THE PITBULL HUSKY MIX OR THE 'PITSKY'
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The pitbull husky mix, or commonly known as the 'pitsky' is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Alaskan or Siberian husky. As both the breeds are medium-sized, the size of the pitsky generally varies from medium to medium-large, they grow up to the height of 20-24 inches and they weigh around 35-65 pounds.
They live for 12-15 years.
As they are crossbreeds, their appearance and temperament totally vary to some extent, given that muscle built and square head of the pitbull and the wolf-like looks of the husky, how can the pitsky turn out to be?
Well, before finding that out in detail, first, let's start off by having a brief look at the history and background of the parent breeds.
1. POPULAR LINEAGE
PITBULL
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| Pitbull |
This has led to the reputation this poor dog carries today. However, modern pitbulls are very loyal, friendly, social and harmless if they are trained properly. They are known to possess an authoritative stance.
Pitbulls are supremely attached to their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety resulting in barking and destruction.
Although they are heavy dogs they still try to be lapdogs.
HUSKY
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| Alaskan Husky |
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| Siberian Husky |
Although the appearance of the Siberian and Alaskan husky vary a bit, their temperaments and habits remain identical. They are extremely friendly, active and athletic dogs given their working history. They can't cope well in less happening or small spaces. If put in such an environment, they turn destructive.
They can't make up for watchdogs as they end up trusting anyone. Also, they howl more than barking and it is one of their endearing qualities and some Pitskies have kept this too. You may notice they will howl to certain tunes on TV programs, or if the ice cream truck comes round.
Also, They are experts at escapes.
They are large and heavy dogs weighing around 35-100 pounds depending on the type and have a thick fur to protect them from cold.
So, the pitskies get their strength and loyalty from the pitbulls and the friendliness and energetic demeanor from the Huskies.
2. THEIR APPEARANCES VARY, BUT HEY, BOTH THEIR PARENTS ARE PRETTY!
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The pitbull and husky mix is a crossbreed, nothing about its appearance can be assured of until her birth. The Pitsky may resemble either of her parents - the American Pitbull or the Siberian or Alaskan Husky, depending on which genes are inherited. It may inherit the husky colors like white, white and brown, black and white, gray and white or the pitbull colors such as blue, red, brindle, fawn, tan and brown.
Also, the coat may either be thick and fury as that of huskies or short coats like that of pitbulls. It may have the stocky and muscular build of a Pitbull, or the more wolfy athletic build of the Husky. May even resemble hounds in case of the Alaskan Husky.
Generally, pitskies are more on the stockier sides, inheriting defined muscle tones and a broadhead from the pit. They have almond-shaped eyes the color of which varies from brown to blue. Thanks to the genes of huskies, they often pass on blue eyes. Their ears can be short and pointy or long and erect.
3. TEMPERAMENT - COURAGE OF A PIT, PLAYFULNESS OF A HUSKY
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A Pitbull Husky mixed breed, the Pitsky is in general loyal, friendly, well tempered, mischievous and outgoing breed. The mix temperament of affection and constant need of attention is backed by a box full of energy and athleticism, highlighting the traits of both its parents. Their protective personality and the huge amount of vitality make it the perfect breed for your family to pet!
With a never-ending hunger for company and belonging, leaving a pitsky in isolation can most probably render it irritable, aggressive or even anxious. Because of this, it is likely to be more suitable for a family of several members who can handle the energetic Pitsky. Train your pitsky since the beginning to be able to stay alone. Make her realize that it's completely fine to stay alone for a while.
This gregarious breed may have a tendency to develop depression, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, and eventually it’ll become bad-tempered if left alone for too long. If you live on your own, you would have to be prepared to spend a lot of time with your pet. The main point to consider is that you will have to give an unwavering commitment towards your dog and dedicate a good deal of your time to maintain a good relationship.
The Pitsky is a particularly strong-willed dog, so it is important to teach your dog not to chase after every other little animal it comes across. Your puppy will need obedience training when it is about 6-7 weeks old. Both her parent breeds can be hard to handle when they’re not properly trained, so besides housebreaking, you’ll have to teach it to obey.
Use positive reinforcement only to teach your dog how to follow your commands. She’s a fast learner, and you’ll see progress right from the first weeks. However, be consistent and firm, as these dogs tend to have strong personalities and she might try to become the Alpha of your home.
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. Once trained properly, your Pitsky will enjoy playing with young children and develop loving relationships with other members of the household.
Likewise, she doesn’t shy away from guests who are friendly to her. If she perceives a danger incumbent on her family, however, she will become extremely protective. So If you have children in the family, the Pitsky is certainly a good choice!
In some cases, Huskies tend to be stubborn and difficult to train and there’s a possibility your dog inherits this characteristic. If you don’t see any results with training, consider seeking help from a professional trainer. Dog aggression is an area of significant public interest, so there are a number of studies we can use to inform us.
