Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Boxer | Siberian Husky |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $36,605 | $37,124 |
| First year | $6,305 | $5,815 |
| Monthly average | $270 | $260 |
| Puppy price | $1,200 to $3,000 | $800 to $2,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,831 | $2,791 |
| Expected health cost | $0 | $0 |
| Documented conditions | 19 | 17 |
| Median lifespan | 11.3 yrs | 11.9 yrs |
| Adult weight | 50 to 80 lb | 35 to 60 lb |
| Daily food | 3.7 cups | 2.9 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $200 | $300 |
| Risk profile | High, late onset | Low |
| Biggest single risk | Degenerative myelopathy | Skin disease |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Degenerative myelopathy | 50% | not priced |
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Hip dysplasia | 13% | $3,500–$7,000 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 11% | $169–$455 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Skin cancer/tumour | 6% | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 6% | not priced |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 5% | $629–$1,694 |
| Lipoma | 5% | not priced |
| Corneal Ulcer | 5% | $469–$1,264 |
| Skin lump | 5% | not priced |
| Arthritis | 4% | $281–$756 |
| Colitis | 4% | $354–$954 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 1% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Congenital heart disease | 1% | $534–$1,438 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Cancer | n/a | $3,415–$9,194 |
| Aortic stenosis | n/a | $534–$1,438 |
| Brachycephalic airway signs | n/a | $1,784–$4,802 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
| Condition | Rate | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36% | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30% | $354–$954 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15% | $281–$756 |
| Ear infection | 10% | $100–$270 |
| Periodontal disease | 9% | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7% | $84–$226 |
| Pyometra | 3% | $792–$2,132 |
| Skin (cutaneous) cyst | 3% | not priced |
| Hypothyroidism/Under-active thyroid | 2% | $169–$455 |
| Persistent diarrhoea | 2% | $354–$954 |
| Colitis | 2% | $354–$954 |
| Lipoma | 2% | not priced |
| Arthritis | 1% | $281–$756 |
| Cruciate disease | 1% | $2,468–$5,640 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1% | $169–$455 |
| Patellar luxation | 1% | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Degenerative myelopathy | 0% | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 0% | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Eye disease | n/a | $449–$1,209 |
| Hip dysplasia | n/a | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Expected total | $0 | |
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Common questions
Is a Boxer or a Siberian Husky more expensive?
The Boxer is cheaper by about $519 over a lifetime. Boxer: $36,605. Siberian Husky: $37,124. The gap comes mostly from health costs rather than routine care.
Which lives longer, a Boxer or a Siberian Husky?
The Siberian Husky has the longer typical lifespan. Boxer: 11.3 years. Siberian Husky: 11.9 years.
Which is healthier, a Boxer or a Siberian Husky?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Boxer's biggest single risk is degenerative myelopathy, seen in 50% of the breed. For the Siberian Husky it is skin disease, at 36%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.