The pit bull husky mix, more commonly known as the pitsky, is a cross between a pit bull and an Alaskan or Siberian husky.
These pups need an active lifestyle with lots of attention and mental stimulation.
They are generally not for first time owners, but could be perfect for those looking for a new outdoor exercise partner.
Both pit bulls and huskies can be a lot of work, their hybrid is no different.
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What is a Pitbull Husky Mix?
A Pitbull Husky mix is the result of crossing a Pitbull with a Siberian (or Alaskan) Husky.
This breed has no official recognition, and is classified as a mix.
It is a very lean and muscular breed, with strong legs for running.
When trained and socialized correctly, they are friendly and loving companions. But if neglected or poorly socialized, they can become destructive and unruly.
This demanding breed needs plenty of activity and attention to be on its best behavior.
If you want a calm and cuddly lap dog then you will need to look at other breeds.
- Overview: Hybrid (Pitbull/Husky).
- Purpose: Companionship.
- Weight: 40-80 pounds.
- Size: 16-25 inches.
- Temperament: Energetic, loyal and friendly.
Pitbull Husky Mix Appearance
As the breed is a hybrid, there is no official standard.
Some will look more like Pitbulls and others will look more like Huskies.
However, you can expect them to be tall and lean with long legs and muscular fore and hindquarters.
They can inherit either the Pitbull’s short single coat, or the Husky’s long luxurious double coat – you won’t know this until they start to mature.
Husky Pitbull mixes can have tall and pointed ears like a Husky, or short and lopped ones like a Pitbull.
Height and Weight
A fully grown Husky Pitbull mix will stand between 16-25 inches.
You should expect males to weigh between 60-80 pounds and females to weigh 40-60 pounds.
Colors and Coat
The breed shares the colors of the Pitbull and the Husky, and there are a wide range of possibilities.
They can be black, brown, tan, grey or a mix of three or more.
In rare cases, they may even display a beautiful calico fur pattern.
As previously mentioned, they can have a single or a double coat. The single coat is short and fine haired, whereas the double coat has a long, thick outer layer over a downy under layer.
The coat will maintain itself naturally through shedding – you should not trim or shave a dogs double coat.
5 Fun Facts About Pitbull Husky Mixes
- The breeds can be traced back to the 1990s.
- Unfortunately they are popular shelter dogs – so for this breed it may be best to adopt.
- They love to swim and will even enjoy a dip in your pool.
- Long haired Pitskys love the snow as much as their Husky parents.
- This pooch has a high prey drive making them great pest control dogs.
Pitbull Husky Mix Personality and Temperament
The ideal Pitsky is the perfect balance of the parent breeds positive traits. However, any crossbreed’s temperament is dependent on how the genes are expressed.
You can expect a loyal and protective companion with a very playful nature. They can’t stand to stay indoors and need at least an hour of activity every day. They need plenty of space to run and play, and won’t mind living outside during the warmer months.
These guys love to talk. They will bark when they want to play, see something suspicious, or want your attention.
If ignored or left alone, they will make a real nuisance of themselves with their howling.
They should be given plenty of chew toys to keep them occupied.
A perfect Pitbull Husky mix is friendly and loyal, with a desire to protect its family.
Is The Husky Pitbull Mix A Good Family Dog?
Yes, they make a wonderful family dog if socialized well.
However their demanding and hyperactive nature means that your lifestyle should match theirs.
They are always on the go and make the perfect friend for those with equally active lifestyles.
These pups are not a good choice for the elderly or those with sedentary lifestyles.
Caring for a Pitbull Husky Mix
If you have ever owned a Pitbull or a Husky, then you are already very familiar with many of the Pitskys needs.
This pup is highly strung and demanding, so they are not recommended for first time owners. Before adopting one, you must be aware that they are a full time commitment.
They are best for very active owners with a lot of time and patience to spare.
Exercise Requirements
Pitskys just love long hikes, and they will want to be walked for at least an hour every day.
They have a very high chase instinct, so they must be kept on a leash when you walk them.