In a special report, in Veterinary Medicine Today in 2000, 244 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States between 1979 and 1996 where the breed of the dog had been recorded were examined. 76 were caused by Pitbull-type dogs or Pitbull crossbreeds. Husky-type dogs and their crossbreeds were responsible for 21 deaths – the fourth most responsible breed overall.
4.SUPERACTIVE
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Pitsky thrives outdoors so it will always keep you on your knees. Whether it is warm or cold, you should be prepared to cater to its love of activity and exercise for as much as a couple of hours each day.
The pitskies have inherited this trait heavily from her parents. Both the pitbull and huskies are infamous for their working capabilities, stamina, and energy. The channel which pitskies choose to put their energy vary. Most of them love walking, so for activities like trekking, hiking, running or jogging you're sure of getting a perfect companion. Some like strength related activity, a typical pitbull-trait.
Pitskys seek activities like digging holes to expend its energy, so make sure you take some time out to regularly exercise your dog. Active people who spend a lot of time outdoors make the best Pitsky owners. But what if you work for long hours and live alone? Just make sure one of your friends can come over to spend time with your dog, or take her to a dog day-care where she can have some company.
It is a known fact that Pitskies are masters of escape. Always use the leash when taking your dog outside, at least until you’re absolutely sure she’s trained well enough to return to your command, no matter what distractions are out there. Make sure to keep checking on her regularly as being bonded to the leash for too long can be traumatic. Observe her body language. A rigid body or tail may be a sign of her unhappiness.
Most of these dogs inherit the Husky’s ability to find themselves a way out from any enclosure, so check your yard before bringing your Pitsky home.
It’s not just about jumping – they can also dig holes under the fence, as both the Pitbull and the Husky are excellent diggers. Give your dog free access to the garden and you might lose everything as a result of her passion for digging. Even if you choose to do the same, make sure to impart the proper training into her first and the fencing is high enough as they are excellent climbers as well.
5. PROTEIN-RICH DIET
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The Pitsky is a very active dog and for the same reason, its diet has to be protein rich. And a scheduled, well-planned diet is a must for maintaining the lifestyle of this dog. It would be advisable for you to consult a vet and discuss her dietary requirements. A normal pitsky's weight varies from 35-65 pounds. Her calorific requirements can vary dramatically on this basis. The following can be used for reference :
Dog’s Weight Approximate Daily Calorie Intake
33 lbs 1,000
44 lbs 1,250
55 lbs 1,500
66 lbs 1,700
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If she's a pup, then make sure that she gets the same puppy food as was fed to her by the breeder or the previous owner. The maintenance of the same branded food will prevent any risk of stomach upset as she must have been accustomed to the same branded food.
An average pitsky should be fed at least 3-4 cups of quality dog food divided into two meals. Always keep a check on dogs weight. You must feel her ribs.
6. KEEP THE COMB READY!
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The pitbull husky mix would get either a heavy furry coat of huskies or the short coat of the pitbull. Regardless of the breed whose genes it picks up, shedding is inevitable all year round! especially during the spring and the fall. They are heavy shedders and will require regular brushing to keep the shedding under control. Having a vacuum cleaner becomes necessary to keep the home clean.
It is recommended to brush them with a solid bristle brush. Doing this will not only keep shedding under control but also maintain the softness of the fur.
Just that the shedding will be lesser if she gets the shorter coat of pitbull.
If she has a longer coat, then regular washing and combing are necessary to prevent fur knots and infections whereas, in case of shorter fur, she can be let off with monthly baths and the occasional brushing.
People who have allergies must definitely take into account the type of fur before buying a pitsky else the shedding may trigger an allergic reaction.
Also, just like with the case of other dogs, the ear, nail and teeth must not be neglected.
Inspect and clean her ear once in every 2 weeks with a natural dog ear cleaning solution. Failure to follow the same puts the pitsky on the risk of ear infections. Dogs are prone to infections in their remote body parts. The nails must be cut as and when required. Brush her teeth every alternate day and use the dental spray if your pet has foul breath.
7. HEALTH
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Even though both the parent breeds are relatively healthy, they do come with their share of genetic defects and health problems. The pitbulls suffer from ailments like skin and coat allergies (Demodex canis mites), hip dysplasia, cerebellar ataxia (a degenerative muscle condition) and cardiac disease. Even though huskies are considered healthy, they still slip into health conditions such as hip dysplasia, follicular dysplasia (a skin condition) and juvenile cataracts. Nevertheless, pitskies still live for 12-15 years, which is pretty good for any dog unless its the Native American Indian dog.
Following are the most common and major health issues which pitskies face
Hip Dysplasia – This disease is hereditary in huskies, so the Pitsky gets a fair share of its risk. This is when there is abnormal development in the hip joint resulting in pain and lameness. Although hip dysplasia is often hereditary, excessive growth, nutrition and exercise can also contribute to the development of hip dysplasia
Hyperthyroidism – This is common in both the parent breeds, happens when too much thyroxine is produced by the thyroid gland, which, in turn, affects a dog’s metabolism. Symptoms of this include increased appetite and weight loss.
