Pitsky Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

13-36 kg

Height

40-64 cm

Lifespan

10-13 years

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About the Pitsky

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

Pitskies are a force to be reckoned with in the mixed breed dogs racket. The parent breeds of this designer dog are absolute powerhouses, and Pitskies undoubtedly inherited a lot of characteristics from them.

Would you like to know more about the Pitsky? Here is a detailed breed guide explaining everything there is to know about this hound and how pet parents can take care of Pitsky puppies.

What is the history & origin of the Pitsky?

Have you ever wondered how Pitskies came to be? The origins of this breed are as clear as daylight. You can immediately notice the visual genetics of an American Pit Bull Terrier and the characteristics of the Siberian Husky.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a purebred dog, but it still isn’t recognised by the American Kennel Club because of its constant name change and probably changing breed standards. In contrast, the AKC has recognised the Siberian Husky way back in 1930.

Both parent breeds of this Pitbull-Husky mix have a strong character and personality that makes some people fear them.

What is a Pitsky breed?

The Pitsky breed is a Pitbull-Husky mix with an exquisite physical appearance. This dog’s eyes are incredibly captivating, and we have both its parent breeds to thank for this visual aesthetic attribute.

Some breeders breed the American Pitbull Terrier with an Alaskan Husky to produce a Pitsky puppy litter. Regardless of the specific type of Husky used during the breeding process between these two, the results remain the same. Unlike many other dogs, the Pitbull-Husky mix does not have any other nicknames apart from Pitskies.

Who is a Pitsky best for?

There is a world of stubbornness behind that adorable Pitsky puppy face, especially when trying obedience training techniques. Even at a young age, the Pitbull-Husky mix requires extra attention and care for the pup to be responsive to training.

At the same time, this Pitbull-Husky mix may suffer from separation anxiety and could take it out on inanimate objects around the house. With that said, first-time dog owners might not be the best parents for this breed.

A Pitsky might also play a little rough with other pets unless early socialisation got initiated at a tender age. Therefore, this breed could challenge you if you have other animals, especially without a proper training routine. Other than that, this Pitbull-Husky mix has the potential to be a good family dog.

Pitsky Grooming & Shedding

Many husky mix dog breeds tend to have a double coat, leading to excessive shedding. However, the Husky-Pitbull mix must have taken the shorter coat genes from its Pitbull parent.

Pit bulls do not have a long coat, but it’s relatively smoother and not prone to above-average shedding. Similarly, Pitskies do not have challenging grooming needs, making them a better fit for people suffering from allergies.

Do Pitskies bark a lot?

A Pitsky can get a little bit overprotective. Its fierce loyalty can prompt barking to strangers and other household animals. When this breed feels frustrated, it will bark or howl until it gets your attention.

You can follow some available training techniques and routines to get an obedient pup that can grow into an excellent guard dog that only barks when necessary. For example, being stern and not succumbing to this dog’s demands immediately when it barks can be helpful.

Also, at least 2 hours of exercise daily can reduce barking levels to a minimum.

What is the average weight & height of a Pitsky?

Each Pitsky varies in weight and size, but the average range is between 13kg to 30-36kg. This weight is for a height ranging between 40cm and 64cm. Pitskies are a medium to large breed with this average weight and size.

Try to maintain your pup’s weight within this range to prevent obesity and potential health problems.

Are Pitskies easy to train?

Training a Pitsky is a job and a half. A lot of repetition is required due to the stubborn nature of this pup. That is one of the main reasons it is not suitable for first-time pet owners who are inexperienced with breeds that are challenging to train.

If you would like to adopt this pup as a novice, consider seeking professional dog training assistance. Or first, try to train your Pitsky to manage its separation anxiety and exhibit respectful behaviour constructively. Then, with extra effort and tender loving care, you can get it right as time goes on.

How do Pitskies behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Since a Pitbull is a parent breed for Pitskies, people imagine that this dog is aggressive and has a short fuse. That is not true. This breed is a bit territorial because that is how it expresses its affection for its owner, but they have a very cheerful spirit.

The protective nature of Pitskies makes them the best guard dogs for families. There is proof that this breed is not aggressive, as it has gotten hailed for being the perfect dog for families, even in households with children. Additionally, a Pitsky is very energetic and requires a lot of exercises.

When Pitskies do not get plenty of exercise or attention, that is when they might start destroying household items. However, they are not prone to harming human beings.

Does the Pitsky have any common health issues?

Hip dysplasia is amongst the most common health conditions that bother Pitskies. Also, this Husky cross with the American Staffordshire Terrier (Fancy name for Pitbull) can suffer from hyperthyroidism, so watch out for gagging, vomiting or an irregular heartbeat.

If you have any concerns, visit the veterinarian for a wellness check and ensure that your pup gets enough exercise. Also, keep a close eye on your dog’s diet for a healthy hound that is fit and has minimal few complications as possible.

What is the lifespan of a Pitsky?

This medium-large dog breed can live a long, satisfying life when kept healthy and fit. Once this pup becomes an adult dog, it can live for 16 years, a very impressive life expectancy.

The lifespan of a Husky-Pitbull mix is very impressive because most other breeds commonly have a life expectancy ranging between 10 to 13 years. Therefore, this makes Pitskies one of the relatively longest-living designer dogs. The Pitbull and Husky parents also have lifespans averaging the same as Pitskies, so these genes run in the family.

How much does a Pitsky need to be fed?

Free feeding is an absolute no because this breed is prone to weight gain leading to obesity and other health complications. Instead, control the diet of your Pitsky by offering servings according to their weight and size. With the average weight and size mentioned above, try to limit food servings to 2.5-3 cups of dry kibble.

Do not give out snacks without a sound monitoring system in place. The number of snacks should depend on their type and the number of carbs each serving has. A substitute for many snacks would be training your hound during meal time instead of incentivising using unhealthy alternatives.

How much can you expect to pay for a Pitsky in Australia?

Pitskies are not a common breed, and because of this, they can be a little pricey. Depending on the value-added benefits such as vaccination status and microchipping, this breed can cost up to $2000. However, some breeders do offer puppies from their litter at lower prices.

Lower-priced Pitsky pups cost around $500, but you might have to do all the necessary vaccinations and microchipping. Alternatively, opt for adopting a Pitsky if there is one at a local dog shelter or from an animal rescue organisation.

Pitsky FAQs

Got some more questions about Pitskies? Here is more information about the Husky-Pitbull mix in this Frequently Asked Questions list.

How long does it take for a Pitsky to be fully grown?

A Pitsky pup generally takes 15 to 18 months to reach full growth. For some dogs, their development takes 12 months, depending on their genes and how their taken care of at home. A pup that exercises a lot and gets the best dog food can reach total growth much sooner.

Is a Pitsky dog suited to a first-time dog owner?

First-time owners might not be the best suited to adopt a Pitsky. This breed tends to have destructive behaviour when not attended to and, as a result, might require an experienced owner. In addition, Pitskies are fast-paced and incredibly smart. Thus they need an owner that can keep up.

Are Pitsky dogs aggressive?

Pitskies can be often mistaken for being aggressive, similarly to Pitbulls. However, both Pitskies and Pitbulls are not aggressive, especially not to their owners. They are a bit competitive, but the bottom line is that they are a playful breed, just like their Husky parent.