Pitbull Husky Mix: The Ultimate Guide

the pitsky is a mix of pitbull and husky

Our love of Pitbulls is no secret and we recently discovered a new favorite hybrid - the Pitsky! This Pitbull Husky Mix offers the best of both parent breeds. They have an even temperament, showing all the affection of Pitbulls and the high energy of the Husky.

Like we discussed in our Types and Breeds of Pitbull article, the look and size of a Pitbull can vary widely based on their genes. The same goes for a Pitsky. Generally, this hybrid is bred from an American Pitbull Terrier and a Siberian or Alaskan Husky. But any type of Pitbull can create a Pitsky.

In today’s article, we will teach you more about this energetic and intelligent pup. And like always, we’ll help you decide if a Pitsky is right for you!

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The Pitbull

Before we can help you decide if the Pitbull Husky Mix is a good fit, we should tell you more about the parents. So let’s dive in!

The American Pitbull Terrier is most commonly used to breed Pitskies, because they are arguably the only pureblood Pit around.

Like you are mostly likely aware, Pitbulls have a tragic history of dog fighting. Unfortunately, a Pitbull’s greatest strength is also their downfall. They are so willing to please their owners, they will do anything that is asked of them. If you train them to kill, they will. And because of this, Pitbulls have been villainized in the media as dangerous and deadly dogs.

Though there is an element of truth to this fear, Pitbulls are actually proven to be less aggressive than Golden Retrievers! Specifically, these results pertain to American Pitbull Terriers, because responsible breeders have worked tirelessly to remove aggressive behaviors from their litters of puppies. As a result, purebred Pitbulls are one of the most affectionate, loving, and gentle breeds available today.

When raised in a good home with a focus on early and persistent positive socialization, Pitties are confident, well-adjusted and an ideal breed for families with experience in handling large breeds.

As we have said, Pitbulls are incredibly obedient and want nothing more than to win the approval of their owners. When used for good, this trait makes them super easy and fun to train. They will quickly catch on to your commands!

And as any Pittie parent will tell you, Pitbulls have a contagious smile and warm personality. They truly love people more than they love being around their own kind. The downside of this is that they are prone to separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behaviors if they are left alone for long periods. Your Pitsky can also experience this, so you will want to make sure they have plenty of attention.

Next Up: The Siberian Husky

Like we mentioned before, Pitsky pups can be bred from either Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Huskies. The main difference between the two is their size - Alaskan Husky dogs are taller and a little thinner. Both are highly intelligent, athletic, and have a history of working as sled dogs.

In most cases, Pitbull Husky Mixes are bred from Siberian Huskies, so we will focus on them for the purposes of this article. And like we have mentioned in many other articles, the Siberian Husky is quickly becoming a favorite component when it comes to breeding hybrid dogs. The Corgski and the Gerberian Shepsky are just a couple of examples of how the Husky genes shine in combination with other popular dogs.

Siberian Huskies have a rich history. In fact, they are one of the oldest dog breeds that still exists today! In relation to modern times, Huskies arrived in Alaska in 1909 where they worked hard transporting supplies, people, and even as racing dogs.

Obviously, Husky dogs were bred to possess boundless energy. And even today, after decades of domestication, they are still incredibly high energy. If we are honest, Huskies can be a difficult breed to own. They require a ton of exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Without it, they howl, cry, dig, chew, and even try to escape - they love to roam freely. They can easily scale six foot fencing or dig their way out of the yard.

So while they are beautiful, majestic, friendly and loving - Husky ownership is really best left to experienced dog owners. But this is where designer breeds come in. By mating Huskies with other, calmer breeds, prospective puppy parents can find a dog that possesses all the wonderful qualities of the Husky without dealing with the difficult behaviors that come with pure breeds.

The Pitbull Husky Mix is an ideal match because while Huskies are intelligent, they are often stubborn and ornery. But the Pitbull, as we’ve said, wants nothing more than to please their parents! So this is great news for you!

Breed Overview: The Pitsky Pup

Breeding the Pitbull with the Husky mellows out some of the hyperactive Husky genes, but the resulting Pitsky still has high energy and loves to be active! These dogs are best suited for families who have a yard or are willing to commit to daily walks or runs - more on this later.

Because of the various types of Pitbull and Husky that the Pitsky can be bred from, it is hard to predict what they will look like. But one thing is for certain, they will be adorable. And hopefully your Pitsky pup will possess the same endearing smile that their Pitbull parent does!

Some may have the fluffy double-coat of the Husky parents, while others will express the short, flat coat of the Pit parent. Ears vary as well. Many Pitskies have the adorable sharp ears of the Husky while some have floppy ears like un-clipped Pitbulls. Blue and green eyes are fairly common thanks to the Siberian Husky genes, but many have plain eyes. It’s anyone’s guess!

Caring for Your Pitbull Husky Mix

One of the most important aspects of taking care of your Pitsky puppy is making sure they get plenty of exercise and attention. One way to accomplish this is by incorporating short, fun training games into your daily routine.

This is best done as soon as your puppy comes home so that you can establish a bond and set expectations for your Pitsky. All dogs thrive when the rules are clear and easy for them to understand. Pitbull Husky Mixes are no different!

A good place to start is with leash training. At maturity, Pitskies require at least 60 minutes of activity per day. This can easily be accommodated by taking your Pitsky for two 30 minute leashed runs or walks. But first, you have to make sure that your dog will tolerate being leashed.

