Boxers and Golden Retrievers are two of the most intelligent dog breeds on the planet, so it is not surprising that breeders are producing Boxer-Retriever designer dogs, affectionately known as Golden Boxers.
Designer dogs are hybrid dogs that are created by mixing two established dog breeds.
The Golden Retriever Boxer Mix is a cross breed created from the Golden Retriever and the Boxer.
If you are thinking of giving a Boxer Retriever Mix puppy a home or simply want to know what to expect from your new Golden Boxer, this article provides pictures and some amazing facts about this wonderful mix breed.
Table of Contents
Golden Retriever Boxer Mix Origin
Unlike purebred dogs, the origin of most hybrid dogs is not known.
In the last 20 years or so, however, designer dogs have become very popular. Most of these mixed breeds were developed in America and lots of celebrities have been spotted with them, thereby increasing their reputation even further.
To get a good idea of where the Golden Boxer Dog comes from, let’s take a look at the history of each parent breed.
The Golden Retriever History:
The Golden Retriever was bred to be an excellent pet and companion.
In the 1880s, a man named Lord Tweedmouth was attempting to develop a Retriever that was superior to the dogs they were using, the spaniels and the setters.
He decided to create a dog that was more responsive to him, one that would be calm and loyal to his family. He used yellow puppies simply because of their good looks. They were formally recognized as Golden Retrievers in 1920 and registered by the AKC in 1932.
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States today.
The modern-day Golden Retriever is still a calm, friendly and loyal dog like the ones Lord Tweedmouth developed. He is an excellent family dog and an excellent working dog too. He enjoys being around people and does not like being left alone for an expended period of time.
Golden Retriever – Image Source
The Boxer:
The Boxer descended from the German Bullenbeissers in the 1800s and became popular around Europe in the late 1890s.
They served as pack carriers, messengers and guard dogs during the First World War. They were officially recognized by the AKC in 1935.
Today, the Boxer is a very alert and protective dog that is commonly used as a guard and watch dog. He is good with kids and other animals. He can become aggressive towards strangers, but only when he feels those close to him are in danger.
Further Reading: How to Train Your Dog to Greet Visitors (5 Tips)
Boxer dog – Image Source
So, what does a Golden Retriever Boxer Mix look like? Let’s take a look at the physical appearance of the Golden Boxer.
Golden Boxer Physical Appearance
Golden Boxers can resemble either parent breed or exhibit any set of mixed features.
They may have the long coat of the Retriever with the color patterns of a Boxer or they can have the shape and coat of a Retriever with the facial characteristics of a Boxer.
The most common colors are black, fawn and gold.
But how big will a Golden Boxer get? Let’s take a look:
Golden Boxer Size, Height & Weight
Since Boxers and Golden Retrievers have almost the same size, you can expect your Golden Boxer to be of the same size.
The Boxer Golden Retriever Mix is a large cross breed dog standing 22 to 25 inches and weighing 60 to 70 pounds.
Further Reading: A Guide To Finding The Best Dog Houses For Large Dogs
Golden Boxer puppy – Source
Boxer Golden Retriever Mix Temperament
Golden Boxers are intelligent and eager to please their masters. They are very watchful and alert, but can also be funny, active and very devoted.
They are great family dogs, but early training and socialization is important to bring out their best qualities.
Further Reading: Tips On How To Calm Your Dog During Thunderstorms (The Natural Way)
Golden Boxer Dog Care
Grooming:
To keep your Boxer and Golden Retriever Mix feeling comfortable and your home clean, it is important to establish a proper grooming routine.
You should brush your Golden Boxer with a firm bristle brush and the best deodorizing wipes for dogs at least twice per week.
If your Golden Boxer has a short coat, he will require minimal grooming. If he has a longer, Golden Retriever-like coat, he will need to be brushed more often.
Proper brushing will help minimize shedding and keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Using a pet hair vacuum can help keep your house clean and tidy. Moreover, your dog should be bathed as required.
Further Reading: What Is The Best Brush For Shedding Dogs? (Top 15)
Golden Boxer Exercise Requirements:
Golden Boxers are somewhat active dogs, so they require plenty of exercise each day to remain happy and healthy.
If they don’t get enough exercise, they can get destructive due to boredom. Take them out for daily walks, and provide them with interactive dog toys for mental stimulation.
The ideal owner for a Boxer and Golden Retriever Mix is active themselves and ready to bring his dog along for walks, jogs, hikes, etc.
Further Reading: 6 Easy Ways to Tire out Your Dog
Golden Boxer Training
Training is important for any dog, whether it’s a purebred or a mixed breed. Keep in mind that housebreaking, socialization and obedience training should start as soon as you being him home. Moreover, leash training is important for this breed.
The Golden Boxer is intelligent, and will master most tricks with less repetition. Be firm and patient when you train them, and use praise and rewards as a form of encouragement.
Intelligent dogs can be quite hard to train and the Golden Boxer is no exception. That’s why you should take advantage of the Doggy Dan the Online Dog Trainer Program to have a well-behaved dog.
This resource includes more than 250 videos that have been created to teach you the actual methods that Dan uses in his work as a practiced dog trainer. The tutorials are easy to understand, and you can achieve better results in no time.
What’s more, you will learn how to deal with any behavioral issues, including incessant barking, leash pulling, biting, chewing and more!
Further Reading: A Guide To Some Of Best Dog Training Books Available Today (Top 24)
Golden Boxer Health
While hybrid dogs are normally healthier than their parent dogs, it is strongly recommended to know what health condition your new puppy may have inherited from either or both of his parent dogs.
When it comes to the Golden Retriever Boxer Mix, these may include bloat, heart issues, dysplasia, and back issues from the Boxer as well as cancer from his Golden Retriever parent.
While this may seem like a frightening list of diseases, the Golden Retriever Boxer Mix is still a healthy dog that might not suffer from any of these conditions in his lifetime.
Golden Boxer Life Expectancy
The Golden Boxer has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, which is somewhat longer than the lifespan of most medium-sized dogs.
Further Reading: The 10 Most Dangerous Human Foods for Dogs
Golden Boxer Feeding Info
It is important that you feed your dog with high quality dry dog food that suits his age, size and activity level.
Golden Boxers are active dogs that require a protein-rich diet.
Since Boxers are susceptible to bloat, your Golden Boxer should be fed small meals two to three times each day with fresh drinking water also provided at least one hour after each meal.
Moreover, try and add fish oil supplements to your pup’s diet to keep his coat smooth and healthy.
Further Reading: How To Choose The Best Automatic Dog Feeder
Where to Find Golden Retriever Boxer Mix Puppies?
There are several Golden Boxer breeders in the United States, and the price of Boxer and Golden Retriever Mix puppies is affordable for most pet parents.
The breeders of Golden Boxer puppy for sale can also be as reliable as pure-bred dog breeders, but some unscrupulous ones may be out to make a killing out of the recent trend.
A reputable breeder will keep the temperament and health of the parent dogs in mind.
Never buy a Boxer Retriever Mix puppy from anyone who doesn’t want you to meet both parent dogs.
Make sure you check the health certificates of your new puppy’s parents to ensure either parent doesn’t have a history of any health issues.
It is also strongly recommended to use Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test to ascertain the genetic makeup of your new pup and any conditions your adorable Golden Boxer may be vulnerable to. That way, you will end up getting a healthy pup that will bring smiles to your face for many years to come.
That is all you need to know about the Golden Boxer mix breed. While it is a great family dog, it does need special care and attention. If you can take care of him, then this is one of the best dogs to adopt/buy as a pet.
Featured Image Credit: Source