Box-a-Pug -- Boxer X Pug

		Box-a-Pug
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> China -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as			Poxer

A brief presentation of the Box-a-Pug

The Box-a-Pug is a hybrid of a Boxer and a Pug. Depending on the dominant parent breed, the Box-a-Pug can be small or medium-sized. They are also known as Poxers and are short-haired dogs that can be light brown, black or brindle. They usually have a curly tail, but can also have a straight tail, and their muzzles are generally longer than a Pug and shorter than a Boxer. They are intelligent, lively dogs that make excellent companions and are good with children. They love to snuggle, but can also make good watchdogs, despite their size.

History of the Box-a-Pug

As a specific crossbreed, the Box-a-Pug probably first appeared 30 or 40 years ago when this style of dog became more popular.

	A little of the Boxer
	Boxers were bred in Germany and their ancestors were the German Bullenbeisser, descended from Mastiffs, and the Bulldog. The Boxer is considered to be part of the Molosser group, all descended from a large sheepdog known as Molossus, and is said to have been the preferred war dog of the ancient Romans and Greeks. During the First World War, Boxers carried messages and were also used as guard and attack dogs. Boxers were one of the first breeds used for police work. The American Kennel Club registered the first Boxer in 1904, but it wasn't until the 1940s that they began to become popular. Today's Boxers still have the strength and courage of their ancestors, but their loyalty and affectionate nature have made them popular pets, and they are also used as service and therapy dogs.

	Standard of the Boxer
	A little of the Pug
	Pugs are an ancient breed, bred as hunting dogs and prized by Chinese emperors. Buddhist monks are also said to have kept Pugs as pets in their monasteries, while modern Pugs are descended from dogs imported from China to Europe in the 16th century. A Pug named Pompey is thought to have saved the life of the Prince of Orange by warning him of assassins in 1572, which led to him becoming the official dog of the House of Orange. The breed later became popular throughout Europe, and in Italy, Carlins were dressed in matching pants and jackets. As well as being companion dogs, they were also used as military trackers and guard dogs. Queen Victoria loved the breed and kept many Carlins. Marie-Antoinette and Josephine Bonaparte, Napoleon's wife, owned and loved Carlins. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, while the Pug Dog Club of America was founded in 1931.

	Standard of the Pug

Appearance of the Box-a-Pug

The Box-a-Pug is a small to medium-sized breed, depending on which of the parent breeds is the most dominant. They can be light brown, fawn, silver, black or brindle, with a short coat. They generally have a short muzzle, slightly longer than a Pug but shorter than a Boxer. Pugs have fairly prominent eyes that protrude from their faces, whereas a Boxer's eyes do not protrude and are generally dark brown with an alert expression. A Pug's teeth usually meet in an underbite, while the Boxer's typical bite is inferior. A Box-a-Pug is likely to have a tail, taking after the Pug side as Boxers generally have docked tails.

Temperament of the Box-a-Pug

Box-a-Pugs are good pets who like to cuddle and thrive on attention. They will take on many of the traits of their parent breeds, which are good pets with lots of energy. Boxers are alert, intelligent dogs with lots of courage and love to play, making them good family pets. They are good watchdogs and can be very protective. They can be a little wild as puppies and never really lose their desire to play. They get on well with children and other animals, including cats. They are described as dogs with lots of personality and are constantly curious and full of life. They will respond to training, but it's best to start early. Carlins are also full of energy and have big personalities for their size. They're also good with children and like to attract a lot of attention. They can be a little stubborn but can be trained.

Needs and activities of the Box-a-Pug

Box-a-Pugs are playful dogs and, like all dogs, will need regular exercise to be healthy. But this will depend on the parent breed your pet chooses, as Carlins can be quite lazy and don't need much physical activity, whereas Boxers are the opposite and are high-energy dogs requiring tons of exercise and many play sessions or they'll become destructive. Both parent breeds can adapt well to apartment living, so a Box-a-Pug will too, as long as he has an exercise routine to keep them healthy, mentally stimulated and well-behaved. None of the parent breeds tolerate extreme weather conditions, so make sure your pet doesn't get too hot or cold.

Maintenance of the Box-a-Pug

Your Box-a-Pug will need brushing two or three times a week to keep their fur looking beautiful. They don't tend to shed too often, but brushing will help remove loose hairs or bits of dirt. Carlins have wrinkles on the head and forehead, and if your Box-a Pug has wrinkles, these need to be kept clean and dry. These wrinkles can be breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast otherwise. What's more, some Boxers have sensitive skin and your Box-a-Pug could inherit the predisposition. Check your pet's eyes and ears for dirt and wipe gently with damp absorbent cotton. Nails should always be checked and trimmed if necessary, and it's a good idea to brush your dog's teeth with a vet-approved canine toothpaste.