Australian Boxherd Breed Pictures, Characteristics, and Facts – DogTime

The Australian Boxherd is a newer crossbreed composed from two older and long-beloved breeds. Dog parents who need a fun-loving but boundlessly loyal dog should consider this mix.
This is a cross between the energetic herding breed known the Australian Shepherd, or “Aussie,” along with the muscular yet goofy Boxer. For experienced, confident dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans. This breed can make an amazing companion for those with lots of previous dog experience. Familiarity with herding breeds is a big plus.
Advertisement
The Australian Boxherd’s parent breeds come from unique backgrounds. The Australian Shepherd originated as a herding breed. Today, this breed often performs in agility competitions. They also fit in best with an active family. Often used as a guard dog due to their build and protective natures, Boxers are gentle and loving. Although sometimes regarded as a “tough guy,” the Boxer’s playfulness and love for their families shines through to those that get to know them.
The Australian Boxherd’s status as a crossbreed means that they’re unlikely to be found up for adoption. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. It’s important to keep in mind that given how uncommon the Australian Boxherd is and how similar they may appear to other breeds, shelters may not recognize them and simply list them as a mixed breed.
Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the Australian Boxherd.
(Photo Credit Left to Right: GlobalP via Getty, GlobalP via Getty)
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Click here for more information on this characteristic
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.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks. You can find a great jacket for your dog here!
Click here for more information on this characteristic
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.
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.
Click here for more information on this characteristic
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.
Click here for more information on this characteristic
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
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!
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.
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.
The Australian Boxherd is a mixed breed, so they don’t have history as their own breed. Both parent breeds, however, are well known and loved. Despite the breed’s name, the Australian Shepherd is actually of American origin. The Australian Shepherd was originally developed to herd livestock for ranchers and farmers in the western U.S., and the breed is still a popular and time-tested herding dog today.  Despite their popularity as a working dog, the breed wasn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1993. Today, many Aussies are still used for herding. However, they can find many other purposes: service dogs, agility dogs, or just dedicated companions.
The Boxer originated from two older breeds, the German Bullenbeisser — a dog descended from Mastiffs — and the Bulldog. The Bullenbeisser was used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer; their strong build and powerful jaws were passed along to the Boxer. The breed became known in other parts of Europe in the late 1890s. Around 1903, the first Boxers were imported into the U.S. The first Boxer was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904, a dog named Arnulf Grandenz. In 1915, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the first Boxer champion, Sieger Dampf v Dom, owned by Governor and Mrs. Lehman of New York. Boxers grew in popularity in the U.S. in the 1940s when soldiers returning from World War II brought their Boxer mascots from overseas with them. Through them, the breed was introduced to more people and soon became known as the favorite companion animal, show dog, and guardian that the breed is today.
The Australian Boxherd is a large-sized mixed breed. They have no breed standard, so their coats may be found in a variation of colors from either parent. This mixed breed will frequently inherit Merle or Tricolor patterning from their Aussie parentage, along with a fairly thick coat. They may naturally be born with a short tail. 
The Australian Boxherd is often good-natured and loving with those they know well, but they also can be overprotective or easily startled. It’s crucial to work on socialization from a young age for this breed; reactivity to people or other dogs will limit them, and they can be quick to perceive others as potential threats. Training them consistently when young will ultimately improve their quality of life (and yours) as an adult. It’s important to work on positive reinforcement training consistently and firmly, and to bring in a professional trainer if you feel that you’re starting to see behavioral issues.
While Australian Boxherds originating from responsible breeders are often healthy, there are some genetic predispositions towards health issues to be aware of with this crossbreed.  Many of these issues spring up later on in these dogs’ lives. 
The Australian Boxherd, like most breeds, needs daily exercise to feel content. While playful, a lot of this stimulation can be mental, with routine physical exercise. Ideally, this breed should receive at least a 45 minute walk daily; they may enjoy fast-paced exercise like jogging. Additionally, they enjoy indoor or outdoor play like fetch or tug-of-war. This breed can excel at sports like dog agility for those that have the time to commit to training them. This breed shouldn’t be kept as an apartment dog. Their size and potential noise level makes them unsuitable, even with plenty of consistent outdoor play.
The Australian Boxherd should be fed a diet consistent with that of a large breed with high energy levels. Food motivated tasks, like snuffle mats or filled toys, can help stimulate this breed’s active mind; they are often motivated by harder puzzle toys as well. Foraging-type activities, like scattering treats throughout the backyard, are quick and easy ways to briefly get your dog’s brain working. Because all dogs are unique in their diet requirements, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to determine the best food to feed your pup.
The Australian Boxherd’s coat requires fairly frequent maintenance. The breed’s thick, fluffy coat should be brushed at least two to three times a week. Professional grooming may be helpful for those that struggle to find the time to groom frequently, or who need help shaping the dog’s coat or performing more complex grooming tasks. Bathing is to be done on an as-needed basis, rarely more than once a month. If the pup in question is a working dog that gets messy often, consider buying coat wipes to reduce frequent bathing. As with all dog breeds, be sure to check on nail maintenance.
There are some considerations to be made before choosing to add the Australian Boxherd to your family. This breed is typically loving and well-mannered with children. With proper introduction, these dogs can get along well with children of all sizes, although supervision should always be used around young children; they may inadvertently knock over a smaller child due to their large size and excitable natures. These dogs can get along well with other pups, and frequently are happy with other canine family members when proper introductions are made. Due to the breed’s potential high prey drive and hunting nature, small animals like hamsters aren’t likely to be good matches, but larger pets like ferrets and cats may be suitable. This breed is very devoted to their people, but sometimes wary of strangers.
There are no dedicated rescue groups specifically for the Australian Boxherd as they are a mixed breed. However, you can often find similar mixes of the Australian Shepherd or Boxer up for adoption. Additionally, similar breeds like the Doberman Pinscher or Border Collie may be more widely available in local shelters. Whatever the circumstances, try opening your home to a rescue pup. With millions waiting for fur-ever homes, there’s no reason to opt to shop.

source