The Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix can be the perfect choice for dog lovers seeking a designer dog breed that is friendly yet fiercely bold and protective at the same time.
Although the Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix is not as popular as other designer dogs, it can be a great dog companion and watchdog for the right family.
If you’re thinking about getting this rare dog breed or are curious about it, keep reading. This guide will walk you through the appearance, temperament, and everything else you need to know about this dog.
Breed Overview
| Height: | 17 – 26 inches |
| Weight: | 35 – 95 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Brindle, champagne, tri-color, blue, fawn, merle, black and white, black, isabella, sable, liver, blue, white |
| Temperament: | Highly energetic, friendly, protective |
| Suitable for: | Experienced owners; people with an active lifestyle |
What Is a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix?
The Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix is a dog that results in the combination of three breeds — the German Shepherd, the Siberian Husky, and a Pitbull-type dog (often an American Pit Bull Terrier). This mix is an energetic, friendly, and protective hybrid. This dog is also called the Pitshepsky.
This combination of three breeds into one is possible as long as one of the parents is already a mixed-breed dog. Likewise, this is also possible if both parents are mixed-breed dogs.
In other words, the Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix can be born by pairing any two of the following hybrid dogs: Shepsky, German Pit, and Pitsky.
As a mixed-breed dog, however, the German Shepherd Pitbull Husky mix is not eligible to compete in conformation shows and agility competitions hosted by major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Origin and History
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes, like other hybrid dogs, have an unknown and undocumented history. Fortunately, we can still learn a bit about its origin by taking a look at the histories of its parent breeds.
For starters, the origin of Pitbulls can be traced back to England in the early 19th century. During this time, breeders mixed bulldogs with terriers to produce brave canines that can fight — the Pitbull.
Later on, Pitbulls evolved into versatile canines that have been used for herding animals, hunting, and property defense.
Meanwhile, the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) can be traced back to Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career captain in the German cavalry.
Stephanitz was the breeder who developed the GSD into a military dog. He was also the one who refined the GSD to what it is today — a loyal working dog that can take on multiple roles.
Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, were bred to pull sleds and serve as
companion dogs for the Chukchi people in Serbia. Needless to say, these dogs are tough working dogs who have robust bodies.
They were imported to the United States in the early 20th century. Later, it slowly evolved into a loyal and loving companion dog.
Given the variety of origins of its lineages, the Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix is surely a little bit of everything. All things considered, this hybrid dog is versatile, loyal, and makes an excellent companion.
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Appearance
Since the Pitshepsky combines three distinct dog breeds, it can be challenging to generalize its appearance. That said, there are still some telltale signs that are common to all Pitbull Husky German Shepherd mixes.
For starters, these mixed-breed dogs can come in a variety of colors. It may adopt one of its Pitbull parent’s coat colors, which includes black, brindle, tri-color, blue fawn, merle, and black & white.
Likewise, it may also take on the German Shepherd’s coat color, which comes in black, black & tan, and black & red, among others. This is also the case for the Husky’s coat color — it can also be inherited by the Pitshepsky.
Additionally, this hybrid can also inherit the short coat of its GSD lineage.
In fact, on rare occasions, your Pitshepsky may even take on the Siberian Husky’s wooly coat.
In terms of other physical features, Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes sports square-shaped heads like that of a Pitbull. However, they can also have a wedge-shaped head similar to the German Shepherd.
These dogs also feature a sturdy, solid build and an alert expression.
To see what a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix looks like, watch this video:
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Size and Weight
The Pitshepsky is a medium- to large-sized dog with a robust build. When fully grown, this hybrid dog can reach about 17 to 26 inches in terms of height and can weigh around 35 to 95 pounds.
This mixed breed typically reaches its full size at around 12 months of age. However, some tend to continue growing until 24 months old.
The final size of a Pitshepsky is influenced by many factors, including its diet, general health, and genetics.
One way to have a rough estimate of how big your dog is going to get is by taking a look at the size of its parents. If you need more info, you can refer to our article about the growth curve of its Husky and Pitbull parents.
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Temperament and Personality
Because it comes from three lineages, the German Shepherd Husky mix can be hard to predict in terms of temperament and personality. Fortunately, its parents have excellent traits that are likely to get passed on.
That said, you can expect the Pitshepsky to be a highly powerful and strong dog with a lot of energy. Because of this, this dog may not be for families with an idle lifestyle.
