Miniature Boxer?

[Salsa Butowsky]

My boxer pup was about 3 months old and weighed about 4lbs when I got her. Salsa was labeled a "Mini Boxer" by the pet store. I didn't research much before getting her and later realized "mini boxers" don't exist. Now she's about 19 weeks and weighs roughly 13lbs. The vet says she's 100% boxer and appears to be healthy. She has a lot of energy but can be a little aggressive when playing with other dogs. However, she's a sweet dog most of the time.

I am curious to know how big she will get. Most people tell me she'll be around 22-27lbs but they aren't boxer owners. I'm happy with her size no matter what happens.

[2wildboxers]

I have to disagree with your vet. If she is labeled as a "mini boxer" at the store, then she is not 100% boxer and the only way to verify she is, is by a blood test. I would guess she isn't though. Some mini's have a little boxer blood in them, and some don't. They are crosses of breeds, and are a "designer breed" that is new. Not much is known about their life span and health problems as they have not been around long enough to know. The only way to know what breeds were crossed is to find out who the breeder is and to ask. A blood test might also work.
Just for your information, a pet store is not a good place to buy a pup. You have no idea what or where they come from. Most come from puppy mills. You have no idea what health issues the parents have had or what the pup was in contact with before coming to you. Please do research on pet shops and puppy mills, it is not a good choice.
Having said that, good luck with your new pup.

[Salsa Butowsky]

She had Giardia when she was about 2-3 months and I needed to put her on some medicine so that might have stunted her growth. I've done so much research and she looks and behaves 100% boxer. Even the vet said a DNA test wasn't even worth it. I agree with you about the pet stores. This is my first dog and i really didn't do much research beforehand. However, I love the dog.

I'm also a little worried because she's a little aggressive when playing with other dogs and makes this growling/snarling sound and sometimes barks at other dogs at the park non-stop until they play. My roommate has a larger dog and she' jump all over him and then start snipping at him too. When I try to stop it, she snips at me and it's difficult for me to get her to stop unless I shoot water at her. Is this normal for a boxer puppy? It's like she has two different personalities. She can be the most loving, adorable and cuddly dog and then when she plays she can turn into Dr. Jeckle!

Thanks for the response

[2wildboxers]

Yes, that behavior is normal. Boxers can be very vocal and can play rough. Remember, they do "box". I really don't suggest shooting water at her for this. What I do recommend is you getting her into training. A puppy class or beginner obedience class is great. You are doing well socializing your pup, you want them to be socialized as not to promote being "dog agressive".
Since this is your first dog, there is a lot to learn, much by trial and error and I've been down that road. I truely suggest enrolling in class, it helps more than you will ever know and gives you many ideas on how to handle situations with your pup.
I will say, your pup is old enough to know that biting or nipping at you is not tolerated. The way I would handle this is if your pup bites hard (mouthing is what they call it when a pup does this, which is totally normal) is have a command such as "no bite" and stop playtime. Your pup will learn with it bites hard, playtime stops. Just get up and walk away. Make sure you say the command. Some mouthing is to be expected from a pup. If a pup is taken away from its mother or siblings too early, it hasn't learned from them when they bite too hard and when something hurts. That is why a pup should not be taken away from mom and siblings before 8 weeks of age. I know you don't know when yours was because you got him from the pet store. Just thought I'd pass that bit of info on to explain why some mouth and bite more than others sometimes.
Don't feel bad, we all learned somehow and at some point. The important thing is that you know now, and do as much research on boxers and reputable breeders as you can so as to help understand your new pup and why good breeders are important.
Don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, I know how hard it can be with a pup, especially by a first time dog owner. We love helping people and getting to know them and their boxers.

[digginitez]

From my understanding, what pet stores and BYB are referring to as a "Mini Boxer" is a mix between a Boxer and a Boston Terrier. Pet Stores are notorious for selling "hybrid dogs" (mutts with cool names) for large amounts of money.

Giardia is treated with an antibiotic and will not stunt your dog's growth.

From my understanding, the people have have gotten mini boxers have loved their personalities. Boston Terriers tend to have a more macho, spit fire attitude so you might get a bit of that...but all and all, you'll have a cute little guy with most of, if not all, the boxer personality.

Enjoy your puppy!

[JennTyson]

Here is some information regarding what is called the miniature boxer:

The miniature Boxer dogs, or the Mini-Boxers, actually have no Boxer dog in them at all. Instead, they originated in the United States as a result of the mating of a Pug male with a Rat Terrier, Fox Terrier or Boston Terrier female. The union between the Pug and the Rat Terrier is the most common and so the pups may also be known as Pugrats. They are effectively hybrids that are given the tag of miniature Boxer dogs purely and simply because they resemble a Boxer but are much smaller.

I did some more research and apparently that is what everyone says you breed to get somethat that looks like a boxer but small sized. Definitely a designer hybrid of sorts.

[2wildboxers]

Originally Posted by JennTyson

Here is some information regarding what is called the miniature boxer:

The miniature Boxer dogs, or the Mini-Boxers, actually have no Boxer dog in them at all. Instead, they originated in the United States as a result of the mating of a Pug male with a Rat Terrier, Fox Terrier or Boston Terrier female. The union between the Pug and the Rat Terrier is the most common and so the pups may also be known as Pugrats. They are effectively hybrids that are given the tag of miniature Boxer dogs purely and simply because they resemble a Boxer but are much smaller.

I did some more research and apparently that is what everyone says you breed to get somethat that looks like a boxer but small sized. Definitely a designer hybrid of sorts.

I researched this breed a while back. Some may have a small amount of boxer in them actually, while some do not. It just depends on the breeder. Either way, I don't think it deserves the "boxer" name, as it is not an actual boxer.
I will say the OP's dog does look like a boxer. So it makes me wonder if the parents were just really small boxers, or it is a cross between a boxer and a boston terrior? No idea, but a cute little guy whatever he is!

[JennTyson]

I agree compared to pictures on line of all mini boxers Salsa look like a pure bred. Super cute puppy...do you have any more pictures of Salsa?

[Salsa Butowsky]

Yes, I believe Salsa is pure boxer too based on her appearance and behavior. I have read numerous articles about boxers and have done extensive research. The idea about crossing boston terriers and other dogs is very familiar to me. However, I just don't see it in her. She's about 13lbs and going into her 20th week. Is it possible breeders could be breeding runts of runts?

I also think calling boston terriers and other designer dogs "boxers" is wrong.

Thanks for the compliments. If you would like to see more pictures, please send me your email.

[Rolemala]

In the pictures, she just doesn't look 13 lbs to me. All of mine were 13 lbs when they were 10 weeks! Can we see a picture of you holding her for size comparison?