The Pitbull Husky Mix, also known as the Pitsky is a hybrid or designer dog between the Pitbull and the Siberian Husky. This is a dog that is going to need an owner who likes to be active as it is a higher energy dog. If the pitbull side comes from good stock and has been well socialized, it really shouldn't have aggressive tendencies, contrary to popular belief. The Pitsky is going to be a stout, strong dog that might have either short or long hair, depending on who it takes after. They can be very loyal and good family pets. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Husky Pitbull Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Pitbull Husky Mix puppy. That is, if they have any for sale. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.
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There isn’t a real definitive history to a dog such as the Pitbull Husky Mix, or Pitsky as it is a recent designer dog. They don’t have quite the same background as a purebred dog that dates back hundreds or even thousands of years. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Here is a brief history of both parent breeds so you get a better idea of what this mix might be comprised of.
The Siberian Husky is a medium size working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia, Russia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family and was originally bred to pull sleds over long distances rather quickly. They are known to be escape artists that will dig themselves out of the strongest fence. Being that they were bred to pull things you can imagine that they aren’t the easiest dogs to walk.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the so-called bully breeds often labeled a pit bull. Even though we have been stating it above, a "pit bull" isn't a breed, but a term used to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It is pretty universally agreed upon that the confusion started with a decision by the AKC in the early 1930s to give it a new name, American Staffordshire Terrier, to separate it from its pit-fighting past. The American Pit Bull Terrier has not been recognized by the AKC, while the American Staffordshire Terrier, which is slightly smaller, has been.
PITBULL
Height: 17 - 19 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 85 lb.
Lifespan: 12-16 years
HUSKY
Height: 20 - 23 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 60 lb.
Lifespan: 12-15 years
This is really a pretty even keeled, loyal, good natured dog. They are a powerful dog with a lot of energy and high stamina. They generally have a nice temperament and like to be the center of attention, in an affectionate way. The most important thing when getting any dog is to properly socialize it and make sure they are exposed to as many new dogs, people, and situations as is possible. As you might imagine they might have the tendency to be protective. The socialization will help take care of this. However, they are generally good with children. They will need a good bit of exercise, especially if the Husky side shows. The more exercise they get, the better their behavior will be.
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Husky mixed with Pitbull might be prone to Hypothyroidism, heart disease, eye problems, Hip dysplasia and allergies.
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
The Husky Pitbull mix is going to need a good bit of exercise and isn’t going to want to lay on the couch all day. This mix will require someone who likes to walk long distances and keep themselves and their dogs active. They are going to need a firm owner who can set boundaries and enforce them. As previously mentioned, the best thing you can do for this mix is to give them lots of socialization and teach them how to interact with as many dogs as possible. They should be relatively easy to train but might have their stubborn moments and might not be the easiest dog to walk on a leash. It really depends on which of the parent breeds they take the most after, but they are probably going to need moderate brushing. The Husky sheds like crazy, so you should really take note of the specific dog and see if they are going to need brushed a lot. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. The Pitbull Husky Mix can be a great escape artist so if left in the backyard (temporarily of course,) they will be tough to keep in. You will need to make sure the fence is extremely secure and buried a couple of feet in the ground. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.