The Box-a-Shar, a cross between a Boxer and a Shar-Pei, inherits traits from both parent breeds. These large dogs can weigh up to 65 pounds and come in various colors such as light brown, black, red, golden, merle, and brindle. Their coats are typically straight, fine, and short to medium in length. To keep their appearance appealing, regular care is essential.
In addition to their striking appearance, Box-a-Shars make excellent family companions. They are kind and intelligent dogs that get along well with children. They are also known for being good watchdogs, as they will alert you if someone is attempting to break in.
Below, we look at Box-a-Shar dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Box-a-Shar, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and a lot more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Box-a-Shars!
| Dog Breed | Box-a-Shar |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-60 lbs (average) |
| Height | 18-24″ (average) |
| Location | United States |
| Ancestry | Boxer, Shar-Pei |
| Date of Origin | 2000s |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years |
| Price | $600 – $1200 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Box-a-Shar is a hybrid breed that is created from a Boxer and Chinese Shar-Pei. The Boxer has a strong and powerful bite, which was historically used for holding down prey such as bears and wild boar. It is believed to be descended from the old fighting dog of Tibet and is related to various Bulldog breeds. The Boxer is part of the Molosser group, which traces its lineage back to the Molossus, a large Shepherd dog favored by the Ancient Romans and Greeks. Although Boxers were initially used for fighting and bull baiting, they later served as messenger and guard dogs during World War 1. They were first registered by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Today, Boxers are known for their loyalty, affectionate nature, and strength, making them popular as family pets, as well as service and therapy dogs.
On the other hand, the Chinese Shar-Pei originated in China around 2000 years ago. They are characterized by their wrinkled faces and bodies, as well as their blue-black tongues and mouths. The name “Shar-Pei” means “sand skin” and refers to the texture of their short, rough coat. Originally bred for their strength, they were primarily used for hunting on farms and later became fighting dogs. The breed was introduced to the United States in 1973 and was accepted in the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1988. In 1991, they were officially recognized by the club as a member of the Non-Sporting Group. Chinese Shar-Pei are also referred to as Chinese Fighting Dogs.
🐕 Box-a-Shar Appearance
The Box-a-Shar is a large-sized breed, and depending on the particular dog, its distinctive coat can be spotted or speckled and appear in a range of colors, including light brown, black, red, golden, merle, or brindle. Typically, they have straight, fine, short to medium-length coats. Although this may change depending on which parent breed is more prominent, your pet is likely to exhibit traits from both parents. Given that both of their parent breeds are canines with brachycephalic head shapes, Box-a-Shars are most likely to have rather short muzzles and noses. Shar-Peis have curly tails, whereas boxers typically have docked tails.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brown, Black, Red, Brindle, Pied |
⚡ Fun Fact: Box-a-Shar dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Box-a-Shar
The Box-a-Shar is a smart, devoted, and serene dog that makes a wonderful family pet. The Box-a-Shar is fine with children and fiercely protective of the family, in contrast to the Shar-Pei who doesn’t accept children very well and can be violent against outsiders. The breed is also reputed to get along well with other animals, however, as with other dogs, early socialization and training are crucial. Although the Box-a-Shar is simple to train, patience may be required at times because to its tendency to be a little obstinate. The Box-a-Shar is attentive and typically makes a fine watchdog like both of its parent breeds. They are reserved among strangers yet friendly and lively with those they know. They require a modest amount of activity, although they are content living in apartments if they are taken for daily walks. Although the breed is not renowned for excessive barking, it does enjoy spending time with the family and will be happy if left alone for a decent period of time.
🤝 Are Box-a-Shars Friendly or Aggressive?
Box-a-Shar dogs tend to get along well with other pets, but they may not be very friendly towards strangers. They have an average level of friendliness towards children and cats, but they are not the most dog-friendly dogs. If you are looking to add more dogs to your family or participate in dog meetups, the Box-a-Shar may not be the best option. However, they are generally okay with elderly people, making them a suitable choice for seniors.
