The Pitbull Husky Mix, monikered as the Pitsky, is the combination of the American Pitbull Terrier and the Siberian or Alaskan Husky. While this interesting mix is generally a friendly and affectionate breed, there’s still a lot to know before deciding to get one.
Here in GoodHousePets, we believe that getting a dog means more than just having a pet. They deserve to be in a loving family that will provide the care and affection that they need.
That’s why we delved into the facts to put together this practical guide about the Pitbull Husky Mix. It’ll cover important topics such as their physical attributes, temperament, health, and diet.
In this article, you’ll also learn about the common misconceptions about the breed and the qualifications of an ideal Pitsky owner.
All You Need to Know About the Pitbull Husky Mix
There’s no singular pattern to this hybrid’s personality, size, and features. Although there is one common denominator– they are all handsome good boys (and girls).
Appearance
There’s no telling what the puppy’s going to look like until it’s a fully grown dog. This is because there’s a good chance that a Pitsky pup could inherit more characteristics from one parent over the other.
Size
An adult Pitsky’s height can be up to 24 inches. Pitskies are classified as medium to large-sized dogs and can weigh up to 70 lbs.
Males weigh around 50 to 65 lbs, whereas females weigh between 45 and 60.
Coat
Pitbulls’ and Huskies’ color variations are diverse. Therefore, the sky’s the limit for all the possible colors that a Pitsky can have.
For reference, Pitbulls can come in the following colors:
- Blue
- Brown
- White
- Gray
- Black
Some could even have a reddish coat, brindled, or a combination of the colors mentioned above.
On the other hand, Huskies are a little bit more consistent with their combinations. They can be all-white or any of the following:
- Black and white
- Gray and white
- Agouti and white
When it comes to texture, the puppy could take after the Pitbull’s short, rough fur, or the Husky’s long, soft double coat.
Head/Face
Most Pitskies have broad heads with erect ears and long snouts. However, if you find your pup to have bent ears, it could be from its Pitbull parent.
They usually have almond-shaped, piercing eyes, a dominant gene handed down by their Husky parent.
Temperament
Mixed breed dogs usually have unpredictable temperaments. Although, you can expect your Pitbull Husky mix to be highly energetic because both parents are working dog breeds.
This breed needs constant socializing and playing. So, make sure to keep your Pitsky busy by spending lots of play time outdoors.
Also, Pitskies are loving and loyal, sometimes to the point of overprotectiveness. Their attachment to their human masters makes them ideal companion dogs. With early, consistent socialization and training, they can be gentle around children and other small pets.
Pitskies, however, can be stubborn. They’re highly intelligent and they know it. Therefore, early obedience training will be an advantage to you and your pup.
Health and Diet
Their average life span is 12 years, but a healthy Pitsky can live for up to 16 years. Here are the things you should remember when caring for your furbaby.
Nutrition
Big dogs, like Pitskies, need about 600 to 1,400 calories per day. That’s 20 calories for every pound of their body weight. A healthy balanced diet should include protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Dogs need protein for muscle development, plus fat and carbohydrates for energy.
Exercise
Lots of physical activity is a must for this breed. They need at least one hour of exercise daily. Your Pitsky would love regular walks to the dog park or the beach. These trips will not only help them meet their physical needs but also allow them to meet and play with other dogs.
Don’t forget to leash them when you go outside, especially if your pup isn’t trained. They have a natural tendency to go berserk when they see smaller animals.
Hygiene & Maintenance
Huskies and Pitbulls shed moderately, so there’s a good chance that a Pitsky will, too. However, if they take after the Pitbull’s flat coat, it’ll be much easier to groom than that of a Husky’s double coat.
Either way, it’ll do your Pitsky good if you brush their coat or take them to the vet or groomer regularly.
How often to bathe your Pitsky? The answer varies by the Pitsky’s type of coat and their activity. Those with long, thick coats might need more frequent baths per month than those with flat fur.
As a rule, you can bathe your dog once a month, unless they’re really dirty. Avoid over-bathing to give the skin enough time to replenish its natural oils. Otherwise, it could cause dry skin and expose your dog to various skin-related diseases.
Just as importantly, take care of your dog’s teeth by allowing them to nibble on dental chews or chew toys. It’ll also help them deal with stress, if any.
Breed-Related Diseases and Injuries
Like their parent breeds, Pitskies are prone to certain breed-related diseases. Luckily, they’re somewhat manageable and treatable.
Hyperthyroidism
A symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss despite a good appetite. It’s caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones, which messes up the dog’s metabolism. This condition is common for both Huskies and Pitbulls.
Luckily, there are treatments available for hyperthyroidism. Depending on the severity of the dog’s condition, it can be managed by a low-iodine diet, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.
Allergies
Both of Pitsky’s parent breeds are known for various allergies. Be alert if you notice any of the following:
- Scratching
- Paw- chewing
- Licking of various body parts
- Hair loss
- Wounds or scabs
Be mindful of the food that you give to your dog. Take note of any food that might trigger a change in your dog’s behavior after ingestion. Common foods that prompt an allergic reaction are chicken, dairy, and eggs.
