The Boxer Blue Heeler Mix combines two hard workers dogs and adds a sprinkling of independence to the mix. Whenever you encounter a designer breed you aren’t familiar with; it’s reasonable to want to know as much about the dog as possible.
What can you expect from a Boxer Blue Heeler Mix? For one thing, you can expect these dogs to veer more toward being medium to large. Temperament-wise, Boxers are more playful and curious, while Blue Heelers are energetic and require work.
Boxers originate in 19th-century Germany and possibly have common origins with many other European Molosser-type dogs. These dogs showed early success at hunting, herding, and security work. In modern times, Boxers have thrived as pets.
Heelers date back to the early 1800s, when Australians started developing dogs to excel at sheep herding in the harsh terrain of the Australian Outback.
The breeds involved may have included Collies with blue merle coats, Kelpies, and possibly some Dingo.
Also known as Box Heelers, these dogs will keep their owners on their toes. Read on to learn more about who should and shouldn’t have these dogs and what to expect when living with one.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Boxer Blue Heeler Mix
Boxer Blue Heeler Mixes are not the types of dogs to sit around the house without anything to do. Although these dogs should always live in the house with their families, they are a mixture of breeds that thrive on lots of activity.
If you aren’t up to the demands of a large dog, a Box Heeler may not be the right choice for you. These dogs are responsive to training but could be challenging to manage on a leash if they reach the 80-pound mark and are untrained.
These dogs are susceptible to a few health problems that can have serious consequences.
These conditions include:
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat as
- Cataracts, a clouding of the eyes’ lenses
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a progressive eye disease ultimately resulting in blindness
Boxer Blue Heeler Mixes have more dense coats than other relatively short-coated breeds. You’ll have to do a little more grooming if you have one of these dogs because they will likely blow their coats twice a year, usually during spring and fall.
Box Heelers may show aggression toward dogs from outside the household, a trait inherited from both parent breeds. Although these dogs usually do well with others when carefully introduced, some will not get used to other pets.
Although these dogs have an energy level perfect for children, the Heeler side of their family makes them inclined to bite or nip. You might end up seeing your dog attempting to herd your children and their playmates!
If you live in an apartment or otherwise lack access to a yard, one of these dogs may not be the best fit for your lifestyle. These dogs require access to a fenced yard and are unlikely to be satisfied with just a daily walk.
These dogs have moderate feeding requirements not easily met with low-quality food. Cheaper food does not necessarily provide everything these dogs need for optimal health. You may save some money with more affordable food at a minimal benefit to your dog.
Reasons Why You Should Get a Boxer Blue Heeler Mix
If you enjoy the idea of a dog with a naturally curious and playful nature, the Boxer Blue Heeler Mix could quickly meet your criteria. These dogs are also quite energetic. If any active dog is your dream companion, you’ve chosen wisely.
These dogs are ideal working dogs ready to face any challenge head-on. Even if your dogs aren’t conventional working dogs, they will enjoy any activity that lets them be outdoors. Don’t be surprised if these dogs want to “help” you during yard work.
Although there is always a possibility of health issues, most dogs are healthy. A healthy diet, regular veterinary care, and regular physical activity will help prevent some problems like obesity.
Whether these dogs inherit a Boxer or Heeler coat, they require less grooming than many other breeds. Weekly brushing using a traditional bristle brush will help keep the worst of the shedding under control.
Box Heelers tend to be somewhat wary of unfamiliar people. Although this designer mix isn’t bred as a guard dog, it has excellent protective skills. Strangers coming into your home and strange dogs in your yard get the same suspicion.
If you like to go hiking or jogging, you’ll have a willing companion with one of these dogs. These dogs can easily keep pace with you and will enjoy the chance to be outside and around you.
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Boxer Blue Heeler Mix
Alert and athletic are two terms that describe the Boxer Blue Heeler Mix. Although these dogs are not very tall, they will have a long body shape. This dog will fall on the medium to the large side of things in size.
When a Box Heeler is in motion, he will have an agile gait, also easily described as purposeful. These dogs are always ready for action, and their appearance shows how much they want to jump into everything.
The coat colors that are most typical of this mix include Brindle and Blue. These dogs have hair that is of medium length and straight, with a reasonably dense coat. All of these dogs have brown eyes and noses.
This designer crossbreed will likely enjoy an average lifespan of about ten to 15 years. Although purebred Heelers are among some of the most long-living dogs, Boxers often have a shorter lifespan because of common health concerns.
