Pitsky

Pitskies are a hybrid dog breed that is the result of breeding an American Pit Bull Terrier with a Siberian Husky. Due to the mix of genes they inherit from both of the parent breeds, the exact size and personality of the dog can vary. However, in general, this breed is very loyal, affectionate, and energetic.

Due to their high-energy level and exercise needs, they do best in homes with active family members. Pitskies also do better in a home with experienced dog owners who will be able to give this breed the training and attention they need.

A Pitsky’s coat may be a variety of different colors, including black, brown, white, gray, or brindle. It is not exactly clear when their first Pitsky was intentionally bred, but it was likely within the last 20 years or so, when designer dog breeds were increasing in popularity.

Owning A Pitsky: 3 Pros And Cons

History Of The Breed

While it is believed that this hybrid dog may have come to exist as a natural occurrence throughout the years, it was intentionally started as a breed in the 1990s. Like most hybrids, the pitsky was developed as a desire to create a breed that had fewer health issues than its parent breeds, the Husky and the Pitbull.

The husky was originally developed in Eastern Siberia by the Chukchi people, and in 1908 was brought to Nome, Alaska, for use as a working sled dog. Pitbulls were bred from Old English Bulldogs in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s and came to the United States shortly before the Civil War, with British immigrants.

Size And Weight

Pitskies are a medium to large dog breed. Their exact size can vary based on the genes they inherit from their Siberian Husky and American Pit Bull Terrier parents. Full-grown males and females may weigh between 30 and 80 pounds and will be somewhere between 16 and 25 inches tall.

Common Health Issues

Overall, as a hybrid breed, these dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs. However, there are still some potential health concerns to be on the lookout for with this breed.

Hip dysplasia is one possible issue the dog may develop. The hips of dogs with hip dysplasia don’t form correctly, which can cause issues with mobility. Surgery may be needed to correct hip dysplasia, as it can be very painful for dogs.

Some of them also suffer from hypothyroidism. This is a condition where the thyroid hormone levels are too low, which causes the metabolism to slow down. This can cause fatigue, weight gain, and a decrease in activity.

Finally, some of these dogs may also suffer from obesity. Pitsky requires a lot of exercise, and if their exercise requirements aren’t met, they may become obese, which can lead to a myriad of other potential concerns.

Temperament And Behavior

Pitskies are very loyal to the members of their family. This is a highly active and energetic breed that will be best suited to owners who are also active and able to help the dog get their energy out. Without proper exercise, they can become bored and may engage in destructive behaviors.

Pitskies also have a very playful personality. They can make a great companion for an older child. At times, these dogs can become too attached to the members of their family and may suffer from separation anxiety. It will be important to ensure a Pitsky gets plenty of training and socialization to prevent this from getting too extreme.

These dogs may also show stubborn traits, which can make training challenging. This is another reason they are best suited for homes with experienced owners.

How To Take Care Of A Pitsky

As you plan to take care of your Pitsky, keep this hybrid breed’s personality, dietary needs, exercise and activity needs, and other unique traits in mind to ensure you provide your pup with the care it’ll need.

The Best Dog Food

As a high-energy dog, the dog must be fed dog food designed for high-energy medium to large breeds. Choose high-quality food and discuss the proper serving amount with your veterinarian. A number of factors can impact how much food a Pitsky should eat each day, including their weight, age, health issues, activity level, and metabolism.

Puppies have a much smaller stomach. This means they should be fed smaller meals multiple times throughout the day. Most puppies should eat between three and four times each day until they are six months old. Choose a puppy food formulated for active dog breeds. Again, your veterinarian is an excellent resource if you aren’t sure which food to use or how much to feed the puppy.

Maintenance And Grooming

The grooming needs of these dogs can vary quite a bit depending on the exact mix of genes they inherited from their Siberian Husky and Pitbull parents. Siberian Huskies have much longer hair than Pit Bulls, so some Pitskies may have longer hair than others. Try to brush this crossbreed at least once a week, but you may find that if your dog’s hair is on the longer side, you’ll need to brush them even more frequently.

Don’t forget to also take care of your dog’s ears by keeping them clear of debris and wax. Their teeth should be brushed once every day or every other day, and their nails should be kept trimmed to keep them from making it too painful for the dog to walk.

Training

These dogs can be challenging to train. They are known to be stubborn and are also very energetic, which can make it difficult for novice owners to own this breed. If you are not confident in how to train your Pitsky, sign them up for obedience training. Starting to train and socialize a Pitsky from a very early age is essential.

Exercise

Pitskies will require a lot of exercise. This breed is very energetic and active. Ideally, they should be taken on at least two long walks each day and be given additional time to run around and play in a fenced-in backyard. Pitskies are very active dogs, and the puppies will be active as well. Pitsky puppies require more calories per pound of body weight than adults to support their rapid growth and development.

Before bringing home a Pitsky puppy, ensure your home is prepared. Purchase a bed, crate, food, and all the other supplies before the dog is scheduled to come home. You should also make sure you puppy-proof the area of your home where the dog will be staying. Remove anything potentially hazardous to a puppy or anything you wouldn’t want to be destroyed.

Puppies

Unlike some other dog breeds, guessing what a full-grown Pitsky will look like based on its appearance as a puppy can be challenging. You won’t really be able to gauge the size or appearance of the puppy until it is actually full-grown.

Pitskies And Children

While Pitskies can be a good play companion for children, they are best suited for homes with older children. Pitskies can be too hyper and may accidentally hurt smaller children. Regardless of the dog, you should always closely supervise children when they are around a Pitsky.

Dogs Similar To A Pitsky

American Pit Bull Terriers, Siberian Huskies, and Pitadors are three breeds similar to a Pitsky.

• American Pit Bull Terrier: An American Pit Bull Terrier is one of Pitsky’s parent breeds. Both breeds are very playful and social. In general, Pitskies suffer from fewer health issues than Pitbulls and have a slightly longer lifespan (12 to 15 years compared to 12 to 14 years).
• Siberian Husky: Siberian Huskies are one of the parent breeds of a Pitsky. Both of these dog breeds have a high prey drive, so they may chase other pets in the home or small animals when out for a walk. Siberian Huskies are best suited for cold climates, but Pitskies will do fine in an area with an average climate.
• Pitador: Pitadors and Pitskies both have one parent that is an American Pit Bull Terrier. Both breeds are pretty heavy shedders and are best suited to being the only pet in a home. Pitadors and Pitskies have coats that may be of different colors, including brindle, black, brown, and white. Pitadors may be slightly larger than Pitskies, with Pitadors often weighing between 50 and 80 pounds, while Pitskies typically weigh between 35 and 80 pounds.

Famous Pitskies

If you are a Pitsky lover and want to follow Pitskies on Instagram, check out these famous Instagram sensations:

• Scout the Pitsky is a pup who was rescued by his family in Nashville, Tennessee. He likes cuddling up at home and heading out for adventures.
• Juneau the Pitsky has been living in the Pacific Northwest since 2019. He loves exploring the outdoors with his owners.
• Bliss is a Pitsky from Utah with a big attitude. She enjoys spending time outside and playing with other dogs.