Additionally, all dog owners need to be aware of the foods that are lethal to dogs and avoid them at all costs.
Obesity
This is common to most active dog breeds. It’s a condition where the dog has an excess of 10% to 15% of body weight. There are other things that could cause dogs to be obese such as insulinoma, Cushing’s Disease, and neutering.
To combat obesity, Pitsky owners must provide their dogs with a healthy balanced diet. Along with that, they should have access to outdoor physical activity every day.
If you suspect your dog to be obese, you can ask your veterinarian for a diet meal plan and eating schedule.
Hip Dysplasia
Huskies are prone to hip dysplasia, a disorder where the hip joint doesn’t properly develop. This condition may be hereditary, but nutrition and exercise are also contributing factors. It’s also common in large dogs, with a few occurrences in smaller breeds.
These are some of the symptoms of hip dysplasia:
- Reduced range of motion
- Lameness of hind legs or limping
- Reduced mass in thigh muscle
- Enlargement of shoulder muscles
- Dog showing signs of distress or pain
Supplements and a lifestyle change could treat hip dysplasia in its early stages. However, surgery may be necessary depending on the condition.
Myths About the Pitbull Husky Mix
You must’ve heard of a few negative rumors about Pitskies and we’re here to clear things up. For good measure, always seek the advice of your trusted veterinarian.
Pitskies Are Aggressive
Dogs are territorial. It’s in their instinct to protect everything that’s within their territory or anyone who’s part of their pack. Most likely, this myth was also derived from another misconception that Pitbulls are a vicious breed.
Although they’re not innately aggressive, they can react aggressively when threatened. It’s important to understand the difference between these two concepts when trying to understand Pitskies and dogs in general.
If you’ve encountered a dog that’s behaving aggressively, it’s probably because they’re experiencing pain or discomfort due to illness or injury. If you don’t know its background, you also shouldn’t rule out the possibility of trauma caused by maltreatment from a previous handler.
If you think your dog needs behavioral correction, visit a qualified professional immediately.
Pitskies Are Untrainable
Pitskies are an intelligent and curious bunch. The sooner they start training and socialization, the better.
The misunderstanding that Pitskies are untrainable is probably because they can be stubborn at times. However, this attitude problem is a minor issue in contrast to their unconditional love and loyalty.
A tasty treat should fix it, though, should they start acting up.
Anyone Can Own a Pitsky
This hybrid can be a loving and trustworthy companion for anyone. However, before deciding to get a Pitbull Husky Mix, one must consider a few things:
- The amount of time to be spent on exercise
- Food expenses
- Vet fees and grooming services
Unfortunately, not everyone is qualified to be a Pitsky owner. More details on this are provided in the following section.
Who Should Get a Pitsky?
We’ve established that not everyone can own a Pitbull Husky Mix. So, who’s qualified to own a Pitsky?
Those Who Are Okay With Big Dogs
Remember that Pitskies are big dogs. They will consume relatively bigger volumes of kibble. Those who want a Pitsky should be capable and willing to spend good money on high-quality kibble that’s packed with all its nutritional requirements.
Other than the food, they also consume a lot of space. Ideally, a Pitsky owner should have a backyard for the dog to run around and play in.
Owners of big dogs are advised to train their pups as early as possible when they are easier to manage. Also, be ready for bigger toys, medicine dosages, and beds.
Those Who Are Active
If you exercise regularly, then a Pitsky would love to be your workout buddy. They need lots of exercise and crave social interaction with other dogs and people.
If these needs aren’t met, Pitskies could display destructive behavior like chewing. It’s even worse when they don’t have toys to chew on. To save your shoes and furniture from such demise, make sure to spend lots of playtime with your Pitsky.
That said, seniors and people who are more laid back should not get a Pitbull Husky Mix.
In Summary
To be a successful Pitsky owner, one should understand that it demands time and effort. It’s a responsibility that needs to be thought through before doing. So, if you’re thinking of getting a Pitsky, look over this article again and see if it truly is for you.
If you already own one, be keen on keeping your Pitsky physically active. Be sure to include appropriate amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in your dog’s diet. Moreover, food must be given in moderation to prevent obesity and other weight-related diseases.
Being a Pitsky owner could be a demanding role, but to the eager person, it could be equally rewarding. Not everyone approves of the statement “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners,” but we can all agree that dogs mirror how we treat them.
So, give your Pitsky loads of love and affection and they’ll gladly return the favor.
FAQs
How much does a Pitbull Husky Mix Cost?
The price of a Pitsky puppy depends on your location and several other factors. Granted that, you can expect it to be around $200 to $2,000.
You can also opt for adoption where you could spend much less. From a rescue organization, the adoption process could cost you a few hundred dollars.
When adopting, ask the handlers about the temperament and background of the dog. This will help you determine if the dog is compatible with your household and lifestyle.
Can My Pitbull Husky Mix Compete in Dog Shows?
Unfortunately, the Pitbull Husky hybrid isn’t recognized by dog registration services that serve as governing bodies of most dog shows. This is because of its mixed nature.
Among its parent breeds, only the Siberian Husky is recognized by such organizations as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Pitbulls and Alaskan Huskies aren’t purebred and, therefore, aren’t listed either.
