Pitbull Boxer Mix: The Truth About this Powerful Pooch

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

The Pitbull Boxer Mix is a crossbreed between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Boxer, also known as Bullboxer Pit or Boxer Pitbull.

It’s characterized as medium to large in size, measuring 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm) tall and weighing around 50 to 80 pounds (23 to 36 kg). The average lifespan of the Boxer Pitbull mix is around 10 to 14 years.

Bullboxer Pits are affectionate, loyal, and protective companions and they love to bond well with children. However, they require an experienced owner who will provide consistent training and early socialization.

If you’re planning to own a Pitbull Boxer puppy, you can get it between $500 to $1,000 from a reputable breeder.

Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy sitting
An adorable Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy

We will cover everything you need to know about the Boxer Pitbull. From its history, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health problems. Read our complete guide and see if this lively and active dog is right for you!

The Pitbull Boxer Mix at a Glance

We’ve put together a table below to give you a quick overview of the Pitbull Boxer Mix.

Breed Summary Pitbull Boxer Mix Quick Facts
Breed Purpose Companion Dog, Guard Dog
Breed Size Medium-to-Large
Height 16 to 20 inches (41 to 51 cm)
Weight 50 to 80 lbs (23 to 36 kg)
Coat Type Short, smooth, straight single layer coat
Shedding Moderate
Most Popular Coat Colors Black, brown, yellow, and tan
Lifespan 10 to 14 years
Temperament Affectionate, Loyal, Protective
Energy High
Exercise Needs 2 hours
Average Price $500 to $1,000

What do you call a Boxer Pitbull Mix?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize this crossbreed, but other known canine organizations have granted official recognition to this dog. They each call this dog different names:

  • The International Designer Canine Registry – BullBoxer
  • The American Canine Hybrid Club – Bullboxer Pit
  • The Designer Dogs Kennel Club – American Bull Boxer
  • The Designer Breed Registry – American Bullboxer

Sometimes, the Boxer-Pitbull Mix is known as a Pitoxer or a Boxer Pit Mix as well.

The origin of the Pitbull Boxer Mix

By combining two of the most formidable working dogs – the Pit Bull with its fighting history and the Boxer as a highly prized guard dog – you’ll get a loyal hybrid that will protect your family and property.

To better understand where the Pitoxer came from, let’s take a look at its heritage and learn more about its parent breeds.

The American Pit Bull Terrier

One of the most misunderstood breeds today, American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT or Pitties) are intelligent and family-oriented.

This sweet creature, unfortunately, gets a bad rap because of its past and because of owners who raise Pit Bulls improperly and for inappropriate reasons.

Despite being originally bred for fighting, playful Pitties excel in being  companions, working dogs, and service dogs.

As long as you properly train and socialize your APBT, it will get along well with kids and other pets.

American Pit Bull Terrier standing outdoors
The American Pit Bull Terrier

With a height that ranges from 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 cm) and a weight that can reach up to 60 pounds (27 kgs), the Pit Bull has a muscular and proportionate body with floppy ears and a long tail.

Pitties are also famous for their irresistible smile, which gives this dog a happy, expressive face.

The Boxer

Bred as an ancient war dog, the Boxer is another muscular and powerful dog that is said to be great with families.

As a natural jumper, the playful and energetic dog needs an owner with a lot of patience who can provide him the exercise, training, and socialization he needs.

Boxer sitting and looking up
A Boxer puppy

It has a short muzzle and full, round eyes, and looks confused or curious in an irresistible way.

With a short, sleek coat, this dog has a height between 21.5 to 25 inches tall (55 to 64 cm) and can weigh around 65 to 80 pounds (29 to 36 kgs).

Boxers, without a doubt, are loving dogs. However, since they can be a bit exuberant, it’s best to keep an eye on them around small kids and older seniors.

Does this hybrid look more like Pit Bull or the Boxer?

Keep in mind that when getting a crossbreed like the Pitbull Boxer mix, it’s rare to get a dog with a 50-50 split of its parents’ looks.

Their appearance is unpredictable, but one thing you can be sure of is that Pitoxers could have more attributes from one parent compared to the other.

How big will a Pitbull Boxer mix get?

Male and female Pitoxers can grow to 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) and 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) in height, respectively.

Males have an average weight range of 60 to 80 pounds (27 to 36 kg) while females can weigh between 50 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kg).

Boxer Pitbull Mix standing
The beautiful Pitbull Boxer Mix

This medium-to-large dog has a broad head and chest, short muzzle, long legs, and a short, smooth coat. Its coat comes in all sorts of colors, but the most common ones are black, brown, yellow, and tan.

