Last Updated on September 20, 2023
Quick Summary: Although there are four types of Pittbull, most people refer to the American Pitbull Terrier as the Pitbull (also lovingly called the Pittie). Huskies are popular family pets regularly found in the top 20 most popular dog breeds worldwide. These dog breeds consume two to three cups of food per day. Because of their long coats, Huskies must be bathed more often than Pitbulls. As for their size, the average Pitbull measures around 17 to 21 inches tall and weighs between 30 to 65 pounds. The average Huskie is 2.5 inches taller than the Pittie but weighs slightly less and tops the scales at 60 pounds. Both dogs are very healthy and have longer life expectancies than other breeds. The Pittie has a life span of 12 to 16 years, and Huskies can live anywhere from 12 to 14 years.
The American Pitbull Terrier is simply known as the Pitbull. It has a rep for being aggressive The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is supposedly one of the craziest canines on the planet. These assumptions are wildly inaccurate.
And more importantly, how does this pair of pups compare as family-friendly dogs? They make great family dogs, but they need different families. Both dogs were bred to be able to function in different environments.
Both can have different personality traits. Huskies require a lot of activity from their family. In return, they offer lots of canine comedy. Pitbulls need a family that is active but can also be home frequently around them. This guide will help you decide which dog is best for you.
Breed History and Background
In this section, we will give you a brief canine history lesson. This is perhaps the most important step in the research process. This is because it can reveal a lot about the breed and the dog. This will allow you to understand the personality of each pup as a family pet.
The Pitbull: An Overview
The American Pitbull Terrier is the original Pitbull. Although there are four Pitbull type dogs , most people refer to the American Pitbull Terrier as the Pitbull. Fighting dogs (Terrier and Bulldog mixes) from England came over to America in the 19th century when bull-baiting and dogfighting were outlawed.
Americans raised the strongest and largest dogs, and they became the American Pitbull Terrier. His fighting record is what has earned him his reputation. He only fought other dogs because it was what he was told to do.
After dogfighting was banned in America, it was quickly discovered that he was a hardworking dog. He only wanted his master’s approval. He is a great ranch hand and excels at therapy and assistance work. He is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Husky: An Overview
The Siberian Husky is an ancient dog breed that has been around for a very long time. He descends from breeds that have been around for thousands of years! He hails from Northeast Asia and was a favorite breed of the Chukchi tribe.
In his day, he was a sleddog who transported people and goods among tribes. He was built fast and strong to withstand harsh Arctic conditions. He would stay warm at night and serve as a watchdog against predators.
The Chukchi tribe kept him a secret to protect the breed’s heritage. But in the 1900s, he caught the eye of dog lovers worldwide. He is famous for participating in the legendary 1925 serum run and is credited for saving many lives. Although he remains the most popular dog in Siberia and is still the best, he is becoming more popular as a family pet. Huskies are regularly found in the top 20 most popular dog breeds, according to the AKC.
Size and Appearance
Both dogs are completely distinct-looking. It is their appearance that usually places them in Team Pittie and Team Husky. They have four paws and big forever puppy dog eyes. But that’s all they have in common. Overall, Huskies are more muscular and stockier than the muscular and bulkier Pitbulls.
The Pitbull measures between 17 and 21 inches tall, from paw to shoulder. And he weighs between 30 and 65 pounds, making him a medium to large-sized pooch. The average Huskie is 2.5 inches taller than the Pittie. But he weighs slightly less and tops the scales at 60 pounds. He is still a medium-sized to large-sized dog.
The Husky’s fluffy coat, pointed ears and pointy head make him easily identifiable as a northern dog. The Alaskan Malamute is often confused with him. The Pitbull is a typical Pitbull terrier, being muscular, agile, and hardworking.
Both dogs have very distinct coats. They both have double coats, but Huskies have a super fluffy coat of medium length that is ice and weather-resistant. The Pittie has a shorter coat, but it is soft and smoother than the Huskies.
The Pitbull has a wide range of colored jackets to choose from, with the most popular being white, red (also called red-nosed), and blue (also called blue-nosed). Anything other than merle will be accepted. Huskies are known to sport classic gray and white coats with traditional facial masks. He can also sport the solid black and white coat with the traditional facial mask, as well as the black, agouti, and brown or red furs.
Nutrition and Food Requirements
The average Pitbull and Husky consume two to three cups of food per day. It might be surprising to find out that the Husky eats exactly the same amount as the more energetic Pittie. Huskies are designed to work hard for minimal food.
If your Pittie or Husky are working dogs or partake in extreme canine sports such as canicross or flyball, they will need more than this. To be certain, always follow the instructions on the package.
The Pittie will do well on a kibble recommended for the Pitbull. For the healthy development of your puppy, it is important to feed them the right food. High-quality kibble will give your puppy a balanced diet, unlike poor or standard kibbles. They also contain healthy omega fats that are essential for hip dysplasia and eye conditions.
Grooming Regimens
Both dogs have very distinct grooming regimens. This is an important decision-making factor for many families. Pitbull’s coat is easy to maintain and only needs to be brushed once a week. His short coat sheds moderately throughout the year, but it isn’t all that noticeable because it is short. A simple bristle brush is the best brush for Pitties.
Siberian Huskies have a medium-length, thick, and dense coat. To keep him healthy and tidy, he needs to be brushed two to three times a week. And like many breeds from cold climates, he is a super heavy shedder. If you want to manage your dog’s coat, you must brush him daily during the shedding season. Having an assortment of Husky-approved dog brushes is the key to managing his coat.
