Boxsky

Canis lupus

Last updated: May 15, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© TayaJohnston/Shutterstock.com

Boxers were bred to be working war dogs, and their boxsky descendants still love to help out on ranches and other outdoor jobs.


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Boxsky Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Boxsky Conservation Status

Boxsky Locations

Boxsky Locations

Boxsky Facts

Fun Fact
Boxers were bred to be working war dogs, and their boxsky descendants still love to help out on ranches and other outdoor jobs.
Temperament
Affectionate, energetic, and independent
Diet
Omnivore

Boxsky Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Grey
  • Fawn
  • Black
  • White
  • Brindle
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12-15 years
Weight
75 lbs

Boxsky as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$800-1200
Dog group
Working
Male weight
35-75 lbs
Female weight
35-75 lbs

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Boxers were once bred to be war dogs who performed security duties and carried messages. Meanwhile, huskies were bred to be sled dogs who ran for long distances. Breeders created the boxsky to have a perfect hybrid of these loyal and hardworking tendencies.

The boxsky is an adorable mix between a Siberian Husky and a boxer. These dogs are large, playful, and hard-working, making them a great choice for owners with an active lifestyle. Many people adopt boxskies for their unique appearance, which includes a short but thick coat, a stocky frame, and a set of piercing blue husky eyes.

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Owning a boxsky takes a lot of work, so remember that these dogs are not for first-time dog parents. However, if you have a yard and plenty of free time, you might find that a boxsky is the most affectionate and loving dog that you’ve ever adopted.

History Of The Breed

It is not known when the boxsky was started but it is believed to have been more recent, although both of its parent breeds have a long history. The boxer originated in Germany in the late 19th century and was developed from the Bullenbeisser dog, which was a hunting dog. The husky comes from Siberia, Russia, dating back more than 4,000 years to the Chukchi people who raised them as sled and companion dogs.

Owning A Boxsky: 3 Pros And Cons

Pros!Cons!
Low shedding! Huskies might shed a lot, but boxers have short coats. This means that boxskies have significantly lower shedding levels while still being moderately weatherproof.Extremely energetic: Boxskies have an endless fountain of energy and are very hard to tire out. Don’t adopt one of these dogs unless you can take them to the park every day.
Great attitude! Boxskies are known for being sweet, affectionate, and fun-loving. Most Boxsky owners report that their dogs are the life of the party.Hard to train: Boxskies have stubborn personalities and short attention spans. Although they have no problem learning basic commands, these dogs may struggle to pick up more complicated training patterns.
Very playful! Boxskies are full of energy and love to play games like fetch or tug-of-war. Some boxskies are intelligent enough to learn more interesting canine activities, such as lure chasing or basic tricks.Trips to the groomer: Even though they have short hair, boxskies often have the same double coats as their husky parents. This means that you’ll need to take your boxsky to the groomer when the weather warms up to prevent them from overheating.

Size And Weight

Boxskies are medium to large dogs with strong frames, short coats, slightly elongated snouts, and piercing blue eyes. When full-grown, boxskies typically weigh between 35 and 75 pounds and stand between 20 to 35 inches tall. Although female boxskies may be smaller than their male counterparts, the difference is usually negligible.

Height (male)20-35 in
Height (female)20-35 in
Weight (male)35-75 lbs
Weight (female)35-75 lbs

Common Health Issues

Boxskies are incredibly healthy dogs with few natural health conditions. Issues like joint dysplasia and vision problems are moderately normal, so make sure to get your puppy checked by the vet as soon as you bring them home. As they get older, your boxsky might also start to suffer from heart problems. In general, ask your vet to check for conditions like:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Cataracts or retinal atrophy
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Canine epilepsy

Temperament

Boxskies are sweet, energetic, loyal, and affectionate dogs with winning and playful personalities. These dogs have an endless amount of energy, which means that they can run and play for hours on end without getting tired. Boxskies are the perfect choice for families with large yards, spare time, and access to a local dog park. Their super-sweet attitudes make them an instant hit with other dogs and their owners, so don’t be afraid to let your boxsky socialize.

Health and Entertainment for your Boxsky

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Although they are very sweet and affectionate, full-grown boxskies can be stubborn and a little difficult to handle. Don’t expect your dog to learn more than a few basic commands, and be ready to give them their own space when you’re too tired to provide the level of energy that they are looking for. These pups love attention, but they are independent enough to spend time by themselves, especially if there is an adult nearby to keep their separation anxiety at bay.

How To Take Care Of A Boxsky

Boxskies are affectionate and energetic dogs that need attention more than anything else. If you own one of these dogs, be prepared to start your day with playtime, walks, and general excitement. You’ll also need to make sure that your dog has a yard and plenty of room to be itself.

The Best Dog Food For Boxskies

As high-energy canines, they need to eat more than the average pet. Look for quality kibble with natural ingredients and a focus on protein and healthy fats. Split your dog’s portions up into two to three meals, and make sure to feed them on a regular schedule. If you notice that your boxsky is engaging in regularly destructive behaviors and you are unable to increase the amount of exercise that they are receiving, you can also consider reducing their portions so that they have fewer calories to burn.

Another detail about Boxsies that should guide how owners plan their diet is their likelihood of congenital heart defects. Be aware of the link between legumes in dog food and dogs’ experiencing heart failure, and aim for legume-free dog food.

Looking at the breed’s specific health needs, A-Z Animals believes the best dog food for Boxskies is Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food.

Full of high-quality protein from real meat with a balance of fat and carbs, this food will fuel your Boxsky’s high energy level while the activity builds lean muscle. The natural chicken is an ideal source of natural glucosamine and chondroitin for joints that sustain your dog’s frame and exercise without pain and immobility. Plus, beta-carotene contributes to good vision and eye health.

