Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane) – A Complete Guide with 24 Questions Answered

Physical Attributes

Lifestyle Guidance:

Very High

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Very Good

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Minimal

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Below Average

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Very Good

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Not suitable

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What are the reasons to get a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

• This dog has an exuberant and fun personality (click here for more details)
• A lively and energetic dog that will suit those with an active lifestyle (click here for more details)
• This dog is suited to a feline friendly house as they get along with cats (click here for more details)
• An intensely loyal, devoted and loving dog (click here for more details)
• This dog requires only minimal grooming (click here for more details)
• The Boxane is a gentle giant and rarely aggressive (click here for more details)

What are the reasons not to get a Boxer Great Dane Mix ?

• No experience of large breeds
• No outside area and/or limited living space
• The exercise requirements of this dog are very high so will not suit anyone unable to provide this
• The Boxane will have a lower than average lifespan
• The Boxane may take a comparatively long time to mature
• The Boxane may take a little longer to train

What is a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

Overview

The Boxane is an exuberant and goofy hybrid breed that is an absolute joy as a family pet. This spirited and cheerful mixed breed will play tirelessly and strive to be at the center of everthing

As a parent breed the Great Dane brings an unwavering desire to be very close to their owners (if not on their laps if they can manage it). While the Boxer brings levels of incredible canine energy and a real zest for life.

But, as with any hybrid breeds, it is always important to research the parent breeds in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the personality of the Boxane. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog.

For more information regarding the Boxer, Great Dane and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide.

To understand dogs fully requires an understanding of where they have come from. So here follows a history of both parent breeds.

What are the history and origins of the Great Dane Boxer Mix?

In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development.

So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the Boxer.

The Boxer – Origins

The Boxer developed in Germany in the 19th century as bull-baiting dogs and as farmer’s dogs helping to drive and control cattle on their way to markets. They were also prized as hunting dogs interestingly having a similar function to the Great Dane as ‘catcher dogs’. These dogs had the role of holding down large prey, such as boars and deer, once the sight-hounds had identified and slowed their victim down.

Boxers are intelligent, loyal and devoted companions. Many Boxer owners claim that once you own a Boxer you will be smitten with the breed and never think about owning another dog. They are particularly celebrated for their clownish antics and sense of fun during a very prolonged puppy-hood.

But that is not to say that this dog does not also have a serious side. As a former ‘catcher dog’ bred to take on prey larger than itself, it comes as little surprise that the Boxer is a very confident dog, with a reputation for being fearless and fully inheriting the ‘Bulldog Spirit’ from its stout little forebear. Added into the mix is the tenacity and drive of the Terrier influence.

The Boxer is a very energetic and athletic dog with a high prey drive. This means that you can expect this dynamic dog to boisterously chase and run around. Some of the breed will go after small animals on a walk and this combined with an inquisitive nature means that they love to explore. This means recall should be an important feature of the training regime.

The Great Dane – Origins

The Great Dane is often referred to as ‘The Apollo of Dogs’ and is a truly breathtaking breed which combines the strength of the Mastiff with the lean muscularity and height of the Irish Wolfhound.

This is also a very active breed who need a good outdoor space to play in and once they have fully grown thrive on long walks and plenty of exercise. Like the Boxer, when fully grown, they are able to walk for many miles tirelessly.

So the Great Dane Boxer mix will require plenty of exercise, but will offer an excellent companion to any hikers or long distance walkers out there.

The Great Dane could suitably be described as the biggest lapdog on the planet and have been known to follow their humans absolutely everywhere. The Boxer is another dog who absolutely thrives on human company and will want to constantly play with his human family. So expect the Great Dane Boxer Mix to literally ‘dog’ your every footstep around the house and be highly affectionate to its nearest and dearest humans.

The Great Dane tends to have a mellow temperament making them an excellent founding dog when combined with more excitable breeds. This tends to lead to a hybrid dog still full of vivacity and playfulness but easier to manage and less excitable and his is certainly true of the Boxer Great Dane Mix.

