Pitsky (Pitbull Husky Mix): Breed Facts & Temperament

Two breeds of dog: one has the resemblance of an adorable wolf, the other looks like it needs more nap time. One is friendly, shows affection, and is very loyal – the other is also friendly and loves company but is usually described as aggressive. One is called the Pitbull, the other is called the Siberian Husky. When you put the two of them together with cross-breeding, you have a unique dog breed called the Pitbull Husky Mix or Pitsky for short. This dog breed is friendly, loyal, playful, and very affectionate. Despite its large size, it can be the perfect lap dog if you have enough time for it. In this article, we will throw more light on everything you need to know about the Pitsky before you decide to get one for yourself. If you’re ready, then read on!

History Of The Pitsky

First of all, it is important we go back into history and take a look at the origin of this unique dog breed. As mentioned earlier, the Pitsky is a result of cross-breeding between the Pitbull and the Siberian Husky. The term Pitbull covers a wide range of pedigree dog breeds as well as other informal dog breeds. Many of the dogs that fall under this breed were intended to be used mainly as fighting dogs because of their physique and appearance. It is important to note, however, that the term Pitbull is not used for a specific dog breed. The term is a generic one, and it is used to refer to all dogs that share the same appearance and characteristics. Because Pitbulls do not share a single history, it is difficult to place them under one single history.

The Siberian Husky is originally from the north-eastern part of Asia. It was commonly used as a working dog. The breed is part of the Spitz genetic family. Its wolf-like appearance comes with a thick coat and erect ears. It was commonly used as a sled-pulling dog in extremely cold regions.

Who Are The Parents?

As we know, the Pitsky is a mixed breed composed of half Pitbull half Husky. Let’s now take a closer look at exactly who the parents are.

The Pitbull

The Pitbull is a name commonly used for the descendants of the terriers and bulldogs. The more common Pitbulls are the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Despite its appearance, the Pitbull is very friendly and affectionate. It is also a very strong and energetic dog. It typically has a lifespan of 8-16 years. It also weighs anything from 13kg – 30kg. Pitbulls are typically prone to skin problems such as allergies and mange as well as bone diseases such as knee cap dislocation and degenerative myelopathy.

Head over to our review of Dog Food for Pitbulls for more alternatives. 

The Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky has a very distinct appearance with its piercing white eyes and luxuriously thick double-coat that comes in many colors. By nature, it is sharp, alert and highly intelligent. It is a high energy dog that is indeed very playful yet gentle It usually has an average lifespan of 12-14 years and a weight range of 16-27kg. The Siberian Husky is genetically prone to seizures and various eye-related problems.

Quick Facts About the Pitsky

Be aware that no two Pitskies are expected to share the same characteristics. However, there are few facts about Pitskies worth mentioning.

• Stature: The Pitsky dog has a height range between nineteen and twenty-four inches. However, some breeds have well exceeded the twenty-four inches mark.
• Weight: The average weight of the Pitsky ranges from thirty pounds to seventy pounds. The specific weight of a Pitsky is mostly dependent on which gene is most dominant from the parent.
• Breed: As mentioned earlier, the Pitsky is the result of cross-breeding between the Siberian Husky and the Pitbull. Thus, it may have a thick double coat, depending on which gene is dominant.
• Temperament: The Pitsky has parents that are both energetic and require plenty of exercise. They get bored easily and, thus, require a lot of attention. Thus, if you do not have enough time to play with Pitskies, they are not for you. Also, they are very sociable dogs. A Pitsky does not want to be left alone. It loves to spend time interacting with humans. And, if it does not get the attention it needs, do not be surprised to see it throw several tantrums.
• Health Issues: A Pitsky is prone to some health issues such as hip dysplasia and hyperthyroidism. But generally, its health issues are as a result of the dominant gene from its parents. Being half Pitbull and half Husky, it may share in the health issues of both parents.
• Appearance: Pitskies appear in a wide range of colors and color patterns. They also come in different sizes.
• Life Expectancy: A Pitsky has an average lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. It could be much more in some cases, and much less in others.

Things You Should Know

There is a lot of information you should equip yourself with before you dash off to the pet store to get yourself a Pitsky.

Training

Just like any other dog breed, the Pitsky needs its share of training to keep its mind sharp and its body healthy. As an offspring of two very agile and energetic parents, you know what to expect fro the Pitsky when it comes to training. The best time to start training a Pitsky dog is at a young age, preferably as early as eight weeks old. Pitsky puppies do not only need early training experience, but they also love it. Even at a very young age, Pitskies have very strong personalities that go with their energy. Thus, they have the tendency to become very destructive when they are not given proper training at the right age. Another important aspect of training a Pitsky is socialization. The Pitsky is generally a very sociable breed of dog. But, it also has the natural instinct to chase smaller animals. Thus, it is important to introduce it to other animals at an early age. Also, because Pitskies get bored easily from a lack of attention, it is important to start crate-training at an early age to help your dog get used to being left alone once in a while.

