All dogs have their purpose in their owner’s lives. Some breeds are great family companions, some are excellent farm workers, and others serve as protective guard dogs. Over the years, people crossed different dogs to come up with a breed that will have mixed qualities and temperaments. One of the most popular mix-breeds for families is the Pitbull Siberian Husky. But what kind of breed is it? And why is it very popular?
The Pitbull and Husky mix, sometimes called the Pitsky, is a medium to large size cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier and an Alaskan or Siberian Husky. They are fiercely loyal pets that crave attention and affection. These dogs are highly active and can serve well as guards, racers, sled-pullers, and hunters. Pitskies are an ideal pet for active and experienced dog owners. They are not lap dogs, and they need lots of exercise. Contrary to some people’s wariness of it’s Pitbulls side, Pitskies are loving, friendly, and even-tempered dogs.
Let’s find out more interesting facts about this devoted family dog who’s always up for some fun and adventure.
Origin of the Husky Pitbull Mix
The Pitsky dog is the result of crossbreeding a purebred American Pit Bull Terrier dog and a purebred Alaskan or Siberian Husky. Usually, a puppy coming from the crossbreeding of two different dogs will inherit a combination of its parents’ traits.
However, the Husky Pit mix dog can have an unpredictable combination. The canine’s coat, size, and appearance differ from one dog to another. But one thing is sure about them – the puppy inherits all its parents’ positive traits when it comes to temperament.
This mixed breed might have existed naturally even before. But breeders started intentionally crossing the American Pit Bull Terriers with Siberian or Alaskan Huskies in the 1990s. Thus, they are somewhat new in the designer dog category.
Similar to the intent of many, breeders want to have the positive traits of both Pitbulls and Huskies. At the same time, they also want to minimize the common health issues in its pure breed parents. As more people get to know the delightful qualities, and the devoted characteristics of the Pitsky, the demand for their breed continued to rise.
Pet owners should be more attentive in taking care of these dogs because they are skilled escape artists.
They will always find a way out and escape from any enclosure. They are also talented diggers and can create potholes all around the yard and ruin your garden if you don’t restrain them. These dogs are highly dynamic; they will not sit or cuddle with you like a lapdog.
Pitsky Parent Breeds are Badass Family Pets
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Alaskan or Siberian Husky breed are lovely family pets. Despite the Pitbulls’ past reputation as an aggressive canine, people have become more accepting of their kind. At present, Pitbull dogs and their mixes are a favorite companion for families with children.
They have an impressive calmness and protective nature for the kids in the family. Their muscular and robust physique also makes them ideal guard dogs. On the other hand, early socialization and training make these breeds extra friendly to strangers. Thus they become ineffective guard dogs.
Meanwhile, the Siberian Husky is one of the oldest dog breeds. They hail from the ancient Siberian nomad tribe. Back then, they are sled pullers and kept as companion pets. Similarly, the Alaskan Husky is a mix of village dogs and a husky or hound.
They were also used for racing and sledding. These days, these two active breeds are known for being enthusiastic and independent pets.
They are not known to bark, but they howl now and then. The huskies are generally friendly, gentle, affectionate, and loyal. But since they are very active, you have to provide them adequate exercise and mental stimulation to prevent them from having behavior problems.
All these characteristics make them great parent breeds for a mixed family pet!
Pitsky’s Appearance, Colors & Size
Depending on individual dogs, a Pitsky may favor its American Pitbull Terrier or Siberian Husky parent when it comes to physical appearance. The dog has a broad head, erect ears, almond-shaped blue eyes, and a long black muzzle. The body is sturdy and short, as well as compact. Coat texture feels like wool and long or smooth and short.
The colors of the eye can either be blue, hazel, brown, or amber. The dog’s nose can have blue, black, brown, or Isabella colors. Huskies are known for their blue eyes.
Coat colors in dogs tend to vary in shade, and the Pitsky has its share of unique colors. This breed often inherits its parents’ specific colors, but the standard colors are black, gray, brown, red, cream, fawn, blue, silver, white, and brindle. The canine’s coat is short, yet shiny like an American Pitbull, and the colors in the coat tend to be darker.
The size of this dog breed is either medium or large. A male weighs 50 to 65 lbs and is 17 to 22 inches tall. Females are 45 to 60 lbs in weight and reach 16 to 21 inches in height.
Temperament Of The Pitsky Mix
Despite being rambunctious and energetic, the Pitbull Siberian Husky can be a good-natured, affectionate sweetheart to its family. The breed’s ancestry will also have its parents’ intelligence and working dog attitude. An adequately socialized Pitsky will get along with people of all ages, and thanks to its cooperative nature, kids can get along with it.
