Last Updated on April 23, 2023
Do you love cuddling with big dogs? Or have you ever wanted a Siberian Husky? How about a Pitbull?
You won’t have to choose anymore because of the Pitbull-Husky mix! A crossbreed that’s full of surprises, the Pitbull-Husky mix or Pitsky will surely charm its way into your heart with its loyalty and friendliness.
Quick Navigation
- 1 What type of dog is a Pitsky?
- 2 Characteristics of the Pitbull Husky Mix
- 3 Proper training for the Pitsky
- 4 How much exercise does a Pitbull-Husky hybrid need?
- 5 Do Pitbull Husky mixes shed?
- 6 Feeding a Pitsky
- 7 Potential health issues of a Husky Pitbull Mix
- 8 Where can I get a Pitsky?
- 9 Big reputation: are you ready for this crossbreed?
- 10 Further Reading: More Siberian Husky Mixes
What type of dog is a Pitsky?
A Pitbull Husky mix might sound unusual, but this hybrid is not a new designer dog.
The Pitsky is the product of crossbreeding an American Pit Bull Terrier with a Siberian Husky or Alaskan Husky.
Unfortunately, because of its mixed-breed nature, this hybrid not recognized by organizations like the Dog Registry of America or the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Of the Pitbull Husky mix’s parents, only the Siberian Husky is recognized by the AKC.
Don’t you think it’s interesting how unpredictable a Pitsky puppy is going to look? Would it look more like the Husky parent or more of the Pitbull parent?
One thing’s for sure, you’d be an owner of a very unique-looking yet beautiful dog!
Even if its parent breeds tend to have a reputation for being aggressive, don’t judge the Pitsky right away. With proper training and socialization, all dogs can be raised to be affectionate and trustworthy companions.
Let’s take a look at where this hybrid came from and learn about its parents: the Siberian Husky and the American Pit Bull Terrier.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Although they’re perceived as a ferocious breed, Pitbulls or Pitties are extremely friendly by nature and believes that everyone loves them.
Sure, Pitties are courageous, confident, and strong, but they’re also loyal, affectionate, and a dream to train due to their intelligence!
Don’t think of leaving this dog alone for long periods as they can get separation anxiety. They’ll act out by barking and may be destructive, chewing on shoes, carpets, or even furniture.
Generally, this breed can grow between 17 to 21 inches (43 to 53 cm) and can weigh up to 85 pounds (39 kg). You can expect this dog to be around for up to 16 years.
Siberian Husky
At the mention of this breed, you’ve probably started imagining those beautiful snow dogs with captivating eyes! Huskies are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful, and they enjoy the physical and mental challenge of work.
Siberian Huskies have a life expectancy of up to 15 years. They can weigh up to 60 pounds (27 kg) and are about 20 to 24 inches (51 to 61 cm) tall.
As they love being active, they won’t appreciate it if they’re left alone or get bored. Huskies are superb escape artists that will dig or jump their way out!
If not, prepare yourself for a whole lot of chewing and howling from them.
Don’t expect a Husky to be a couch potato, though. They are not bred to be lazy and they like being useful to their humans, so this is a very active breed.
They’re gentle around their family, but they may also alert you if there’s any sign of danger.
Alaskan Husky
Don’t confuse the Alaskan Husky with the Alaskan Malamute.
The Alaskan Husky is more of a classification of Husky rather than a distinct breed of its own. They’re definitely similar to other Husky-type dogs.
(The Alaskan Malamute, on the other hand, is its own breed, recognized as a working dog by the AKC.)
With a much leaner build, the Alaskan Husky is known for its strength and athleticism.
This dog is built for sled racing and other tasks expected of Arctic canines.
Characteristics of the Pitbull Husky Mix
Since the Pitsky can be a mix of a Pitbull and either an Alaskan Husky or a Siberian Husky, this hybrid’s looks and size can vary.
They usually have a broad head, erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a long muzzle, and their body is short, compact, and sturdy.
Most Pitskies tend to have darker coats in shades of dark brown, black, or even sable.
If the Husky-Pitbull cross’ coat is similar to a Husky’s, then it would be woolen and long. Pitskies that take after their Pitbull parent will have a smooth, short coat.
If you’ve taken a look at the photos of a Husky Pitbull mix, you can see how most of these Pitskies have inherited the piercing eyes of their Husky parent.
They’re medium to large dogs
The Pitbull Husky mix is a medium to large-sized hybrid that can weigh between 30 to 70 pounds (14 to 32 kg) and can reach a height of 19 to 21 inches (48 to 53 cm) tall.