This combination of ‘catcher-dogs’ sharing common heritage from the Mastiff offers a very powerful and energetic hybrid. These colossal canines will constantly be out for a good time, remaining puppy-like play-mates for most of their adulthood. They will also offer an excellent guardian of the family and the home.

Other linked hybrid breeds:

Great Dane Doberman Mix, Great Dane Dalmatian Mix, Great Dane Pitbull Mix, Great Dane Rottweiler Mix, Great Dane German Shepherd Mix, Great Dane Cane Corso Mix, Great Dane Bloodhound Mix, Great Dane Bullmastiff Mix, Great Dane Greyhound Mix, Great Dane English Mastiff Mix, Great Dane Saint Bernard Mix.

Cane Corso Boxer Mix.

What’s the difference between a Great Dane and a Boxer?

Despite their breeds having a similar background as ‘catcher-dogs’ in hunting large prey, the Boxer and the Great Dane have also developed quite different personalities.

Although both loyal dogs with a great sense of fun, the Boxer is a very busy, inquisitive and high energy dog who never tires of playing, exploring and performing various clownish antics. The Great Dane has a more mellow temperament than the Boxer, although they are still playful and also have a cheeky sense of humor.

The Boxer also has the reputation for being a little more alert than the Great Dane as well as being quicker to train.

But if it is fun and excitement you are looking for then look no further than the wonderful combination of breeds neatly packaged in the adorable Boxane.

What is an interesting fact about the Boxane?

The Boxane is a hybrid whose parent breeds have a lot in common. Both the Boxer and the Great Dane are German breeds (the Great Dane is not actually Danish). If that were not enough they are both ‘catcher-dogs’ used to chase and ‘grip’ big game such as boar slowing it down until the hunters arrived.

Both the Great Dane and the Boxer also share common heritage in that the Mastiff is thought to have influenced both breeds.

What will a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane) look like?

As with all mixed breeds, the Boxane could favor either parent breed in a number of ways. This dog, like both parent breeds, will have a lean muscularity as well as an athletic build with a well defined, tucked up stomach and flanks. The back will be straight and the tapering tail carried high.

The bluntness of the short muzzle of Boxer is likely to be softened by the influence of the Great Dane which is deeper and more squared. There is a possibility of some slight furrowing or wrinkles on the forehead through the Boxer influence.

The Boxane is a very physically impressive dog with a kind inquisitive expression.

What is the temperament and personality of the Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

The Great Dane not only casts a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as it follows its owners around. The Boxer influence will do little to mitigate this as they are also a people-oriented breed and extremely loyal.

Nevertheless this hybrid breed is going to need a very active and experienced owner willing to spend time ensuring this dog is socialized and fully entertained with extensive walking and lots of interactive play.

The Boxer influence will only heighten the tendency of the Great Dane to be a playful ‘goofball’. These colossal canines will constantly be out for a good time, remaining puppy-like play-mates for most of their adulthood. They will also offer an excellent guardian of the family and the home.

So you can certainly expect a Boxer Great Dane Mix to be an exuberant and spirited. In addition both parent breeds absolutely dote on their owners and are intensely loyal as well as being extremely protective.

But it must be conceded that the Boxer has inherited some of the stubbornness of the Bulldog. Added to this, the Boxer, like the Great Dane, is a sensitive dog. This means it will require consistent , patient training which is firm but gentle and based around positive reinforcement.

With socialization and training the Boxane will be a confident and obedient dog who is both a good companion in the home, and a well-behaved canine citizen outside of the home.

But the Great Dane influence is likely to temper this stubbornness, and both dog breeds thrive on praise and are very eager to please. You can therefore expect a Boxer Great Dane Mix to be a devoted companion who will generally be biddable.

It is important, however, to make sure any training is governed by an approach based around positive reinforcement to ensure the dog is happy, confident and a joy outside of the house.

