If you’ve chosen the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix as your new best friend, then you deserve a pat on the back. This breed certainly makes excellent companions. With their affectionate nature, they can easily make any heart melt.
But before you pull the trigger and adopt or buy this mixed breed, be prepared to be active. If you like to spend most of your time at your computer, think again. The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix doesn’t want to sit around the house all day!
So, are you up for spending lots of quality hours playing with them every single day? If yes, read this guide so you’ll know all of this mixed breed’s care requirements.
Quick Facts: Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
Height
12 - 18 inchesWeight
30 - 45 poundsLifespan
10 - 13 yearsBreed Size
medium (26-60 lbs.)Breed Type
mixedBreed Group
companion, hybridTemperament
outgoing, playful, protective, affectionate, loyal, stubborn, active, intelligent, hyperGood With
familiesIntelligence
highShedding
infrequentExercise Needs
highBarking Level
lowEnergy level
highDrool Amount
lowCoat Type
short or long, close or glossyCoat Patterns
bi-colorColors
black, red, white, dark brown, light brown, spotted, dapple, merle, blue, tanOther Characteristics
easy to groom, prone to health issues, strong loyalty tendenciesPitbull Chihuahua Mix Highlights
- The appearance of this mixed breed results from the combined genetics of both dog parents. Therefore, it may lean more toward the Chihuahua or American Pitbull Terrier.
- They can be stubborn when it comes to obeying commands. Owners should expect to spend a lot of effort training them.
- Being hyper can mean being ready to do things with kids, such as playing games, running around, and having fun.
- Pitbull Chihuahuas need to be exercised regularly. They can also benefit from mental stimulation with puzzle games or hidden treats.
- Even though most Pitbull Chihuahuas are friendly towards children, it is essential to remember that every dog has his own temperament and needs. Especially if you have small children who might try to play rough with them, you should ensure that your Chipit does not feel crowded or threatened.
- These dogs are hyper and energetic but also like to cuddle and sleep. They’re happy when they’re near their favorite people, and they appreciate a good nap.
- On average, a Chipit weighs between 30 to 45 pounds and is 12 to 18 inches tall.
History
They were first introduced in 2003, but their exact origin is unknown. They are mixed breed, so their parents’ history could shed some light on their ancestry.
American Pitbull Terrier
These dogs begin with the Molossus, an extinct breed of large mastiffs that lived during the Roman Empire. It is believed that these dogs migrated from Rome to England, where they evolved into today’s Bulldogs. These early Bulldogs were used by butchers and named Bullenbeisser, which means bull biters.
As you can guess, they were used for bull-baiting purposes. But as people became aware of the cruelty involved in these practices, they enacted laws banning them. Sadly, these dogs weren’t so fortunate as the remaining fanatics went underground and trained their dogs against one another.
Later, these Bulldogs were selectively bred and carefully raised to be human-friendly so that the human fighters could control them. Through this, the dog’s reputation for being trustworthy around people grew.
And then the slower Bulldogs were crossed with the Terrier to produce a more agile breed.
As immigration began spreading across the Atlantic, people brought their pets. While these dogs had been initially bred for working purposes, they soon became popular as companion animals, especially in the U.S. Today, the American Pitbull Terriers are well-known for being farm, therapy, search, and police dogs.
Chihuahua
Where did the Chihuahua come from? The first theory is that the Chihuahua breed originated from ancient Mexico.
Many believe these small dogs descend from the Techichi, which are tiny Mayan dogs. The Toltecs defeated the Mayans, who brought the Techichi into their homes for religious reasons, their own needs, and companions.
As sacrificial dogs: Techichi dogs were used for sacrificial rituals by the ancient Toltecs. Unfortunately, this meant that they were often killed. Additionally, evidence suggests that the ancient Aztec and Toltec people believed that small dogs guided souls after they died. For this reason, Techichi dogs were often placed with their owners during burial ceremonies.
As food: Today, most countries have banned dog meat consumption. Even in other parts where eating dog meat is legal, it’s still regarded as taboo.
