The Pitsky is an intelligent and loyal breed, but it’s not for every dog lover. Let’s find out why and whether this mix is the one for you.
So are you ready for a challenge?
Let’s learn everything about these active dogs:
- What Is a Pitsky?
- History and Origins
- Temperament
- Main Characteristics
- Training a Pitsky
- Exercise Needs
- What to Feed a Pitsky
- Common Health Issues
- Where to Buy
Let’s get started.
What Is a Pitsky?
It’s a crossbreed between an American Pit Bull Terrier and Siberian Husky. And a dog with these genes needs an active and energetic pet owner. The two words that describe the Pitbull Husky mix best are high maintenance and demanding. It’s easy to see why the breed is more popular among experienced pet owners.
Both parent breeds have hundreds of years of history. They were bred for different skills like sledding, hunting, guarding, and racing.
So, to use these strengths, maximize their looks, and minimize health issues, breeders intentionally mixed Huskies and Pitbulls to get Pitskies.
The Husky Pitbull mix dogs are medium to large. Their coats usually have a pattern of white, black, brown, grey, and brindle.
Full of strength and energy, these dogs need a very active lifestyle. It’s best if you have a large backyard for them to run through, but they’ll prefer to live with you inside. Pitskies are brilliant and social pets, so try not to leave them home alone for hours.
Details and Characteristics
The Pitbull Husky mix is a hybrid or designer dog, meaning it’s not a pure breed. If this dog has caught your eye, you’ll want to know the details before you get one, especially if you’ve never taken care of a Husky or a Pitbull Terrier.
Never rush into getting a dog before you learn all the basic information about the breed.
History and Origins
The origins of the first Pitskies can be traced back to the 1990s in the US. Reportedly, they were bred to minimize the health problems of their parents.
Since Pitskies aren’t purebred, most official Kennel Clubs don’t recognize them as a separate breed.
Pitsky Temperament
The Husky Pitbull is very loyal, friendly, and affectionate. But since no two Pitskies dogs are the same, it’s hard to tell which parent’s personality will prevail.
If the Siberian Husky is dominant, you’ll get a friendly, outgoing, and happy dog. Although they have a wolf-like appearance, they’re too social to be good watchdogs. Huskies love to chase small animals, so they’re not suitable for a family with cats or other tiny pets.
In contrast, if your mix is more of an American Pitbull Terrier, you’ll get yourself a watchdog. The Pitbull mixed with Husky dogs are courageous, strong, but also affectionate and loyal. Due to their high intelligence, you’ll have no trouble training them.
Aside from their inaccurate aggressive reputation, Pitbulls are very friendly and loyal. But they can be intolerant to other dogs, so early socialization is crucial.
Just like the Husky, Pitbulls also hate being left alone for hours. They can begin to bark and chew everything they find — from your shoes to the carpet. Plus, they can suffer from separation anxiety, so they’re better suited to families that spend more time at home.
To sum up, the Pit Husky mix is a social, affectionate, and intelligent dog. It’s perfect for active people who have experience with dogs and can dedicate enough time to their pets.
How Can You Tell if It’s a Pitsky Dog?
If you know the parents’ physical characteristics, you won’t have any difficulty spotting the Husky and Pitbull mix right away.
Like their parents, these dogs are medium to large and grow up to 25 inches. They usually weigh up to 80 pounds and have a lifespan of 12–16 years.
Even though the coat pattern varies, most Pitskies come in darker colors. If you’re lucky, your pet might get the Siberian Husky blue eyes.
The coat length of Husky Pit puppies can be short or long, depending on the prevalent genes. Fortunately for people with allergies, if the dog’s coat is short, it’s also hypoallergenic. Plus, brushing once a week will be enough.
In contrast, if your mix gets a long coat, you can prepare for a lot more shedding and grooming. We recommend brushing it several times a week, and even daily during periods of excessive shedding.
Trainability
The Pitbull mix with Husky is brilliant but a bit stubborn, so it needs proper training as early as possible. Some experts recommend starting that within the sixth week after the puppy’s birth.
Remember that positive reinforcement works better than punishment. Giving your dog a treat or praising it is the best way for your pet to learn, as this mix loves to please its owners.
If possible, spend as much time with other people and dogs so your Pitsky can learn that they’re not a threat to you or your family. Socialization is a must for these pets to manage their aggression towards other dogs.
Exercise — How Much Is Enough?
A Pit mixed with a Husky would need at least two hours of daily exercise. These dogs have impressive stamina and high energy levels, so it’s best to provide them with plenty of activities to burn it down. Otherwise, your dog will get bored and destructive.
As Pitskies prefer the outdoors, they’re best suited to families with large backyards. If that’s not possible, you should make enough time for activities outside. But be careful and don’t leave this crossbreed off leash as it might run off to chase and wander.
Since these dogs are large and weigh quite a bit, you might consider taking a dog ramp for your car. That way, you won’t need to pick your Pitsky up or lift it down.
Due to their intelligence, Pitskies need mental stimulation, too, especially if the Husky genes prevail. Tossing a ball might be an excellent way to play and bond with your dog. But you’ll want to keep things interesting. One solution could be signing up for a dog subscription box. You’ll get a monthly package full of toys and treats, and your Pit bull Husky mix puppies will surely love the variety.
What to Feed a Pitsky
Large, athletic, and active breeds need high-quality food.
It’s best to feed Pitsky puppies in smaller portions several times a day. Also, consult your vet on your dog’s dietary plan to keep your pet as healthy as possible. You can take a look at the best food brands for large breeds to get a better idea of the nutrients your puppy needs.
Obesity is a massive issue with these dogs, so be careful how much food you’re offering. Usually, 2.5 to 3 cups of dry food is enough, but you should give it in two to three separate meals per day to prevent bloating.
Common Health Issues
These dogs are generally pretty healthy. But they’re still prone to the following diseases:
- Hip Dysplasia — Although this condition is more common with Huskies than Pitbull Terriers, your Pitsky mix can develop it, too. That can cause lameness and pain due to abnormal developments in the hip joints. First symptoms usually appear within the first year. They include laziness and little willingness to run. You can try to help your pet with dog joint chews.
- Hyperthyroidism — That condition is common in both Huskies and Pitbull Terriers. It affects metabolism by slowing it down, and it comes with rapid changes in dogs’ appetite and weight. Some pet owners confuse this with their dog just growing old, so you should consult with your vet if you spot the symptoms.
Like all dogs, to keep your Pitbull and Husky mixed dog healthy, we highly recommend scheduling regular vet checkups.
Where to Buy?
It’s best to turn to reputable breeders that are experienced and trusted. That’s the only way to ensure that you’re getting a generally healthy dog and the exact breed you want.
But how can you tell if the Pitsky breeders are trustworthy? They’ll keep the litters in a clean and healthy environment and will always invite you to see them and their mother.
Nowadays, you can even get a dog DNA test for more detailed insights on your breed, the dog’s ancestries, and health.
The Pitsky price ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the breeder.
So, Are You Ready for a Pitsky?
Now that you know everything about Pitskies, you can decide if you genuinely want to take care of this active, loyal, and affectionate mix.
Don’t forget that this breed needs extensive physical activities and mental stimulation. Also, start socializing your dog early to avoid aggression.
What do you think? Is Pitsky the right choice for you?
