The Pitbull Husky mix, better known as the Pitsky, is a cross between a Pitbull and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky. These puppies need an active lifestyle with a lot of attention and mental stimulation.
Many mixed breed dogs make excellent pets, and the Pitsky dog breed is definitely one of them. The Pitbull Husky mix is an adorable, sociable, and devoted pet for families that are prepared to provide the kind of care and attention they require.
They are usually not suitable for first-time owners, but are perfect for those looking for a new outdoor training partner. Both Pitbulls and Huskies can be a lot of work, therefore your hybrid is no different.
Below, we’ll go over some of the characteristics of the Husky Pitbull mixed breed dog so you can decide if one would be a suitable fit for your family. When it comes to choosing a medium to large-sized crossbreed, pet owners have a lot to think about, and hopefully this article will help you make an informed decision.
Do you think you’re ready to keep this puppy? Read on to find out how to keep a Pitbull Husky at bay.
History of the Pitsky
Designer breeders began purposefully crossing American Pit Bull Terriers with Siberian Huskies in the late 1990s, and the Pitsky dog breed was born.
Breeders intended to combine the two parent kinds to reduce the health risks associated with pure breeds. As the demand for mixed-breed companion pups grew, they continued to breed Pitskies.
Despite the Pitsky’s origins as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the hands of rescue organizations. So if you decide this is the breed for you, consider adoption.
Check your local shelters, look at Pitsky rescues, or contact breed-specific Husky and Pit Bull rescues, as they occasionally take in mixed breed dogs and place them in loving homes.
What is a Pitbull Husky Mix?
Although a Pitbull Husky mix may appear rare, this breed is not a new designer dog. A Pitbull Husky Mix is the result of crossing a Pitbull with a Siberian (or Alaskan) husky.
Unfortunately, because of its mixed-breed origin, organizations like the Dog Registry of America and the American Kennel Club (AKC) do not recognize this hybrid. Only the Siberian Husky is recognized by the AKC as a parent of the Pitbull Husky mix.
Don’t dismiss the Pitsky just because its parent breeds have a reputation for being violent. All dogs can be grown to be lovable and trustworthy companions with proper training and socialization.
If they are properly trained and socialized, they are friendly and loving companions. But if they are neglected or poorly socialized, they can become destructive and unruly.
Don’t you think it’s fascinating to see how unpredictable a Pitsky puppy can be? You never really know what you are getting. Would it resemble the Husky parent or the Pitbull parent more?
One thing is certain: you’d be the proud owner of a strikingly beautiful dog!
The Pitbull Husky Mix Parents
The American Pitbull Terrier, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Husky are all popular dog breeds, who often make great pets. So it isn’t surprising that puppies created by mixing these dog breeds usually make good pets too.
However, as with any other mixed breed dog, it can be difficult to know what to expect from these dogs.
We’ll try to help you learn what to expect from a Pitbull Husky hybrid breed by explaining some of the most consistent traits of each parent breed. Your new Pitbull Husky mix may resemble one of these breeds more than the other, but some individuals represent a pretty balanced combination of the two.
It will certainly help with your decision to know what to expect, and although these dogs can vary in temperament and appearance, there are consistent factors that you can expect.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Unfortunately, American Pit Bull Terriers were originally developed for terrible purposes – they were initially created to be fighting dogs.
However, as public perceptions about dogfighting began to change, many of these dogs were retired from the fighting ring (or “pit,” as they were often called), and allowed to live out their days as pets. Some even went on to give birth to the ancestors of modern Pit Bulls.
Contrary to their reputation as an aggressive dog breed, modern Pit Bulls are generally extremely friendly with people. In fact, they’re often considered too friendly for protection or guard-dog work.
Socialization is the key factor here, as the more dogs they meet at a young age the more chance they have of getting along with them.
Most American Pit Bull Terriers have very high energy levels, so they need plenty of chances to exercise each week. Fortunately, they usually like playing in just about any way you like – they’ll play tug of war, they’ll have a blast playing “tag” with their owner, and many also like playing fetch.
Pit Bulls are generally pretty healthy dogs, who don’t suffer from a lot of health problems. However, they are susceptible to hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis (particularly if they are overweight), and they frequently suffer from food allergies and skin problems.
Different types of Pit Bulls vary in size pretty significantly. The smallest Pit Bull may only weigh 40 pounds or so, while the largest individuals may reach 75 pounds or more. Rarely, Pit Bulls may reach even larger sizes, although such giant individuals are often susceptible to joint problems.