Although this may come as a surprise to many people, the practice of consuming canine flesh actually dates back thousands of years ago. For example, the Aztec and Toltec people often ate the Techichi dogs.
Some scientists speculate that ancient civilizations may have resorted to eating their sacred dogs due to food shortages, but there is no conclusive proof that they were doing so. Nevertheless, if true, it would be fascinating to see how this affected their culture.
As companion dogs: When they weren’t being sacrificed or eaten, they were kept in good shape. The Toltecs loved these companion dogs!
The second theory is that small hairless Chinese dog breeds were brought to Mexico by Spaniards and then crossed with local dogs.
Even though there is no evidence for either of these theories, regardless of which one is true, the Chihuahua we now know was found in the Mexican State of Chihuahua in the 1850s.
During the 1960s, when the number of people living in cities began to increase, they wanted a smaller pet that would be suitable for their apartment or house. Small dogs like Chihuahuas fit the bill perfectly, so their demand increased.
Chihuahuas became popular in the U.S. after Mexican immigrants introduced them. However, they eventually made their way into other parts of the country and even other countries.
Finally, a short-haired Chihuahua named Midget became the first of his kind to be registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.
Appearance
These dogs can be broad and muscular like their Pitbull parent. Other features like a thin tail, tiny paws, long ears, and narrow muzzle can also be present. These characteristics come from their Chihuahua heritage.
Additionally, Pitbull Chihuahua puppies can inherit fontanel or molera from their Chihuahua parents. This refers to a soft spot on a canine’s head during pregnancy and infancy. As they grow into adult dogs, the molera remains, covering the gap between their skull bones.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Size
How big can these dogs get? They usually weigh 30 to 45 pounds, making them excellent medium-sized pets for anyone on the go. Chipits can easily fit inside as they are neither too big nor too small.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Colors
A mixture of two colors can include anything from one of each parent’s colors to a combination of both parents’ colors. For example, a Chipit can be light brown, medium brown, spotted, dappled, white, merle, black, blue, red and tan.
Coat
The coat type of Pitbull Chihuahuas varies greatly. If the Chihuahua parent is long-haired, the puppy may inherit that coat type. However, if the Chihuahua parent is short-haired, the pups usually have the same coat.
Personality
Active and Playful
The Pitbull Chihuahua has loads of energy. So if you’re thinking of getting one, prepare to be active. They enjoy all kinds of physical activities very much; they also love to be out and about doing things.
If you don’t tire your Chipit, he gets bored and starts acting up at home by eating everything from your couch to your shoe collection.
You don’t want to let your dog run free unattended, so ensure he has a fence to keep him contained. Even if you’re too busy to spend time exercising your dog, you still need to make sure he gets some exercise every day.
Loyal and Eager to Please its Owners
Chipits are among the most loving breeds of dogs. They may greet people as soon as they hear their keys in the door, sit by their owners’ feet when they feel sad, or even fetch items for them if they ask nicely enough.
Their loyalty is often the reason why they grow protective of their owners. But unfortunately, they can get into trouble when they try to keep their owners safe from harm.
Like their parent breeds, Chipits are known as yappy dogs. This is because they will enter protection mode if they sense you are in danger, yapping, and growling at animals and intruders.
Read also: Chihuahua Bite Force PSI (Has A Chihuahua Ever Killed Someone?)
Intelligent but Stubborn
Chipits possess certain intelligence. With patience and time, these dogs can learn various tricks and become loyal companions.
However, this intelligent breed can be stubborn at times. If you have Pitbull Chihuahua Mix with a stubborn streak and want him to be obedient, then training requires a lot of patience. Remember that this isn’t just any other pet you can easily trick. If Chipits do not find the training interesting, they tend to want things their way. They can be headstrong, so try to make the training as consistent and creative as possible.
Not Barky
Barking is one way that canines communicate. However, it can be frustrating to deal with continued barking, especially at night. Luckily, the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is not a big barker. They still bark at other people and dogs, but not often.
These dogs sometimes bark to express excitement, fear, and territory.
Suppose excitement is the underlying reason your Pitbull Chihuahua Mix barks at people. In that case, the best way to avoid this is to play with him beforehand (or to give him his favorite treat) so she is already calm before meeting people or other dogs. That’s right, make sure she doesn’t encounter anyone else who might excite him until he’s had time to calm down.
