Pitsky

45-60 lbs
16-21"
Unknown
American Pit Bull Terrier
Alaskan Husky

The Pitsky is a designer dog, the intentional cross between the sturdy and powerful American Pit Bull Terrier and the free-spirited and enduring Husky; the result is a very active and quick-thinking dog with a great deal of both strength and endurance. While this crossbreed is typically trustworthy with people when provided with ample socialization, some lines of both Pit Bulls and Husky dogs may have aggressive tendencies, so it is important to do as much research as possible regarding their heritage. This particular hybrid is usually a combination of the Pit Bull and the Siberian Husky, but in some cases, contributions from the Alaskan Husky are used instead. 

purpose Purpose
Guard Dog, Sled Dog, Family Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
American Pitbull Terrier and Husky (Siberian or Alaskan)

Pitsky Health

Average Size
Male Pitsky size stats
Height: 17-22 inches Weight: 50-65 lbs
Female Pitsky size stats
Height: 16-21 inches Weight: 45-60 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Cerebellar Abiotrophy (Ataxia)
Minor Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Entropion
  • Ectropion
  • Demodectic Mange
  • Cataracts
  • Corneal Dystrophy
  • Cleft Lip or Palate
  • Zinc Responsive Dermatosis
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Follicular Dysplasia
  • Ichthyosis
  • Lupus Erythematosus
  • Tetralogy of Fallot
  • Pannus
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Skin Evaluation
  • X-rays or other radiographic imaging
  • Thyroid Panel

Pitsky Breed History

The Pitsky is a hybrid dog, a combination of the American Pit Bull Terrier, a loyal and sturdy canine with a true zest for life and the athletic and enduring Husky. This particular crossbreed is being developed with contributions from the American Pit Bull Terrier as it is recognized by the United Kennel Club of Britain. The history of this breed is a bit muddled and somewhat contested in certain circles. The prevailing theory is that the Pit Bull was a descendant of fighting bulldogs bred to sporting terriers, a combination known at the time as bull-and-terriers, but there are experts who believe that there is very little terrier contribution and this breed more closely related to the bulldogs of the 1800s. While the United States, via the American Kennel Club, does not have any breed recognized as a Pit Bull Terrier, they do recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier, a dog similar enough that some individual canines have been registered as both an American Staffordshire in the United States and as an American Pit Bull in the United Kingdom. The Husky referred to in this combination is most likely to be the Siberian Husky, a dog that was originally developed by the nomadic Chukchi people of Russia at some point in prehistory. The earliest ancestors of the Siberian Husky dogs were likely used to hunt as well as to pull the sleds that contained their homes and lives. They were hard-working dogs that were integrated deeply into the everyday lives of the Chukchi people, bred for their endurance and their companionable natures. In some cases, the Husky contribution is an Alaskan Husky rather than a Siberian Husky. When breeds like German Shorthaired Pointers, Greyhounds, and Siberian Huskies were mixed with the dogs that were found in the Inuit villages in the early 1900s, they proved to be excellent sled dogs, much like the Siberian Husky. These dogs were frequently employed in the cold, frozen landscape of Alaska, where dog sleds were frequently the best option for transporting people and goods. In 1925, when a diphtheria epidemic hit the small town of Nome, both Alaskan and Siberian Huskies were plentiful among the dogs that transported the life-saving medicine through 658 miles of blizzard conditions from Nulato to Nome. 

Pitsky Breed Appearance

Both of the parent breeds are athletic animals, but they differ quite a bit in both appearance and structure as they were bred for very different purposes. The Pit Bull has a stockier, more muscular build with short back and short, low set tail. Husky dogs tend to have leaner physiques, particularly the Alaskan Husky, with long legs, a long back, and well-furred, fox-like tail that they carry high up over their backs. The American Pit Bull is known for its broad, blocky head, and square muzzle where both varieties of Husky have a more moderately formed head with a longer, tapered muzzles and while both have triangular ears that are set high up on their heads, Husky ears stand upright and uncropped American Pit Bull ears fold forward. Even their coats are completely different, with a short, single-layer coat for the Pit Bull and a longer, double-layer coat for the Husky. The Pitsky may take their characteristics from either parent breed, leading to a great deal of variation from dog to dog. 

