Husky Pitbull Mix: Your Complete Guide
Husky pitbull mixes are a crossbreed between the husky and the pitbull, a mix that creates an energetic, playful, and lively dog. Husky pitbull mixes might be a handful due to their high-energy needs, but they have distinct fun-loving personalities, and they form strong bonds with their owners.
The appearance and personalities of husky pitbull mixes may vary due to the lack of standardization among this crossbreed. However, these dogs are rapidly finding their way into the hearts of individuals looking for an active and friendly companion dog.
If you are considering adding a husky pitbull mix to your life, you may be wondering about the details of this breed and how to properly care for them. Our complete guide gives you all the essential information you need to know about husky pitbull mixes and what life with one of these unique dogs may be like.
Quick Look at the Husky Pitbull Mix
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 16 to 22 inches, 45 to 65 pounds |
| Coat Type | Soft, straight, short to medium length |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Lively, social, territorial |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Husky Pitbull Mixes?
While there isn’t an exact record of history, this breed likely originated around the 1990s, alongside the wave of ‘designer’ dog breeds that rose to popularity. Husky pitbull mixes are sometimes called ‘pitskies,’ and they are known for their energetic natures and playful attitudes.
Husky pitbull mixes are rambunctious and love their families, and they are often a great choice for individuals with active lifestyles. Demand for this breed rose as people realized that this dog fits well into families and acts as a great companion dog, though there aren’t too many breeders around today that specialize in pitskies.
Out of the parental lineage of this breed, only huskies are recognized by the American Kennel Club. There is no breed standardization among these dogs due to this, and husky pitbull mixes may vary greatly in their size, personality, and appearance.
Unfortunately, many of these dogs end up in shelters today due to their high energy, exercise needs, and their tendency to develop problems with separation anxiety.
What Do Husky Pitbull Mixes Look Like?
Husky pitbull mixes appear in a variety of colors and patterns, as there is no breed standardization with this mixed breed. Typically, brindle and sable patterns are common due to the genetics of the pitbull and husky respectively. Common coat colors include black, silver, white, and shades of brown and cream.
Husky pitbull mixes may have blue eyes, brown eyes, or eyes that are mixed colors. Their ears are generally triangular and may be pointed or folded depending on genetics. They have a soft, straight coat that ranges between short and medium in length.
What Size Is a Husky Pitbull Mix?
Husky pitbull mixes are considered a medium to large-sized dog. They typically stand between 16 and 22 inches in height, and they will weigh between 45 and 65 pounds. Males generally weigh more and will be larger than females, and exact sizing does vary quite a bit due to the variations in the genetics of parent dogs.
What Is a Husky Pitbull Mix’s Coat Type and Length?
The husky pitbull mix’s coat type ranges from short to medium length. It’s usually straight and soft, though it may be thicker if the husky genetics are stronger. Most of the time, husky pitbull mixes don’t shed an extreme amount, but some dogs may have more husky genetics which make them more prone to longer coats and shedding fur.
The coat of a husky pitbull mix is not considered hypoallergenic.
What Is a Husky Pitbull Mix’s Temperament?
Husky pitbull mixes can be a handful, and experienced dog owners are typically the best fit for these playful, energetic pups. Husky pitbull mixes have high energy thanks to both of their parent breeds, and they are often quite vocal about what they want.
These dogs are very social, and they love being around their owners to the point where they might become anxious or bored if they are left alone for long hours.
In general, husky pitbull mixes are friendly, outgoing, and ready to play. They are active and athletic, and they enjoy spending as much time as possible with their owners or other animals that live around their home. They are intelligent and lively, and there will never be a dull day with one of these dogs in your life.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Good With Kids?
Husky pitbull mixes are usually good with children, as long as the children are not too young, and they know how to properly play with and interact with the dog.
Older children that can hold their own against a strong dog that likes to play are typically the best fit for living with this breed. You will need to make sure your husky pitbull mix is properly trained to keep them from being too rambunctious when the situation doesn’t call for it.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Good With Other Animals?
Husky pitbull mixes may be good with other animals, typically when the other animal is a medium to large-sized dog and they are raised alongside it. This breed tends to have a strong prey drive, and they might chase cats or other smaller animals, including small dogs. It’s important to train your husky pitbull mix to ensure they don’t chase animals unnecessarily.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Aggressive?
Husky pitbull mixes might be aggressive if they aren’t trained and socialized properly, but the majority of this breed’s members are friendly and outgoing. Husky pitbull mixes are prone to territorial behavior and separation anxiety, two behavioral problems that might cause them to act destructively or growl, snap, and bite in certain situations.
Proper training, plenty of time spent with your dog, and ensuring your dog doesn’t spend too long alone help to curb any potential aggressiveness.
Do Husky Pitbull Mixes Bark?
Husky pitbull mixes are fairly vocal, and they might not be the best choice for apartment living. They love to bark as part of play or to announce their feelings to their owners. You will likely need to train this dog to try and curb any unwanted barking habits.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Affectionate?
Husky pitbull mixes are very loyal, and they love to spend time with their owners. Once they’ve gotten all their energy out for the day playing, a husky pitbull mix will love to cuddle up on the couch or in the bed with their owners to spend a cozy evening indoors.
