The Pit Bull Chihuahua mix is a rare and interesting designer breed. Medium in size, lively, and affectionate, this crossbreed is best suited for active families and experienced owners.
What is a Chipit? The Chipit is a cross between Chihuahua and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds. Lively, fun, and intelligent, this mix usually forms strong bonds with one member of the family. A properly trained and socialized Pithuahua gets along with kids but will prefer to be the only pet in the household.
If you are looking for a fun-loving and energetic dog that can match your active lifestyle the Pit Bull Chihuahua mix is a perfect choice! Keep on reading to learn more about this cute looking designer dog.
What is a Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix?
Also known as Chipit and Pithuahua, the Pit Bull Chihuahua mix is a rare designer breed. This mix is created by crossing a purebred male Chihuahua with a purebred female American Pit Bull Terrier.
At this time, the Chipit is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc and the International Designer Canine Registry. However, the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize this breed of dog.
Brief History
No one can say for sure when and why the first Pit Bull Chihuahua mix was created. With that being said, this unusual designer breed is rare and may be difficult to come by.
To get a better idea of what you can expect from a Chipit, let’s take a look at its parent breeds!
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier originated in the United Kingdom where it was used for bull-baiting. Often deemed aggressive and dangerous, properly trained and socialized Pit Bulls are affectionate companions and family pets.
Chihuahua
Originating in Mexico, the Chihuahua is a toy dog breed with a huge personality. As a small dog, the lively Chihuahua is a popular choice for apartment dwellers and does best in homes with older children and no other pets.
Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix
When you mix the two you get a Pithuahua – a highly energetic, fun, and outgoing medium size dog that loves an active lifestyle. If it takes more after its Chihuahua parent, the Chipit can be a big barker and a good watchdog.
Characteristics of Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix
It’s hard to guess the exact size and appearance of a Chipit since this mix can take after either one of its parent breeds or be a perfect mix of both.
Generally, Chipits have a stocky appearance, broad chest, short neck, and strong muscular legs.
Chipit Highlights:
Size | Medium size dog |
Weight | 15-35 pounds |
Height | 15-20 inches |
Coat Type | Short or long coat |
Shedding | Moderate shedding |
Energy Level | Highly energetic |
Overall Health | Very good |
Lifespan | 10-13 years |
Size
As an offspring of Chihuahua and Pit Bull, the Chipit is usually a medium-sized dog.
Height
Most Pithuahuas are between 15 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder. But depending on which parent they take more after, some may be shorter or taller.
Weight
A full-grown Pit Bull Chihuahua mix typically weighs between 15 and 35 pounds. However, some may weigh less or more depending on the size and weight of both parents.
Coat Color
The Chipit can inherit coat color from either of its parents or have a mix of its parents’ coat colors.
The most common coat colors seen in this mix are:
- Black
- Tan
- Brown
- Grey
- Golden
- White
Shedding
The Chihuahua Pit Bull mix can have a long or short coat depending on the Chihuahua parent. Regardless of the coat length, all Chipits are moderate shedders which can be an issue if you suffer from allergies.
Temperament
While it’s hard to predict the Chipit’s appearance, you can expect your mix will be a very lively, loyal, affectionate, and playful dog. This designer hybrid loves to stay busy and active, preferably in the company of its human family.
As a highly energetic dog, this breed needs a lot of mental stimulation, otherwise, it can become bored and destructive. A bored and under-exercised Chipit will bark, dig holes, and chew furniture to release pent up energy (source).
This mix is highly loyal to its owners, but it can be standoffish with strangers and sometimes even over-defensive. Early socialization is the best way to prevent any behavioral issues from arising and teach your pooch to be friendlies to outsiders.
The Pit Bull Chihuahua mix usually forms strong bonds with a special family member whom they adore above everyone else. They also hate being alone and may develop separation anxiety without the companionship and affection they crave.
Pet Friendly
A properly trained and socialized Chipit can get along with other pets. However, like their Chihuahua parents, they prefer being the sole pet in the household and aren’t the best choice if you already have a dog (source).
