The boxer lab mix is a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer. This mix is commonly known as a boxador.
Boxadors are medium to large in size. These dogs grow up to 25 inches tall (at the shoulder) and weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. This breed is known for being friendly, affectionate, and protective of loved ones.
Boxadors’ large size and exercise needs make the dogs suitable for active owners with a reasonable amount of house and yard space. The typical lifespan of a boxer lab mix is 10–15 years.
Boxer lab mixes typically cost between $500 and $2,000.
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Boxador Characteristics & Overview
| Common names: | Boxador, boxer lab mix, laboxer |
| Origin: | North America |
| Parent breeds: | Boxer and Labrador retriever |
| Breed group: | Hybrid |
| Size: | Medium-large |
| Height: | 22–25 inches |
| Weight: | 50–90 pounds |
| Colors: | Fawn, brindle, black, brown |
| Coat: | Short, single coat |
| Life expectancy: | 10–15 years |
| Temperament: | Energetic, friendly, affectionate, playful |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Barking tendency: | Minimal |
| Cost: | $500–$2,000 |
Origin & Purpose
Little is known about the origins of the boxador. This crossbreed has existed naturally throughout history, but the breed was officially created in North America in the 1990s when breeders bred the labrador retriever and the boxer.
Crossbreeding two dogs helps reduce health problems associated with purebreds.
Parent Breeds
A boxer lab mix has boxer and Labrador retriever parents. As a result of this unique hybrid, the boxador exhibits some of the best and most appealing traits from both breeds.
Boxer
Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium/large short-haired mastiff breed. Boxers are playful, protective, and eager-to-please dogs that bond closely with their owners. This protective nature also appears in boxadors.
As working dogs, boxers are intelligent and easy to train, another trait inherited by the boxador. The boxer breed is known for being good with children, making it popular as a family dog.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are sporting dogs, originating in Britain. This breed is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide because of its friendly, obedient, and gentle personality. Labradors’ intelligence and patience have led to their use as service dogs.
Just like Labradors, boxadors are affectionate and gentle. A boxer lab mix is medium to large and therefore requires adequate space and exercise, like a Labrador.
Lifespan
A healthy boxer lab mix can live up to 15 years old, but health issues can cause boxadors to live for only 10 years or less.
To give your boxador a long, healthy life, exercise it regularly and take it to the veterinarian if it shows any signs of illness.
Boxer Lab Mix Appearance
Boxer lab mixes are crossbreeds, so each individual boxador varies in appearance depending on which parent it most resembles.
Like both parents, boxer lab mixes are medium to large in size. This breed is short-haired but varies in color.
Height and Weight
Boxer lab mixes are considered medium-to-large dogs, with an average height between 22 and 25 inches and a weight between 50 and 90 pounds.
Females are typically shorter and weigh less than males.
Colors
Boxer lab mixes are typically fawn, brindle, or black, but the coats are rarely one solid color.
Boxadors’ coats can feature white patches or other patterns, depending on the parents.
Coat
Boxadors are short-haired like both of their parents. Labrador retrievers have water-resistant double coats, whereas boxers have one single coat. A boxer lab mix typically inherits the boxer single coat, but this varies.
This breed doesn’t shed excessively, but it will shed more during spring and fall.
Boxador Temperament and Personality
Boxer lab mixes are bred by mixing two friendly, intelligent, and easily-trainable breeds. As a result, boxadors are typically not aggressive or shy and make excellent companions for a variety of people.
This breed is energetic and playful, so it’s best suited for active owners who have spare time to play with a dog.
Boxer lab mixes are loving and protective, so they’re suitable for families with young children. However, as with all dogs, socializing boxadors at an early age is vital.
Barking
Boxer lab mixes are not known to bark often. If your boxador barks, it’s likely the result of distress, or to alert its owner to an issue.
Care
Caring for a boxador is moderately difficult. Although this breed is outgoing and gentle, its large size means it needs plenty of space and daily exercise.
Boxer lab mixes love spending time with their owners, making them unsuitable for owners who spend a lot of time away from home. Boxadors who are left alone for long periods can become destructive and badly behaved.
