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Chipit (Pitbull & Chihuahua Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, & Care!

Written by: Oliver Jones

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Oliver Jones

Chipit (Pitbull & Chihuahua Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, & Care!

The Pitbull Chihuahua mix, also known as the Chipit or the Pithuahua, is an active and fun-loving dog. It is the result of breeding two well-known dogs, the Pitbull and the Chihuahua. The Pitbull Chihuahua mix is known as a designer dog, or in other words a mixed breed dog being created on purpose. Designer dogs were first introduced in the 1960s when the Cockapoo was bred. Since then designer dogs have been gaining momentum in popularity. Let’s take a closer look at the two breeds that make up this designer dog.

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 & Loving, Intelligent, Good with children

The Pitbull

These dogs were originally bred in England to be used in bull baiting. Once they were brought over to the Americas, they evolved into farming dogs. Unfortunately, Pitbulls are often known for dogfighting 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 lot of misinformation out there about Pitbulls and their characteristics. The Pitbull is a family-loving dog who is extremely loyal. They will only act aggressively if protecting you from a real threat or if they have not been trained and socialized properly.

The Chihuahua

The Chihuahua originates from a state in Mexico called Chihuahua, hence the name. People love the Chihuahua for its tiny stature. This dog can be timid if not socialized properly. They are very sensitive dogs and are always alert. They tend to bond closely with one person and be wary of others if not socialized properly.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Puppies

Before bringing a Pitbull Chihuahua 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 also 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. Oftentimes a mixed dog can 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. When you welcome a Pitbull Chihuahua into your home, be ready for a loving and cute dog to want to play with you daily.

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Image Credit: Pixabay

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 who can play with you for hours at a time. I suggest you warm up that pitching arm because they love to fetch and please their human caretakers. They love to be around you and your family and can be very affectionate. Don’t discount them as a lap dog, because they will certainly try to crawl into your lap whenever it’s available.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

These dogs are great for families as they are active and affectionate. They love to play with children due to their active nature. Be sure to always supervise playtime with your children, 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.

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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, 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 for your dog as well.

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 he is quite intelligent.

Training

Early training and consistency are key in shaping your Pitbull Chihuahua Mix’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 ✂️

Depending on which 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, then grooming will be very easy as the short coat is not prone to matts. You should still take time to brush and bathe him 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 the grooming of your dog. You should brush them to avoid matts 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 dog, they are less likely to inherit lots of genetic problems because their genes are more diverse than a purebred dog’s. Some of the diseases to still look out for include:

Minor Conditions
  • Hypoglycemia This occurs when a dog’s blood sugar falls too low. This can be triggered by extreme exercise or malnutrition. Symptoms 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. Symptoms 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.

divider-pawMale 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 who are not spayed will also go through estrus or “heat” every six months. This can also be avoided by spaying your pet early on in life.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix

1. 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. Pitbulls, in fact, do not actually have “locking jaws” as some people claim.


3. Pitbulls make up 30-50% of the dog shelter population.

 

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Final Thoughts

The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is an active and intelligent dog that could be a great fit for your family. You should have enough time to adequately train and socialize your dog if you are planning on bringing the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix into your family. 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!

submit a pet pk dog


Featured Image Credit: mizkitty, Shutterstock

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