These dogs do get lonely or anxious when they spend too much time alone, so you shouldn’t leave your husky pitbull mix at home alone for more than six hours at a time.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Intelligent?
Both huskies and pitbulls are fairly intelligent, so it makes sense that a crossbreed of these two dogs is also quite smart. Husky pitbull mixes are known to learn routines and understand what their owners want of them, and they may be easily trained if they are given high-value rewards.
Keep in mind that the intelligence of this breed can make them quite chaotic if they feel that things aren’t going their way.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Energetic?
Husky pitbull mixes are energetic and lively, and they need a lot of playtime and exercise to feel physically stimulated. However, as there aren’t really breed standards with husky pitbull mixes, some dogs may be more relaxed and less active, while others will need a high amount of exercise.
It’s important to pay attention to the signs your dog is giving you and be prepared to work with them as you figure out the right amount of exercise that works for them.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Easy to Train?
Even though husky pitbull mixes are intelligent, they aren’t the easiest dogs to train. These dogs are alert and enjoy spending time training with their owner, but they can also be quite stubborn.
If training gets repetitive or if they simply decide that they don’t want to train that day, you might have your hands full trying to teach them. Professional dog training may help you understand how to work with your dog’s personality to train them properly.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Good Watchdogs?
Husky pitbull mixes are alert and brave, and they may make good watchdogs. They will easily bark to alert their owner of a threat, but once a potential threat approaches, many of these dogs will transition to play mode. Some husky pitbull mixes are simply too friendly and lively to be very good watchdogs.
Are Husky Pitbull Mixes Good Service Dogs?
A husky pitbull mix can be a good service dog candidate, as they are large enough to complete tasks that require strength, such as guiding and mobility support. They are intelligent enough to learn complex tasks, though training might take a little longer if this dog decides to be stubborn.
Husky pitbull mixes are also a fair choice for acting as an emotional support animal, as they love to be around their owners and will have no problem playing or cuddling all day.
How to Care for a Husky Pitbull Mix?
Your husky pitbull mix will need ample space to play both indoors and outdoors, as this energetic and lively dog has higher-than-average exercise requirements. You will need to take your husky pitbull mix on several walks throughout the day and play with them outdoors for at least an hour.
You should also be taking your dog to dog parks regularly to allow them to run around and socialize with other dogs.
Most husky pitbull mixes will need to be trained to curb behaviors such as chasing animals and vocal behaviors. You can help curb unwanted behaviors by ensuring your dog is healthy and physically stimulated, in addition to keeping them mentally stimulated.
You shouldn’t leave your husky pitbull mix home alone for more than six hours at a time, as they do get lonely and may develop separation anxiety.
Your husky pitbull mix will need to be brushed one or two times a week depending on how long their coat is, and they should be bathed as needed. You will need to feed your dog a healthy diet of wet or dry food and take them to the vet on a regular basis.
Do You Need to Groom a Husky Pitbull Mix?
Husky pitbull mixes will need to be brushed regularly, especially if their coat is longer. Weekly brushes are about average for this breed, and these help to remove any shed fur and prevent mats or tangles from forming. You can bathe your dog as needed, typically around shedding season to help remove any shed fur, and they should receive regular nail trims.
Husky pitbull mixes aren’t the most high-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they might need to visit a professional occasionally to keep their coats in shape.
Do Husky Pitbull Mixes Shed?
Husky pitbull mixes will shed around twice a year, typically as the weather changes and their new coats come in. While pitbulls are considered a lower-than-average shedder, huskies are high shedders, and this balances out to about an average amount when the breeds are mixed. However, depending on genetics your husky pitbull mix might shed more or less than average.
What Health Problems Do Husky Pitbull Mixes Have?
Husky pitbull mixes are prone to a few different health issues due to the genetics of their lineage. Major health problems that are common in this breed include allergies, both food and environmental, eye problems, hip dysplasia, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease.
Regular veterinary visits will help to ensure your dog stays in top health and catch health problems before they become too serious.
How Long Do Husky Pitbull Mixes Live?
Husky pitbull mixes will generally live between 8 and 12 years old, but they can live up to 15 years if they are kept healthy. Regular veterinary visits and plenty of healthy food and exercise are essential to keeping your dog in shape.
What Should a Husky Pitbull Mix Eat?
Husky pitbull mixes vary in size, caloric needs, and exercise needs. This means that it’s hard to say exactly how much your dog should be eating.
On average, a husky pitbull mix will need between one to three cups of a high-quality dry or wet food each day, typically split up into two or more meals. If you have questions about how much to feed your dog or about which type of food they should be eating, consult your veterinarian.
Is a Husky Pitbull Mix the Right Dog for Me?
Husky pitbull mixes are a unique crossbreed, and they are generally a good fit for individuals who have experience handling dogs. These energetic, friendly, and playful dogs need to be properly trained and have access to ample exercise in order to stay both mentally and physically stimulated.
Families with older children, individuals with active lifestyles, and families that are planning to adopt multiple dogs are likely the best fit for this affectionate and charismatic dog.