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, and they still resemble their ancestors who were first created hundreds of years ago. Initially developed to drag sleds across the snow, the Siberian Husky was originally created by the Chukchi people of eastern Siberia.
Because they were originally developed to pull sleds for miles at a time, modern Siberian Huskies have incredibly high energy levels, and they need the chance to exercise on a daily basis. A simple walk around the neighborhood won’t suffice for these dogs – a Siberian Husky needs the chance to run around at full speed for at least 30 minutes a day.
Like many other sled-pulling breeds, Siberian Huskies usually get along well with other dogs. They’re usually friendly with people too, although they can be a bit rambunctious with young children, so caution is warranted. Huskies are usually easy to housetrain, but basic obedience is another matter entirely. They have a stubborn and independent nature, which can make training challenging.
Huskies are generally healthy dogs, but eye problems such as cataracts are pretty common in this breed. This is a shame, as one of the things that draw people to Huskies is their beautiful eyes, which are often blue or green. In some cases, they’ll even have eyes of two different colors.
Huskies are medium to large dogs, who vary quite a bit in size. Small females may barely exceed 35 pounds or so, but large males occasionally reach or exceed 70 pounds in weight.
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan Husky is frequently confused with other dog breeds such as the Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed, and Akita, as well as the Siberian Husky. Although Alaskan Huskies exist, they are not recognized as a purebred dog breed by any kennel club, including the AKC.
Rather, they are a breed of dogs that have been crossbred and evolved into exceptionally capable working and sled dogs. In sled dog racing, the Alaskan Husky is the most popular breed.
The Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, German Short-Haired Pointer, and Greyhound are just a few of the prevalent dog breeds said to have been used in the development of the Alaskan Husky.
Pitsky appearance
Since the breed is a hybrid, there is no official standard. Some look more like Pitbulls, others more like Huskies.
However, you can expect them to be tall and slim, have long legs and muscular forehand and backhand.
You can either inherit the Pitbulls short single coat or the long, luxurious double coat of the Husky. It’s basically a 50/50 chances, and breeders won’t even be able to tell until the pup is a couple of weeks old.
Husky Pitbull mixtures can have large and pointed ears like a Husky or short and lobed like a Pit bull.
When it comes to their eyes, there is some variety as well. Some of them may have the regular brown eyes of a Pitbull, while others can have blue eyes, or one blue and one brown. Just like their Husky parent!
Size and weight
Because the Pitsky is a relatively young breed, there are limited size guidelines. As a result of the dog’s Siberian Husky and American Pit Bull Terrier parents, the dog will be medium to large in size.
A full-blown Husky Pitbull mixture will be between 16-25 inches tall. You should expect men to weigh between 60 and 80 pounds and females between 40 and 60 pounds.
But like we already explained — there is no specific breed standard. So don’t be surprised if your dog is bigger or smaller than that.
Colors and coat
The breed shares the colors of Pitbull and Husky, and there are a variety of possibilities. They can be black, brown, brown, gray or a mixture of three or more.
As already mentioned, they can have a single or a double layer. The single layer is short and fine-haired, while the double layer has a long, thick outer layer over a fluffy underlayer.
Pitbull Husky Mix Personality
The Pitsky combines the perfect balance of the positive characteristics of each parent breed. However, the temperament of a crossing depends on which genes are more dominant.
You can expect a faithful and protective companion with a very playful way. These guys love to talk. They bark when they play, see something suspicious or want your attention. If they are alone with nothing to do, chances are they will start howling.
Pitbulls enjoy going outside to play. There’s nothing they’d rather do than play outside, rain or shine. The Husky’s predatory instinct is still very much alive, so keep that in mind if you have small pets or animals in your yard. Early socializing appears to be effective.
The Pitsky’s loyalty to its human master is one of the creature’s most perplexing characteristics. The Pitsky is scared of being left alone, despite their parents’ might and power. If left unattended for an extended period of time, it can develop into an anxiety attack. As a result, it’s not a good dog for those who work 8 hours a day and don’t have anyone else at home to accompany the Pitsky.
The Pitbull Husky Mix is a fascinating canine crossbreed. It’s devoted and affectionate, as well as playful and intellectual. It does, however, require high-quality dog food, early socialization and training, consistent exercise and grooming, and frequent vet appointments.
