The Boxer Husky Mix, or the Boxsky, comes from the cross between a Boxer and a Siberian Husky. It’s affectionate, loving, and loyal towards its family.
Are you considering getting this breed? If you have an active lifestyle or are an experienced pet parent, then this is well within your capacity.
Otherwise, be sure you can commit much of your time to this dog breed. After all, it needs lots of exercise and training.
Let’s go in-depth into this interesting mixed breed. Read on to know more!
Where Does the Boxer Husky Mix Come From?
Like many hybrids, it’s difficult to trace the origin of the Husky Mix. The best you can do is go back to the purebreds they derive from. This will help you understand the behaviors and temperaments of the offspring.
So, here’s a quick history of the parent breeds:
Boxer History
The Boxer hails from Germany and descends from the larger Bullenbeisser—a boar, bear, and bison hunter. The hunting tradition ended by 1865 and so began crosses to create sleeker and smaller dogs.
The Boxer came about from these mixes. This breed is used to working and was even employed for military and ranch work during World War I. Besides that, it’s also a prized athlete, watchdog, and guide dog.
In 1903, this breed made its way to America. A year later, it gained recognition from the American Kennel Club.
Siberian Husky History
The Siberian Husky breed, as the name implies, came from Siberia, particularly from the Chukchi tribe. These dogs played with children and the women were tasked to care for them. As such, they’ve become naturally attached to families.
During these times, Huskies were mainly used as sled dogs for trading goods and transporting food. In the early 1900s though, they shot to fame due to their participation in sled races.
Eventually, fur traders introduced them to America in 1908.
Boxer Husky Mix Facts
Boxer Husky mixes have a stocky and athletic physique with sizes ranging from medium to large.
They can grow to about 20–35 inches tall on the shoulder and can weigh around 35–80 lbs.
In terms of life expectancy, they can survive for as long as 10–14 years when cared for properly.
Boxer Husky Mix Appearance
The Husky and the Boxer differ in many aspects, the most obvious is their appearance. This makes the resulting mix quite unpredictable. Others may have features leaning more toward one parent, while some may show a unique mixture of traits.
Coat Appearance
Many Boxsky mixes take after the short and dense coat of the Boxer parent. Still, others may inherit the medium-length, double coat of the Husky. Moreover, typical coat colors can vary from fawn, black, brindle, and white, to gray.
Facial Features
One Boxsky can have contrasting facial features from another. For example, the snout can be long or short. The ears may droop or stand erect, while the eyes can be dark brown or blue.
Moreover, your dog may have some facial folds that are passed on from the Boxer parent.
Boxer Husky Mix Price and Expenses
The price for a Boxsky pup from a reputable breeder is around $1000–$1500. This seems to be a steep price, but buying from a credible source is your best bet for a healthy dog.
Cost of Ownership
Aside from the initial price, there’s a lot more you need to prepare for.
For instance, you need a bed and a crate before taking your dog home. A collar and a leash are also necessary. This will likely cost you around $100–$250.
Your Boxsky is highly-energetic and tends to get bored easily. That said, you have to provide it with chew toys, so it doesn’t get destructive.
A single toy for aggressive chewers costs around $10. Of course, you can cut back on this budget by investing in more durable materials, so you won’t need to replace the toys as often.
You also need to prepare treats for interactive plays or training. For this, you’ll likely shell out an additional $20–$25 monthly.
More importantly, a chunk of the budget is allocated for food. Other expenses come from grooming needs and vet visits. In total, this can rack up dog ownership costs to $2000. It may even reach the $3000 mark if you’re looking for insurance and more frequent medical exams.
Boxer Husky Mix Behavior, Characteristics, and Temperament
Boxer Husky mixes are naturally playful, affectionate, and loyal to families—characteristics that come from both parents. They’re also excellent watchdogs.
If they take after the Boxer’s personality, they can even be trained as guard dogs too.
Good with Children
The good thing about these mixes is that they’re fairly good with children. Despite their playfulness, they’re tolerant and patient with younger family members.
Nonetheless, you shouldn’t be too confident about leaving your kids alone with your dog. Supervision is still important.
Unwanted Behaviors
There are undesirable traits that may show up in your Boxsky mixes. Some of these include being rowdy and chasing after smaller animals. These characteristics come from the Husky’s independent nature and prey drive.
They can even inherit the howling tendency of the Husky, especially when left alone. Plus, they may exhibit destructive behavior, like chewing and digging.
Boxer Husky Mix Health
Boxer Husky Mixes can be at risk from health conditions that affect one or both parent breeds. Here are some concerns you need to watch out for:
- Hip Dysplasia
This hip joint condition is characterized by the misalignment of the ball and socket. As a result, functionality, and movement are impaired.
When your dog suffers from hip dysplasia, you may notice limping, trouble standing up, and unusual sitting position. A popping sound from the joint while moving is another tell-tale sign.
This ailment should be checked immediately as it’s rather painful.
- Bloat
Bloat is a serious condition in dogs. The gas trapped inside the stomach disrupts regular blood circulation. Consequently, this leads to insufficient supply to vital organs including the pancreas.
Furthermore, this produces toxic enzymes that are capable of stopping the heart. Treatment within an hour or two is important to prevent your dog from going into shock.
