Do YOU think this is a FULL Boxer?

[youngwife]

I (and my very knowledgeable daughter ) feel that Brutus is probably a Boxer/Bull Mastiff mix of some kind.

However, my Dad insists that he is full boxer. He was rescued from a shelter.

What do you think??

Ok, in this album are three dogs. Molly is a full boxer bought from a breeder. Colby is our Yorkie mix. Brutus is the one sitting on the grass and looking up into the camera. He has the black harness on with a red leash. He is larger than the other dogs.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...1&l=58167154d8

[lonegirl]

Nice looking dog. I think I would agree with you about the boxer/bull mastiff cross. either way nice looking dog!

[Breathless Wonder]

The I think he is a cross as well. His muzzle specifically makes me think that.

[youngwife]

Thank you! I think he is beautiful, too!! But, I just don't think that he can be a full breed boxer.

But, I'll let my dad think what he wants!!

His (Brutus) personality and mannerisms are very "mastiff-ish". He really is a brute at times, although he is very sweet. He just has that quality about him.

[SophieAnn]

I think he looks purebred, although I'm not very experienced with Boxers. I see them a lot at dog shows, though.

Brutus's muzzle does look larger than Molly's, but I would expect that with any breed - the males will have a noticeably larger head and muzzle than the females of the same breed, unless they were neutered too young.

Bullmastifs are quite a bit larger than Boxers, but Brutus is only slightly larger than Molly (again, one would expect the males to be larger than the females).

Also, looking at the photo of their two rears (at the door ready for a walk?) they look almost identical, just with Brutus being slightly larger.

Based on those pictures, and after looking at some other pictures of male boxers with natural ears... I really think he's purebred. I mean, yeah, technically speaking he isn't purebred without papers but... you know.

Either way, he's a darling!

Edited to add: Now I see the muzzle thing... his muzzle is shorter than it should be for a boxer, right? According to the breed standard, his muzzle should be 1/3rd the total length of the head. So, maybe he's a boxer who doesn't meet breed standards? Or maybe he's 3/4 or more boxer. Everything else looks to be the right proportion and build.

[jennifercp8]

Beautiful dog! I think he is a mix, but he still quite handsome. I think the nose is too wide, and sits differently on his face than a typical boxer's nose.

[Oubliette8]

I think he's likely full. Boxers seem to come in all sorts of body types. If I had to pick the mix, I'd actually think Molly was more likely to be a mix than Brutus. They're sort of like labs- they're so popular that they come in all sorts of body types.

[youngwife]

Thanks so much for taking time to look and for sharing your opinions with me! I also think he is beautiful whatever he is!

[LiamTaylorsMom]

We've always had boxers and my mom used to raise them. He looks like a full boxer to me.

As a side note...we used to have a boxer named Molly and my DH has had two boxers named Brutus. Ha ha.

In fact, I'm actually surprised the Molly is full breed. She doesn't look it. Boxers usually do not have that big of a snout. I hate to say it, but I would bet your breeder is not right.

[femalephish]

He looks like a full boxer to me, and we're boxer people! Males should be bigger and have a 'blocky-er' head.

[Amanda L]

He looks full blooded to me. I thought my dog couldn't possible be a full blooded boxer since he was a rescue too, but my vet told me he was. Georgeous dogs, by the way.

[youngwife]

Thank you all!! It's so interesting to hear the varying opinions.

I *think* that my brother has papers on Molly...but couldn't swear to it. We have enjoyed having the dogs visit, and seeing how different each of their personalities are.

[youngwife]

http://www.fotothing.com/photos/013/...e7c91d_b6c.jpg

I guess this pic is what made us think that Brutus had some Mastiff in him.

[mom0810]

Purebred Boxer, for sure. If anything, Molly looks like a mix.

[Amanda L]

I think your more recent pic looks just like the one on this page (random search found it) . . . http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-289495.html . . . which is supposed to be a full-bred boxer.

[blessedwithboys]

I see English Mastiff in Brutus and in the pic posted by the PP.

[youngwife]

The link last link I posted is of a Boxer/Mastiff mix that, to me, really resembled Brutus.

Like with Colby, I'd love to have a blood test to know for sure...simply because I am so stinkin' curious!

[SquishyKitty]

He looks full boxer to me. Just remember that boxers have mastiff/molosser lines anyways. His might be more pronounced, but I've seen some boxers that almost look more mastiff in the face. His body is all boxer, though. Slim hips, big chest, long legs. His head shape is boxer to me, as well.

[Sol_y_Paz]

He looks full, just not very well bred.
But a cutie!

[lexapurple]

To me Brutus looks much more purebred than Molly, even thought you say she is and was bought from the breeder. We are boarding two boxer/lab mixes right now and they look exactly like she does.
Brutus is not show type but he has correct head and right body proportions. However some people breed boxers with american bulldogs and those mixes look like him too.