The size of your Pitsky will still depend on the appearance of its parents. They can be taller or shorter, or even weigh up to 80 pounds (36 kg)!
They’re friendly and even-tempered
Like with any other dog, you shouldn’t rush into getting a Pitsky.
As we’ve said before, crossbreeds are usually unpredictable in terms of temperament. A Pitbull-Husky cross may be a little trickier to deal with compared to a purebred dog.
Most mixed breeds will display the traits they got from their parents.
However, how your dog behaves is dependent not just on their nature but also on how you nurture your pup.
That said, the Husky Pitbull mix generally has an even temperament. This particular crossbreed is friendly and affectionate, they make for great companions.
One potential problem with the Pitbull Husky mix is that it can be too protective of its human pack, resulting in excessive barking.
This dog won’t hesitate to use its voice to immediately alert you of perceived threats or strangers at the door.
Husky-Pitbull hybrids need plenty of attention, and you should never let their separation anxiety win.
Crate-train your Pitsky puppy at a young age so he knows that he has a safe spot even if you leave him alone. This will keep them from hurting themselves and keeps your house safe as well.
They’re excellent family pets and guard dogs
If your household has children or other pets, the Husky Pitbull cross can be an astounding guard dog.
They would do a great job watching and protecting your kids. However, this doesn’t mean you can walk away and leave your little ones to your furry buddy!
For safety, never leave your kid unattended whenever your Pitbull Husky mix is around.
It’s not because your Pitsky would intentionally do anything harmful to your kids, but your dog may not know its own strength while playing with smaller children.
With its size, a Husky-Pitbull cross can accidentally knock down your toddler during playtime.
See to it that your pup is socialized early to make sure that your Pitsky gets along with everyone in the household.
Proper training for the Pitsky
Just like any dog breed, Pitskies needs to be trained as early as possible, as they’re most receptive when they’re still pups.
Start training your Husky Pitbull mix pup when it is around 6 to 7 weeks old. Pitskies are incredibly smart, so they’ll pick up your commands easily.
Check out this Husky and Pitbull cross performing tricks:
Focus your time on training and socializing your dog. Pitbull-Husky mixes are strong-willed, but positive reinforcement works better than punishment because these dogs live to please their owners.
Let your Pitsky spend time around other people and animals to help them learn that not everyone means to do you or him any harm.
How much exercise does a Pitbull-Husky hybrid need?
Both the Pitbull and the Husky are high-energy breeds, so it’s understandable that the Pitsky has plenty of energy as well.
Pitbull-Husky mixes love being outdoors – rain or shine – and are perfect for families that are active or busy. Be ready to spend approximately two hours a day of being active with your Pitsky to keep them happy and fit.
Make sure to keep your Pitbull and Husky cross on a leash whenever outdoors. This hybrid may inherit the prey drive of its Pitbull parent.
The best toys for Husky and Pitbull mix
All dogs have natural chewing tendencies, but now we know that Pitskies can bring chewing to a more extreme level.
You’ll notice this in situations where you can’t satisfy their need for mental and physical exercise. This is where chew toys come in handy.
Whether they’re inside their crate or not, make sure to provide a chew toy that can hold up to this crossbreed’s strong jaws and teeth. Pick out a large toy that he can handle and that wouldn’t end up being a choking hazard.
Do Pitbull Husky mixes shed?
Since neither the Pitbull nor the Husky is a low-shedding breed, you can count on the Pitsky to shed a moderate amount of fur.
This is probably not the best dog to get if you suffer from allergies to dander.
As we mentioned earlier, the thickness and length of the Pitbull-Husky mix’s coat depend on whether it takes after the Pitbull or the Husky.
If the coat of your Pitsky is longer and takes after the Husky parent, it would need daily brushing.
If it inherits the Pitbull’s shorter coat, brushing it once a week would be enough.
Don’t forget the other basics of grooming like clipping their nails when needed, brushing their teeth several times a week, and cleaning their ears every two weeks!
Keep mildew or mold at bay by making sure that your dog’s undercoat gets completely dry after baths.
Feeding a Pitsky
Though the Pitbull-Husky mix has high levels of energy, you’ll want to keep an eye on your dog’s weight. Plan and schedule their feeding to make sure they’re healthy.
If you don’t know which food to give your dog, all you have to do is consult the vet or ask the breeder. This is especially useful in preventing your Pitsky puppy from getting an upset tummy.
Depending on its age, this breed requires 600 to 1,400 calories a day. That’s 20 calories per pound of body weight.