Living with a Box Heeler means living with one of the most energetic dogs you’ll ever encounter. These dogs have a lot to give their families, making them one of the best choices overall.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix Puppies for Sale
Because Boxer Blue Heeler Mixes are not purebred dogs, you aren’t likely to find many breeders that offer this type. However, if you should see a breeder that provides these types of puppies, you will want to ensure the breeder uses humane practices.
For example, breeders who breed for quality will use dogs that come from healthy lines—keeping the health of dogs from both sides of the family increases the chances of breeding much healthier puppies.
When breeders use dogs that come with better pedigrees, there is a greater chance that you will pay more for a puppy.
Some breeders select their breeding stock from among dogs that have shown exceptional working ability and figure this into their pricing.
The cost of a Box Heeler is somewhat less than that of a purebred Boxer or Blue Heeler. $500-$1,500 is a very common price range for these dogs.
One of the best ways to avoid less-reputable breeders is to avoid breeders who conduct all their business online without vetting prospective buyers. You’ll do best looking for a breeder who allows you to visit their facilities and judge their quality.
Although this designer mix is not as familiar as some others, there is a chance you might come across one in a local shelter. Sometimes, shelter workers have to guess what mixture of breeds a dog in their facility is.
Grooming Your Boxer Blue Heeler Mix
A Boxer Blue Heeler Mix might have a shorter, Boxer-like coat, a fluffier Heeler-like coat, or a combination of the coat types. Regardless of the coat length, these dogs often have thicker hair that requires at least weekly brushing.
Bristle or pin brushes usually do their best to remove loose fur and prevent matting. During the spring and fall months, you might need to increase your time brushing your dog to keep up with the extra hair.
Bathing should take place every three months, at the most. These dogs have skin and coats susceptible to problems if their coats are stripped of natural oils from overbathing.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix Health Problems
The Boxer Blue Heeler Mix is a general healthy designer breed, partially due to the effects of crossbreeding. However, some conditions potentially inherited from the parents require a bit of attention on the owners’ part.
One of the biggest health threats, mainly from the Boxer side, is Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV). This painful condition is known as bloating and involves stomach twisting because of trapped air and gas, a medical emergency.
These dogs may develop eye problems that include cataracts or glaucoma. Some canine eye conditions will result in eventual blindness, which owners must prepare to help their dog through.
Cancer, including skin and bone cancer, may occur in these dogs, particularly in their senior years. Hip dysplasia, which involves the hip joints being out of their sockets, is another problem affecting older Box Heelers.
Degenerative myelopathy, a spinal disease leading to hindquarter paralysis, is a condition that may affect dogs of any age. Cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease, is also somewhat common in many larger breeds, including these designer crosses.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix Food Requirements
Your food choices for your Boxer Blue Heeler Mix will significantly impact your dog’s health.
The best foods will be formulated for the needs of larger dogs with high energy levels. Ideally, your food choice should also sustain a working dog.
Free-feeding is bad for these dogs because such practices can lead to a dog eating more than is healthy.
Most of these dogs will consume three cups of food a day or the equivalent. Your dog should eat in two or three separate feedings.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix Exercise Requirements
Although the Boxer Blue Heeler Mix is generally an energetic dog, the lifestyle will play a leading role in your dog’s energy level. Working dogs will have the highest energy levels. However, if they perform tasks daily, their work satisfies this need.
Pets, however, will require daily exercise because they do not work. A couple of half-hour walks daily will satisfy most Box Heelers’ needs. Their weekly walk length should average around nine miles.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix Training
Many would-be owners are pleased to know that the Boxer Blue Heeler Mix is a relatively easy dog to train. Because these dogs have working dog ancestry, they are eager to please their owners. The dog will want to know what to expect to please you better.
Sometimes, these dogs can be stubborn, requiring you to demonstrate gentle but firm leadership.
Avoiding rough handling or raising your voice is a good idea when the dog misbehaves. Harsh treatment will only help make your dog fearful or aggressive.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix and Families
Boxer Blue Heeler Mixes are excellent family dogs, especially in families with several active children. Whenever you bring one of these dogs into a setting with children, careful introductions are always helpful to prevent any problems.
Like most other dogs, Box Heelers strongly desire to be around their “packs.” Involving these dogs in as many activities as possible is one of the best ways to fulfill this need.
Boxer Blue Heeler Mix and Other Pets
The Boxer Blue Heeler Mix usually needs to live with other animals from a young age to get along with them best.
Although these dogs can adjust to other pets as adults, the introductions must be carefully done for the best results.
Overall, the better your Box Heeler’s socialization, the better their adjustment to new situations. A well-socialized dog will look forward to new things instead of showing fear. Unique pets are an essential part of that equation.
