If you have a hyper dog and think it can’t get crazier than that. Well, let me introduce you to the Boxer Husky mix or the Boxsky. A crossbreed between the Siberian Husky and Boxer. This designer dog is highly active and full of energy. But they are also brave protectors and loyal friends.
I’ll be honest with you. This mix is not for everyone. They require a lot of time and energy. This dog is demanding and needs a lot (and I mean A LOT) of attention.
But, I’ll be even more honest and tell you this dog is worth all the effort! Through this article, you’ll learn about the Boxer Husky mix. Starting from how they look, what their nature is, and if they are overall healthy dogs.
Boxer Husky Mix – The Boxsky
Sorry if I scared you with the intro. But, you should know all the good and the bad before getting the Boxsky. As I’ve said, this dog is not for everyone! But, they might be for you.
Sadly we can’t know what the Boxer Husky Mix will look like. It’s a designer dog we’re talking about, not even the breeder will know what the puppies will come out looking for.
So be ready for everything. For a puppy that looks like the Boxer, or a puppy that looks more like a Siberian Husky. Or, the third option is that they will look like an equal mix of both parent breeds.
What they look like
The Boxer Husky Mix is a crossbreed of two large, working dogs. Their mix is between 20 and 25 inches tall and weighs between 35 and 70 pounds. The coat of the Boxsky can be either short, as the coat of their Boxer parent. Or it can be a bit longer if they are more like their Husky parent. When it comes to their coat color expect the unexpected. Their coat can be any of the following colors:
- fawn
- tan
- brindle
- black
- white and grey
Basically, they can be any of the above-mentioned colors or a combination of multiple colors. Usually, they also have a lighter underbelly. If you want a dog that doesn’t shed, then the Boxer Husky Mix is not for you. Both their parent breeds are shedders. Their Husky parent breed even has a double coat. Even though the coat of the Boxsky is not long, it’s very dense.
So, these dogs are not low-maintenance and need regular brushing. Especially during the periods when they are blowing their coat. Which is usually in the spring. Invest in a good de-shedding brush and tools like combs, slicker brushes, and rubber curry brushes.
Their body is muscular but lean. This dog usually has a longer muzzle and a black nose. What’s special about them is that they can have beautiful blue eyes. Just like their Siberian Husky parent! But of course, they can also have darker eyes, or two-colored eyes where one eye is blue and the other dark. This is called Heterochromia.
What they are like
The Boxer Husky Mix inherited many traits of both parent breeds. They are loyal and brave dogs. So they will do anything to protect you. At the same time, these dogs are very loving and affectionate.
Both the Boxer and Siberian Husky are highly intelligent dogs. So, you can expect the same from their crossbreed. The Boxsky will amaze you with their intelligence.
These dogs are also very active and need a lot of exercises. After all both, the parent breeds are working dogs.
Now, in addition to being intelligent, these dogs are also highly independent. So, even though they are so smart, training them won’t be easy. You will need a lot of patience and dedication when training them. This is why it’s important to start early on. You should also start socializing them while they are still puppies. Socialization is important so your puppy grows up in a well-behaved and well-rounded dog.
When socializing and training them always use positive reinforcement. Praise them for everything they did right, give them treats and pet them. That’s how they will learn the best.
Health
Many people believe that mixed breeds are usually healthier. And this can be true for some crossbreeds. But, don’t rely on that too much. Sadly, any dog can get sick. No matter if it’s a purebred or a crossbreed.
The Boxer Husky mix is no exception. These dogs are susceptible to many health problems including:
- hip dysplasia
- cataracts
- congenital heart defects
- different types of cancer
Besides these health issues, your Boxer Husky mix can also suffer from:
- Wobbler Syndrome – causes compression of the spinal cord and nerves in the neck. It results in a loss of feeling in the feet and legs. Because of which your dog will wobble or walk weird.
- Cushing’s Syndrome – occurs when the dog’s body produces too much cortisol.
Their life expectancy is between eight and ten years, which is fairly short for a large dog. For example, their parent breeds live longer. The Siberian Husky has a life expectancy between 12 and 15 years, and the Boxer between 10 and 12 years.
But, if you take good care of your dog and feed them a healthy diet, as well as take them to the ver regularly, your dog should live its maximum years.
Exercise
Another way of keeping your dog healthy and making sure they live a long life is to make sure they get enough exercise. For the Husky Boxer mix, it’s between 70 and 80 minutes of exercise a day. They are very active dogs with a lot of energy, so they also need a lot of exercises. If not, they will become bored, miserable, and even destructive.
Because of their high activity level and exercise needs, it would be best if they got to live in a big house with a yard where they can run around and play. If you don’t have a yard or live in a small apartment, you will have to take them out on multiple long walks every day. And then it won’t be only 70 to 80 minutes of exercise, but it will be between 90 minutes and two hours.
Also, don’t forget to incorporate playtime with different games like fetch or Frisbee and mental stimulation games and training sessions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Boxsky is a great dog. But they are also high-maintenance. They need a lot of care, activity, and attention. So, they are not for everyone.
They need an owner who will have time for them and their needs. And, they might not be for first-time owners. It’s best if they had someone with experience. Someone who knows how to train and socialize them.
So, the Boxer Husky mix is a good dog, if you know how to take care of them. They also make great pets, if you are a good owner.