Pitsky

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 12-15 years
The Pitsky is a cross between the Pit Bull and an Alaskan or Siberian Husky. As a hybrid breed, the Pitsky is less prone to hereditary health issues than his purebred counterparts. However, there is a possibility that he may experience health problems that are common to both parent breeds.

Hip dysplasia, common to both the Pit Bull and the Husky, may impact the Pitsky as well. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint is malformed, resulting in the thighbone being unable to fit properly into place. This can lead to discomfort, pain, and limping. In more severe cases, this degenerative condition may result in arthritis or even lameness, and surgery may be required. Responsible breeders will not breed dogs with hip dysplasia, so ensure your prospective puppy’s parents have no history of the condition. Although it is hereditary, hip dysplasia can be triggered by rapid weight gain and injury. While your pup has still-developing joints, monitor his activity and do not allow him to jump excessively or to run on floors that are likely to cause slippage.

Hyperthyroidism, a thyroid condition caused by the thyroid producing excessive amounts of hormones, may also affect the Pitsky. Hyperthyroidism may cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased appetite and thirst, and difficulty breathing. Treatment will vary according to the underlying cause of the disorder.

Other potential issues for the Pitsky include allergies and eye problems.

On average, the Pitsky has a lifespan of 12-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Like all hybrid dogs, the Pitsky’s temperament will vary, because he can have any combination of the qualities exhibited by his parent breeds. However, the average Pitsky is a kind, loyal, and devoted dog. He is also social, cheerful, and energetic. Although one might expect the Pitsky to be aggressive, this generally proves to be untrue.

The Pitsky needs plenty of exercise and is not suited for apartment living. He likes to run, play, fetch, and hike, and he makes an excellent companion for an active owner who likes to hike or jog. He has lots of stamina and ideally requires 2 hours of exercise and playtime daily. Due to his size and thick coat, it is important to ensure that the Pitsky is properly hydrated as he exercises. He will also need mental stimulation such as obedience training, interactive games, and puzzle toys.

Additionally, the Pitsky will require plenty of attention, as he tends to suffer from separation anxiety. Crate training is recommended to give the puppy a safe space in the home and to prevent him from hurting himself or being destructive when you are away. This breed is not a good choice for owners who must work long hours and cannot commit to adequately exercising and spending time with the Pitsky. He is an excellent watchdog, although some may bark excessively. Some Pitskys may also howl.

The Pitsky is good with children although, in rare cases, they may chase children if not properly trained and socialized. Some may tend to jump on people or be overly rambunctious, so they may not be a good choice for families with small children or toddlers. Although the Pitsky may chase smaller animals, he is typically good with household pets. Shyness may be an issue for the Pitsky when he encounters unfamiliar people. Socializing the Pitsky from a young age may help curb all of these undesirable behaviors, so introduce him early and often to a wide variety of sights, sounds, people, and pets.

Consistent training from a young age is needed for the Pitsky, as this breed is known to dig and chew quite a bit. Encouragement and positive reinforcement are excellent tools because the Pitsky strongly desires to please his owner. He is intelligent and trainable with firm leadership and a patient, consistent hand. Do not be overly harsh, but make it clear that you are in charge.

Grooming

The appearance of the Pitsky’s coat varies widely. If your dog is more like his Husky parent, his thick coat will shed frequently and require more brushing and bathing. If his coat is more similar to his Pit Bull parent, the coat will be short and will shed less, drastically reducing the required investment in bathing and brushing.

Trim his nails when they are long enough to graze the floor and check his ears frequently for signs of infection like redness, tenderness, and odor. Brush his teeth at least 2-3 times each week to ensure fresh breath and healthy gums.

Diet

The average Pitsky should consume 1.5-2.5 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily. A diet high in protein and fat is recommended because of the Pitsky’s high activity level. You may also feed him a dog food that is formulated for especially active breeds.

Ensure that your Pitsky has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times. Remember that it is of particular importance to ensure your Pitsky is properly hydrated because he is large, active, and may have a thick coat.
 

Find A Pitsky Breeder

Pitsky Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Pitsky

Cost

Pitsky puppy prices vary widely, with reported costs ranging from $500-$2,000. Prices will vary according to factors like breeder location, gender, and pedigree.

If you find a Pitsky to adopt, expect adoption fees to cost up to $175.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Pitsky ranks a 4. Although he is a loving and devoted family companion, he ideally needs two hours of exercise daily, which is a steep commitment for the average dog owner. He also requires lots of attention and is not a good choice for someone who must work long hours. Early socialization is also a must, and training the Pitsky can be rather challenging.

 

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