Bull-Boxer

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The Staffordshire Bull Boxer originated in the 1990s in Great Britain by crossing the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the Boxer. This hybrid is often recognized as superior to either of its parents, the Staffordshire mellowing the inherited playfulness of the Boxer and the Boxer taming the aggression that "bull breeds" are known for. Bull Boxers or pups labeled as such are often not 50% mixes. Many combinations of bull breeds and Boxers are labeled as Bull Boxers. Another variation of the name is Bulloxer, which refers to predominantly American Bulldog/Boxer mixes.

[edit] Breed Standards

Being a hybrid, there are no set standards for the breed. A large, squared head with defined jaw muscles are generally the only requirement. Different variations of the Bull Boxer including the American Bull Dog/Boxer and Pit Bull Terrier/Boxer crosses are common as well, but relatively new. The coat should be short and stiff and is often available in flashy brindle or fawn, with white mixes and black or reverse brindle coats being uncommon and often frowned upon.The Staffordshire Bull Boxer originated in the 1990s in Great Britain by crossing the Staffordshire Bull Terrier with the Boxer. This hybrid is often recognized as superior to either of its parents, the Staffordshire mellowing the inherited playfulness of the Boxer and the Boxer taming the aggression that "bull breeds" are known for. Bull Boxers or pups labeled as such are often not 50% mixes. Many combinations of bull breeds and Boxers are labeled as Bull Boxers. Another variation of the name is Bulloxer, which refers to predominantly American Bulldog/Boxer mixes.

[edit] Breed Recognition

The American Kennel Club has not recognized the Bull Boxer as true breed, but many consider the longevity of the mix as qualification enough to be classified as an independent breed, though the classification of hybrid is still more common and more accepted. The AKC has a committe that is currently under going many changes, one if which is classifying the Bull Boxer as a true breed.

[edit] Health

Breeders of the Bull Boxer say that crossing can reduce the inherent predisposition to skin cancer from the Boxer side as well as the Staffordshire's predisposition to heart disease; however, some breeders still dispute this claim.