Child Friendly
The fun-loving, active, and playful Pithuahua gets along well with older kids who know how to play and interact with a dog. However, this mix won’t tolerate being roughly handled and may not get along with younger kids who don’t know how to safely play with a dog.
Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix Care
Like all other dogs, the Chipit needs proper care and a lot of attention to stay healthy and thrive. Thus, you’ll need to come up with a routine care plan as soon as you bring your pooch home and take it to regular veterinary checkups.
Health Risks
The Pit Bull Chihuahua mix is generally a healthy designer breed. However, some can be prone to the same health problems that affect Chihuahuas and American Pit Bull Terriers.
The most common health issues seen in this mix are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Hypoglycemia
The Pithuahua has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, but some can live longer when properly cared for.
Grooming and Maintenance
Most Chipits have a short glossy coat, but some may have long coats if they are offspring of long haired Chihuahuas. Ideally, you should brush your Pithuahua three times a week regardless of its coat type.
Keep in mind, long-haired Chipits may develop mats and tangles if not brushed regularly, so maintain a good grooming routine. Additionally, you will need to take your pooch to the groomer every two to three months to have their coat trimmed.
Bathe your dog once every two months or as needed using a mild or hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Avoid frequent baths, as they can dry your dog’s skin and lead to itchy irritations.
The rest is basic care and involves regular teeth brushing, eat cleaning, and nail trimming.
Food or Diet
The ideal diet for a Pit Bull Chihuahua mix should be formulated for medium size breeds with high energy. Make sure that the food you are feeding contains high levels of protein and all essential vitamins and minerals that will support your dog’s overall health.
Adult Pithuahuas should eat two meals a day – one in the morning and one in the evening. On the other hand, Pit Bull Chihuahua mix puppies should eat five or four smaller meals a day depending on their age and activity level.
Training and Exercise
The Chihuahua Pit Bull mix has a high energy level and needs 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. Brisk walks, hiking, and jogging are great ways to exercise this mix, and your Pithuahua will enjoy being active with you.
Chipits are playful and lively dogs that love to play and will never say no to a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Playing with your dog is a great way to keep them fit and mentally stimulated and will also deepen your bond.
The Pithuahua is a highly intelligent dog that can benefit from early training and socialization, otherwise, they can become dominant and unruly. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training go a long way in training your dog obedience and basic commands.
You should start potty training your Chipit puppy as soon as you bring it home, to avoid house soiling and messy accidents.
While smart, this mix can be stubborn at times and challenging to train, especially for novice owners. If you haven’t owned a dog before, you should consider enrolling your Chipit into obedience class.
Housing
The Pit Bull Chihuahua mix should live indoors where it will have a chance to spend time and interact with its owners daily. They adapt to all kinds of living situations as long as they are properly exercised and mentally stimulated.
Where to Get a Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix?
There are only two ways you can get a Chipit – you can adopt, or shop!
Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix Breeders
The Pithuahua is still a rare hybrid dog and there are not a lot of breeders that make puppies available. Be prepared to spend some time researching reputable breeders and even traveling to another state to purchase a Chipit puppy.
Pit Bull Chihuahua Mix Price
Pit Bull Chihuahua puppies on average cost between $200 and $800. Still, you may end up paying more for a puppy depending on the breeder, your location, puppy’s lineage, and coat.
Adoption
Although a rare crossbreed, some Pithuahuas end up in animal shelters and rescue organizations. Check your local shelters and rescue groups to see if they have any Chipits available for adoption.
You can also try Chihuahua and American Pit Bull Terrier breed-specific rescue groups since these organizations often take care of mixes too.
Conclusion
A rare and interesting designer breed, the Pit Bull Chihuahua mix makes a playful and loyal companion to the right home. Pithuahuas need proper training and socialization from a young age to get along with other dogs and unfamiliar people.
If you have young kids or older dogs, the Chipit may not be a good choice and you should consider another breed. But, in the hands of an experienced owner, the Chipit is an active, funny, and friendly dog.
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