Furthermore, its Husky and German Shepherd ancestors are known for having strong prey and drive instincts, so this trait is to be expected in a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix.
Nonetheless, when trained and socialized from an early age, the Pitshepsky can get along with other animals well. These dogs can also get along with kids, but adult supervision is always recommended.
All in all, the Pitshepsky is an affectionate, devoted, and loyal dog. As long as you can provide the training and physical exercise it needs, you will have no problem with this hybrid.
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix is a generally healthy crossbreed. Given enough love, care, and routine veterinary checks, this mix can live for 10 to 12 years.
However, Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mixes may still be prone to some health issues. Most of these issues are inherited from its parent breeds.
Here are some of the most common health issues that a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix may develop:
- Hip Dysplasia: Medium to large-sized dogs like the German Shepherd and Siberian Husky are susceptible to hip dysplasia. Dogs with this condition experience dislocation of the ball-and-socket joint due to a misalignment in the hips.
- Panosteitis: Panosteitis is very common in large dog breeds such as the German Shepherd. It is a painful inflammation of the long bones of the legs’ shafts. This health problem can affect numerous bones simultaneously, resulting in lameness that shifts from one bone or leg to another.
- Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord condition that is common among senior dogs and is characterized by non-painful, progressive hind limb paralysis. Since this health problem is commonly seen in Pitbulls, your Pitshepsky can be prone to this disease too.
For prevention and early diagnosis, it is important to have your Pitshepsky checked by a licensed veterinarian regularly. This will ensure that your dog is in excellent health condition.
Additionally, you may consider getting pet insurance. Medical emergencies are inevitable, and having insurance will make sure your dog gets the best medical care without spending too much.
How to Take Care of Your Husky German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
As a Pitshepsky parent, one of your most important duties is to make sure that your dog’s needs are addressed. Remember that when dogs are well taken care of, they become even better family members.
Follow along to discover the specifics of caring for your Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix.
Food and Diet
Providing your Pitshepsky with the right diet and enough food to meet their needs is essential to ensure optimum growth. On average, they need to be fed 1 to 2 cups of high-protein dog food per meal every day.
Additionally, you may also add probiotics and fish oil to your dog’s diet. This will provide additional benefits and meet your dog’s nutritional requirements.
Take note, however, that you may need to modify your dog’s food intake to meet its individual needs based on its age, size, and activity level.
Cleaning and Grooming
Usually, this mix is low-maintenance and only requires minimal grooming.
In most cases, brushing your dog’s coat at least once a week is enough to keep it clean and tidy.
However, if your dog takes on the Siberian Husky’s coat, it may require a bit more effort to groom. If this is the case, you should brush your dog’s coat at least three times a week to manage shedding and loose fur.
You may also need to bathe your dog once every 4 to 6 weeks or as needed. Avoid bathing your Pitshepsky too often, as it can develop skin dryness.
Additionally, your dog will require weekly ear cleaning to avoid wax buildup. Likewise, regular nail trimming and toothbrushing should also be a part of its grooming routine.
Training and Exercise
Pitshepskies are intelligent dogs, which makes them generally easy to train. However, like most intelligent dogs, they will always try to take the alpha position from you.
That said, it is recommended to start training your Pitshepsky at a young age. It is also best to use positive reinforcement techniques when training your dog. This technique involves the use of treats and praises.
In terms of exercise needs, Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes are quite demanding. These dogs need multiple outdoor play sessions each day to stay healthy and happy.
Going on long walks or playing fetch are some of the activities they enjoy best. These dogs will also benefit from socialization with other dogs during exercise.
How Much Does a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
A Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix can cost anywhere from $650 to $3,500, depending on your location, the reputation of the breeder, and the overall quality of the puppy you’re buying.
Aside from the dog’s price tag itself, you should expect to shell out more cash for other expenses, such as your dog’s vitamins, vaccinations, and supplies.
Here is the list of initial expenses you need to consider when bringing home a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
On average, you will need to spend around $505 to $3,150 for your dog’s initial expenses. Note that this does not include your dog’s monthly, annual, and medical expenses, so you should set aside funds for these too.
Places to Find Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding trustworthy breeders of mixed-breed dogs, such as the Pitshepsky, can be challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to start your search from scratch, as we have leads on where to find one.