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Pitsky eyes
Blue
hazel Pitsky eyes
Hazel
brown Pitsky eyes
Brown
amber Pitsky eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
blue Pitsky nose
Blue
black Pitsky nose
Black
brown Pitsky nose
Brown
isabella Pitsky nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Pitsky coat
Brindle
white Pitsky coat
White
silver Pitsky coat
Silver
black Pitsky coat
Black
gray Pitsky coat
Gray
brown Pitsky coat
Brown
red Pitsky coat
Red
cream Pitsky coat
Cream
fawn Pitsky coat
Fawn
blue Pitsky coat
Blue
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Pitsky straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Pitsky Breed Maintenance

The grooming requirements for this dog will vary depending on which coat characteristics that they may have inherited. Baths are likely to be infrequent with either coat, but if your dog has inherited the thick undercoat of the Husky, it is particularly important to ensure that this layer gets completely dry to prevent molds or mildews from growing. Both coats will require regular brushing, but the longer coat, like that of the Husky, will require more frequent brushing, usually daily, whereas the shed hairs of the shorter coat of the Pit Bull can be managed with weekly brushing. This hybrid will shed fairly heavily, although shorter haired dogs may shed more moderately than longer haired individuals. 

Brushes for Pitsky
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Pitsky requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Pitsky Temperament

Although they are typically very energetic and can be a bit rambunctious, the Siberian Husky does tend to be good-natured with everyone, and the Pit Bull Terriers are often the biggest of sweethearts. Both of these dogs have the intelligence and the attitude of a working dog, however, and the Pitsky is likely to inherit this trait, so this dog requires a great deal of both mental and physical exercise to be at its healthiest and most stable. This hybrid is typically quite good with people of all ages, and when properly socialized, an excellent companion for older kids due to their high energy and their overall cooperative natures. Constant supervision is a must when it comes to interactions between small children and canines, however; these dogs are extremely powerful and may not always recognize their own strength. The American Pit Bull Terrier can aggressive towards other dogs, particularly those of the same gender, and Huskies have an intense prey drive and may not be able to resist chasing cats and other quick-moving animals, so as even-tempered as the Pitsky hybrid is with most people, they may not get along with other animals as easily. This is a highly intelligent dog, but they can be both stubborn and independent when it comes to training, and consistent, firm, and energetic training sessions will help your dog to be at their best. This is not a dog that is well-suited to apartment buildings. 

Pitsky Activity Requirements

The Pitsky crossbreed is a very athletic animal and requires a great deal of exercise each day, usually at least an hour and a half of vigorous or strength enhancing exercise per day, although most would prefer two or more hours. Pitskies that do not get enough daily exercise and attention may become both destructive and vocal, and sometimes even take to howling in frustration. Fortunately, these high-energy dogs are also multi-talented and they may enjoy and even excel at several different types of activities. Along with long walks, jogs, and runs, these dogs may also enjoy sports like competitive frisbee competitions, sled pulling or skijoring, and agility training. 

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes
activity minutes

Pitsky Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Pitsky Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Pitsky size stats at six months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 40.0 lbs
Female Pitsky size stats at six months
Height: 15.5 inches Weight: 35.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Pitsky size stats at 12 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 52.5 lbs
Female Pitsky size stats at 12 months
Height: 17.5 inches Weight: 47.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Pitsky size stats at 18 months
Height: 19.5 inches Weight: 57.5 lbs
Female Pitsky size stats at 18 months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 52.5 lbs