If fear is causing your Chipit to bark, it can be vital for you to consider whether you’re inadvertently exposing him to situations where he experiences feelings of vulnerability. For example, this could happen if you leave your Chipit with aggressive dogs. It can help if you hold them during these times and reassure them that everything is okay. If you repeat this procedure, your dog may learn to trust you and stop feeling afraid, and his behavior may improve accordingly.
Additionally, if your dog barks when another dog comes near, it may be because he thinks his territory is under threat. You can prevent this behavior by removing him from the territory and teaching him that he can be allowed back into his previous environment if he continues to behave well.
Don’t worry too much about teaching your Pittbul Chihuahua Mix to refrain from barking. This breed has a high level of intelligence, so it’s easy to train.
Read also: How To Stop Your Chihuahua Crying At Night
Has a Higher Tendency to Separation Anxiety
Chipits are very friendly and affectionate towards people. Treat them well by giving them lots of attention, and they will be happy to give you back some of their own. But if you smother them with too much attention, they will become overly dependent on you.
There’s nothing wrong with being attached. After all, pets are part of our families. However, an overly strong bond between owner and pet can sometimes cause separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety can lead to your pet becoming anxious and panicking when she is alone. If your pet becomes overly stressed by being alone, she might start barking incessantly, pacing around frantically, or even tearing up furniture.
As has been noted, Pitbull Chihuahua Mix relies on fun activities and social interactions to keep them occupied. So, these pups often feel helpless when they’re alone. They become extra clingy when they see their owners again.
Health
Like any mixed breed, the Chipit may suffer from health issues affecting Pitbulls and Chihuahuas.
Patellar Luxation
A Patellar Luxation is an injury to the knee joint where the kneecaps (patellas) move out of place. When the kneecap becomes displaced, your Pitbull Chihuahua Mix cannot fully extend its hind limb.
This injury is common among small and medium breeds. Those who suffer from this condition often limp around because they cannot bear weight on their affected legs.
Asthma
Asthma in dogs is usually caused by an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which makes breathing difficult. These tubes contract and spasm, causing them to narrow and block up.
A Pitbull Chihuahua Mix having an asthma attack may experience excessive panting, pale gums, respiratory distress, decreased energy, and loss of appetite.
Hypothyroidism
If your dog has hypothyroidism, its body doesn’t produce enough essential thyroxine (T4) hormone to properly regulate its metabolic rate, which causes the metabolic rate to slow down.
Most cases of hypothyroidism in senior Chihuahua are due to either lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic atrophic changes in the dog’s thyroid gland. Both conditions cause damage to the dog’s thyroid gland. In the former condition, the dog’s immune systems attack the thyroid; in the latter condition, the dog’s thyroid is gradually destroyed by fatty tissue.
Tracheal Collapse
If your dog has this condition, he may suffer from respiratory distress. He may even die if not treated immediately. Other factors that might trigger his symptoms include obesity and humidity.
Tracheal collapse is most common in small to medium-sized dog breed types, including Chihuahuas and chipits.
Hypoglycemia
This condition refers to low blood sugar in dogs, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. Hypoglycemia may be caused by low glucose production, too much insulin, and too much sugar consumed by the body.
Lifespan
How long do these dogs live? Their average lifespan is 10-13 years. This means you’re responsible for taking care of them for a long time.
Care
Because these dogs are energetic and playful, it makes sense why they would require lots of exercises, such as running and playing. Besides physical activities, Chipits also need to be mentally stimulated to prevent aggression. Take your Chipit for a daily stroll around the neighborhood, and set aside an hour each week for socialization with other dogs.
Diet
Because Pitbulls’ high energy levels mean they burn through their daily calorie intake quickly, it is vital to ensure they get enough nutrition throughout the day.
The best diet for this breed is a high-quality protein-rich diet. That said, cooked and unseasoned chicken is the way to go.