But this dog will want to play with everything that moves including children and any other pets. This makes early socialization absolutely imperative to avoid accidents and maintain relaxed and problem-free relationships between this huge hound and other canine, human and even feline members of the family.

As with most Great Dane based hybrid dogs, the Great Dane Boxer Mix will make an effective guardian of the home. The Boxer is people-oriented but will still be protective of its family when strangers are in close proximity of its human pack. It will also bark an alarm if anyone approaches the house adding an edge to the more mellow and accepting temperament of the Great Dane.

Also both of these dogs are powerful and swift, so the deep resounding bark of the this dog will quickly followed by this lithe and muscular guardian. But you can be certain that with socialization in place any welcome visitors will have absolutely nothing to fear.

The Boxane is likely to be gregarious and willing to play with other dogs, although due to the Boxer influence there may be the occasional episode of dominant behaviour or aggression with a few dogs . Nevertheless early socialization will generally ensure that this huge hound will enjoy play-time with its canine pals without incident.

This dog will be able to live with smaller animals and other dogs but if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog.

The Boxer Great Dane Mix, when fully grown, also provides the ideal dog for those who enjoy hiking and outdoor pursuits as both parent breeds are known to enjoy very long walks with ample opportunity to run around off the leash.

For the different stages in a puppy’s and adult dog’s development please click here.

What exercise is required for the Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

If there is one thing that you can absolutely guarantee with the Great Dane Boxer Mix is that it is certainly going to require plenty of exercise including at least one long walk a day of around 2 hours. This dog will also make a good jogging companion for the more active owners.

Additionally, as much opportunities to run and play in a safe, enclosed area as possible should also be provided along with the mental stimulation for this intelligent dog of ‘treasure-hunt’, chasing or training games. This could also include around 20 minutes of obedience training each day.

The Boxane is a dog who will benefit from a good run of the leash each day. But ensure that the Great Dane Boxer Mix is trained in recall from as early age as possible to ensure that they are consistently manageable and obedient outside.

Remember also that any Great Dane hybrid dog requires special consideration in terms of the planning of exercise for puppies and young dogs that are still growing. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog.

This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially also in this dog. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet alongside feeding and other aspects of fundamental care for this huge hybrid.

Is the Great Dane Boxer Mix a good family dog?

For an experienced owner who is also very active the Great Dane Boxer Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. Although it must be in a household which has the time to invest in training and exercise.

This dog will be intensely playful and will demand lots of interactive play. But they are very likely to have a fantastic personally as fun-loving dogs who are adorably clownish.

The Boxane will be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. This will be good and patient with children, although all play must be carefully supervised.

Also with the correct socialization this dog will most likely get on with any smaller pets in the household.

Who is the ideal owner of a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. Also any experience with large and powerful breeds would be hugely beneficial.

Due to its size, power and high energy levels this dog is best suited to a home environment where they have human company for most of the day.

If it is essential to leave this dog for any period of time regularly then it is absolutely imperative to offer training for separation anxiety at an early stage. This will prevent destructive behaviours in the house which will be the reflection of the dog’s stress.

Like all Great Dane hybrids, this dog will suffer without strong canine leadership. Any less experienced dog owners should prioritize attendance at puppy training classes in order to support their dog feeling happy and secure.

What are the grooming requirements of the Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

The Great Dane Boxer Mix has very minimal grooming requirements. The short and sleek coat is only likely to require a weekly brushing. But remember that this should be done daily in periods of hot weather to remove dead hair in order to keep this dog comfortably cool.

This will be particularly true if the hybrid breed favors the Boxer as the muzzle will be shorter which will slightly impair natural cooling. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather.

Ensure that as part of any grooming routine the ears are carefully cleaned in order to avoid infection and nails are clipped. Some Boxanes may inherit furrows on the face from the Boxer.

If so, be be sure to clean around the face carefully particularly after eating as dogs may find food particles lingering in the jowls and any wrinkling on the face.

How much space is required for a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

This combination of breeds means a dog that is both physically large, and also absolutely full of play and energy. This is therefore a dog that is going to need space both inside and outside the house.