Is the Husky Pitbull Mix a good family dog?
Yes, they are a wonderful family dog. However, you need to socialize them.
However, due to their demanding and hyperactive nature, your lifestyle should match yours. They are always on the go. So they make the perfect friend for those with an equally active lifestyle.
These puppies are not a good choice for the elderly or people with a sedentary lifestyle.
Pitbulls are excellent pets for families with children. They can be quite patient with children, but they, like other dogs, should be supervised when around children.
Dogs should be crated or kenneled when no adult can be there to supervise what’s going on.
Allowing toddlers to yank on a dog’s ears or tail is not a good idea. Teach them not to approach any dog that is sleeping or eating, or to try to steal the dog’s food.
Pitskies may retain a tendency to be apprehensive or rough with other dogs due to their American Pit Bull Terrier parents’ dog-fighting heritage. But if they are socialized early and trained to know what behavior is expected of them, any signs of aggression can be minimized.
Potential health issues of a Pitbull Husky Mix
While some people believe that crossbreeds are often healthy due to their hybrid vigor, these dogs can also have health issues inherited from their purebred parents.
That is why it is critical that we educate ourselves in order to keep our four-legged children happy and healthy.
When it comes to your Pitbull-Husky mix, here are some health risks to be aware of:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects both Huskies and Pitbulls. Breathing difficulties and wheezing are common symptoms.
Keep an eye out for this ailment since if it isn’t treated right away, it can lead to more serious issues like renal and heart failure.
Allergies – Both parent breeds are susceptible to allergies and other skin disorders. Observe your dog’s scratching and, if you believe it is getting odd, call or go to the veterinarian for suitable treatment.
Hip Dysplasia – This is a hereditary disease that is most likely passed on from the Pitbull parent. Before purchasing a puppy, always inquire about the hip scores of the parents and even the puppies.
Eye Issues – The Pitsky’s parent breeds are prone to a variety of eye problems. Pitbulls are prone to retinal dysplasia, while Huskies are prone to cataracts.
Heart Disease — As your dog gets older, he or she may get this condition. You may try to avoid this by keeping an eye on your dog’s nutrition and ensuring that they get enough exercise on a daily basis.
The Pitbull and Husky mix has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years if properly cared for and had a healthy lifestyle.
It’s also a good idea to take your dog to the vet for a regular check-up at least twice a year. Preventative medicine is a fantastic method to keep your pet healthy!
Maintaining a Pitbull Husky mix
If you have ever owned a Pitbull or a husky, you are already very familiar with many Pitskys needs.
This puppy is very demanding. Therefore if you are a first time dog owner — this isn’t the dog for you. Before you accept one, you must be aware that it is a full-time commitment. So make sure to inform yourself beforehand.
They are best suited for very active owners who have a lot of time and patience.
Exercise requirements
When adopting or raising a Pitbull Husky mix, owners must be informed of what they are getting into. Because both of its parent breeds are active dogs, the Husky Pitbull is a hybrid dog with a high energy level.
Running, jogging, strolling, and fetching are the most effective strategies to reduce this hybrid dog’s energy levels. Active owners should also join their pets for roughly 120 minutes of walking and jogging at different times throughout the day.
Humans are likely to tire out faster than the normal Husky/Pitbull mix. If you are having trouble keeping up with the hyperactive dog, try utilizing a retractable leash to avoid losing the Pitbull Husky mix.
If the Husky mixed with Pitbull does not get the activity it requires, its owners will have a difficult time dealing with it. When this dog stays crammed inside, these guys will destroy your house. You have to spend time outside, no matter what the weather.
They also love to run, and you can even chain your leash to a bicycle and let it run next to you while driving. So make sure they get the exercise they need.
Feeding and nutrition of a Husky Pitbull mix
The calorie requirement of this dog corresponds to its high level of activity (he has to eat as much as a small person).
As your dog gets older, it needs less food because it is a little less active. Women also have to eat less because of their smaller bodies.
On average, however, this breed needs about 1400 calories per day. For active young dogs, this is 4 cups per day (2 cups per meal). But smaller or less active dogs only need about 3 cups per day.
Commercial snacks should contain first listed raw materials with a high protein content and a low carbohydrate content. This promotes muscle growth and a healthy weight.
Also, you can give small raw meat treats for additional protein and a source of healthy fat.