Feeding

A Pitsky is a large and energetic dog. And, it requires the kind of diet to match its energy. This dog breed needs a lot of protein-rich dog food to help fuel its muscles. Because of its size, a Pitsky does not do too well on dry dog food unless the kibble is designed specifically for its large mouth. Always make sure that your Pitsky’s diet is made of at least sixty percent of protein. Aside from supporting its muscles, it will ensure that it stays in good weight. Because a Pitsky has quite an appetite, it easily prone to overweight issues from too much feeding. Thus, you must be careful not to feed it with too many calories. Keeping your dog healthy has as much to do with training and exercise as it has to do with diet. Always ensure that your Pitsky gets enough balanced diet. Its diet should have a good percent of moisture for its body as well as essential minerals and vitamins. To be sure that you are purchasing the best dog food, always take your time to go through the ingredients displayed on the package before making a purchase.

For more guides on choosing the right dog food, you may wish to check out our reviews of the best dehydrated dog food, wet dog food, dog food toppers, cheap dog food and organic dog food.

Grooming

If you cannot stand shedding, then you probably will not be able to handle your Pitsky. This is because this dog breed sheds a lot. It does not matter whether it takes its coat type from the Pitbull or the Siberian Husky, expect quite some shedding. Also, if you have dog allergies, you should definitely stay away from this breed of dog. One way to control the spreading of your Pitsky’s hair all over your house is to brush it regularly. ‘Regularly’ here is determined by the time of the year and the length of the coat. But, whether long or short hair coat, you should brush your Pitsky at least once every week. This is very important as it helps immensely in keeping your dog’s shedding in control. When brushing your dog’s hair, always follow the direction of the flow of its hair. Brush gently while you rub it playfully. Brush downwards to help you remove bugs and other tiny objects that may be trapped inside its coat. The downward movement ensures that the objects fall to the floor instead of moving to other parts of the coat. Depending on how often your Pitsky stays outside, you should give it a wash often. Generally, once a month is just fine, unless you notice a bad odor. Always be sure to use only dog-grade shampoo when washing your Pitsky. Human-grade shampoo can cause a lot of damage to your dog’s coat and health.

For more help on dog grooming, you may wish to read our guides on the best dog paw washers, dog grooming tables, dog grooming clippers, dog ear cleaners and dematting tools for dogs.

Health

Just like every mixed breed, a Pitsky is prone to some health issues.

• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism in a Pitsky is not much different from it is in humans. What basically happens is that the excess thyroxine is produced by the dog’s thyroid gland. The excess thyroxine then has a negative effect on your dog’s metabolism and general health. Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism in your dog will include an increase in unexplained weight loss in your dog. This will be contrasted with an increase in its appetite. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism are, shortness of breath and irregularities in how your Pitsky breathes. If you suspect that your dog may be struggling with hyperthyroidism, consult your vet immediately for proper diagnosis. There are supplements available that can be used to correct the excess thyroxine and restore your dog’s normal hormonal balance.
• Hip Dysplasia: Your Pritsky may also be prone to hip dysplasia. This occurs when there is any sort of development considered abnormal in the hip region of the dog. This will affect your dog’s ability to exercise or play around considerably. Generally, when it comes to mixed breeds, most of their health issues are hereditary. Depending on the dominant gene, a Pitsky may inherit more of a particular health issue than another.

With regard to hygiene, always ensure that you keep your dog very clean. Aside from its regular baths, be sure to keep its sleeping area and surroundings clean. Clean its food and water bowls every day and always make sure it has fresh water at its disposal. A Pitsky generally has a lifespan of twelve to fifteen years. However, the most important thing is to keep your dog healthy and safe, and you may have it with you (with a little bit of luck) for a long time.

Temperament

As mentioned earlier, both the Siberian husky and the Pitbull are packed with very high energy. The trait is transferred to the Pitsky offspring. The Pitsky is one large bundle of energy that does not seem to stop. When it comes to its temperament, a Pitsky can be too much to handle if you are not prepared for it. It is an ideal dog buddy for an outgoing and active person with enough time to spare for playing. The Pitsky loves as much playtime as it love work time. It has the natural characteristic of its hardworking parent, the Siberian Husky. The Pitsky loves to be put to the task with active and even challenging chores. It also loves playful attention from its human owner. This breed of dog will get bored easily when it has nothing to do or no one to play with. And, it is during this moment that its natural destructive tendencies kick in. Some veterinarians and animal experts have suggested that this behavior is only its way of drawing its owner’s attention. A Pitsky also has the tendency to be a little stubborn sometimes. Thus it requires proper training from early childhood. Other than that, the Pitsky is very loving, protective, and affectionate. When properly trained at a young age, a Pitsky plays an expert role in protecting kids. However, just like any other dog, if it feels threatened in any way, its instincts will kick in. However, it does very well in large families as long as there is a constant presence of someone to play with. It loves the outdoors and enjoys going for long walks and run. If you do not have that much time to share with your Pitsky, it is best to hire the services of a professional dog-sitter.

To Summarize

So, whether or not a Pitsky is for you depends on how much time you are willing to give to it. And oh, how much patience also. A Pitsky is an energy-filled dog breed that is hardworking, loyal, loves company, and makes a great outdoor buddy. The question is, do you have what it takes to handle all that energy?

Source:

1. The Pitsky – American Pitbull & Husky Cross – Animal Corner