- Idiopathic Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition that commonly affects Boxers and Siberian Huskies. It’s characterized by the recurrence of seizures. Unfortunately, there’s no definite cause at the moment. This is why it’s also termed “Idiopathic Epilepsy”.
If your dog exhibits uncontrolled movements, consult a veterinarian. Frequent seizures can be life-threatening, thus, they need immediate action.
Hypothyroidism
This disease affects the endocrine system and results in the underproduction of thyroid hormones. As a result, body functions slow down, including metabolism.
If your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, you’d observe weight gain even with minimal food intake. Thinning hair and increased skin pigmentation are other signs.
Some behavioral changes are also noticeable, like wanting to lie around and sleep for long periods. Plus, your pet may start seeking warmer areas.
Eye Problems
Eye problems can develop in your dog too. Possible conditions include juvenile cataracts, anine glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy.
How to Care for a Boxer Husky Mix
Your Boxer Husky mix needs proper care to stay healthy and happy. This way, they’d live out their full life expectancy and maybe even more.
Here’s a guide for you:
How Much Exercise Does a Boxer Husky Mix?
This mixed breed comes from two highly-energetic parents, so it’s no wonder it is too. They require 60–90 minutes of exercise daily.
Going for long walks, running, and even hiking will make this dog happy and content. Dog parks are also excellent socialization venues. Just make sure to keep your Boxsky on a leash as a safety measure.
At home, you can bond over interactive play. Mix it up with mentally-stimulating games to exercise both mind and body.
Obviously, as the pet parent, you need to match the active lifestyle of this mix. If you aren’t up for this challenge, you may as well reconsider getting one.
How Much Grooming Does a Boxer Husky Mix Need?
A Boxsky can inherit the dense, short coat of the Boxer; but it can also exhibit the medium-length, double coat of the Husky. Either way, it benefits from a weekly brushing.
Use a curry brush for short coats. On the other hand, a toothed comb is best for double coats to remove tangles and avoid matting.
This breed sheds during fall, but most of the time the coat is easily manageable.
Additionally, bathe your dog regularly. In this case, once or twice a month should be enough. That still depends on its activities, though, so adjust accordingly.
Moreover, give special attention to ear care, especially if it inherited the floppy ears of the Boxer. This makes your dog prone to ear infections. So make sure to dry the ears after bathing.
Lastly, brush your dogs’ teeth at least twice a week and trim its nails to avoid overgrowth.
Are Boxer Husky Mixes Trainable?
Boxer Husky mixes can be stubborn and willful at times. They also easily lose concentration. These traits make training challenging. Doing this early, combined with socialization can soften these attitudes.
You have to assert your authority by being firm and consistent, yet patient at the same time. Use positive reinforcement and reward good behavior.
Plus, this breed is highly intelligent. Once you’ve established your role, it’ll be easier for them to follow commands.
House training should take precedence while you’re at this. Teach your Boxsky where to sleep, eat, and litter. This avoids bad habits from developing in your home.
Does a Boxer Husky Mix Need Socialization?
Socializing this breed early is quite important. The Boxer parent is wary of strangers—something that can be addressed with exposure to humans, other dogs, and even other pets.
On the other hand, the Husky tends to chase smaller animals like rodents and cats. Socialization curtails this prey drive.
Boxer Husky Mix Diet
Feed your Boxsky with dog food appropriate for its size. Since this breed grows to medium or large and has high energy, it naturally eats more than your regular dog.
Provide a protein-rich diet from animal sources coupled with healthy fats. It’s likely to consume around three cups daily. You can divide these into two or three servings and spaced meal times.
Take note as well that the parent Boxer is prone to obesity. Always check if this is starting to manifest in your mix.
Are Boxer Husky Mixes Good Family Pets?
Generally, these mixes are good family pets. They’re loyal, affectionate, good with children, intelligent, and have bright personalities. When trained properly, they can even be great watchdogs and guard dogs.
However, they should have access to a lot of space, a fenced yard, or nearby parks. Plus, it needs sufficient training and exercise to prevent behavioral issues from surfacing.
As such, a suitable owner would be one with an active lifestyle or an experienced dog handler.
How to Acquire a Boxer Husky Mix?
The Boxsky is a rare mix but there are three places you can acquire a Boxsky—breeders, pet stores, and animal shelters. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to get one from a reputable breeder or rescue facility.
Some offers may be tempting but options like pet stores and backyard breeders should be avoided. With these, you’re not sure of the environmental conditions the dogs were subjected to.
If you purchase one from these sources, you may find out later that it’s ridden with medical conditions.
Reputable Breeders
You can purchase a Boxsky from a reputable breeder. This will make you feel more at ease that your pup is screened thoroughly for diseases.
Furthermore, you’ll be provided with certifications and medical history, including the dog’s vaccinations. Sooner or later, you’ll realize that the initial price is worth it.
Shelter
Adopting a Boxsky from an animal rescue is another good option. If you find one in your area, chances are, it’s already full-grown.
Make sure to learn as much as you can about its history, why it was abandoned, and possible traumas. This way you’d know where to start.
Conclusion
The Boxer Husky mix is a loving, loyal, and playful breed that’s also patient towards younger family members. Its high-energy level perfectly matches dog parents with an equally active lifestyle.
Moreover, it requires thorough training and socialization to curtail its prey drive, willful character, and wariness toward strangers.