Flea Control
Regardless of which parent your Pit-Bull-Siberian-Husky mix prefers, you must treat your pet with a high-quality flea treatment. Fleas will make your dog unpleasant and may even cause allergies in your pet. Fleas can spread parasites to your dog, so you should do everything you can to keep him flea-free.
The greatest topical flea treatments and other pest-killing medicines are discussed here. Regardless of the type of flea-control solution you use, make sure to use it consistently.
Grooming a Pitbull Husky mix
The Pitsky will shed a significant amount of fur, as neither the Pitbull nor the Husky are low-shedding breeds.
If you have dander allergies, this is probably not the best dog for you. The thickness and length of the Pitbull-Husky mix’s coat are determined by whether it takes after the Pitbull or the Husky, as previously stated.
It’s critical to teach your new Pitsky puppy or dog proper bathing and grooming techniques. Most Pitbull Husky mixes have low-maintenance coats, but those who have long hair like their Husky parent will need to be brushed once a week. Brushing all dogs on a regular basis is a good idea, as it will help reduce the amount of hair they shed in your home.
Bathe your Pitsky on a regular basis to prevent unwanted odors from developing. Bathing your new pet on a regular basis will also assist to lessen the amount of hair it sheds. Just remember not to bathe your new pet too regularly, as this might cause coat and skin issues. A once-a-month program is usually sufficient.
Remember to groom them properly by trimming their nails as needed, brushing their teeth several times a week, and cleaning their ears every two weeks!
How to train a Pitbull Husky Mix
Training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home.
It must be trained as early as possible to eliminate behavioral problems that it may have inherited from its parents. A good training program is a combination of repetition, reinforcement and a lot of patience.
Crate training is a must for this dog. This brings a dog back to its wild roots as a cave animal. The box should be a safe haven filled with the dog’s favorite toys and blankets. Never use the box to punish your dog or give him a break.
Your dog must be socialized early to ensure that he knows that he cannot push others around.
Puppies should be introduced to humans and other dogs as early as 8 weeks old. Register them in the puppy kindergarten and take them to the park so that they can practice their good manners.
A bored pitsky is a disgusting pitsky. Without sufficient attention and playing time, they become very loud and make a mess.
Consider giving them toys that move or light up, or toys that they can bury or hunt. Pitskys love outdoor games, including classic retrieval. Since they are so intelligent, you should combine Fetch with a hide and seek game.
Getting a Pitbull Husky mix
Check the dog’s paperwork and health clearance before buying a Pitsky puppy or rescuing a Pitbull-Husky hybrid.
Even while the Internet makes it simple to acquire designer dogs these days, it’s always wise to be cautious and ensure that your puppy’s parents, particularly the Pitbull, are healthy.
Pitsky breeders that are responsible guarantee that their puppies are raised in a safe and healthy environment.
Breeders
Make certain that you only buy your new puppy from trustworthy breeders. A Pitsky puppy should cost between $500 and $2,000.
The cost varies based on the lineage of the puppy and the breeder. This does not include any additional costs that may arise once you have the dog.
Basic veterinary procedures for your dog would cost between $485 and $600 per year. Vaccinations, check-ups, and flea prevention are examples of basic procedures.
Designer dogs are notorious for being expensive, and this is mainly due to the quality of care the parents and pups received from the original owner or breeder.
It’s not a good sign if someone offers them to you for a cheaper price.
Adopting
There are lots of Pitskies looking for a forever home and someone to love them, even if there are some extra steps to check if they’re genuine Husky Pitbull mixes.
Check out Adopt a Pit Rescue, The Love Pit Rescue, Alabama Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc., and Raven’s Husky Haven and Rescue, among others.
You never know — it could be love at first sight. Even with an older dog. Most of them will be already trained and all of them will be thankful that you gave them a forever home.
Adoption is the less expensive alternative for bringing a Pitbull Husky mix home, while the fee varies by state or city.
Summary
If you have an active lifestyle and are looking for the perfect fitness partner, the Pitbull Husky mix is just right for you.
Maintenance requires a lot of patience and commitment – you will need a lot of time to teach them how to get along with others.
They demand your attention and tend to believe that they run your house. If you ignore them, you could come home to a big mess. This puppy needs much more exercise than many other breeds and her mind must be busy at all times.
If you can tame the wild spirit of a Pitsky, you will find yourself with a wonderful friend who will love you and your family for the coming years.