With their short hair and lack of double coat, they are sensitive to extreme weather conditions.

If you’re going out with your dog in cold weather, make sure he wears some protection like a sweater or a shirt.

During summer, stay away from intense heat by taking your Boxer Pit mix out early in the morning or at night.

What you should know about the Boxer Pitbull mix’s personality

Boxer Pitbull Mix wearing a shirt and sitting on the floor
Source: @bernardastacio / IG

This crossbreed is known for its alertness and territorial tendencies, features that make it a good watchdog.

They also have a fun-loving, even-tempered nature, so they usually fit in well with most families.

But let’s discuss a common question asked about dogs bred from Pitbulls – are they dangerous?

Boxer Pitbull mixes generally have a more stable temperament and are less aggressive.

They’re usually friendly with owners and human family members. They like staying close to their pack, so many of them are affectionate and loyal companions.

The key is to reduce the likelihood of aggression in the Boxer Pit mix is proper training.

You can keep your Pitoxer from turning into an overprotective guard dog by introducing him to as many animals and people as you can.

If they are socialized at a young age and are treated with love and respect by the people around them, these crossbreeds can be such a joy to have around.

Always supervise them when they’re around kids as these dogs’ high energy levels can make them hyperactive or over-excitable.

A good dog is a reflection of its owner, and how your Pitbull-Boxer cross turns out depends on how you raise it. Does this pup look like a scary fellow to you?

How does the Boxer Pitbull Mix behave around other pets like cats?

If a Pitoxer puppy gets proper socialization, it will grow up without having trouble getting along with the other pets that you have in the house. Yes, even with cats.

Taking in a full-grown Pitbull Boxer Mix is a different matter. Prepare for a potentially problematic situation between him and the other pets, especially cats and smaller dogs.

How to train the Boxer Pit Mix

Despite its parent breeds’ intelligence and hardworking nature, training a Pitbull Boxer mix can be moderately challenging since this dog can be stubborn and boisterous.

Show him who’s in charge by being assertive. Be gentle yet consistent in teaching your dog commands. Use rewards and lots of praise to encourage him to be obedient.

If you think that these crossbreeds can take the punishment because they’re large, powerful dogs, think again.

Punishing your pet is likely lead to result in aggression. If you feel that you aren’t making any progress in training him, you can always enroll your Pitbull-Boxer mix in training classes.

Pitbull Boxer Mix laying on a deck
Source: @sadiemaesaderson / IG

Pitbull Boxer mix care: what you need to know

Pitoxers are a fairly low-maintenance crossbreed. Their coats don’t shed much and they don’t have special dietary needs.

This dog is great for owners who don’t really have the energy to keep up with the needs of a fussy pet.

Do these hybrids shed fur?

Since they have short, sleek coats, grooming the Boxer Pitbull mix won’t be much of a problem.

Brushing his coat once a week is enough. You can use a bristle brush or a grooming mitt for ease.

These hybrids may shed more during the late winter and the late fall, so you’d need to double up the brushing to twice or thrice a week.

This ‘shedding season’ is something the Boxer also experiences twice a year.

Unfortunately, the coat of the Pitbull Boxer mix is not hypoallergenic due to its moderate shedding.

Keeping your Pitoxer fresh and clean

Boxer Pitbull Mix standing in a pool of water
A Pitbull Boxer Mix spending time around nature

The Boxer Pitbull mix doesn’t need to be bathed often, so it will be fine with one bath every three months.

Bathing your dog frequently may irritate its skin, a problem that’s common with the Pit Bull.

You can wipe down your dog with a damp cloth if you feel like he’s getting too dirty between baths.

Aside cleaning its coat, check and clean your Boxer Pitbull Mix’s ears regularly to prevent infections.

You can bring them to the vet or a reputable groomer once a month for ear check-ups, too.

Don’t forget to trim your pet’s nails to keep them from splitting or cracking.

The proper diet for a Pitbull Boxer Mix

Maintain this crossbreed’s compact physique by giving it high-quality dry dog food.

A protein-rich diet is vital for healthy bones and joints and a regular intake of fish oil can help with keeping the Pitoxer’s skin, heart, joints, and kidneys healthy.

Big breeds like the Boxer Pit need 2 cups of dry dog food a day, split into two or three meals.

If your dog has an average level of activity, they would need around 1,500 to 1,600 calories a day.

