The pitbull husky mix is a medium to large sized crossbreed. The breed is a mixture of an Alaskan or Siberian Husky with the American Pit-bull Terrier. Her talents include guarding, racing, sledding and hunting. This dog breed is fiercely loyal, and usually lives up to 12-15 years. The pitbull husky mix, also known as a Pitsky, is a loving and friendly dog, which makes her an ideal pet.
However, she needs owners that are active and preferably have some previous dog experience, and an access to a garden or yard. This dog is a not a lap dog or a chilled dog that can entertain herself on her own. Instead, she wants lots of attention and exercise. For anyone who is wary of her Pit-bull side, this dog is a very even-tempered and non aggressive one if raised properly with early socialization and training.
History
As far as mixed breeds are concerned, the pitsky is not one of the newest. They are believed to have been welcomed into our homes for quite some time now. This dog breed is a cross combination of an American Pit Bull terrier and a Siberian husky or an Alaskan husky.
The American Pit Bull Terrier
Until 1835 in England, the American Pit Bull terrier remained a popular spectator sport used for bull and bear baiting. This meant that this type was bred to be aggressive, tenacious, and courageous. Today, this dog is an alert, confident, loyal, courageous and friendly one and would try to a lap dog despite her large size.
The Siberian husky
The Siberian husky is one of the oldest dog breeds today, and comes from an ancient Siberian nomad’s tribe known as the Chuckchi. These dogs have long been used for sledging and keeping as pets. Today, this dog is a very enthusiastic and athletic one but requires lots of exercise and stimulation or else he can become quite destructive. He does not bark frequently but howls from time to time. Since they have a very gentle and friendly nature, the Siberian huskies do not make very good watchdogs.
The Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan husky is a mixed breed of village dog, huskies and hounds, and has been used for various purposes, including sledging and racing. Today, they greatly vary in their looks and personality but are affectionate and loyal in general. He is strong, enthusiastic, independent and very athletic.
Appearance
The Pitsky is a medium to large sized dog, weighing around 35 to 80 lbs and measuring around 20 to 24 inches tall. He can appear like either of the parents, pit or husky. Normally, he has erect ears and a broad head. He has almond shaped eyes and a long black muzzle. His body is short and compact but very sturdy. His coat can either be similar to a husky’s or pit bulls, which is woolen and long or smooth and short.
Exercise and Training Needs
The Pitsky is an active dog with high levels of energy and enthusiasm, making it suitable for only owners who can commit to giving her a minimum of 2 hours of physical activity on a daily basis. She likes chasing things and can run very quickly for a long time. She likes going on hikes and joining her owner for a walk and a jog every day. Besides requiring physical activity, this dog also needs mental stimulation or she can become rather aggressive and moody.
Because the Pitsky is a smart dog, she is able to learn and adapt quickly. But since she is a pack dog, you as an owner need to establish the authority and make clear about being a pack leader. You will need to be confident and firm with this dog when issuing commands and training her. She is eager to please and so positive training techniques such as treats, praises and rewards will work wonders. Consistency is important and early training and socialization are essential for shaping her into a well behaved dog.
Grooming Needs
Pitsky is definitely not the dog for you if you have allergies or mind cleaning up hair. Because she is a moderate to heavy shedder, you will need to vacuum the place on a daily basis. Brushing also needs to be done everyday which will help you control the shedding to some extent. You should use a solid bristle brush, which will maintain the silkiness and softness of her coat.
A Pitsky will also need to be bathed and shampooed as needed, and teeth brushed every other day. Her ears should also be cleaned and inspected on a weekly basis with a dog ear cleaning solution. Also pay close attention to her nails as they will require regular trimming.
Habitat Requirements
Pitsky puppies can grow out to be rather large, which means they would be happier in a big house that has a fenced backyard than they would be in a small apartment with nowhere to go. Plus, these dogs are very energetic and enthusiastic, meaning they can prove a little destructive to the house if they have no place to let out their energy.
Behavior with Other Animals and Children
The pit bull husky mix is good with children. She is affectionate and loves to play and spend time with their little human friends. However, in absence of early training and socialization, she may not maintain her best behavior. Again, socialization helps when it comes to her interaction with other dogs. Because she shares traits with her parent pit bull, the pitsky can chase smaller animals thinking them as preys. If you have children living in the house, make sure to teach them the appropriate way of dealing with dogs to avoid misbehavior from both sides.
Health Concerns
When searching for a Pitsky, make sure you take out some time and research for the right breeder. Ask him the right questions and visit the puppy personally to see if he is not from a line of unhealthy dogs. The pitsky parents are at a risk of the following health problems: heart disease, hypothyroidism, allergies, eye problems and hip dysplasia. This means that the Pitsky will also be more likely to have these issues, so it’s better to watch out.
General Information
The Pitsky is an infrequent to frequent barker and can at times howl too. She is a great watchdog and will immediately alert you in case on danger as well do her best to protect you. She needs to be fed a minimum of 3 to 4 cups of high quality dry dog food on a daily basis, divided into two main meals. How much does it cost to own a Pitsky?
A pit bull husky mix puppy can cost you anywhere around $150 to $2000. Medical costs for a year for flea prevention, insurance checkups and shots will total to around $485 to $600. Other annual costs for sundries will include food, treats, training, license and toys, which can add up to around $510 to $600. Make sure to go through a range of sellers to get a good idea of the prices.
Pitbull Husky Mix – Highlights
A pit-bull husky mix is one of the devoted and intelligent dog breeds. If you are planning to adopt one, you need to consider the following factors in order to make an informed decision:
- Other Names: Pitsky American Pit Bull Terrier/Siberian Husky, American Pit Bull Terrier/Alaskan Husky
- Average Yearly Medical Expenditure: $485 to $600
- Average Price Of A New Puppy: $150 to $2500
- Average Height: 20-24 inches
- Average Weight: 35 to 80 pounds (15.9 to 36.3 kg)
- Average Yearly Non-Medical Expenditure: $510 to $600
- Average Size: Medium to large
- Good with Other Pets? Good if socialized at a young age- can chase smaller animals thinking them as prey
- Breed Type: Crossbreed
- Average Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
- Major Health Concerns: hip dysplasia, eye problems, Hypothyroidism, heart disease, allergies
- Tolerant To Isolation: Low
- Safe for Children: Yes, if socialized properly
- Coat Type: short, shiny, long and woolen
- Coat Appearance: short soft, dense
- Coat Colors: colors can vary but common shades are typically darker
- Grooming Needs: moderate to high
- Good Tolerance to Heat and Cold: moderate to cold if has pit bull coat, excellent if husky’s. Good tolerance to heat.
- Shedding: Moderate to frequent
- Brushing Requirements: everyday
- Good with Other Dogs: Yes, if properly socialized
- Sensitive to Touch: Quite sensitive
- Barking: Infrequent to frequent- can howl
- Good Pet: Very good to excellent
- Suitable for Apartment? Low to moderate- work best with a yard since they are very active
- Training: easy to train
- A Wanderer or Roamer? Average to high
- Exercise Needs: highly active
- Tendency to Gain Weight: average
- Hypo-allergic: No
- Suitable for First Time Dog Owners? Fairly good to Moderate
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Hello! I noticed the first picture of the white pitsky with blue eyes at the top of the article! My dog looks exactly like that puppy! The thing is I actually got my dog at an animal shelter so I was wondering if that was her or if maybe it’s a puppy from the same liter. So could you tell me where you got that photo at?