Expert: Angela Donald - 3/4/2010

Question
Since our beloved boxer died on Christmas day at 6 years old, we have been devastated..truly a member of all the families on our small block.
Vet recommended I try to find a boxer/Labrador mix because the health issues will not be so pronounced and because of the temperament and size of the animal (we are looking for 75-100 lbs).

My most important request is that the dog sheds very little, and is  young so that I may imprint her into our pack.  She will have a wonderful life with us and I am happy to provide whatever vet references or neighbor references needed to insure a wonderful.

My problem is in finding Boxadors!  I have found 1 breeder in Colorado but that is all.  However, I read about people having boxadors all the time.

Any advice on where to locate a boxer/lab, or lab/boxer mix in the Texas area.   Help, I am so tired of looking.  Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

I am very sorry to hear of your lost of your beloved boxer.
This is the first time I have ever heard of these breeds being purposely bred together and I do not know of any breeders of boxadors. You did not say what your boxer passed away of. The lab and boxer are both average shedders so that problem will not be fixed with this breed. If you are looking for a so called designer dog that doesn't shed then try a labradoodle, a cross of a poodle and lab. If you value the boxer dogs traits then nothing else will compare. Responsible boxer breeders test for health issues before breeding their boxers and temperament is also of utmost importance, so maybe you should be looking for another boxer from a reputable responsible breeder. The European boxers are bigger than the American boxers and may be what you are looking for.Most European breeders of boxers are required to do health testing on their boxers before breeding them, unfortunately in America it is not mandatory for the breeders to do health testing before breeding. That is why the boxer is getting a bad reputation as being prone to health problems, the fact is the puppymills and backyard breeders of the boxer are the real problem and their perpetuating the health problems by not testing. Go to my website and you will find a link to responsible boxer breeders within the United States if you choose to stay with the breed. Sorry I could not be of more help but thank you for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
http://www.hitowerboxers.com