Outside of walking, they will need at least 30 minutes of off leash play every day. They love to go running, and you can even chain their leash to a bicycle and let them run beside you while you ride.
If left cooped up inside, these guys will wreck your house. They need to spend time outside, no matter the weather.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 60-90 Minutes.
Feeding and Diet
This dogs caloric needs match its high activity level (they need to eat as much as a small person).
As your dog gets older, it will need less dog food as it becomes a little bit less active. Females also need to eat less because of their smaller bodies.
On average though this breed needs about 1400 calories a day. For active young dogs, this amounts to 4 cups a day (2 cups per meal). Smaller or less active dogs only need about 3 cups of day.
Commercial kibble should have raw ingredients listed first, with a high protein and low carb content. This will promote muscle growth and a healthy weight.
You can give small raw meat treats for extra protein and a source of healthy fat.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 1400 | 3-4 |
Known Health Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies (dermatitis)
- Hip Dysplasia
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
How Long Does A Pitsky Live?
You can expect your Pitsky to be with you for 12-15 years.
How Much Does A Pitsky Cost?
Pitbulls and Huskies are both expensive breeds to keep and to maintain. The average cost for a puppy from a breeder is about $1500.
How To Train A Pitbull Husky Mix
The dog training should start as soon as you bring your pup home.
It must be trained as early as possible in order to eliminate any behavioral issues it may have inherited from its parents. A good training program is a combination of repetition, reinforcement and plenty of patience.
Crate training is a must for this dog. This takes a dog back to its wild roots as a den animal. The crate should be a safe, secure haven filled with the dog’s favorite toys and blankets. Never use the crate to punish your dog or give it a time-out.
Your dog will need early socialization training to make sure it knows it cannot push others around.
Puppies should be introduced to people and other dogs as early as 8 weeks old. Enroll them in puppy kindergarten and take them out to the park so they can practice their good manners.
A bored Pitsky is an obnoxious Pitsky. Without adequate attention and play time, they will get very loud and make a mess.
Consider giving them toys that move or light up, or toys that they can bury or chase. Pitskys love outdoor games, including the classic fetch. Since they are so intelligent, consider combining fetch with a game of hide and seek.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Gets along with children. | Gets bored very easily. |
| Makes a great workout partner. | May destroy furniture and toys when bored. |
| Good guard or watch dog. | Needy and attention seeking. |
| Very playful and engaging. | Can howl when lonely. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 16-25 inches |
| Weight: | 40-80lb |
| Lifespan: | 12-15 years |
| Coat: | Short single or long double |
| Color: | White, black, brown, tan and grey to name a few |
| Do They Shed: | Yes |
| Temperament: | Energetic, playful, loyal and protective |
| Intelligence: | Very intelligent |
| Socialization: | Will socialize well if taught very early |
| Destructive Behavior: | Can chew furniture especially if bored or left alone |
| People Skills: | A loyal but needy companion |
| Good with Children: | Yes |
| Activity Levels: | High |
Summary
If you have an active lifestyle and you are looking for the perfect fitness partner, then the Pitbull Husky mix might just be the dog for you.
Keeping one requires a lot of patience and dedication – you will need plenty of time to teach them how to get along with others.
They demand your attention and tend to think they run your house. If you ignore them, you just might come home to a great big mess. This pooch needs much more exercise than many other breeds and their minds must be kept occupied at all times.
If you can tame a Pitsky’s wild spirit, you will find yourself with a wonderful friend that will love you and your family for years to come.
More American Pitbull Terrier and Siberian Husky Mixes
Want an American Pitbull Terrier mix or Siberian Husky mix but aren’t keen on the Pitbull Husky mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
American Pitbull Terrier Mixes
- German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
- Golden Retriever Pitbull Mix
- Pitbull Mastiff Mix
- Pitbull Boxer Mix
- Pitbull Lab Mix
- Rottweiler Pitbull Mix
- Pitbull Corgi Mix
- Pitbull Dachshund Mix
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