Both dogs require bathing every two months. Because of their long coats, Huskies must be bathed more often than Pitbulls. The Husky will take care of his hair and clean it after each walk. When choosing a shampoo, the Pittie is likelier to need a shampoo designed for sensitive skin. The Husky prefers concentrated or anti-shedding shampoo, but the Pittie will be more successful with a formula.
Temperament and Personality Traits
The temperaments of the Pitbull and the Husky are surprisingly similar. The Husky is hyper and a little whacky, which is the main difference between them. But in a good way! He’s comically crazy and provides tons of entertainment. Your Husky will have many talents, including some unique quirks. You can find him singing or talking.
The Pittie is also a lot of fun! He is more known for wanting to be part of the fun of the pack than being the main star. Pitbull is a loyal servant and will do almost anything to please his master. The Husky is a different breed. He thinks of himself as the ringleader. It can be difficult for new owners to get used to their independence.
Both are affectionate dogs that love to cuddle with their families. The Pittie would be a good breed to choose because of their temperament and personality. His people are his apple of the eye and nothing is better than cuddling the Pittie. After a long day, Huskies tend to be more relaxed in the evening. Because his list of things is never ending, he can’t sit still for very long.
They are both friendly dogs and are quick to make new friends. Because they are more comfortable around Pitbulls, Huskies tend to make new friends faster than other dogs. Both of them are friendly and make great guard dogs. They don’t bark very much, either. But Huskieshowl quite a bit! The quieter Pittie is the best choice for people who live in areas with restricted noise levels or have sensitive neighbors.
They both adore children. Because he loves children, the Pittie is affectionately called the “nanny dog.” You’ll notice that he has a protective streak with the younger members of his pack and will often lie next to them on the couch. Huskies is a great sibling dog because he enjoys being silly and loves children.
Exercise Requirements
Both dogs require different exercises. This is one of the most important factors in deciding between the two breeds for your next family doggo. The Pitbull needs around 60 minutes of exercise a day. This is higher than the average but still about the same as Labradors or Boxers. You can make him exercise longer if he wants, but if you don’t, he will be happy to come home to snooze.
On the one hand, the Husky has been voted the most active dog on the planet. It’s not surprising, considering he was bred for running all day. This guy needs at least 90 to 120 minutes of intense exercise every day. This pup can be a disaster if he doesn’t get enough exercise. You will soon see how destructive he can be to your home. Only very active families should apply to adopt a Husky. Unfortunately, many Huskies end up in rescue homes because of this.
Between exercise sessions, they both will also need mental stimulation. Both will love to play interactive games together with their families. You can also make your own agility courses. To keep them occupied, they need to have access to lots of toys. Both canines are intelligent and love to chew, so make sure you have a wide selection of puzzle and chew toys.
Training and Socialization
Both dogs have very different training abilities. The Pitbull is the best choice for dog owners who are just starting out. This is because Pitbull is intelligent and eager for his master’s approval.
The Husky may be too busy to participate in your training efforts. Although he might be open to the idea for five minutes, if it is interesting for him, he will quickly become bored. This can make training Huskys difficult indeed.
Huskies are not the best choice if you want a loyal dog. This is what you will find in the Pittie. With positive reinforcement, the best way to train these two men is by positive training. It is important to begin training as soon as possible. Use whatever motivates them. This is the Pittie’s way of expressing appreciation and gratitude for your time and attention. Comparable to the Husky, who requires something in return such as a treat and a toy.
Socialization is one of the best things you can do to your dog, regardless of their breed. Mix your dog with other dogs to ensure he’s polite and confident. You should also expose him to new environments and experiences. This is especially important for the Pittie who can be aggressive towards other dogs if they are not socialized as a puppy. This should not be a problem if the Pittie is socialized well.
Health Issues
Both dogs are very healthy and have a longer life expectancy than other breeds. The Pittie enjoys an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, and Huskies can expect 12 to 14 years with you. The Husky and Pittie are both predisposed to inheritable diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that the Pitbull inherits. This condition is common in dogs. This happens when the hip socket or the thigh bone doesn’t fit correctly. This can lead to decreased mobility and possible hip dislocation. Many terriers are susceptible to skin conditions. The most common conditions are ichthyosis and demodectic skin disease. There are also irritations from allergens like grass and diet.
The Husky is also susceptible to hip dysplasia. Eye conditions are another concern for the Siberian Husky breed. The most common conditions are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and juvenile cataracts. Hypothyroidism, which is found in Husky bloodlines, is more common than in other canines. Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid. This can lead to weight gain, hair fall, and lethargy.
Puppy Prices/Costs
The price of a Husky puppy is higher than the Pittie, but this may not be true depending on where you live. While both puppy prices will typically start at the $1,000 mark, huskies can be a little more expensive for pups bred from champion lines.
If you’re looking for a pup that comes from an award-winning breeder or is from a popular bloodline, expect to pay more. Unfortunately, Pitties and Huskies are the most popular breeds found in shelters, so adopting is a good option.
It is important to research the breeder you are considering buying from. You should look for an experienced breeder that can provide you with health certificates. You should also be able to meet the puppies face-to-face. You can then be certain that your puppy will be happy and healthy. Avoid puppy mills that do not care about the health and well-being of their puppies.
Conclusion
And there you have it! The Pitbull vs. the Husky! Both are equally charming and wonderful dog breeds, which make them great family pets.
As you can see, the Husky and the Pittie require different families. The Husky needs a family with the time and patience to groom and train them. The Pittie is a gentle and easy-going dog that makes a great pet for first-time parents.
If you still can’t pick between the two, consider the Pitsky, which is a combination of both dogs. This puppy is a mix of the Pitbull breed and the Husky. This way, you’ll have a dog combination of these two wonderful breeds.