a Bit Mysterious

The truth is that there isn’t much known about the origins of this mixed breed. While some believe that they were invented in the United States, others think that they originated in Europe. No matter where they originated from, the Boxmatian is certainly not as old as their parent breeds.


3. They Can Be Aggressive

Boxmatians are naturally affectionate, and most owners never see their aggressive side. But if they aren’t exercised daily, their intelligent brains aren’t regularly stimulated, and if they haven’t been properly trained, they can show aggressive tendencies and become dangerous around kids and strangers.

The parent breeds of the Boxmatian - Boxer and Dalmatian
Image Credit: Left – Chris Shafer, Pexels | Right – Jozef Fehér, Pexels

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Boxmatian 🧠

Boxmatians can weigh up to 70 pounds, and they’re affectionate, which makes them the perfect gentle giant for active families with older children and adventurous singles. These dogs are highly intelligent and go great when it comes to obedience and agility training. They’re also extremely active and look forward to long walks every single day without fail.

They love chasing balls, running on the beach, and spending afternoons on long hikes. This is a mixed breed that needs stimulation while spending time indoors too. They quickly get attached to their family members and will protect them from strangers who aren’t known to the household. The Boxmatian can be taught to distinguish between friendly strangers and those who pose a threat, making them great watchdogs.

While Boxmatians can become aggressive, this problem can be avoided by engaging in regular obedience training and making socialization a priority. These dogs will spend some time snuggling up on their beds while the family watches a movie. But dog-centric activities are a must before and afterward.

Are Boxmatians Good for Families? 🏡

Boxmatians are good pet options for families, with a couple of exceptions. Households that can’t commit to daily walks of about an hour each day or keep up with regular obedience training may have trouble managing their dog when they become adults. Younger kids may have a hard time handling these dogs, especially when they’re feeling frisky. All people within the dog’s household should know how to train and handle a Boxmatian as soon as possible after bringing the dog home.

Do Boxmatians Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

This hybrid breed can get along with other dogs, but they need to be taught how to interact with them safely and respectfully from a young age. The best way to do this is to start introducing new dogs to your pooch soon after bringing them home for the first time. Any chance you get, take them to the dog park or have friends bring their dogs over for a visit.

Supervise the visits and interactions so any bad behavior can be corrected. By the time that your dog is an adult, they’ll know how to greet, meet, and affectionately play with other sociable dogs of all breeds and sizes. Boxmatians can also get along with other animals like cats, but they will need to be trained and socialized to do so.

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Things to Know When Owning a Boxmatian

You still need to know about things like what and how much Boxmatians eat, how to groom them, and what kinds of health conditions they might be prone to. Luckily, we’ve got you covered!

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Because Boxmatians are so large and energetic, they can eat a large amount. Expect to feed your pooch about 3 cups of food each day, maybe even a little more if they’ve had an especially active day. This can add up to a great deal of food by the end of the month! But just because they eat so much doesn’t mean they should be fed inexpensive dog food.

To ensure a long, happy, and healthy life, you should splurge on high-quality food that contains no fillers or artificial ingredients. Stay away from the stuff that features chicken meal, corn, and soy. Look for food full of real meat, brown rice, and supplements like flaxseed. Once you choose a high-quality food to feed your Boxmatian, it’s important to stick with that same food over time to ensure proper digestion and avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Exercise 🐕

Boxmatians need to expel energy. They wake up ready for a long walk, and they spend their days trying to find activities that will keep their minds and bodies busy. Your Boxmatian will need at least an hour’s walk each day, and they’ll happily walk longer if you’re up for it.

You can ride a bike or skate alongside your pooch to make exercise time more challenging for the dog, and more enjoyable for you. These dogs should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play in a yard too. While inside, you can exercise your dog’s mind by playing hide and seek and practicing training techniques.

Training 🦮

It’s essential to start obedience training with your Boxmatian as soon as you bring them home. Failing to do so can result in the destruction of your belongings and behavior that is hard to handle, especially in social situations. Because Boxmatians can be strong-willed, it’s a good idea to consider recruiting the help of a professional trainer until you get the hang of training on your own.

In addition to obedience training, these dogs do excellent in agility settings. They’ll thrive in competitions and enjoy every moment practicing on the agility course. Look for an agility club in your area to join. Doing so will provide your pooch with the socialization and exercise they need as they grow into adults.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming your Boxmatian should be straightforward, but the process will require both time and commitment. You should brush or comb your pooch every day to keep shedding under control, or you may end up feeling frustrated with the amount of fur that ends up on your home’s floors. Because of the high amount of outdoor activity that this hybrid breed should get, they may need to be bathed once a month or so to keep dirt and grime from building up on their coats. All the exercise your Boxmatian gets should keep their nails nice and trim over time, though.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Fortunately, Boxmatians are typically healthy dogs and aren’t prone to many health issues. But they are still susceptible to problems like diabetes and heart disease if they aren’t exercised, fed, and generally cared for properly.

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Hypothyroidism
Serious Conditions
  • None to note

Divider 5Male vs. Female

There isn’t any available proof that there are serious differences between male and female Boxmatians. But there is anecdotal evidence to consider. For instance, some owners feel that their female Boxmatians are a little needier than males. Some breeders find that males are a bit more social than females.

Boys can be tougher to potty train according to some, while girls can be more stubborn according to others. Not matter what sex of Boxmatian you end up adopting, you can be sure that they’ll shower your family with love, affection, and loyalty throughout their life.
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Final Thoughts: Boxmatian

Boxmatians aren’t for everyone. They require a great deal of attention, work, and commitment. They need a leader with a strong yet loving hand. Owners also need to be in shape to keep up with their dog’s exercise needs as time goes on. But, if you live in an active household that is looking for a fun-loving and interactive dog to love for a lifetime, consider adopting a Boxmatian. What are your thoughts about this amazing hybrid breed? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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Featured Image Credit: Pikrepo

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