Nonetheless, an adult must supervise any interactions between the dog and children. The Pitsky will not harm a child intentionally. However, they are strong and active; there will be times when they are not aware of their strength. On the other hand, the canine is durable enough for kids to handle and touch, unlike small dogs.
The dog breed possesses an even temper, but its American Pitbull Terrier and Husky bloodline can be aggressive and have a strong prey drive. The canine will show aggression to other dogs, especially those of the same gender, and chase cats and other pet animals. Fortunately, socialization training will mitigate or prevent the dog’s aggressive and hunting nature.
Pitsky is an intelligent animal, but it can be independent and stubborn. These traits can make training time a bit difficult. Still, energetic training sessions, along with consistency and firmness on your part, will help the dog do its best in training.
Check Also the Temperament of these bully breeds
The Pitksy Lifespan
The dog breed’s average lifespan is about 12 to 15 years. A large dog breed has shorter lifespans, unlike small dogs, but the Pitsky is an exception to the rule. It is possible for the canine to extend beyond 15 years and live longer than its average lifespan by giving it a proper and healthy lifestyle.
Other Names for the Pitbull and Husky Mix
The alternative name of the breed is Pitsky. But the canine has other names like American Pit Bull Terrier/Siberian Husky and American Pit Bull Terrier/Alaskan Husky.
Pitsky Health Issue
It is a fact of life that all dog breeds have physical ailments affecting them, and the Pitbull cross Husky dog is no exception. As an owner (or a would-be owner) of this canine breed, you need to know what kinds of physical problems would afflict this dog.
- Hyperthyroidism – A rare condition that can happen in any dog breed, but very problematic when it does occur. This health issue is when the dog’s thyroid glands are over-producing thyroid hormone that results in metabolic hyperactivity. If the dog’s hyperthyroidism does not receive treatment, it will cause kidney and heart failure that leads to death.
- Hip dysplasia – This condition is common among other dogs and is inheritable from their parents. When the ball and socket joint is a canine’s hip becomes malformed, the result is that the ball portion will not correctly meet the socket. Instead of sliding smoothly into the socket, the ball joint rubs and grinds instead.
- Heart disease – Heart disease occurs when the canine’s heart has difficulty pumping blood to the rest of its body. These health problems may lead to congestive heart failure. Heart disease is a congenital problem, but it can also happen when a dog reaches old age. Exercise and proper diet play an important factor in preventing this health issue too.
- Eye problems – There are several types of these health problems, including cherry eye, corneal wounds, dry eye, pink eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and entropion. Some of these eye problems are congenital, while others are a result of trauma or accident.
- Allergy – A dog with allergies will have an itchy, moist, red, scabbed skin, and it will scratch almost always. Pollen, mold spores, dust, cigar smoke, fleas, prescription drugs, cleaning products, fabrics, perfumes, plastic material, insecticidal shampoo, and even food can cause allergies.
Don’t be discouraged by these various health issues that this canine may acquire. Some of them are preventable, or their adverse effects can be mitigated. It is also necessary that you should take the Pitsky to a veterinarian for a regular check-up or if you suspect that your pet has one of those issues.
Diet And Grooming Of The Pitsky
Proper nutrition and nourishment are essential to the breed’s health and well-being. The canine can eat 2.5 cups of food daily, and the amount is moderate enough to prevent obesity. Since a Pitsky is a high-energy canine, it will need a high-fat diet to get energy. To prevent from gaining too much weight, the dog must have food free of any grain. Adding some glucosamine supplements will help maintain those bones and keep your pet’s joints healthy and strong.
Grooming is another part of taking care of the dog breed, and the canine’s coat requires brushing. A longer coat needs frequent daily brushing, while a short coat only requires brushing once a week.
Hair shedding ranges from moderate to heavy and requires daily cleaning. Pitskies are hypoallergenic and will significantly affect a person with allergies. Brushing the coat will help in controlling the shedding.
If the need arises, a bath with shampoo is a must for the dog. Every other day, you must brush the teeth of the canine to keep it clean. Every week, the ears need a good cleaning and inspection. Trim the nails regularly to prevent it from growing too long.
Training Pitsky Mix Puppies
Training is an essential factor in maintaining the well-being and happiness of your dog. Pitsky puppies are easier to train since they are at the ideal age of 6 to 7 weeks for training. Bonding with your pet via training is the best move that you can do.
One type of training is housebreaking, where the pet urinates or poops outside the house/home or in a designated litter box. You do not want your puppy or dog’s poop or urine inside your home due to hygienic reasons.
Obedience training is another aspect of dog training and a requirement or prerequisite for other types of training. In this training, you teach the puppy to respond and obey your basic commands such as “stay,” “sit,” “come,” and “down,” or even how to fetch and other physical activities. Advanced obedience training is for dogs that enter as contestants in high-level doggie competitions. Basic obedience should be enough for your Pitsky mix dog if you have no plans for it to enter contests.