Pitsky Owner Experiences

Buddy
6 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Tug of war
digging
Fetch
Jogging
Soccer
Cuddling
Playing Ball
Walking
Beware if you choose this as your first pet!! They are super cute and cuddly but REALLY stubborn & they get that from their husky side! This breed of dog is also veryy vocal & loves being outdoors I only recommend if you want to stay fit because they will want to go outside everyday for a walk so be prepared to walk them atleast twice a day for 30-40mins each walk! & make sure you have a big backyard for them or taking them out daily & a big budget for their dog food each month! definitely not a cheap dog, when I first got mines I didn’t know what i was getting into! but I slowly got the hang of him, & if you have this breed you will definitely have to have the money for a good trainer, these dogs tend to be a little aggressive & protective when meeting new people. Very cute animal & definitely worth the hassle but only if you have the time money & willingness to take care of one!
4 months ago
Raider
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Super stubborn & hard headed but very intelligent.
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Raider
8 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Super stubborn & hard headed but very intelligent.
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Sunny
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play keep away
She is way to energetic and i like that.
8 months, 1 week ago
Duke
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is so intelligent, he seems to understand everything we say. He also clearly lets us know what he wants. He’s very loving to the family, even to our cat.
1 year ago
Chevy
2 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We think he’s wonderful! People are always puzzled as to what type of breed he is and this is the best we have come up with. Other people in our neighborhood think he is wonderful, also. He enjoys visiting the little old ladies and getting petted by them.
2 years, 7 months ago
Traitor
18 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I previously owned red nose pits that have a high prey drive but they passed from old age and I was given my Pitsky. He loves to play - he is so excited to play with other dogs especially little ones and he loves all animals. He looks like a pit in his face and head but has husky legs and a long neck. He is about 89 lbs and came to me with not only a chewing problem but swallowing whatever he chewed as well which led to exploratory surgery due to obstruction at about 12 weeks old. I found a vitamin supplement substantially reduced his urge to chew and swallow everything (he ate a kong woobie). He is the best of both breeds I love the Pitsky breed.
2 years, 9 months ago
Rex
5 Months
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
sun bathing
Ball playing
Running
Chase
I got him from the shelter when he was 2 months months old . He’s playful , too smart for his own good . He is goofy and a softball of fur and very affectionate. He can be stubborn though and enjoys chafing the broom he keeps my 9 yr old son very busy .
2 years, 11 months ago
Luna
11 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Going on drives
Dog Parks
Most loyal and sweet girl, loves everyone but can sometimes get annoyed at kids easily when in areas she’s not familiar with, nice to all dogs except small dogs. So energetic and loves to give & receive kisses a total sweetheart!
3 years, 3 months ago
Karma
7 Months
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
Fetch
Chase
I got Karma when she was 2 months old. Since day one she has been the sassiest but sweetest girl. She’s got a lot of energy and can be very hard headed at times. I’ve struggled training her, but once I got through to her she’s become very well behaved. We have a large fenced in backyard and her favorite thing is being able to go outside and run around with the other dogs in my house. She’s fiercely loyal and barks at any passerby. She’s big, and intimidating to the little ones, and likes to nip, but she never means any harm. She’s really the best dog a girl like me could’ve asked for. I love her so much. She’s a huge cuddler
3 years, 4 months ago
Apollo
4 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Dressing up
sun bathing
Dog Parks
Road trip
Fetch
Apollo is very friendly. He has a blue and brown eye. He loves children! He loves other dogs (we socialized as a puppy) he acts so human! He can open doors and loves sunbathing. He loves new collars and new toys. Loves wearing shirts.
3 years, 4 months ago
James
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He knows how to open doors and gate. We need to lock everything. He loves to run by himself for 30 minutes and only barks when he wants to cuddle and sleep on your lap
6 years, 10 months ago
Maverick
11 Weeks
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Total sweetheart, definitely athletic and is a good sleeper through the night. Gives us the biggest kisses.
6 years, 7 months ago
Milo
3 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
traveling
He is very smart at 3 months he us already house trained
6 years, 7 months ago
Tobi
7 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing outside
He is very rebellious and loves to test my husband and myself, his very active and needs a lot of affection or he pinches you with his teeth. He is a little fatty who loves eating.
6 years, 6 months ago
Bruce
7 Weeks
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
kissing
Playing outside
Sleeping
crying for attention when you sleep
Bruce is a funny dog he runs and jumps like a bunny, Tobi in the previous information is his brother they bite each other a lot while playing and loves to sleep and moan when you want to sleep at night. He loves kissing you and barking at your shadow.
6 years, 6 months ago
Albus
9 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Learn a new trick
