Last Updated on April 25, 2023
The Boxadors, or the Boxer Lab mix, is what you get when you combine two top purebreds – the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. This hybrid is one of the best family dogs! They are also great watchdogs who love pleasing their human family.
Although its size can be intimidating, this sweet pooch has a lot more to offer. Keep reading to find out more!
Quick Navigation
Basic information about the Lab Boxer mix
It’s always best to read up about the parents of any crossbreed you’re going for.
These hybrids are going to inherit a lot of physical features and quirks from both sides of the family.
The alert and active Boxer
Previously known as Deutscher Boxers, Boxers are playful, energetic dogs that are recognized for their flat-faced heads and blunt muzzles, which give them a unique look.
The typical weight of Boxers is around 55 to 70 pounds (25 to 32 kg). Males can grow up to 23 to 25 inches (58 to 64 cm), while females are between 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) in height.
As a purebred, the Boxer is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is prized as an affectionate companion, a great guard dog, and an excellent family pet.
Due to their short and silky coat, they are temperature-sensitive. But, with, proper care, they have a life expectancy of 11 to 14 years.
The friendly, hardworking Labrador Retriever
How about the Labrador Retriever parent? This breed is not just recognized in the American Kennel Club, but it’s also a member of a group classified as sporting dog.
A Labrador Retriever or Lab is a medium-sized, high-energy purebred that can grow to weigh 80 pounds (36 kg).
Don’t let these easy-going and friendly Labradors deceive you. They’re one of the top choices for tasks such as contraband detection work as well as search and rescue.
And since Labs are AKC’s most popular dog breed of 2017, people definitely can’t get enough of how cute, fun, and smart these dogs are!
How big will a Lab Boxer mix get?
If you’re looking for a large dog, it’s up to you to decide if Boxadors are big enough.
They can grow up to 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) and can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg) when fully grown. If you want a smaller pet of the same breed, choose a female that only weighs around 50 to 65 pounds (22 to 30 kg).
Just like the Boxer, the Boxador’s coat is short, silky, and shiny with colors ranging in black, brown, white, tan, and brindle. Most Boxer Labs have a mix of any of the two colors such as black and white or black and tan.
Since it’s a crossbreed, this designer dog is not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
However, the Boxador has received recognition from the Dog Registry of America (DRA), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), and the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC).
Characteristics of a Lab Boxer Mix
Let’s dig deeper so you can get to know these Boxadors even more and find out if these crossbreeds are ideal for your family.
With this information, you’ll understand the needs of these sweet hybrids.
They’re definitely good doggies.
Boxadors are big dogs with big hearts, so don’t let their size intimidate you.
This intelligent, friendly, and loyal companion is also quite the social butterfly. They’re good at making friends with other animals or pets, and, of course, kids. They are great service dogs, too!
Just keep in mind, they easily get separation anxiety if you leave them alone for too long.
They need training and socialization at a young age.
Starting training early will only benefit this high-energy, friendly crossbreed.
Even Boxer-Lab mixes are known for having top-notch watchdog abilities, it’s best to socialize them at a very young age. If not, they can grow to be stubborn.
You can start training your puppy as soon as you take it home at 8 weeks old.
Don’t worry. Boxadors are easy to train because of their Labrador and Boxer parentage.
Remember to always use positive reinforcement to make good behavior stick!
Boxadors are no couch potatoes.
A Boxer Lab mix needs regular physical activity since one of its parents (the Labrador) has a gene mutation that leads to obesity.
Don’t risk it and give your dog enough exercise by getting on your feet (and paws for your dog) and walking! Some owners walk their Boxadors thrice a day, but a 30 to 45-minute walk twice a day is good enough.
Keep them happy by providing them plenty of space to run around and play with you or on their own.
You’ll see how happy and grateful they are when you bring them to parks, farms, and other large outdoor places.
This crossbreed can get depressed if you leave it alone for long periods and it will make sure everyone knows about its frustration by whining or howling.
You can leave them with some toys, so they won’t get bored while you’re out.
They want to make you happy.
Boxadors are a playful bunch and would do anything to please their humans. People often have the idea that big dogs aren’t safe for little ones, but this is a misconception.
The Boxer Lab mix is a great family pet because of the good traits it got from its parents – it’s friendly and loves being around children.
That said, you’ll have to supervise playtime between your toddler and the Boxador. With this hybrid’s size, it can easily knock down or hurt smaller kids by accident.
TLC goes a long way!
Think the Boxer Lab cross’ size and personality matches your lifestyle? Think you can manage its high energy level and training needs?
Here’s some more information to help you finally decide whether you can keep up with having a Boxador at home!
Grooming the Boxer-Lab mix
The Boxer Lab mix got its short and silky hair from the Boxer. This hybrid has a fairly manageable coat, but this Boxer Lab mix is not hypoallergenic, as it sheds a moderate amount of fur.
The fur usually comes off during spring and autumn, so, during these seasons, you have to brush their coat every day. Even after the shedding season, maintain that glossy hair by brushing it once a week.
Keep your Labrador Boxer mix clean and avoid health issues by:
- Giving them a refreshing bath once a month or as needed.
- Brushing their pearly whites once or twice a week.
- Cleaning their ears two times a month.
- Checking the fur under their eyes at least twice a week.
- Trimming those pretty nails twice a month or when needed.
The proper diet
Just like Labradors, the Boxador loves to eat! Control their feeding by giving them two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.
Boxadors can be fed with around 4 to 5 cups of dry kibble per day. They need to have 20% protein and 15% fat in their diet. You can also include some tasty snacks and treats.
Although they’re healthy in general, Labradors and Boxers have some potential health concerns that they can pass down to the Boxer Lab mix, and one of these health problems is bloat.
You can reduce the risk of bloat by using slow-feeder bowls and avoiding giving your pup large meals.