Turkey is another food you should share with your Pitbull Chihuahua, as long as it doesn’t contain any spices, such as garlic, that could harm him. Remove any extra fats and skins before giving them the leftovers. Also, make sure there aren’t any bones inside. Bones can break down in your pet’s stomach and cause an obstruction or intestinal tears.
Another protein option the American Kennel Club recommends for Chipits? Eggs. Eggs are a good source of protein. And if you cook them thoroughly, they’re also safe for dogs’ diets. But just ensure the eggs aren’t raw — eating raw eggs can cause a vitamin B12 shortage.
Grooming
The parent dog breeds both have a short and smooth coat. That means that the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix also has a short and smooth coat.
It’s important to note that Chipits aren’t hypoallergenic dogs, so people who suffer from allergies shouldn’t adopt one.
These dogs shed less than most breeds. You can easily groom them because they require only baths thrice per month, monthly nail clipping, and weekly ear cleaning. They also need regular brushing for around ten to fifteen minutes daily with a soft brush.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Puppies
Pitbull chihuahua mix pups can be quite friendly towards people and children. They also make good pets if properly trained. However, it is essential to remember that these little pups do not respond well to harsh treatment.
You don’t need to enrol your pup in a formal training course to get started. However, basic obedience training can begin early, and it is crucial to keep your canine under control, so she doesn’t bark excessively or become aggressive towards strangers.
When you train your Pitbull Chihuahua mix puppies, you can expose them to many new experiences. They should learn how to behave in a variety of circumstances. Your pup should also be exposed to different animals, including other dogs, small animals and even humans. Socialization helps them grow into healthy, well-adjusted pets.
Children and Other Pets
Chipits behave well with children and other pets in the household. However, they can be aggressive towards smaller dogs or other Pitbull mixes. For this reason, early socialization and training of these dogs help curb their aggression.
A Chipit is relatively easy to train, but consistent firmness is needed because of its stubborn nature. Try to take a positive training attitude where you incorporate more rewards, praise, or playtime. Keep in mind that early socialization and training are essential with this breed.
Rescue Groups
You will save money adopting a Chipit from an animal shelter or rescue group than buying one from a breeder. But since there aren’t many rescue organizations for Pitbull Chihuahuas, you can check out some of the best ones for the parent breeds instead:
The American Pit Bull Foundation
Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego County
Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue, LTD
Chihuahua Rescue and Transport (CRT)
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix FAQS
Are Pitbull Chihuahua Mix good dogs?
Yes. Pitbull Chihuahuas make excellent family pets. They’re friendly, affectionate, energetic, and playful.
Who should get a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix?
Because these dogs are active, the ideal owner is one that enjoys spending time outdoors. Pitbull Chihuahua Mix dogs don’t only desire companionship, but they also need regular playtime and exercise.
Are Chipits hypoallergenic dogs?
No. These dogs are not suited for allergy sufferers.
What are Chipits prone to?
As Chipits age, they are prone to certain health conditions that need extra care and treatment, including patellar luxation, asthma, hypothyroidism, tracheal collapse, and hypoglycemia.
How long does a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix live?
They can live up to 13 years, providing companionship, emotional support, and protection to their owners.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Fun Facts
- The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is also known as Chipit and Pithuahua.
- If they’re properly trained and socialized, they can learn to understand human actions and emotions. They communicate with their owners through whining, barking, or whimpering.
- These dogs can run between 25 and 30 kilometers per hour (kph). Their muscular bodies and short limbs make it hard for them to run quickly. However, they can improve their speed through proper training.
- Some Chipits have moleras, small bumps on their heads that appear when they’re born and don’t go away with age.
References.
Sherman, B. L. (2008). Separation anxiety in dogs. Compendium, 30(1), 27-42.
Di Dona, F., Della Valle, G., & Fatone, G. (2018). Patellar luxation in dogs. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 9, 23.Marchywka, M. J.
Supplement history for a senior hypothyroid chihuahua. Technical Report MJM-2020-007, not institutionalized, independent, 306 Charles Cox, Canton GA 30115, 12 2020. Version 0.50, may change significantly if less than 1.00. URL: https://www. academia. edu/s/46e1b42e27.
