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As an addition to my other posts about Whippet cross breeds, this article focuses on the Whippet Boxer mix… or Boxerwhips to those in the know!
The Boxer dog breed is a strong, short-coated and medium to large sized breed with a very distinctively shaped head. Boxers are high-energy dogs and are always ready for play.
Whippets are medium-sized dogs who also enjoy playtime and racing around off the leash.
In terms of the Whippet Boxer mix, I’ll be looking at the following topics:
Table of Contents
- Whippet Boxer Mix Appearance
- Temperament
- Health
- Exercise & Care
- Whippet Boxer Images from Instagram
- Summary
Whippet Boxer Mix Appearance
Please bear in mind that as with any cross bred dog, the appearance of Whippet Boxer mixes can vary considerably.
Since Boxers are medium to large dogs, the Whippet Boxer mix will likely result in a dog that’s a little larger than standard purebred Whippets. This might mean a height of between 20″ to 25″ (51cm to 60.5cm) and a weight between 25lbs to 80lbs (11.5kg to 36kg).
Boxers are known for their muscular and sturdy build and perhaps their most identifiable characteristics are their wrinkled brow and flattish snout. Their coats are short and usually fawn coloured or brindle, with white flecks.
By contrast, Whippets are more lean (some people might say skinny) and sleek. They have the deep chest and slim waist associated with sighthound breeds along with a long and arching neck. They also have a long snout that gives them a mouse-like appearance.
A Whippet Boxer cross may then result in a sturdier version of a Whippet, which may or may not inherit the somewhat flattish muzzle of Boxers. It will likely still be a very athletic looking dog, that while perhaps not able to match the Whippet in a flat out race, will still be capable of picking up a pacy and graceful gait when in flight!
Boxerwhip Temperament
Boxers are known to be energetic, fearless and playful. Devoted and loyal to their families, Boxers are also considered to be bright and intelligent dogs. In fact, canine intelligence expert Professor Stanley Coren, ranks the Boxer as the 48th most intelligent dog breed in his book “The Intelligence of Dogs“.
In general, Boxers also have a cheerful and confident disposition.
Purebred Whippets are loyal and loving dogs too. They’re super-happy when going for walks, and like Boxers, they love quality playtime!
Whippets are Sighthounds and have a strong instinct to chase whereas Boxers are a part of the Mastiff family, bred for hunting. Both breeds are fast and elegant runners and are a joy to watch when they’re sprinting.
When meeting new people, Boxers and Whippets are a little aloof. However, once acquainted with new people they become an extended member of the family!
At home, Whippets tend to be very relaxed… some would say lazy! However, this is only true if they’ve been exercised sufficiently. Boxers will also be happy to adopt a lapdog approach to home life when they’ve had a good run!
It’s possible that Whippet Boxers will retain these characteristics from their parent breeds, but of course any mixed breed dog can lean towards the temperament of one parent more than the other.
Find out more about Whippet temperament in my detailed guide.
A Whippet Boxer mix then is likely to be:
- Loyal
- Loving
- Playful
- Energetic
- Alert
- Calm (when exercised)
- Good in a family setting
Health
It’s always hard to predict specific health issues likely to affect crossbred dogs. Whippets and Boxers have predispositions to common health problems, which may or may not pass onto a Whippet Boxer mix.
The following lists detail the health issues generally associated with both Whippets and Boxers.
Whippets
- Canine Hemangiosarcoma
- Canine von Willebrand’s Disease
- Mitral Valve Disease
- Orthopaedic Injuries
- Anaesthesia Sensitivity
- Deafness
- Allergies
Find out about more about Whippet health problems.
Boxers
- Hypothyroidism
- Boxer Cardiomyopathy
- Aortic Stenosis / Sub-Aortic Stenosis
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
- Hip Dysplasia
- Corneal Dystrophy
The life expectancy for a Whippet is 12 to 15 years, whereas that of a Boxer is 10 to 12 years. We might assume then that the life expectancy for a Whippet Boxer that’s well looked after could be between 10 to 15 years.
Exercise & Care for a Whippet Boxer Mix
Boxers and Whippets require walks of up to an hour each day to help use up their energy and keep them fit and toned. Both breeds are fast runners and need opportunities to open up their gears in an enclosed area.
In addition, they need mental stimulation too. Both breeds love playing with their families so fetch games or ball chasing will provide entertainment for them.
Whippet Boxer crosses then will need daily exercise of up to an hour and plenty of additional playtime to keep them happy and entertained. Proper exercise and play will ensure they remain on their best behaviour!
Find out more detailed information about how much exercise a Whippet needs.
