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The Pitbull Chihuahua mix, also known as the Chipit or the Pithuahua, is an active and fun-loving pup. They’re the result of breeding two well-known dogs, the Pitbull and the Chihuahua. This mix is known as a designer dog, which means they’re a mixed breed created on purpose. Designer dogs were first introduced in the 1960s, when the Cockapoo was bred. Since then, they’ve been gaining momentum in popularity. Let’s take a closer look at the two breeds that make up the Chipit.
Breed Overview
Height:
15–20 inches
Weight:
15–35 pounds
Lifespan:
10–13 years
Colors:
White, black, brindle, brown, golden, and tan
Suitable for:
Active families, those looking for a low-shedding dog
Temperament:
Loyal and loving, intelligent, good with children
The Pitbull
These dogs were originally bred in England to be used in bullbaiting. Once they were brought over to the Americas, they were developed into farming dogs. Unfortunately, Pitbulls are often known for dog fighting, and many cruel people use them for this because of their stocky build and courageous attitude.
But Pitbulls are not naturally vicious dogs. There is a great deal of misinformation out there about this breed and their characteristics. The Pitbull is a family-loving dog that is extremely loyal. They will only act aggressively if protecting you from a real threat or if they have not been trained and socialized.
The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua originates from a state in Mexico called Chihuahua, hence the name. People love this breed for their tiny stature. This dog can be timid if not trained properly, though. They are sensitive dogs and are always alert. They tend to bond closely with one person and be wary of others if not socialized.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Characteristics
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Puppies
Before bringing a Pitbull Chihuahua mix into your home, it’s important to do your research about the breeder to be sure they are practicing ethical breeding practices. They should screen the parent pets for common diseases and pay close attention to the demeanor and attitude of the parent dogs before deciding to breed them.
It is also possible to get a Pitbull Chihuahua mix from a rescue or shelter. You can ask shelter employees if they have any Pitbulls or Chihuahuas or any mixes of the two. A mixed dog can often be labeled as a purebred dog, such as a Pitbull or a Chihuahua. It is best to look at pictures of the dog and see the dog in person before adopting them. When you welcome a Chipit into your home, be ready for a loving and cute dog that will want to play with you daily.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
This dog will likely bond closely with one member of the family, though they will still be extremely loyal to the family as a whole. They are incredibly active and fun-loving dogs that can play with you for hours at a time. Warm up that pitching arm because they love to fetch and please their human caretakers! They also love to be around you and your family and can be very affectionate. Don’t discount them as a lap dog, though, as they will certainly try to crawl into your lap whenever it’s available.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Pitbull Chihuahua mixes are great for families because they are active and affectionate. Due to their active nature, they love to play with children. Be sure to always supervise playtime with your kids, though, and never leave your dog alone with small children, to be safe.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶😽
Pitbull Chihuahua mixes have a high prey drive, meaning their instincts are to chase animals smaller than them. This can be a big problem if you own cats or even other small dogs. They typically do not get along with other dogs unless they have been extensively socialized and trained from a young age.
Things to Know When Owning a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix will thrive on any high-quality wet or dry dog food. Just like people, though, each individual dog will have preferences, so try a few different foods at first if your dog is refusing to eat. Try to split feeding times into at least two times a day.
Exercise 🐕
This dog is extremely active and will need lots of playtime and walks to get all their energy out. A lack of exercise will mean this dog has no positive outlet for their energy, and this can result in less-than-desirable behaviors, such as tearing up shoes or furniture. Taking walks twice a day and engaging in play with toys will help them release that energy. Mentally stimulating toys are also a great pick for this dog, as they are quite intelligent.
Training 🎾
Early training and consistency are key in shaping your Pitbull Chihuahua mix puppy’s behavior and personality. They are intelligent, so training should be moderately easy. The best results will come from using positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats when the desired behavior is exhibited. Corporal punishment should be avoided with these dogs. As they can tend to be aggressive to other dogs and pets, early socialization will be a great investment.
Grooming ✂️
The kind of coat your Pitbull Chihuahua Mix inherits will dictate your grooming behavior. If they have a short coat like that of their Pitbull or short-haired Chihuahua parent, grooming will be easy, as the short coat is not prone to mats. You should still take time to brush and bathe them on a regular basis. If your dog inherits a long coat like that of the long-haired Chihuahua, more time will need to be invested in their grooming. You should brush them to avoid mats at least two to three times weekly. They will also need regular trims from the groomer to keep their coat an appropriate length.
Regardless of coat length, nails should also be trimmed on a regular basis. Teeth should be cleaned two to three times weekly. Finally, you should clean and check their ears at least once a week.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Due to the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix being a mixed breed, they are less likely to inherit genetic problems because their genes are more diverse than a purebred dog’s. The diseases to still look out for include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Luxating patella
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart issues
Minor Conditions
- Hypoglycemia — This occurs when a dog’s blood sugar falls too low. It can be triggered by extreme exercise or malnutrition. Signs of hypoglycemia may include seizures, abnormal behavior, impaired vision, and body weakness.
Serious Conditions
- Luxating patella — This is one of the most common types of orthopedic disease in dogs. It usually affects small breed dogs, such as the Chihuahua. This condition results in the knee cap being displaced from the femoral groove when the knee is flexed.
- Hip dysplasia — In this condition, the ball and socket of the hip joint are not formed properly, and it causes the dog pain when they rub together. Signs of this condition include decreased activity, limping, or decreased range of motion.
- Heart issues — This term refers to any disease that affects your dog’s heart function. It can include congestive heart failure and canine dilated cardiomyopathy.
Male vs. Female
Female Pitbull Chihuahua Mixes tend to be more petite than their male counterparts. Male Pitbull Chihuahua Mixes may also be prone to “marking” their territory, meaning they will urinate on furniture or walls to establish their territory. This behavior can be avoided by having your male dog neutered early in life. Female Pitbull Chihuahua Mixes that are not spayed will also go through estrus or “heat” every 6 months. This can also be avoided by spaying your pet early on in life.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
1. They Have an Ancient Ancestor
The Chihuahua is thought to be a descendant of an ancient dog called the Techichi that was raised by the Aztecs and the Toltecs.
2. Their Pitbull Parent Does Not Have a Locking Jaw
Some people claim that Pitbulls have “locking jaws,” but this is not true.
3. Their Pitbull Parent Is Common in Shelters
Pitbulls make up 15% to 20% of the dog shelter population.
Conclusion
The Chipit is an active and intelligent dog that could be a great fit for your family. If you are planning on bringing the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix puppy into your family, you should have enough time to adequately train and socialize the dog. If trained and socialized early, they can be great fun to have around. You can spend hours playing with them and teaching them tricks.
Looking for more crossbreeds? We have both Chihuahua and Pitbull Mixes!
Featured Image Credit: mizkitty, Shutterstock