Some dogs take to leash training easily, but others may require a little more effort. Start by finding a well-fitting harness for your Pitsky and a six foot leash. The harness will protect them from tracheal collapse, as well as make it harder for them to pull away from you. Next, train your Pitsky to associate a certain sound with getting a treat. This clicker and training treats are great options! Use the sound and treats to get your puppy to follow you on the leash.

Another fun way to make sure your Pitbull Husky Mix gets plenty of exercise is by taking him to the dog park. Your Pitsky will love the opportunity to romp, run and roll around with other dogs. Plus, it is great for his socialization training too!

Socialization is a great tool for making sure your Pitsky puppy will not react fearfully or aggressively to unfamiliar situations as he grows up and experiences all that the world has to offer. For example, introducing your dog to loud noises, small children, other animals, and even a variety of people will help teach him that the unfamiliar does not have to be scary. In this way, he will hopefully remain calm and confident when he’s faced with new situations.

Pitsky dogs may look more like pitbull or more like a husky

Next Up: Feeding Your Pitsky

Like many other aspects of your Pitbull Husky Mix, how much you feed him will depend on whether he takes more after his Pitbull parent, or his Husky parent. Pitskies have a wide weight range - anywhere from 35 to 80 pounds - so their nutrition needs vary as well.

In general, dogs that weigh around 35 pounds require about 1,060 calories and dogs that weigh 80 pounds require about 2,424 calories. Your Pitsky could require more or less based on his activity levels and treat intake.

Any high-quality food will meet your dog’s nutrition needs as long as you follow the recommended feeding guidelines. But if you have trouble picking a brand to feed, or if your Pitsky is picky, your veterinarian can make a recommendation.

How To: Grooming Your Pitsky

When it comes to grooming your Pitbull Husky Mix, it all depends on what type of coat your puppy inherited. If they have the short, flat coat of the Pitbull, grooming is pretty simple. Brush them every now and then to help with shedding and leave the rest to nature. But if your puppy has a Husky coat, you will need to invest in a special tool and brush them out every other day.

Pitbulls and Huskies are pretty high-shedding, but Huskies have a double coat. Their undercoat is soft and downy. It traps heat and keeps the Husky warm in the Winter. But in Spring and Fall, this coat falls out in clumps to prepare for higher temperatures. If your Pitsky has a Husky coat, be prepared for extra shedding twice a year!

It is also important to note that bathing your Pitsky too much is damaging to their skin and fur. Aim to bathe them once every couple of months and spot clean with a damp rag in between! Also be sure to keep up with their nail and tooth health. There are many tools available to make both of these chores easier. There are also many types of treats specifically formulated for dental health!

pitsky dogs might have blue eyes thanks to their husky genes

Are Pitskies Healthy?

Speaking of keeping your Pitbull Husky Mix healthy, the best way to do this is by making sure your puppy gets all of the recommended shots and medications. Heartworms and tick borne diseases can be deadly, so be sure to start your Pitsky on a preventative med as soon as possible.

Other conditions to look out for are hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, and hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately, Pitskies are genetically predisposed to these issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia is actually common to both parent breeds, and most other larger breeds.

It is a painful condition that causes abnormal development of the joints. This can lead to lameness and an incredibly poor quality of life. Thankfully, it can be treated with medication or surgery in extreme cases. Because it is so common, responsible breeders test the parents before mating them. If they show signs, they should not be used for breeding purposes. So always be sure to ask to see the parent’s hip and elbow scores before purchasing a Pitsky puppy.

While allergies can affect both Pitbulls and Huskies, it is more common in Pitbulls. They have more sensitive skin and may lick, chew their skin, or scratch incessantly. It is quite an uncomfortable condition and can even lead to hair loss. Your vet can help you identify the irritant that is bothering your Pitsky pup and prescribe medications to soothe their itchy skin.

Oddly, hyperthryoidism is also seen in both parent breeds. This condition is due to an imbalance in their thyroid hormones and can lead to weight loss, despite a larger than normal appetite. If you notice changes in your Pitskies mood or a decrease in weight, be sure to check in with your veterinarian. And as always, keep up with annual check ups!

pitbull husky mixes might have fluffy fur like the husky dog

Breed Summary: Is a Pitsky Right for You?

So we have given you a ton of useful information about Pitbulls, Siberian Huskies, and the Pitsky pup! Hopefully you are one step closer to deciding if adding a Pitsky to your life is the right choice.

If you are looking for a playful, affetionate dog with a 1000-watt smile, the Pitsky if perfect! But if you cannot commit to meeting their activity needs, things will not go well.

Also, Pitskies do best when they are with their humans for most of the day. So they are ideal for folks who work from home or have flexible schedules - running home at lunch to spend some time with them will go a long way.

As they come from working stock, Pitbull Husky Mixes have boundless energy and love to play games. They are super smart and easy to train. The Pitbull’s willingness to please balances out the Husky’s stubbornness!

A strong emphasis should be placed on early socialization training and setting clear boundaries for your puppy. This will help your Pitsky develop confidence and feel safe in his new home.

And if you follow all the guidance laid out here, you are sure to have one happy and adorable Pitbull Husky Mix on your hands - or your lap!

Do you have a Pitsky, or have you decided to get one? Let us know!

Fact	Detail
Life Expectancy:	12-15 years
Size:	Up to 21 inches tall; 35-80 pounds
Price:	$200-$1000+; depends of breeder, shelter, rescue fees etc.
Trainability:	Eager to please, easy to train; intelligent
Temperament:	Affectionate, Loving, Friendly, Energetic
Health Considerations:	Hip/elbow dysplasia, allergies, hyperthyroidism
Activity Level:	At least 60 minutes per day activity required
Overall Rating:	Perfect dog for experienced, energetic and dedicated owners

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