At least 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry dog food, divided into two main meals a day, are needed. Don’t overfeed your Pitbull-Husky mix, but make sure it gets enough food to sustain its active lifestyle.
By sticking to the recommended food intake for Pitskies, you can help your beloved dog avoid obesity and other health problems without depriving them of the nutrients they need for energy and growth.
You can also prevent weight gain in your dog by giving him a grain-free diet and glucosamine supplements to keep its joints strong and healthy.
Potential health issues of a Husky Pitbull Mix
While some say that crossbreeds are generally healthy because of hybrid vigor, these dogs can also suffer from health problems that they may inherit from their purebred parents.
That is why it’s imperative to educate ourselves to keep our 4-legged babies happy and healthy.
Here are some of health concerns to be aware of when it comes to your Pitbull-Husky mix:
Hyperthyroidism – This is a problem that is present in both Huskies and Pitbulls. Symptoms include breathing problems and wheezing.
Watch out for this condition because if it doesn’t get immediate treatment, it will cause more problems like kidney and heart failure.
Allergies – Both parent breeds are vulnerable to various kinds of skin conditions like allergies. Observe your dog and, if you think its scratching is becoming unusual, then it’s time to ring up or visit the vet to get proper treatment.
Hip Dysplasia – This genetic condition would probably come from the Pitbull parent. Always ask for the hip scores of the parents and even the pups before getting them.
Eye Problems – The Pitsky’s parent breeds are vulnerable to various eye conditions. Huskies can get cataracts, while Pitbulls are prone to getting retinal dysplasia.
Heart Disease – This can also happen when your dog gets older. You can try to avoid this by making sure you watch your dog’s diet and giving them sufficient exercise daily.
If provided with proper care and a healthy lifestyle, the Pitbull and Husky mix has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
It’s also advisable for you to take your dog to the vet at least twice a year for a regular check-up. Prevention is an excellent way to keep your pet healthy!
Where can I get a Pitsky?
Now comes the difficult part: looking for a Pitbull Husky mix to take home and love.
Whether you decide to buy a Pitsky puppy or rescue a Pitbull-Husky hybrid, check the dog’s papers and health clearance.
Even if it’s easy to find designer dogs these days because of the Internet, it’s always best to be careful and make sure that your pup’s parents, especially the Pitbull, are clear of health problems.
Responsible Pitsky breeders ensure that their pups live and grow in a safe, clean environment.
Option #1: Pitbull Husky mix puppies from breeders
Make sure to purchase your new dog only from reputable breeders. Expect a Pitsky puppy to cost around $500 to $2,000.
The prices vary depending on the pup’s pedigree and on the breeder itself. This doesn’t include every other expense that pops up once you get the puppy.
Basic vet procedures for your pup would cost around $485 to $600 annually. When we say basic procedures, we mean shots, check-ups, and flea prevention.
You can look for Pitsky puppies for sale at Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies. You can also get in touch with the following Pitbull and Husky breeders to see if they have any crossbreeds for sale:
- Big Gemini Kennels (California)
- Clase Pitbull (New York)
- Loyal Siberian Husky (South Carolina)
- Jalerran Siberians (Pennsylvania)
Designer dogs are known to be quite pricey, and it usually is the reflection of the quality care the parents and the pups got from the original owner or breeder.
If someone sells them to you for a lower price, it might not be a good sign.
Option #2: Pitbull Husky Mix rescue
Although there are some extra steps you must take to check if they’re legitimate Husky Pitbull mixes, there are plenty of Pitskies looking for a forever home and someone to love them.
Go ahead and check out Pittie and Husky rescues like Adopt a Pit Rescue (Ohio), The Love Pit Rescue (Texas), Alabama Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc., Raven’s Husky Haven and Rescue (Wisconsin).
You never know, it might be love at first sight with an adult dog.
Although the cost varies according to state or city, adoption is the less expensive option for taking home a Pitbull Husky mix.
Big reputation: are you ready for this crossbreed?
After all that, I’m sure you agree that the Pitbull Husky Mix or the Pitsky can make for a unique family pet and companion!
No one can get enough of this cute furball!
Again, this hybrid is ideal for owners who are active, have experienced handling and training a big dog.
The Pitsky will also love being in a home with ample space to run around and be active on his own.
If you tick all the boxes for the ideal Pitsky owner, then congratulations!
You’ll enjoy plenty of years with this affectionate, fun-loving, and intelligent crossbreed by your side.
Do you own a Pitsky? Or have you experienced owning and training one before? We’d love to know all about it! Tell us everything by leaving a comment below!
Further Reading: More Siberian Husky Mixes
Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.