Box Heeler -- Boxer X Australian Cattle Dog

		Box Heeler
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Germany <> Australia -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Box Heeler

The Box Heeler is a hybrid breed in which the Boxer is crossed with the Australian Cattle Dog. Relatively new, there's little information available on the Box Heeler. As a Box Heeler puppy will inherit traits from both parents, it's best to consider the characteristics of its parent breeds when trying to understand what the hybrid will look like. Weighing between 23 and 36 kilos, the Boxer is a large dog that is generally both playful and curious. The Australian Cattle Dog is a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy. Independent and sometimes stubborn, the Australian Cattle Dog likes to have a job to do, so this hybrid will be a wonderful blend of parents, robust and agile with lots of enthusiasm.

History of the Box Heeler

The Box Heeler hybrid is a new breed of dog with no detailed history, although the two breeds that combine to create this active dog have a long history.

	A little of the Boxer
	There is evidence to suggest that the Boxer is one of many descendants of the old fighting dogs of the high valleys of Tibet. The Boxer is also thought to be a cousin of most Bulldog breeds. For example, the Dogue de Bordeaux has many of the characteristics seen in the Boxer, and some sources claim that the Boxer is also related to the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser (two breeds that no longer exist). It is thought that in the 1830s, German hunters tried to develop a new breed by crossing Bullenbeissers with Mastiff-type dogs and Bulldogs, creating a robust dog with excellent agility and a streamlined body. By 1895, this new breed, known as the Boxer, had become established. Americans didn't show any interest in the Boxer until around 1940.

	Standard of the Boxer
	A little of the Australian Cattle Dog
	Research suggests that the Australian Cattle Dog is the result of some blue-merle Highland Collies that were crossed with Dingoes in 1840 by a man named Salle, these dogs were known as Hall's Heelers. Further research indicates that a man named George Elliott was responsible for crossing the Dingo and the Blue Merle Collie. Two brothers (Jack and Harry Bagust) worked on improving the breed, and are thought to have crossed a female with a Dalmatian and then with a black and tan Kelpie, which is a sheepdog. The resulting dog is an ancestor of the Australian Cattle Dog we know today.

	Standard of the Australian Cattle Dog

Appearance of the Box Heeler

The Box Heeler is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Australian Cattle Dog. Although we have no information on the appearance of the Box Heeler, we can consider the appearance of the hybrid's parent breeds. The Boxer is large in size, while the Australian Cattle Dog is generally a medium-sized dog. The Boxer has a short, smooth, glossy coat, while the Australian Cattle Dog has a weather-resistant double coat that is longer and thicker around the dog's neck. Box Heeler colors can include red, brindle, tan and blue. This hybrid will have dark eyes. A very attractive dog that will turn heads, it may have ears quite different from both parents in that they may fall closer to the head. His body is long and his gait is agile and determined.

Temperament of the Box Heeler

The Box Heeler will inherit its temperament from its parents. Boxers are playful, curious, attentive and devoted to their families. As dogs of the breed tend to be gentle and patient, the Boxer is a good choice for a family with children. The Boxer can be stubborn, but is also sensitive and will respond well to training. Although the Boxer can be aggressive when meeting strange dogs, it will generally do well with other dogs and pets. The Australian Cattle Dog is independent and stubborn, with lots of energy. Dogs of the breed do well if they have a job to do, as this will help them stay challenged both physically and mentally. With proper training, the Australian Cattle Dog is generally obedient and responsive, and will do well with the children he was with when he was growing up as a puppy. Australian Cattle Dogs have been known to nip at the heels of children who are not members of their family, so caution is advised. Dogs of this breed can be aggressive with other dogs. Just because the Australian Cattle Dog is independent doesn't mean it wants to be alone; it will be a loyal and protective family member with a hint of strangers. Your Box Heeler will have a temperament like its parents in that it has a mind of its own, loves its family but is also prone to independence.

Needs and activities of the Box Heeler

The Box Heeler's activity requirements can be measured against those of its parents. A Boxer will enjoy a good run, but can meet its exercise needs with a long walk on a leash. Boxers can live happily in an apartment if they get enough exercise, although a medium-sized fenced yard is recommended. Australian Cattle Dogs, on the other hand, need more than a daily walk to meet their activity needs. Physical and mental activity is necessary for the breed, and can include obedience lessons or other challenges. A large, fenced yard is recommended for the Australian Box Heeler. To keep your Box Heeler happy and content, additional activities that exercise mind and body are necessary. This hybrid is not recommended for first-time dog owners.

Maintenance of the Box Heeler

The maintenance of your Box Heeler will be moderate and will depend on the inherited coat. The coat will be short and dense, requiring weekly brushing with a firm bristle brush to remove loose fur. Because of the shortness of the coat, tangling is not a problem. We recommend bathing your Box Heeler only when absolutely necessary, as this will remove the natural oils from its skin. This hybrid may have climate sensitivity due to the Boxer parent.

Details: Written by: Francis Vandersteen; Also available:; Last Updated: 15 March 2024; Hits: 706

Box Heeler -- Boxer X Australian Cattle Dog

Box Heeler

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin

Translation

A brief presentation of the Box Heeler

History of the Box Heeler

A little of the Boxer

A little of the Australian Cattle Dog

Appearance of the Box Heeler

Temperament of the Box Heeler

Needs and activities of the Box Heeler

Maintenance of the Box Heeler

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