Socialization is another form of training and an important one if you wish your pup to be friendly with other dogs, pets, and unfamiliar people. A well-socialized puppy or dog will show its best behavior.
You can still train an adult Pitsky, but you will have to be very patient, confident, and firm and establish that you are the leader. Pitskies can be both intelligent and stubborn, so be consistent when training it. Make sure to use positive training techniques like treats, praises, and rewards to motivate the canine.
The Importance Of Exercise And Playtime To Husky Pitbull Mix Dogs
The American Pitbull Terrier and the Siberian Husky are athletic and high-energy dogs. Pitsky also has these traits and requirements for playtime and exercise. Due to their high-energy level, they require lots of exercise.
Ideally, you can take them for outdoor walks at least two times a day. Exercises such as hiking, running, jogging, and free runs will help release your Pitsky’s energy. Have at least two hours of exercise each day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. If you do not lead an active lifestyle, you might find the physical demands of having a Pitsky to be very challenging. But these dogs need to be up and about so that they will not become bored and develop destructive habits. Unhappy Pitskies may howl a lot and chew on everything they can grasp. Some of them turn hyperkinetic and start jumping around the house.
Mental exercise or stimulation is also essential for this dog breed, and it goes hand in hand with physical activities. Lack of mental exercises can cause the dog to become moody and aggressive when left alone.
Playtime is similar to exercise, and it is an excellent way to bond with your pet. The dog also enjoys sports competitions like sled pulling, skijoring, agility training, and Frisbee contests.
Outdoor parks or a house with a backyard are ideal places for the canine to exercise and play. Just remember to limit any outdoor activity during summer or a hot day. Also, keep the dog well-hydrated by providing it with lots of water.
Pitsky Are Ideal Pets for Families With Children
The combined friendliness, devotion, and calmness of the Pitbull and the Husky breeds make the Pitsky one of the top mix-breeds for families with children. They have excellent tolerance for children, but there should not be left alone with kids. Always have adult supervision during interaction with kids like any other pets. These dogs should be kept in their kennel when there are no adults to supervise them, especially when these dogs have reached maturity. Additionally, they usually test their ability to become a “pack leader” during these stages.
Likewise, teach your children to be gentle with pets. Please don’t allow them to pull on the ears or tail of your dogs. Children should also avoid approaching a dog when eating or sleeping.
And due to their inane instinct for dog-fighting, they may have apprehension with other dogs. It is corrected by early socialization and training to develop better behavior as they grow to adulthood.
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Clubs That Recognized Husky Pitbull Mix
The Dog Registry of America (DRA) is one dog club that gives the breed recognition. Another organization is the American Kennel Club (AKC), who recently gave the canine recognition as a full breed instead of a mixed breed. The American Kennel Club (AKC) formerly did not recognize the dog.
So, Where Can You Get a Pitsky?
If you’ve whole-heartedly decided that you want to take home a Husky and Pit bulls mix, you have two options on where you can find them.
You can start checking out breeders if you intend to buy a Pitsky puppy or a Siberian Husky and Pitbull mixed rescue. Whichever way you choose, don’t forget to check their papers and their health conditions.
These days, it is easy to find a designer dog like Pitsky, mainly because they are favored family pets. But make sure that the parent breeds are clear of any health issues. Connect with reputable and ethical breeders if you are ready to buy a puppy. They can cost around $500 to $2000 depending on the pedigree and the breeder. You can also expect the cost to rise as you set schedules for routine veterinary care. Pitsky puppy owners can expect to spend around $500 to $600 per year on necessary procedures.
Get in touch with reputable Pitbull or Husky breeders to see if they have Pitsky puppies. These dogs tend to be quite pricey because they are designer dogs, and it reflects the quality of care for the parents and puppies of the breeder.
You also have the option to check rescue centers and shelters for Pitskies looking for their forever home. The cost of adopting an adult mix breed varies, but they are generally a fraction of what it would cost to buy them. If you are confident that you can care for and train an adult Pitsky, give adoption a try, who knows, you might fall in love with them at first sight.
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Wrap Up
The Pitbull Husky mix is a famous modern family dog. They are loved for their devotion, even-tempered behavior, and their skills. Additionally, they serve as guard dogs, protectors, working dogs, and exercise buddies. Just like any other dog, Pitskies have special requirements. They may not be the right choice for novice dog owners.
They need lots of exercises, physical and mental stimulation. Though they are independent, they need your attention and affection. If you are unable to provide these needs, your pet may develop anxiety. These dogs also need extra care and grooming because they tend to be moderate to heavy shedders. They’d be at their happiest in homes with spacious outdoor space.