Eating Snacks
Play
Cuddles
Fetch
I’ve had Albus for two weeks now, and he has yet to potty inside!! He’s super smart and already knows sit, lay, fetch, and come. Overall, amazing temperment. He loves everyone he meets, but is a bit needy/whiney at times. His favorite thing to do is cuddle. He started teething and puts everything in his mouth. Beautiful coloring, markings, and bright green eyes. Super happy Albus is my puppy!!
6 years, 6 months ago
Rarity
15 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rarity is 3.5 months old and 27 pounds already. She is very lively, intelligent, and vocal. Although she is very protective and wary of strangers once you when her trust it's all kisses and play time. She wont listen to commands from just anyone either respect has to be earned from her. Brendal,brown nose,grey eyes,medium hair,curled over tail, pitbull head and body.
5 years, 9 months ago
Wrynn
9 Months
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Run
Smart, stubborn and mouthy, but the most loving breed I've ever encountered, intelligent and very intuitive.
5 years, 9 months ago
Boris
5 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with kids
Tug-of-war
swimming
Fetch
snuggling
Car rides
Running
Boris is a very loyal boy. Extremely protective of my 4 kids around strangers. As he has gotten older he's becoming extremely snuggly. He's also incredibly patient with very young children. When we got him my youngest son was 5mo. When people would come visit he would stand between my infant son and strangers. I couldn't have asked for a more handsome and loyal dog.
5 years, 6 months ago
Lily
10 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walks
Easily trainable and loving and loves to be outside
5 years, 5 months ago
Dusse'
6 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rope tug
Ball fetching
Frisbee
He is very loving and energetic.
5 years, 4 months ago
Chewy
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chewy has endless energy, hates being alone, is very cuddly doesn't like other dogs but loves people. He's my shadow, he loves being with me and when I'm away, he pouts. I love him so much but I can't spoil him or he won't listen. He needs a very dominant pack leader or he will be a brat. He is my sweet handsome boy. We have a very strong bond.
4 years, 11 months ago
Natty Bumppo
13 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Look out the window
snuggling
Walk
Run
Laying in the sun
Very friendly, affectionate, and protective, loves to be active. Age doesn't seem to be slowing him down. All in all he is a very good boy.
4 years, 8 months ago
Sabrina
Six Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
cuddle
training
Walk
Very eager to learn and please. Smart enough to play simple mind games. Very food oriented.
4 years, 6 months ago
Remington
15 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
She has been the best dog I've ever had! So very loveable and cuddly. She learned sit, shake, lay down, high five, stay, up (hind legs,) speak, and crate (crate trained) so quickly! And her energy level matches mine perfectly
4 years, 3 months ago
Benny
5 Months
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
Running
swimming
Benny loves to swim He super friendly with babies and other dogs! He is super playful. He also loves stuffed animals more than playing fetch. He cuddles up and close. HE WILL ONLY be comfortable with pillow, blanket and his favorite humans ( mom and dad ) to sleep with.
4 years, 2 months ago
Zora
1 Year
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
Do not even consider a Pitsky unless you have the time to give them. They need LOTS of exercise and love to run.They are very friendly dogs but also extremely loyal to family.
3 years, 11 months ago
Copper
5 Months
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Loves to play tug of war with ropes
Loves to play fetch
Enjoys playing with kids
Doggie dates with other dogs
Going to the pet store
Getting a pupacino at starbucks
Car rides
loves walks
This is the second pitski that I have owned!
3 years, 11 months ago
Juno
8 Months
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Off leash runs and walks, tug of war, and fetch
Very vocal and stubborn he likes to do what he wants and doesn't like to be corrected on the wrong things he does when you say sit he barks at you when you say lay down he runs away then lays down when he wants to, he has mild speration anxiety. He is extremely good with other dogs as long as they aren't dominant or aggressive towards him he does well with all male dogs even unfixed ones even though he is unaltered himself never has fought over females in heat and I have 2 that go into heat he does just fine with all the dogs and doesn't seem interested in breeding he gets playful.
3 years, 10 months ago
Bastet
8 Weeks
2 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Camping
Hiking
Obedience classes
Agility training
Shes super affectionate. Always next to me. Her training is going well. Potty training is a issue she likes using the pad and not the grass. Extreamly protective. Husband jokingly acted like he was hurting me and she jumped up and growled while laying over my belly protectively (im 16 weeks pregnate). Shes amazing!!!
3 years, 10 months ago
JIGGZ
3 Months
7 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Easy to be with... A friend, a brother.. A Family.
3 years, 7 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

I have a pitsky who’s 3 weeks old , how long do I wait until he can go for hikes and walks at the park ?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Behavior
Question

My dog won’t stop biting and she thinks it’s ok because she thinks everyone is playing with her and I can’t get her to know that’s not okay

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

What if my Pitsky is also lab along with putbull and husky? My guy is 2 yrs old and weighs 113 lbs.

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd