Husky Boxer Mix (Boxsky): Appearance, Health and Character

Husky Boxer Mix (Boxsky): Appearance, Health and Character

Are Husky Boxer mixes good dogs? 

When you bring a Husky Boxer mix home to join your family, you will learn the true nature of the phrase ‘high energy’ dog. This breed mix is super active and will keep you on your toes round the clock. They are fun-loving, often mischievous, and very affectionate. If not properly engaged, they can become destructive, chewing toys or items around the home, digging in the garden, and even trying to escape to explore by themselves. 

Appearance 

With each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer.

This breed is a mix between the Husky and Boxer dog. This means that whilst most Husky Boxer mixes will have the same traits, they often can look very different between individual dogs. This is because, with each breeding, different traits are inherited so some can look more like their husky ancestors and others more like a boxer. However, if you look closely, you’ll find traits from both breeds in their physical appearance. 

What is a Husky Boxer mix also called?

Another name for the Husky Boxer mix is the Boxsky.

How big does a Boxer Husky mix get? 

They can vary vastly in size, ranging from around 20-35 inches to the shoulder. The boxer Husky mix can weigh anywhere from 20-35kg in weight. 

What is the life expectancy of a Boxer husky mix? 

Huskies usually live a long time, around 12-14 years, and Boxers sadly have a much shorter life span of around 8 years old as they are prone to more health issues. The Boxer Husky mix has a life expectancy of around 8-10 years if otherwise healthy. 

Exercise requirements 

Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks.

The Husky Boxer mix has a huge exercise requirement. A minimum of one and a half hours a day of exercise is recommended. Do not take on this breed mix if you are spending a lot of time out of the home each day with little time for walks. You should also consider their energy levels at home, and have a big yard available for them to play with toys whilst you are busy. Huskies are notorious fence jumpers so make sure your fence is at least one meter tall to prevent accidental escape. If not properly exercised, your Boxsky can turn aggressive or destructive in the home so always have plenty of time scheduled for walks, and keep them occupied at home with toys or puzzles. 

Training

This high-energy dog will love the interaction with people but can be a little challenging to train. This is partly due to the husky traits inherited. Start your training program as early as possible, ideally as a puppy, and prioritize good socialization skills both inside and outside of the home. Joining a group training class will help them to learn to focus on you when there is lots of other activity and distractions going on around them. Only join a training class once your puppy is fully vaccinated, which is usually around 16 weeks. 

Grooming

This breed sheds like crazy! The husky has a double coat and is a high shedding breed. This trait often gets passed on in the husky Boxer mix. Daily brushing is needed and you may still need to use professional grooming services for bathing and occasionally stripping out the coat when shedding is at its peak. 

Are Boxskys good family pets? 

We suggest the Boxsky would be perfect for families with children aged seven or older.

Whilst the Boxskys are very friendly, loving, and affectionate their energy and enthusiasm for life can be a little intimidating for smaller children or toddlers. We suggest the Boxsky would be perfect for families with children aged seven or older. Teenagers or particularly energetic children will relish having a friend who never gets tired of playtime! Equally a Boxsky will fit well into a family with no children as long as there is someone to exercise them enough. They get on well with other dogs, as long as they have been socialized properly from a young age so multi-dog households can consider a Boxsky as an addition to the pack. 

Health issues 

Cross breeding decreases the risk of breed-specific inherited traits and conditions but does not eliminate them. The boxsky is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and obesity. Boxers are particularly prone to a condition called dilated cardiomyopathy and ARVC which can lead to sudden death. It’s very important to have your Boxsky’s heart regularly checked by a veterinarian, ideally every 6 months as a minimum. 

How much does a Boxsky cost? 

You may be lucky enough to find a Boxsky at your local rescue center in which case they will cost the adoption fee usually. If you are purchasing from a breeder they can cost between $500 and $2000 depending on their parent’s lineage. 

You should also factor in the cost of ongoing care. They will need yearly vet checks with vaccination, flea and worming treatments, yearly blood tests, and dental hygiene care. There may be dog registration fees you need to pay with your local council. You will also need to consider grooming and training costs, as well as daycare if you are working for long hours. This all adds up pretty quickly! 

We strongly recommend pet insurance for when accidents arise. The Boxsky is a very high-energy dog and therefore prone to accidents. A trip to the emergency veterinary clinic can set you back a thousand dollars easily so having pet insurance will help cover these unexpected costs. 

Summary 

The Husky Boxer mix is a highly energetic, playful dog who will keep its owners on the go for hours on end. If you live a particularly active lifestyle, or spend large amounts of your day hiking or running, this dog is the perfect companion for you. If you are a first-time dog owner or have small children in the family, this may not be the breed for you. However, we can all agree, that a Boxsky is an incredibly attractive animal to behold, and its athletic prowess can see them succeed in competitive work such as agility or obedience.