To start your search, here are places where you can find a German Shepherd Husky Pitbull mix:
- AKC Marketplace – AKC Marketplace is a platform for AKC-registered breeders. Dogs sold via this platform are health-screened within their pedigrees to ensure their well-being. From time to time, some breeders on the AKC marketplace also sell hybrid dogs.
- Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is an advertising website that collaborates with breeders to provide healthy puppies. They offer numerous mixed breed animals on their website, including Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes.
- Greenfield Puppies – This website has been connecting reputable breeders and loving families since 2000. Their partner breeders go through background checks before being allowed to post advertisements. Be sure to check if there are Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes on this website.
Meanwhile, if you wish to adopt, here are some places where you can find a Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix for adoption:
- Hollywood Huskies – This Southern California-based organization rescues and rehomes Husky and Husky hybrids, including Pitshepskies. Before putting their dogs up for adoption, they see to it that they are cared for and provided with the right medical care they need.
- Mid-Atlantic German Shepherd Rescue (MAGSR) – This non-profit rescue organization is dedicated to rescuing German Shepherds and their mixes, such as Pitshepskies. They have already been in the industry for over 20 years and have already helped over 5,000 dogs find their forever homes.
- Bobbie’s Pit Rescue and Sanctuary – This Virginia-based rescue prioritizes saving and rehabilitating Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes from abusive homes and kill shelters. They might have the Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix you’re looking for.
To increase your chances of finding a Pitbull Husky German Shepherd mix, you can contact breeders of its parents in the AKC Marketplace or check out Facebook groups dedicated to this mix.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Husky German Shepherd Pitbull Mix
Now that you know the basics of this mixed breed, you should think about the advantages and disadvantages of owning one. Doing so will help you decide whether this dog is suitable for you.
Here are the pros of owning a German Shepherd Husky Pit mix:
- Highly energetic: For families with an active lifestyle, this is a benefit. This mixed breed adores physical activities and work, so they will surely accompany you on your next hike and jog.
- Great guard dogs: Aside from having a companion dog, you can expect this dog breed to be a great guard dog. With their superior intelligence and athletic build, this dog will surely protect you and your home in case of an emergency.
- Great with kids: Pitshepskies may get along with kids if they are trained and socialized from a young age. As they play with children, keep in mind that accidents can happen at any time and that you should still keep an eye on them.
Meanwhile, here are some disadvantages of owning a German Shepherd Husky Pitbull mix:
- Troublemakers: While these dogs are lively and great with children, they have the potential to be mischievous if not trained and socialized correctly. Remember that these dogs have the wits and bravery to be great escape artists.
- High-maintenance: Your Pitshepsky is a generally high-maintenance breed considering that it needs a lot of time and effort to exercise and groom. It needs daily attention and care from its owner since it is a very energetic breed.
- Cannot be left alone: Unfortunately, Pitshepskies cannot be left alone for long periods. These dogs are extremely clingy, which means they can be prone to separation anxiety when this happens.
Using this list, you should be able to decide whether this mixed breed is the ideal breed for you. Additionally, it should lessen the possibility of adopting a dog that doesn’t fit your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good Dogs?
Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mixes are generally good dogs. They can get along well with kids and other animals, especially when introduced and socialized from an early age.
However, just like any other dog, you must train them. Since this dog is a combination of three breeds, it is hard to pinpoint the traits that it will get from its parents.
Do Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mixes Shed?
Pitshepskies shed moderately. That said, be ready to deal with loose fur daily for the rest of your dog’s life, especially if it takes on its Siberian Husky roots. Don’t panic, though, because regular brushing can manage this.
Are Pitbull German Shepherd Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Pitbull German Shepherd Huskies, unfortunately, are not hypoallergenic. Aside from the fact that they shed moderately all throughout the year, these dogs lick themselves regularly.
As a result, their dander tends to be distributed throughout their coat. Unfortunately, this can trigger allergies in some people.
Final Thoughts
With three intelligent breeds as parents, the Pitbull German Shepherd Husky mix is bound to make an excellent companion dog as well as a protective guard dog.
However, owning this dog breed entails responsibility. Owners must be financially capable of providing for their dogs’ needs and also have time to devote to it for exercise and require training.
That said, you should weigh things first to see if this dog’s needs and your lifestyle are a match before committing to taking care of this dog for a lifetime.
Are you ready to take home this unique mixed-breed dog? Let us know your thoughts about the Husky Pitbull German Shepherd mix in the comments.