Food Needs
Boxadors can put weight on if they overeat. Stick to feeding your boxer lab mix twice a day and prioritize lean protein such as fish, chicken, and turkey.
Avoid overly processed foods, and include fresh vegetables in your dog’s diet.
Grooming Needs
Boxadors have relatively low-maintenance grooming needs. Brush your dog once or twice a week to remove loose hair and clean its coat.
Bathe your boxer lab mix or take it to a professional groomer at least once every two months.
Exercise Needs
Boxadors are the offspring of two very energetic breeds, so these dogs need at least one hour of exercise every day, such as walking, running, or playing outdoors.
Boxer lab mixes are not well-suited to apartment living or houses without a backyard unless the owner can guarantee multiple walks and hours spent outside per day.
Mental Needs
As a result of their intelligence, boxadors require sufficient mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming disruptive and misbehaving.
Invest in puzzle toys for your dog to keep it entertained. Engage in regular play with your boxer lab mix, including tug of war and fetch, to keep it mentally stimulated.
Common Health Concerns
Boxadors are generally healthy dogs. However, they’re predisposed to similar health issues as the boxer and the Labrador retriever.
Boxer lab mixes can develop hip dysplasia. Hip and elbow dysplasia are genetic, so check with the boxador’s breeder whether either of the dog’s parents was prone to this disease. Treat this issue with medication, physiotherapy, or, in some cases, surgery.
A boxer lab cross can inherit heart problems from its boxer parents. Before purchasing a boxador, ask about the boxer parent’s history of heart disease.
Training
While Labrador retrievers are highly responsive to training, boxers can have a stubborn streak. Depending on which personality trait your boxer lab mix inherits, training can be incredibly easy or more difficult.
As with all dogs, positive reinforcement is the best way to train your boxador. Reward positive behavior with treats, affection, or toys.
Early socialization is vital for raising a well-rounded, friendly dog. Expose your boxer lab mix to as many different people and environments as possible during the puppy stage to ensure it behaves well with people of all ages.
Boxador Price
Boxadors are relatively expensive because they’re a mix of two popular breeds.
Rescue boxadors are cheaper than those purchased from breeders.
How Much is a Boxador?
A boxer lab mix puppy typically costs $500 to $2,000 from a good quality breeder. Adopted boxadors will cost closer to $200.
To ensure you’re buying a healthy and well-cared-for dog, do extensive research on various breeders before purchasing a boxador. Because of the breed’s novelty and popularity, some puppies are bred in puppy mills, which should always be avoided.
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Boxer Lab Mix?
In addition to the cost of the dog itself, anyone considering buying a boxador only should consider the long-term costs of food, healthcare, grooming, and services like dog-walking or dog-sitting.
Owning a boxer lab mix will typically cost you between $100 and $200 a month. A boxador will cost more in its first year because you’ll need to buy equipment and toys.
Is a Boxador Right for You?
Boxadors are medium to large dogs that require a lot of space and exercise. If you can meet a boxer lab mix’s needs, this friendly dog will give you love, affection, and companionship.
Who Should Get a Boxer Lab Mix?
Boxadors are suitable for families with children because of their nurturing and gentle nature. This breed craves companionship, so a boxer lab mix owner should have enough time to provide the dog with plenty of play, love, and affection.
Boxer lab mixes can get along well with other dogs but must be socialized early to prevent it from becoming protective of the family and aggressive towards the new dog.
This breed needs regular exercise and stimulation. Any potential owner should ideally have a backyard and be prepared to take their dog out for at least one daily hour-long walk.
Boxadors can live in smaller spaces if the owner is committed to giving the dog sufficient exercise and outdoor time.
If you want an outgoing, intelligent dog that will play with you for hours, go out for walks with you, and love you unconditionally, a boxador is perfect for you.
Who Should Not Get a Boxer Lab Mix?
Because of this breed’s strong desire for attention and affection, boxer lab mixes are not suitable for people who work long hours or travel frequently.
They need regular exercise and stimulation, or they will become disruptive and badly behaved, so these dogs are not suitable for inactive owners or owners without access to large outdoor spaces.
More Boxer and Labrador Retriever Mixes
Want a boxer mix or Labrador retriever mix but don’t love the boxer lab mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
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