Eukanuba Large Breed Dog Food is available on Chewy or Amazon.

Best for Large Breed
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Adult large breed dry dog food for large breed dogs 15 months or older, weighing over 55 lb.
  • Promotes lean muscle development and joint health in active adult dogs with a combination of animal protein, chondroitin sulfate, and glucosamine.
  • Helps keep dogs sharp and supports healthy brain function with DHA and vitamin E.
  • Fuels an active lifestyle with optimal levels of fats and carbohydrates.



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Maintenance And Grooming

These dogs have short hair, but they also have the husky’s trademark double coat. To keep shedding down, you’ll likely want to brush your boxsky at least once every few days. Look for a smooth brush with soft bristles that won’t irritate your dog’s skin. In addition to this, you’ll also want to take them to the groomer on a seasonal basis to get their undercoat trimmed. Finally, remember to bathe your dog regularly and trim their nails so that they don’t snag while your pup is running around outside.

Training

These dogs are moderately intelligent and love to learn new tricks. However, their stubborn personalities can make listening difficult, especially if they are already full grown. Start training while your dog is still a puppy to help improve their chances of learning more commands as they get older. Stick to short training sessions, and use treats and praise as positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Exercise

These dogs need an incredibly high amount of exercise to stay happy and even-tempered. Start by providing access to a large yard where your boxsky can run around. In addition, you’ll also want to take your dog on daily walks, bring them to the dog park, and spend at least 30 minutes playing fetch or another game. Getting enough exercise will improve your dog’s lifespan and make sure that they are relaxed and happy during family time at the end of the day.

Puppies

Close-up of a Husky Boxer Mixed-breed puppy, 3 months old, isolated on white
Husky Boxer Mixed-breed puppy will be energetic, adventurous and explorative.

©Eric Isselee/Shutterstock.com

The puppies are energetic, adventurous, and explorative. They need constant attention to make sure that they don’t get into trouble. If you want to prevent behavior problems later in life, make sure that you have plenty of time for your dog in the months after you bring them home. As your dog gets older, they’ll be more interested in becoming independent, especially if they still have an adult nearby.

Boxskies And Children

These are large and energetic dogs, which makes them a bad choice for families with small children. Don’t let unsupervised kids around a boxsky, especially if they don’t know how to respect a dog’s boundaries. Monitor all social situations, and make sure to remove your dog if they start getting tired or irritated.

Dogs Similar To Boxskies

Few crossbreeds match up to the adorable mix of energy and affection that is the boxsky. If you want something similar, try looking for another boxer or husky hybrid.

  • Huskador – Mixed between a husky and a labrador, this crossbreed is a loyal and intelligent family dog.
  • Boggle – Boggles are a hybrid created by crossing a beagle with a boxer. Boggles are a little smaller than boxers and fit better into a family environment.
  • Siberpoo – Siberpoos is a hypoallergenic version of the Siberian Husky. Although these dogs have heavier coats and require a lot of grooming, they don’t shed nearly as much as their husky parents.

These dogs have short attention spans, so make sure to choose a name that they can respond to quickly. Popular names for them include:

  • Bella
  • Tyson
  • Ace
  • Ruth
  • Blue
  • Sabrina
  • Ranger
  • Louie
  • Archer
  • Lily

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Boxsky FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a boxsky?

A boxsky is a hybrid breed created by mixing a Siberian Husky and a boxer. These dogs have longer snouts than boxers, shorter coats than huskies, and energetic attitudes that their owners love.

How much do boxskies cost to own?

The average price of a boxsky puppy is around $1,000. Most boxsky breeders use purebred huskies with pedigree information. However, if your boxsky puppy is cheaper, it might be because the boxer parent doesn’t have a verifiable lineage.

Are boxskies good with kids?

Boxskies are incredibly active dogs that love to run and play. However, because of their large size and high energy levels, these dogs aren’t a good choice for families with small children. If you let your kids play with a boxsky, make sure that they are both supervised and old enough to understand a dog’s boundaries. If you notice that your dog is getting tired or irritated, make sure to remove them from the situation.

How long do boxskies live?

The average lifespan of a boxsky is 12 to 15 years. You can improve your pet’s lifespan with a good diet, plenty of exercise, and regular trips to the veterinarian.

Is a boxsky a good family dog?

Boxskies are interactive, intelligent, and active pets. These dogs are a good choice for families with older children and a large yard where the dog can run and play. However, you should never keep a boxsky in a small apartment, and they are not recommended for families with small children or who are too busy to give the dog enough attention.

What is a boxsky puppy?

A boxsky is a crossbreed between a Siberian Husky and a boxer. Boxsky puppies are known for being incredibly affectionate and having brilliant blue eyes. You can buy a boxsky puppy from specialty breeders located across the country.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Scout Knows, Available here: https://www.scoutknows.com/getting-dog/boxer-husky-mix/
  2. Dog Wish, Available here: https://dogwish.com/breeds/boxer-husky-mix
  3. Crazy Pet Guy, Available here: https://www.crazypetguy.com/boxer-husky-mix-breed/
  4. Dogsnet, Available here: https://dogsnet.com/boxsky/
  5. Hello Bark, Available here: https://hellobark.com/advice/boxer-husky-mix-pros-and-cons/
  6. Doggie Designer, Available here: https://doggiedesigner.com/boxer-husky-mix/
  7. Wag Walking, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/boxsky
  8. Dog Breed Info, Available here: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/b/boxsky.htm

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