This breed is known for being:
- Playful
- Loving
- Independent
- Energetic
- Intelligent
- Confident
- Friendly
- Affectionate
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Fearless
- Brave
- Bright
- Reserved
- Suspicious
🐩 Box-a-Shar Care & Maintenance
Although they require only a small amount of grooming to maintain their excellent looks and health, Box-a-Shars are not hypoallergenic pets. They shed less often outside of the shedding season, therefore cleaning the coat with a pin or slicker brush two to three times each week will be adequate. Make sure the dog’s wrinkles, which tend to follow the Shar-Pei ancestry, are completely dried off after a bath to avoid the development of any yeast or fungal illnesses. Use a dog shampoo and only bathe your pet when absolutely essential to avoid any skin discomfort. Regularly brush your teeth, and trim your nails as needed. Checking the ears for filth and giving them a gentle clean with wet cotton wool is another smart move.
Box-a-Shar dogs are known for being low shedders, meaning they don’t lose a lot of hair. This shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle that all dogs go through. However, the amount and frequency of shedding can vary depending on the dog’s overall health and the specific breed they belong to. When it comes to bath time, Box-a-Shar dogs typically require bathing every 4-6 weeks to keep their coat clean and healthy.
🍖 Food: We recommend 3 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or approximately $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Box-a-Shar dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 9 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Box-a-Shar dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Box-a-Shar Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Box-a-Shar Dog Breed can be:
- Bloat
- Hypothyroidism
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Cancer
- Aortic Stenosis
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
🤧 Important: Is Box-a-Shar hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Box-a-Shar.
⚡ Box-a-Shar Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Box-a-Shar a great choice for families with young children?
The Box-a-Shar is a great choice for families with young children because they are gentle and good with kids. Unlike the Shar-Pei, who may not tolerate children well, the Box-a-Shar is protective over the family and known to be good with children.
Is the Box-a-Shar breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Box-a-Shar breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They can happily live in an apartment as long as they are taken out daily for exercise. They do not require excessive amounts of exercise compared to some other breeds.
How much exercise does a Box-a-Shar require compared to other breeds?
The Box-a-Shar requires a moderate amount of exercise. While they do need regular exercise, they do not require as much as some high-energy breeds. Daily walks and playtime should be sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Is the Box-a-Shar breed known for being good with other pets?
Yes, the Box-a-Shar breed is known for being good with other pets. They are generally good with other animals, but like most dogs, early socialization and training are important.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Box-a-Shar?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Box-a-Shar include the Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These breeds also have short coats and require minimal grooming.
What are the common health issues that Box-a-Shars are prone to?
Common health issues that Box-a-Shars are prone to include hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups and proper care can help mitigate these potential issues.
Are Box-a-Shars known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Box-a-Shars are generally easy to train. However, they can be a little stubborn at times, so patience and consistency in training methods are important.
Are Box-a-Shars more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Box-a-Shars are not particularly prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. However, like any dog, they can develop separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Box-a-Shar that are suitable for people with allergies?
Yes, there are dog breeds similar to the Box-a-Shar that are suitable for people with allergies. Some hypoallergenic breeds include the Poodle, Bichon Frise, and Schnauzer.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Box-a-Shar are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller-sized dogs similar to the Box-a-Shar would be a good choice. Breeds such as the Shih Tzu, Pug, and French Bulldog are compact and can thrive in smaller living spaces.
Is the Box-a-Shar breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Box-a-Shar breed is generally known to be good with children. However, it is important to note that each dog’s temperament may vary, so careful introductions and supervision are always recommended.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Box-a-Shar?
In terms of grooming and shedding needs, the Box-a-Shar is relatively low-maintenance compared to some other breeds. Their coats are normally straight and fine, and they have short to medium hair length. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional bathing, will keep them looking good. They do shed, but not excessively.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Box-a-Shar dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