Allergies – This ailment too, is common in both the breeds and often result in hair loss, infections and wounds on the body due to excessive scratching and licking.
BUYING A PITSKY
You must be extra careful when buying a Pitbull husky mix puppy and bear the following points in your mind -
1. Designer dogs are always in fashion and can fetch high prices. Most of the aggressive dogs are formed by the irresponsible breeders who, in the intent to make designer dogs, mix the aggressive ones too, the ones which were used for dogfights. Many times, unsavory purposes like creating a pup only for dreaded dog fights can be the motive too.
2. Do a complete background check of the breeder, look at his profile. Judge and choose for yourself.
3. Insist on meeting both the parents. Find out their medical history and health certificates especially concerning their hips and eyes. A breeder who is careful about their health will ensure adequate safety for them as well.
4. Check the temperament of the parents. If they seem to be unwelcoming/ don't wag their tails or are too difficult to be brought under control, walk away. They aren't the right one.
5. A responsible breeder would ask questions from you to ensure that they are going into the right hands. So be prepared to answer a lot of questions.
6. Bear in mind that well-behaved puppies don't come in cheap so beware of the breeders who offer cheap pitsky puppies for sale online! Remember you want the pup to come from a pit bull parent who was bred for show or pet market and not for other dreadful activities.
7. The price range of this particular crossbreed can be anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for the pup himself. Other costs, such as medical costs for vaccines, flea prevention, and insurance checkups will be about $475 to $600. Additional costs for food, training, toys, and treats may add up to another additional $500-$600.
PITSKY RESCUE
If you’re
looking to rescue a Pitsky, take a look at some of these breed rescues.
USA Rescues
UK Rescues
Australian Rescues
Canadian Rescues
SUMMARISED CONCLUSION
The pitsky
1. happens to be a cross between the strong pitbull and the energetic husky (Siberian/Alaskan).
2. lives for 12-15 years.
3. weighs around 35-65 pounds.
4. is a medium to medium-large sized dog reaching an average height of 20-24 inches.
5. gets either the furry coat of husky or the short coat of the pitbull.
6. is generally on the stockier side, inheriting defined muscle tones and a broadhead from the pit.
7. has almond shaped eye the color of which varies from brown to blue.
8. comes with any of the following coat colors - husky colors like white, white and brown, black and white, gray and white or the pitbull colors such as blue, red, brindle, fawn, tan and brown.
9. is a very active dog and the owner is required to dedicate up to 2 hours every day on her daily activity comprising walking, running, jogging, etc.
1. happens to be a cross between the strong pitbull and the energetic husky (Siberian/Alaskan).
2. lives for 12-15 years.
3. weighs around 35-65 pounds.
4. is a medium to medium-large sized dog reaching an average height of 20-24 inches.
5. gets either the furry coat of husky or the short coat of the pitbull.
6. is generally on the stockier side, inheriting defined muscle tones and a broadhead from the pit.
7. has almond shaped eye the color of which varies from brown to blue.
8. comes with any of the following coat colors - husky colors like white, white and brown, black and white, gray and white or the pitbull colors such as blue, red, brindle, fawn, tan and brown.
9. is a very active dog and the owner is required to dedicate up to 2 hours every day on her daily activity comprising walking, running, jogging, etc.
10. may not do well in less happening or small spaces.
11. is a notorious digger and the masters of escape.
11. is a notorious digger and the masters of escape.
12. needs a high protein diet and should be fed at least 3-4 cups of quality dog food divided into two meals.
13. sheds all year round especially during spring and autumn, requires regular grooming depending on the thickness of the coat.
14. is prone to hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and allergies.
15. is a loyal, well tempered, friendly, mischievous and outgoing breed. They can become protective under threatening circumstances.
16. demands constant attention and can suffer from separation anxiety.
17. needs obedience training from the beginning. Both her parent breeds and she herself can be difficult to control if not imparted with proper training.
16. demands constant attention and can suffer from separation anxiety.
17. needs obedience training from the beginning. Both her parent breeds and she herself can be difficult to control if not imparted with proper training.
18. can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for the pup himself. Other costs, such as medical costs for vaccines, flea prevention, and insurance checkups will be about $475 to $600. Additional costs for food, training, toys, and treats may add up to another additional $500-$600.
Overall, the pitbull husky mix is an ideal dog for families, if trained well. It's friendly and energetic presence can add on to the happiness points of the family.
Overall, the pitbull husky mix is an ideal dog for families, if trained well. It's friendly and energetic presence can add on to the happiness points of the family.
Loved this have 2 pitsky pups mail and female brother and sister. Help out a lot.
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