Whippets and Boxers require training from a young age. Whippets can be independent and strong-willed, while Boxers can be prone to mischief! Training from a young age will help Whipboxers to understand that you’re the boss and teach them to be attentive to your commands.
No dog should ever be left on their own for long periods of time each day. Owing to it’s parentage, the Whippet Boxer mix is no different and needs company. Leaving any dog for long periods often results in an unhappy pet that can display destructive behaviours at home.
In terms of grooming, the Whipboxer’s parent breeds are both short-coated dogs and they’ll likely require little grooming. A good brushing one or two times a week will help to keep fur shedding to a minimum. If you have allergies, remember though that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic.
Both parent breeds are also clean dogs. As long as they don’t roll in any muck, you’ll likely have to bathe a Whippet Boxer mix only very occasionally.
Being a responsible dog owner means you’ll need to keep an eye on your Boxerwhips health. Regular check ups with your veterinary surgery are vital to ensure Whippet Boxers remains healthy and happy.
Whippet Boxer Images from Instagram
It’s always difficult to predict with accuracy what a cross bred dog will look like. If you want to know what the appearance of Whippet Boxer mix might be, here are some links to some of these lovely dogs on Instagram.
Summary
A strong, muscular, short-coated crossbreed, the Whippet Boxer mix is a charming, friendly and energetic dog that’s always ready for playtime.
They should be low-maintenance dogs in terms of grooming but you’ll need to spend time with them at home to avoid them feeling lonely.
The Boxerwhip makes an excellent family pet but daily exercise off the leash is essential to keep them from chewing on your slippers or scratching up your woodwork!
Do you own a Whippet Boxer mix? Or perhaps you simply love Boxerwhips? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
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Maureen Frary says
I got rescue from Texas that I’m confident is a Boxer Whippet cross. I’m not sure if this was an intentional cross, but she is probably the most playful, smart, responsive, dog I’ve ever had. I feel very lucky!
paulf says
Aww… she sounds awesome Maureen!
Diane says
I agree completely. I have owned, bred and shown Whippets for over 40 years and I can’t imagine them cross bred with any other breed. I’m sure there are Boxer breeders who feel the same.
paulf says
I understand your position Diane… the topic of cross breeding is very divisive.
Joy says
I agree what would better either breed by intently crossing them? Are they a better sport dog?
Sydney says
There is no good reason to mix these breeds together. Just because purebred dogs were once a mix , it was done with a goal in mind and through many generations. The goal was a dog that would bred true and perform in a predictable and useful way. You will not get a faster dog, or a stronger dog. No reputable breeder of Boxers or Whippets will breed a top quality dog to a different breed dog. Those breeders are concerned with making better Boxers or better Whippets.
paulf says
Thanks for your comment Sydney.
I totally understand what you say and I understand the arguments for and against mixing breeds.
There are of course solid reasons not to mix certain breeds, since some will be more likely predisposed to health conditions, especially when a recessive condition is found in both parent breeds. At the same time, I’m aware of veterinary concerns around the popularity of some purebred brachycephalic breeds, that are increasing in popularity, which means potential for increased incidences of obstructive airway syndrome.
I am 100% against puppy farms and those seeking to make money, with scant regard for the wellbeing of the dog they create. In the UK, there is no legislation banning the mixing of dog breeds (aside from those identified in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991). Given there is a demand for mixes, there will always be breeders prepared to satisfy that demand. Since this is the case, and given that mixing breeds is not illegal here, there should be some form of control to ensure ALL breeders adhere to standards ensuring healthy litters to the best of their ability.
In the UK currently, anyone breeding more than two litters in a year, who intends to sell even one puppy, requires a dog breeding license by law. This is a way to discourage puppy farms and profits over ethics of course. However, I feel this license could be used to enforce ethical standards around breeding mixes too. For those not adhering to such standards, or those breaking the law, there should be stiff punishments.
I know my view will upset a lot of people, but I really do feel it’s the breeder that has a responsibility to ensure the health of their litters. Mix breeders should take as much care in ensuring healthy dogs by carefully selecting parentage, just as pedigree purebred dog breeders must… and this is something that should be supported by legislation.
Arlene says
Agree, both are great breeds please stop diluting these excellent breeds
Sue says
I really wish people would stop breeding mixed breed dogs, which when we were kids we would call mutts. There are so many cross breed dogs this world. People are making $3,000 to $4,000 off of mixed breed dogs.
paulf says
Hi Sue… thanks for taking the time to write your comment.
I understand what you say, and at the same time recognise that many dog breeds we consider as purebred nowadays were crossbred to develop certain characteristics, either practical or aesthetic. Whippets are likely descended from a cross with Greyhounds, and Boxers from Bullenbeissers.
I too don’t like the inflated prices that some breeds seem to attract though.