The Boxmatian is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Boxer and Dalmatian dog breeds. Playful, goofy, and protective, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
You can find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add a Boxmatian to your home!
The Boxmatian is a bit like a cartoon dog come to life! They have a larger-than-life personality and love to play and goof around. If you have one of these dogs in your home, you’ll be laughing a lot. Properly trained, the mixed breed is affectionate and loyal to their humans and will take on a guardian role.
But be warned! Correct training from the outset is essential to offset any aggressive tendencies and destructive behaviour. For these reasons, this may not be the best dog to bring into a family with small children. Boxmatians also require a lot of exercise and are not apartment dogs on any level.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Health And Grooming Needs
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:19 to 25 inchesWeight:50 to 90 poundsLife Span:10 to 13 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Boxmatian is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Boxer or Dalmatian parents.
- Dalmations are known for their distinctive spotted coat, but not all Boxmatian’s will necessarily pick up the spotted trait. The breed’s coat can be black, white, or pied.
- In general, the Boxmatian is a dog that prefers to be in warmer rather than colder climates.
- The Boxmatian is a dog with exceptionally high energy and exercise needs. If you cannot commit to a bare minumum of one hour of exercise every single day, you risk bringing on weight issues.
- Boxmatians aren’t the best dogs for homes with children or other pets, but with early socialization and training, they can be loyal, protective family members.
- This mixed breed is very active. If you’re not an outdoors person and don’t have access to large areas where the dog can safely run around and swim and play, then the Boxmatian is probably not the dog for you.
History
Best guesses suggest that the Boxmatian originated somewhere in Europe; although, exact information about the history of this mixed breed is scarce.
If we focus on the parent breeds, the Boxer breed began as both a working farm dog and fighting dog back in the 19th century. It also evolved into a role as a guard dog. Their fighting tendencies have since been bred out of them, and they now make wonderful, loving companions for any family.
When it comes to the Dalmatian, it’s speculated that it was first spotted in Croatia and dates back to the Middle Ages. At various times in the breed’s evolution, it’s been known as a coach dog, a military canine, a shepherd and even a circus dog!
The Boxmatian has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. So consider contacting your local rescue groups and shelters if you’re thinking about adding the Boxmatian to your home.
Size
The Boxmatian is a large dog. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary.
Most weigh in at 50 to 90 pounds and range in height from 19 to 25 inches.
Personality
First up, the Boxmatian is one of the most energetic dogs around. The mixed breed lives for exercise sessions, and if they’re left alone for too long without anything to do, don’t be surprised if they engage in destructive or anti-social behavior to amuse themselves.
If you’re not an outdoors person and don’t have access to large areas where the dog can safely run around and swim and play, then the Boxmatian is probably not the dog for you. The mixed breed’s innate intelligence also means that they need to be mentally stimulated during exercise sessions. Always try and challenge the dog to think during outdoors games and play sessions.
Boxmatian are renowned for their goofy looks, but they’re also a powerful dog that becomes very protective of their family. The breed will not welcome strangers; although, with correct training and socialization, you’ll realize that they’re an affectionate canine at heart.
Health
Boxmatians are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Boxer and Dalmatian face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your dog’s vet.
Some of the more common health problems Boxmatians suffer from include:
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism
Care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Boxmatian’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
The Boxmatian is a dog with exceptionally high energy and exercise needs. If you cannot commit to a bare minumum of one hour of exercise every single day, you risk bringing on weight issues. If you’re a runner, incorporate the dog into your training sessions. Even standard walks with a Boxmatian should include breaks for games of fetch.
Beyond exercise, you’ll want to make sure to brush your Boxmatian’s teeth every week. Due to the breed’s outdoor needs, you’ll also need to monitor their paw pads for signs of any damage, along with trimming the dog’s nails every couple of weeks. Bathing is recommended every couple of months. Ask your vet about a suitable shampoo that takes into account the breed’s often sensitive skin.
Check their ears for debris or pests, especially after outdoor play sessions. Clean them as recommended by your vet.
Feeding
An ideal Boxmatian diet should be formulated for a large dog with high energy.
Boxmatians need to stick to a healthy diet, as overeating can cause weight gain and associated health problems, especially if adequate exercise isn’t offered.
As with all dogs, the Boxmatian’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Boxmatian’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Dalmations are known for their distinctive spotted coat, but not all Boxmatian’s will necessarily pick up the spotted trait. The breed’s coat can be black, white, or pied.
The Boxmatian’s coat is on the short and straight end of the spectrum. Daily brushings will help cut down on shedding issues–ask your vet for a breed appropriate type of brush.
In general, the Boxmatian is a dog that prefers to be in warmer rather than colder climates. That being said, it’s important to take heed of some standard considerations: When it’s particularly cold outside, kit your dog out with a snappy canine coat; during the hotter months, ensure that fresh water and shade is always available.
Children And Other Pets
When bringing a Boxmatian into a household with children, be warned that it’s usually recommended that the breed doesn’t do that well with very small children who might inadvertantly provoke the dog to snap or nip. But with proper socialization, you’ll find the Boxmatian to be a loyal, friendly and protective family member.
Training will also be required to make sure the Boxmatian isn’t aggressive or hostile towards other households pets. Boundaries need to be set and interactions should be supervised, especially during the early stages.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Boxmatian for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when adding the dog to your family.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Boxmatians because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Dalmatian breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Green Acres Boxer Rescue
- Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue
