Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix: Size, Lifespan, Price & More

The pitbull husky mix, also known as the pitsky, is a hybrid dog breed resulting from breeding a pitbull terrier with a Siberian husky.

As a mixed breed, the exact characteristics and traits of a pitbull husky mix can vary depending on which parent's genes are more dominant.

This article provides a overview of what to expect from a pitbull husky mix once it reaches full grown adulthood.

About the Pitbull Husky Mix Breed

The pitbull husky mix first began emerging as a mixed breed dog in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While no breed registry exists for this hybrid, pitbull husky mixes are generally medium to large size dogs with a lifespan of 10-14 years.

As a cross between two purebred dog breeds, pitbull husky mixes tend to inherit traits from both parent breeds such as high energy, affection, and loyalty while also exhibiting their own unique personality.

Size of a Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix

At full adult size, a pitbull husky mix will reach 18-24 inches in height and weigh anywhere between 40-80 pounds. Females tend to be on the smaller end of this size range while males typically reach the higher end.

Purebred Siberian huskies are medium dogs that typically stand 20-23 inches tall while purebred pitbulls are stockier and tend to be 17-19 inches in height.

A pitbull husky mix will fall somewhere in the middle size-wise depending on which parent's genetics are dominant.

Appearance of a Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix

In terms of appearance, a full grown pitbull husky mix will take on a blend of physical traits from both parent breeds. Common physical characteristics include:

• Dense, short to medium length coat that comes in a variety of colors like brindle, brown, gray, white, or black/white
• Erect triangle-shaped ears
• Almond-shaped eyes that are usually brown but can also be blue or heterochromatic
• Compact, athletic build with broad chest and shoulders
• Stocky legs and paws
• Tightly curled or straight tail

A pitbull husky mix's facial features and coat texture can lean more towards one parent breed over the other. Some may have a wolf-like husky face while others take on more of the bully breed pitbull face.

The coat can range from straight to rough and curled.

Personality of a Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix

In terms of temperament, a pitbull husky mix at full maturity will inherit traits of both breeds but often lean more towards one parent breed's personality or the other depending on genetics. In general, most adults will display the following characteristics:

• Highly energetic, playful, and athletic
• Affectionate towards family members
• Loyal and protective of its owners
• Generally good with children if properly socialized
• Prone to howling like a husky if nottrained
• Can be stubborn at times
• Suspicious of strangers if not socialized

Through consistent positive training and socialization from a young age, a pitbull husky mix can grow up to be a friendly, easy-going companion. Untrained dogs are at risk for developing anxiety or aggression issues.

Price of a Pitbull Husky Mix Puppy

Expect to pay between $400-800 for a pitbull husky mix puppy from a reputable breeder. The price may vary depending on factors like the puppy's sex, coat color, pedigree background if known, time of year, and demand in your local area.

Adopting an adult pitbull husky mix from a shelter typically costs $100-200 when including basic vaccinations and spay/neuter procedures.

Feeding a Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix

As large breed dogs, adult pitbull husky mixes have high calorie and protein needs. Most experts recommend feeding a premium kibble formulated for large breed dogs at 1-2 cups twice daily.

Divide the daily portion into at least two meals. Senior dogs over 7 years may need less food. Always consult your vet for guidance tailored to your dog's lifestyle, health conditions, and body condition.

In addition to kibble, consider raw feeding which provides more nutrients or adding some canned food, eggs, vegetables, or meat to your dog's diet for variety. Provide clean, fresh water at all times. Monitor weight monthly and adjust portions accordingly to prevent obesity.

Lifespan of a Pitbull Husky Mix

With proper care, a pitbull husky mix can live 10-14 years on average. Genetics and lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, and preventative healthcare all impact lifepsan. Some pitbull husky mixes may only live 8-10 years if prone to joint issues while others can surpass 14 years when blessed with good health and genes.

With proper veterinary care including vaccinations, deworming, dental cleanings, nutrition, and regular checkups, a pitsky stands the best chance at a long, active life filled with loving companionship.

Health Concerns at Full Maturity

Like all dogs, adult pitbull husky mixes are susceptible to certain hereditary diseases and common canine health issues. Some potential concerns to be aware of include:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia (a common problem in large breeds)
• Allergies
• Eye diseases
• Joint issues like arthritis
• Skin infections
• Obesity if overfed or under-exercised
• Heart disease
• Cancer

Keep your pitsky at a healthy weight, maintain regular vet checkups, and consider pet insurance to help offset costs of unexpected medical bills down the road.

