Box Heeler

also known as Boxer Cattle Dog, Box Cattle Dog

Breed Information


Type

Is Box Heeler a purebred?

Cross Breed

Purpose

What were Box Heelers originally used for?

Companion

Lifespan

How Long Do Box Heelers Live? What is average life expectancy for a Box Heeler? How long can Box Heelers live?

11-15 years

The average Box Heeler lifespan is somewhere between 11-15 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Box Heeler Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Box Heeler?

What is the average height of a Box Heeler? How big is a Cross Breed Box Heeler height? Box Heeler dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 18-25 inches (45.7 - 63.5 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
Female 15-23 inches (38.1 - 58.4 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 9.0 inches (22.9 cm) 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
What is the average weight of a Box Heeler? How much should Box Heelers weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 35-80 pounds (16 - 36 kg) 8.5 pounds (4 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Female 20-60 pounds (9 - 27 kg) 8.5 pounds (4 kg) 11.5 pounds (5 kg) 14.0 pounds (6 kg)
Hypoallergenic

Are Box Heelers Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Box Heeler is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Box Heeler personality? What are Box Heeler dogs best known for?

Active
Playful
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Loyal
Fearless
Brave
Bright
Hard working
Resourceful

Shedding Level

Are Box Heelers heavy shedders? How Much Does a Box Heeler Shed?

Box Heeler dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Box Heeler. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Breed History


Ancestry

What are Box Heelers descended from?

Blue Heeler and Boxer

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Box Heeler breed?

DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.

Date of Birth

When were Box Heelers first bred? How old is the Box Heeler breed?

Unknown

Box Heeler Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Box Heeler eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Box Heeler nose be naturally?

Black

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Box Heeler coat be naturally?

Brindle
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Box Heelers coat?

The coat of a Box Heeler dog ranges in length from short to medium.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Box Heeler Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Box Heeler?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Box Heeler have in a litter? How many puppies can a Box Heeler have in her first litter?

2-10 puppies per pregnancy

A Box Heeler can have a litter of 2-10 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

The adaptability of Box Heeler dogs is a well-known trait, they are known for being able to adjust well to different living environments and lifestyle changes.

Box Heeler Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Box Heelers have a lot of health problems?

The Box Heeler breed is commonly healthy with low vet costs, regular check-ups may not be as necessary but it's important to keep an eye on their health and have them checked by a veterinarian when needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Box Heeler?

Usually Very Healthy

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Box Heelers?

Eye Problems
Gastric Dilation Volvulus

Occasional Diagnoses

Cataracts
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Box Heeler breed?

X-Rays
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Box Heeler Needs and Activities


Social Needs

Do Box Heelers need socialization? How social are Box Heelers?

Box Heeler have above average social needs compared to other breeds.They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Box Heeler have? Do Box Heelers sleep a lot?

Box Heelers are active dogs that don't require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Mouthiness

Are Box Heelers mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Box Heeler running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Box Heeler dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Box Heelers enjoy doing? How do I keep my Box Heeler busy?

Chase, Catch treats, Car rides, Walk, Run, Tug-of-war, Playdate, Chase tail, Eating, Play fetch, Cuddling, Take on walks, Hanging out, Chewing antlers, Daily walks, Jeep rides, Dog Parks, Fetch, Hike, Swim, Cuddle, Shake, Hiking, Running, Swimming, Sleeping, Keep away, Fetching, Go Camping, Cuddles

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Box Heeler? How much energy does a Box Heeler have?

Medium

Box Heelers are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Box Heeler walk each week? How many miles should a Box Heeler walk every week?

9 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Box Heeler, it's at least 9 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Box Heeler should exercise a day? How much activity does a Box Heeler need?

45 minutes

In general most Box Heelers usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Box Heeler?

The Box Heeler is a breed of dog that does not require extensive grooming.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Box Heeler?

Weekly

Box Heeler should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Box Heelers?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Box Heeler eat?

3 cups

For an average 35-80 pound (16 - 36 kg) Box Heeler feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Box Heeler Cost Daily?

$2.10 - $2.70 / day

The average cost of a Box Heeler is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Box Heeler Cost Per Month?

$55 - $73 / month

The average per month expenses of a Box Heeler is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Box Heeler Characteristic


Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Box Heeler dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Apartment Friendly

Do Box Heeler do well in apartments? Are Box Heelers good indoor dogs?

Box Heelers are dogs that do well in apartments with sufficient exercise, but they would really appreciate a small yard.

Child Friendly

Are Box Heelers good with kids? Are Box Heelers good around children?

Box Heelers are average friendly dogs towards children.

Senior-friendly

Are Box Heelers good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Box Heelers good with cats? How friendly Box Heelers are toward cats?

Box Heelers are an average cat friendly dog. They do well with cats, even more if raised together from puppyhood,

Dog Friendly

Do Box Heeler dogs get along with other dogs? Are Box Heelers OK with other dogs?

Box Heelers are below average dog friendly dogs. Box Heeler dogs may not always get along well with other dogs they have not been raised with,

Pet friendly

How do Box Heeler dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Box Heelers friendly with strangers?

Box Heelers are average friendly around strangers. They can be wary around strangers and a little standoffish. Early socialisation is key.

Playfulness

Do Box Heelers like to play? Are Box Heelers playful?

Box Heelers are known to be highly playful dog. So if you're not up for all that, think about adopting a slightly older Box Heeler for a mellower experience.

Trainability

Are Box Heeler easily trained?

Box Heeler dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.