Lab Boxer Mix health issues
Even if health issues can be passed on to Boxadors by their parent breeds, keep in mind that the chances of your hybrid getting these illnesses are quite low. The Lab Boxer mix has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, after all.
These are some of the health issues the Boxer Lab mix may be prone to:
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Heart problems
- Hip dysplasia
- Digestive problems
- Eye problems and blindness
- Cancer
Don’t hesitate to check with your vet if you notice something is not right with your pooch. If you’re going to purchase or adopt a Boxer Lab mix puppy, ask about its health as well as its parents’. Make sure your pup has all the necessary health clearances before you take it home.
Other breeds compared to Boxadors
Boxers and Labrador Retrievers are often used as parent breeds of designer dogs because of their friendly temperament and natural obedience.
Let’s see how the Boxer-Lab mix compares to other hybrids of the Lab and the Boxer.
Borador: Border Collie & Lab Mix
This medium-sized hybrid is intelligent, highly energetic and is great as a family pet and as a service dog.
It definitely got a lot of positive traits from its parents – it’s sweet and gentle like the Lab and protective like the Border Collie.
These crossbreeds also shed quite heavily, so be prepared to do a lot of grooming.
The Border Collie Lab mix is perfect for owners who have an active household.
They need a place where they can exercise, including running or swimming, for at least an hour every day. And, as they’re generally healthy, they have 13 to 15 years to spend with you.
Boxerdoodle: Boxer & Poodle Mix
Also known as Boxerpoo, this rare mix is loved by families because of its sweet expression despite its muscular built and strong appearance.
Ranging from small to medium-size, Boxerdoodles can grow up between 10 to 25 inches (25 to 64 cm) and can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kg).
It can spend its lifespan of 10 to 14 years being a loving and friendly companion, therapy dog, or a guard dog.
What’s amazing about the Boxerdoodle is that it can have three kinds of coats and their coat is water-repellent. They can have very curly hair, long and wavy hair, or straight and thick fur.
Bogle: Boxer & Beagle Mix
Who would have thought that there can be a crossbreed of the Boxer and the Beagle?
Well, this designer dog breed, also known as Bogle, is an energetic, loving, and fun dog.
It can grow up to 23 to 25 inches (58 to 63 cm) tall and can weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kg).
Another medium-sized dog that is active, the Bogle needs his 30 to 60 minutes of activity per day!
This is a great pet for families who want a lively, playful dog but don’t have the space needed by larger breeds.
Beware, though, as the Bogle may inherit its Beagle parents’ curious nose and high prey drive.
Pitoxer: Pitbull & Boxer Mix
You can also call the offspring of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Boxer a Pitoxer or Bullboxer Pit.
The average size of this playful breed is around 20 to 26 inches (50 to 66 cm) and can weigh as much as 80 pounds (36 kg).
Even if it’s an active designer dog, it’s very simple to groom this fella because of its short, sleek coat that sheds moderately.
Show your love to this loyal canine by caring for him and giving him an hour or two of physical activity.
Labrabull: Pitbull & Lab Mix
Combine the Labrador Retriever with an American Pit Bull Terrier, and you’ll get this mighty dog – the Labrabull.
This dog can grow up to 22 inches (56 cm) and can weigh between 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kg). If this is your first time owning an active dog that’s tipping the scales to the large side, this breed isn’t for you.
Although they’re generally friendly, it’s advisable to train and socialize them while they’re very young. Be careful; they can turn aggressive if they feel threatened.
These dogs have strong heads and necks, plus they’re sturdy and agile. Get active with this crossbreed every day so that they can use up all their energy.
Boxadors for sale or adoption
When getting any dog, it’s always best to play safe and trust only from reputable breeders or rescue organizations.
The puppy should be in a clean and safe environment, ideally with its mother.
Labrador-Boxer mix breeders
The average price for a Boxer Lab mix puppy is between $350 to $800.
During your puppy’s first year, expect to shell out more money for vet bills, vaccines, treatments, and other expenses.
Legitimate breeders have complete documentation of the puppy and the parent’s health checks, including screening for genetic diseases.
Check out these breeders of Boxers and Labradors and ask if they have any Boxer-Lab mix puppies for sale:
- Big Mac Boxers (Kentucky)
- Gentry Boxers (Texas)
- Endless Mountain Labradors (Pennsylvania)
- Oldsquaw Kennels (Michigan)
Since the parents of the Boxer Lab mix are some of the best-known purebreds and can pass on serious health problems to your puppy, you can get pet insurance, too.
Costs depend on the plan you want, but it would be around $200 to $800 a year.
Rescuing a Boxer Lab mix
Although adopting poses some risks because you won’t be able to check important documentation such as the dog’s parentage and their health background, abandoned Boxer Lab mixes need love, too.
Rescuing a dog can be very rewarding and is often easier on the wallet, too.
Here are some rescues and shelters dedicated to saving Boxers and Labradors:
- Carolina Boxer Rescue
- Lone Star Boxer Rescue (Texas)
- Southern California Labrador Retriever Rescue
- Lucky Lab Rescue
Ready to give a Boxador a home?
As you can see, the Boxer Lab mix is an amazing crossbreed.
This dog has a friendly, outgoing temperament and gets along well with other pets and little ones. He’s smart and easy to train, too, so you won’t have much trouble teaching this hybrid proper behavior.
Whether you live in a spacious home with a large backyard or in an apartment, we don’t see any reason why you can’t have this loving dog. Just make sure to give him the exercise he needs so he won’t get destructive.
If you spend plenty of time away from home or you want a chill, laid-back pet, the Boxador probably isn’t the right breed for you.
Do you have a Boxador? Tell us all about your experience of owning one by commenting below!
Further reading: Boxer mixes
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.