Care of a Full Grown Pitbull Husky Mix

Maintaining the health and happiness of your adult pitbull husky mix involves a moderate level of care including:

• Daily walks/play sessions for at least 30-60 minutes to burn energy and prevent behaviour issues
• Brushing the coat 2-3 times per week to remove dead hair and distribute natural skin oils
• Checking ears and coat for infection, fleas, or ticks once weekly
• Trimming nails as needed around once a month
• Regular toothbrushing 2-3 times per week or thorough professional cleanings
• Bathing only when necessary to prevent stripping natural skin oils

Training throughout life helps your dog remain obedient and prevents destructive habits. Be sure not to over-exercise large breed puppies before 18 months to protect joints.

Cost of Owning a Pitbull Husky Mix

Some of the average costs you can expect for maintaining a full grown pitbull husky mix include:

• $500-1000 per year for high-quality dog food
• $150-300 per year for licensing and basic preventative healthcare like flea/tick prevention
• $400-600 for annual vet exams and tests
• $100-300 per year for pet insurance is strongly recommended
• $50-100 for monthly grooming like brushing and nail trims
• $100 or more on occasional expenses like toys, treats, training classes

Over the lifetime of a 10-14 year old pitsky, expect to invest anywhere from $10,000-20,000 total to provide excellent care including unexpected medical costs. Do thorough financial planning before committing.

Behavior Changes at Full Maturity

As pitsky reach adulthood at around 2-3 years, some behavior differences may emerge compared to adolescence:

• May gain confidence and independence as a fully mature dog but still craves human affection
• May exhibit stronger protective instincts over family and home territory if not properly socialized
• Settles into a more consistent temperament and routine rather than hyper puppy energy
• Better able to control impulses but may still get excited during play or around other animals/children
• Trainer and owner must maintain leadership role to prevent dominance behaviors from emerging
• Prone to routine-forming which can include destructive habits if bored without stimulation or exercise
• Attention seeking behaviors may diminish but dogs still crave companionship
• May show signs of joint stiffness, arthritis, or other age-related health issues by 7-10 years old

With consistency, training does not end at adulthood. Pitskies can always benefit from brushing up on basic obedience skills to bolster the human-canine bond.

Notable Characteristics of a Mature Pitbull Husky Mix

Once reaching full grown maturity, some distinguishing traits a pitbull husky mix may demonstrate include:

• Strong prey drive that requires caution around small animals if not properly socialized early on
• Intelligent, quick to learn, and eager to please owners but also independent thinkers
• Tendency to howl like huskies when hearing other dogs or experiencing distress/boredom
• Bond very closely to their family but can be wary of strangers without positive socialization
• Moderate to high energy needs significant daily exercise like running, fetching, or hiking
• Above average tolerance for cold weather compared to shorter coated dogs
• Inquisitive personalities that require ample mental stimulation like toys, puzzles, or training sessions
• Friendly demeanor towards children if raised with them but may be too energetic/rowdy for toddlers

No two pitbull husky mixes will act exactly the same, but these attributes commonly arise from the amalgamated genetics.

When is a Pitbull Husky Mix Considered Fully Grown?

On average, pitbull husky mixes reach full maturity and skeletal growth at around 18-24 months of age. However, some key considerations:

• Growth plates usually close fully between 12-18 months
• Small breeds may stop growing as early as 12 months while larger breeds can fill out until 24 months
• Behavior and personality continue developing even after skeletal growth stops
• Females tend to reach maturity a few months before males
• Vets may take X-rays to check if growth plates have sealed before heavy exercise is recommended

To protect developing joints, owners must limit vigorous activity for pitsky puppies until advised by their veterinarian maturity has been reached, typically between 18-24 months of age.

Suitability as a Family Pet

With the right care, training, space, and lifestyle fit, pitbull husky mixes can thrive as family pets. However, there are some things to consider regarding their suitability:

• Not suitable for apartments due to high energy and space needs- best for homes with yards
• May be too boisterous, vocal, or rough for young children or the elderly
• Require daily exercise like walks, play time, and mental stimulation
• Need early and ongoing socialization to curb possible shyness or aggression tendencies if under-socialized
• May not do well in multi-pet homes without introductions and training
• Shed moderately and require regular coat care like brushing
• Suit families that will provide lots of positive attention, training, and activities

With commitment to properly caring for their needs, most mature pitbull husky mixes thrive as beloved family pets. Their loyalty, intelligence and playful spirits make them wonderful companions.

Conclusion

The unique pitbull husky mix can develop into loving and devoted family dogs. Throughout their lifespan, owners who understand each stage of development provide the commitment, training, socialization and routine care these dogs need to stay happy and healthy. With proper guidance and lifestyle fit, a fully grown pitbull husky mix has great potential as a treasured family companion.