10 Things You Didn’t Know about the Pitsky

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Like its name suggests, the Pitsky is a crossbreed that combines the characteristics of the American Pit Bull Terrier with either one of two Huskies. As a result, while it is a breed that packs a lot of potential, it comes with its fair share of complications as well. Simply put, interested individuals need to make sure that they can actually handle a Pitsky because if they can’t, they are going to have serious problems down the road. Here are 10 things that you may or may not have known about the Pitsky:

1. It Is a Crossbreed

As stated, the Pitsky is a crossbreed. This is important because it means that a Pitsky tends to be an unpredictable combination of its parents’ characteristics. Something that can result in some serious surprises.

2. Crossbred from the American Pit Bull Terrier

There are other breeds that are called pit bulls. However, some enthusiasts of the American Pit Bull Terrier believe that it is the sole breed that can claim to be a “true” pit bull. Generally speaking, the American Pit Bull Terrier is an enthusiastic and friendly creature, but they can have serious issues if they are poorly trained, particularly since they possess such powerful bodies.

3. Can Be Crossbred from the Siberian Husky

In some cases, a Pitsky has been crossbred from the Siberian Husky, which is a purebreed that came into existence in Eastern Siberia before being brought over to North America at the start of the 20th century. Siberian Huskies are very well-adapted for their original environment, so much so that they provided invaluable assistance for the hunter-gathers who reared them.

4. Can Be Crossbred from the Alaskan Husky

In contrast to the Siberian Husky, the Alaskan Husky is a crossbreed. To be exact, it is a mix of various northern breeds created to become the best sled dog ever, which is something that it has succeeded to some extent. For proof, look no further than the fact that Alaskan Huskies dominate dog sled racing.

5. Size Variation

The Pitsky encompasses a fair amount of size variation, which is perhaps unsurprising considering the range seen in the breeds that went into its creation. Unfortunately, this means that it is next-to-impossible to tell a particular Pitsky’s full-grown size when they are still a puppy, which can be a problem for some interested individuals out there.

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6. Can Have Short or Long Coats

A Pitsky that takes after the American Pit Bull Terrier side of its family will have a short-haired coat, whereas a Pitsky that takes after the Husky side of its family will have a long-haired coat. Naturally, differences in the hair length of the coat mean differences in how a particular Pitsky should be groomed.

7. Can Have Inherited Medical Conditions

Generally speaking, crossbreeds are healthier than purebreeds. However, it is perfectly possible for a Pitsky to inherit medical conditions from either side of their family, which is something that interested individuals will want to watch out for with some help from their veterinarians.

8. Likes People

In most cases, the Pitsky is very fond of people. In fact, the Pitsky might be a bit too fond of people because unless it has received the right training, it can suffer from dog separation anxiety, which is bad for not just the dog but also the dog owner because of what the dog might do while it is stressed-out.

9. Not a Good Watchdog

Speaking of which, the Pitsky is usually not prime watchdog material. Yes, they have powerful bodies, meaning that they can have an enormous effect when they are moved to protect their families. However, the fundamental problem is that the Pitsky is so friendly towards humans that it tends to be friendly towards strangers as well.

10. Needs Regular Exercise

Both sides of the Pitsky’s family is famous for their fondness for regular exercise. As a result, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Pitsky needs it as well. Naturally, members of the breed will need to be supervised, which is why their dog owners might want to invest in a comfortable pair of running shoes that they can wear for long stretches of time. On top of this, it should be mentioned that the Pitsky should be exercised even if it is raining outside, not least because its coat provides it with formidable protection from the elements.