It is ideally suited to a rural area or a home which has a good-sized, secure area outside in which to burn off its almost inexhaustible supplies of energy and willingness to play.

In terms of size and activity levels this dog is not recommended for apartment living.

What is the lifespan of the Boxane?

The lifespan of Great Danes is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While Boxers have a healthy lifespan of around 12-13 years.

This means that the probable lifespan for a Great Dane Boxer Mix is between 9-11 years.

What are the potential health problems for a Boxer Great Dane Mix?

Mixed breed dogs are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the Great Dane Boxer Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet.

Potential health problems for the Boxer Great Dane Mix include:

• cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions
• bone and other cancers,
• hip dysplasia
• elbow dysplasia.
• hypothyroidism,
• gastric torsion and
• corneal erosion

Be aware that Boxer favored dogs may also be sensitive to heat so measures to keep your dog cool in hot weather are also highly recommended.

What kind of training is required for a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane)?

With a fast, powerful and vibrant dog like the Boxer Great Dane Mix, early socialization and consistent obedience training are something that needs to be put in place early. As noted above, unless the owner is very experienced with large dogs, puppy training classes are absolutely vital to ensure that a puppy will adapt to his home in such a way as to feel entirely happy, secure and comfortable.

This dog may also pull on the leash a little, so ensuring this dog has good leash manners should be foregrounded in the training.

This will mean that the Boxane will generally be able to cope with a range of situations both inside and outside the home and forestall any potential aggressive behaviours towards other dogs. This dog will in generally be a playful companion to other dogs. But be aware that Boxers can occasionally exhibit dominant behaviors to unfamiliar dogs, so frequent socialization opportunities as a puppy are very important.

Boxers can be puppy-like through much of their adult lives and are late to mature but consistent and patient training from an early age will curtail any unwanted boisterousness in this hybrid dog.

Training for separation anxiety should also be prioritized for the Boxer Great Dane Mix to avoid destructive behaviors in the house.

For an example of a Great Dane Boxer Mix’s potential to be trained to a high standard please click here.

Click here for an outline of the benefits of training. Click here for information on socializing a puppy and here for socializing an adult dog.

How big will a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane) get?

The pure Great Dane male is, according to breed standards, at least 30 inches (82cm) tall from the feet to the withers. While the female stands at 28 inches (72cm) or more. The Boxer is an very lean muscular dog who is full of energy, tenacity and playfulness. The male Boxer stands at around 23-25 inches (57-63cm) while the slightly shorter female has a height of around 21-23 inches (55-59cm).

The size of a Boxane is likely to be:

• Male 25-29 inches (66 – 76 cm) from feet to withers.
• Female 23-27 inches (58 – 69cm)

How much is a Boxer Great Dane Mix likely to weigh?

The Great Dane male typically weighs between 120 to 170 lb (54-74kgs) with the female at 110 to140 lbs (50-64 kgs). The weight of the adult Boxer can vary between 55-71lb (25-32 kg).

This means that a Great Dane Boxer Mix is likely to weigh:

Male 90-125 lb (41-57 kg)

Female 75-110 lb (34-50 kg)

Does a Boxer Great Dane Mix get along with other dogs?

This breed are able to cohabit with other dogs. This is also true of both founding breeds but ensure you follow clear steps in introducing established dogs to a puppy or another dog. The Great Dane is often described as just a large ‘goofball’ who just wants to play and get along with any canine companions.

This goofiness will only be intensified by the influence of highly playful and puppy-like Boxer. This means not only will this dog be gregarious but also will actively pursue a game with other dogs at every opportunity.

If that dog is small, however, ensure that socialization is put in place with the puppy so it continues to be sensitive and careful play when it reaches more gargantuan proportions.

As already noted some of this hybrid breed may exhibit some dominant behaviors which will be curbed through consistent socialization.

Does a Boxer Great Dane Mix (Boxane) get along with cats?