Aside from food, make sure your Boxer Pit mix has clean drinking water at all times.

You have to regulate your dog’s meals because this crossbreed tends to gain weight quickly.

Providing the exercise these crossbreeds need

Coming from strong, muscular purebred parents, the Pitbull Boxer mix requires a lot of physical activity.

If you’re looking for a furry buddy to go walking, running, or hiking with you, this hybrid will make for an excellent canine companion.

Help your Boxer Pit mix release his pent-up energy through 2 hours of physical activities per day.

Once you notice that your dog is starting to slow down and pant, give him a 5-minute break and give him some water to hydrate and cool-off.

Pitoxer swimming
A Pitbull Boxer Mix having a fun swim

If you won’t be able to go outside for some reason, keep your Pitoxer occupied by giving him durable chew toys that can hold up against his strong jaws and love for chewing.

Make sure to give your dog the exercise it needs. Insufficient physical activity can lead to frustration which means barking, digging, and destruction.

These are tips for a full-grown Pitoxer, though. Boxer Pitbull mix puppies can start with short walks and indoor play up until they’re around one year old.

Health problems that the Pitbull Boxer Mix may get

You might think that giving your dog enough exercise and keeping an eye on his diet should keep him healthy enough throughout his lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

Though these hybrids are generally healthy, they can still be susceptible to the health conditions that affect their parent breeds, such as:

It’s best to opt for early health screenings to better understand and prepare for what your dog may be up against.

Where and how to pick your Pitbull Boxer Mix

Pitbull Boxer Mix with its tongue out
Source: @roxy_boone_mari / IG

Are you getting more sure that you can handle this breed, whether it’s a puppy or full-grown?

Then the next step is to do some research on where to get your Boxer-Pitbull mix.

You can either buy a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopt an older Pitoxer from a trusted shelter.

Boxer Pitbull mix puppies for sale may cost about $500 to $1,000 each.

Before you hand over your hard-earned money, better do your research about the breeder and the puppy’s parents and living conditions.

The breeder should provide proof that the puppy was recently health-screened and that both the parents and their litters have their health clearances.

You should also observe the temperament of the puppy and its parents. If you any signs of aggression or even fear, then it’s time to say “No, thank you.”

Pitbull Boxer mix breeders may be a little difficult to come by, so you can contact breeders of the Pittie and the Boxer for more information:

  • Nevada Kennels American Pit Bull Terriers
  • Delaware Red Pitbulls
  • Big Mac Boxers (Kentucky)
  • Boxer Blvd (Ohio)

Are you planning to adopt instead? The good news is that rescuing or adopting a Boxer Pit mix costs only a fraction of the price of puppies from a breeder.

Some rescuers or shelters even cover the dog’s first trip to the vet!

You can check out your local shelter for these hybrids and contact breed-specific rescues for the Pit Bull and Boxer to see if they have Boxer Pitbull mixes for adoption:

  • Bobbie’s Pit Bull Rescue & Sanctuary (Virginia)
  • Villalobos Rescue Center (Louisiana)
  • Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue (North Carolina)
  • NorCal Boxer Rescue (North California)

A warning on getting older dogs, though: it is possible that you’d have to deal with some behavioral issues and that they will have problems adjusting to a new environment.

Should you get a Boxer Pit Mix?

Because of its Pitbull parent, the Boxer Pitbull Mix is one of the controversial breeds within the designer dog world.

Despite the negative publicity that these misunderstood dogs get, you should keep in mind that a dog’s behavior depends on its training and the care and attention it gets from its owner.

The Pitoxer makes an excellent pet for:

  • Active, outdoorsy people who can spend plenty of time for exercise and doggie playtime.
  • Owners who can train the Pitbull Boxer mix puppy with consistency and positive reinforcement.
  • Owners that can be a true pack leader.
  • People who have a backyard or space where the dog can play freely and safely.
Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy with his tongue out
A Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy who is about to explore the world

A Pitbull Boxer Mix might not be the best choice if you can’t provide the active lifestyle that this crossbreed requires. These dogs also can’t properly deal with extreme weather conditions (temperatures below 0 degrees or above 86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Keep in mind that some areas don’t allow the owning of Pitbulls and their crossbreeds, like the Pitbull Husky Mix, German Shepherd Pitbull Mix, and Pitbull Lab Mix.

Understand the laws associated with this breed or your dog may end up in shelters.

Have you ever owned a Pitbull Boxer Mix? Tell us all about your experience with this hybrid or even share some tips for those who want to own a Pitoxer! Leave a comment below!

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