If sensitively introduced to cats as a puppy then it is often the case that that they can successfully live with these smaller pets. Boxers can naturally have a high prey drive, so careful and structured introductions should be put in place to ensure canine-feline harmony in the house.

Training a Boxane puppy to get along with a cat

To maximize the chances of a positive relationship between your Boxane and a cat ensure that they are introduced in a structured and sensitive way.

Step 1

This should start with putting down items that belong to the Great Dane Boxer Mix puppy before the arrival to accustom the cats to the scent.

Step 2

The next step is to confine the puppy to an area. This should certainly include at feeding times and could be a room with a baby-gate. The area of confinement should be circulated around the house as well as a safely enclosed outside area.

Step 3

When ready allow the puppy out on an appropriate leash or harness and proactively praise positive interactions and correct any chasing. Ensure the cats always have escape areas including high places to promote their sense of confidence and safety.

Where should I get a Boxane from?

If you are looking for a Boxane puppy then always contact a reputable breeder consider the following:

• You should always have the opportunity to see the puppies interacting with the mother.
• If there is little interaction with the ‘mother’ be cautious as occasionally unscrupulous breeders can bring in another female dog for appearances.
• A breeder should also have details of the father available on request.
• You should have access to the medical records of both parents and any kennel club certificates.

If possible, adoption is a kind and rewarding option. But ensure that you thoughtfully discuss the details of a rescue dog with the charity or rehoming organization in order to offer shelter animals an appropriate forever home.

If you already have a dog , then please feel free to browse these tips on how to introduce a puppy to an older dog.

What are the feeding requirements of a Boxane?

It is always a good idea to consult with a vet or animal dietician regarding feeding requirements in the early days of ownership, as each dog will be unique. This will ensure that your Boxane will receive a balanced diet in the correct portions. It is also important to balance feeding against exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

As the Great Dane is prone to bloating (a common condition with a large dog) it is advisable that owners should plan to exercise their Great Dane Boxer Mix at least an hour before they feed and at least an hour afterwards. This will help prevent bloat and other gastric conditions afflicting your dog.

Should I get a male or female Boxane?

Each dog is unique, so the following only offers a general guide rather than a rule but male and female dogs can have different dispositions. In general the female Boxer Great Dane Mix tend to be slightly less over-zealous and boisterous than her male counterpart.

The larger male dogs can occasionally be dominant towards other male dogs but if well-socialized more playful both with dogs and their human family. A well-trained and socialized dog of either gender will provide an excellent family dog who can be a trained to a good standard.

What colors are common for a Boxer Great Dane Mix?

In general the Great Dane Boxer Mix can be any solid or partial color, although brown or brindle is likely to be common. This dog may inherit the distinctive flash of white on the chest from the Boxer.

Does the Boxer Great Dane Mix make a good guard dog for the home?

This hybrid will certainly provide a reliable and alert protector of the family and the home. The Boxer is a people-oriented dog but will certainly feel very protective of its family with somebody unfamiliar in the home. This will somewhat offset the Great Dane‘s tendency of being by nature overly friendly.

The combination of these founding breeds, however, is certain to produce a dog that will rise to the occasion and sound an alarm to protect the household in the event of any intrusion.

Where can I found out more?

If you are considering a designer breed such as the Boxane always research both parent breeds to ensure that you are fully prepared for the arrival of your dog and nuance your training and lifestyle provision for your exciting new canine family member accordingly.

Please feel free to browse our breed guide for more information on the Great Dane, Boxer and other breeds. Also a good breeder should be willing to offer you advice and guidance when you take your puppy home.

Prices of Boxane puppies will vary, but they are likely to be cheaper than pure Great Danes or pure Boxers.

As noted above if you have any queries or doubts regarding the health or feeding of Boxane puppies then consult a professional vet or animal dietician at the earliest opport

Links:

Great Dane Rescue (USA)
DaneLine (UK)
Across America Boxer Rescue (USA)
The Boxer Rescue Service (Southern) (UK)
Notts and Yorkshire Boxer Rescue (UK)