The Pitbull Chihuahua mix is a sturdy and small cross between the powerful but friendly Pitbull and the Chihuahua which is the smallest dog breed in the world. This mix between the Chi and Pit is also known as the Chipit or Pihuahua.
The Chihuahua Pitbull mix is a great pet for families that are looking for a compact and loving dog.
But there is much to learn about this mixed dog, most of which am going to cover in this breed guide. So let us look at some facts and care tips for this crossbreed.
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About the Pitbull Chihuahua mix
To start with Pitbull is not a single breed but a term used to describe several dog breeds that are similar in appearance, traits, and with the same ancestry.
These dogs include the following;
- The American Pitbull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- The American Staffordshire Terrier
You can learn more about Pitbulls and the 5 types of Pit bulls.
This means that the Chihuahua Pitbull mix can be a cross between a Chihuahua and either of the pit breeds.
How can two breeds with a significant size difference be crossed?
To get a Chipit mix, you need to cross a male Chihuahua and a female Pitbull. Mating a female Chihuahua and a male Pitbull is impossible due to their size difference. Doing it could also cause devastating birth complications.
In most cases, the Pitbull Chihuahua mix is a perfect blend of both worlds. But in other cases, the dog can look and behave like one of the parents more than the other.
All in all, you should expect this canine to be social, intelligent, loving, courageous, and protective.
So where did the Pithuahua come from?
The Chihuahua Pitbull mix was first seen in the US in the early 2000s.
Other than that, not much is known about the origin of this crossbreed dog because not much has been documented.
But it would not be worth talking about this dog’s origin without looking at a brief history of parent breeds.
However, because Pitbull is a broad term for several dog breeds you can visit our dog breed guides below to learn about these dogs.
- Guide to the American Pitbull Terrier
- Learn about the American Bully.
- A guide to the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Chihuahua brief history
The Chihuahua origin is unclear but it is believed that this canine comes from the Telchichi ancestry.
It is believed that this breed existed back in the Toltec and Aztec civilization in Mexico.
However, some theories claim the Chihuahua had existed earlier than this in the Mayan civilization.
Other Chihuahua mixes
- Chipaniel (Chihuahua x Cocker Spaniel)
- Chibeagle (Chihuahua x Beagle)
- Chion (Chihuahua x Papillon)
- Chimeranian (Chihuahua x Pomeranian)
Other Pitbull mixes
- Pitador (Pitbull x Labrador)
- Golden Pit (Pitbull x Golden Retriever)
- Hit Pei (Pitbull x Shar Pei)
- Shepherd Pit (German Shepherd x Pitbull)
Pithuahua pros and cons
Pros
✓ They are intelligent and very trainable.
✔ These dogs are great additions for active individuals and families.
✓ Chipits are playful, loving, and loyal dogs.
Cons
✗ They may show signs of aggression towards other dogs.
✘ Requires an active lifestyle.
✗ May have an unpredictable temperament.
Fun facts about the Chihuahua Pitbull mix
- The Pitbull Chihuahua mix is also known as the Chipit or the Pithuahua.
- They are known to be sometimes slightly fierce towards other dog breeds and even humans as a way to compensate for their small bodies.
- Chipit mixes can either have deer or apple-shaped heads depending on the Chihuahua used during breeding. However, some may inherit the Pit Bull’s head shape.
- They are intelligent, quick-witted, and learn new tricks and commands with ease.
- Some Chihuahua Pitbull mixes can have soft spots on their heads known as the molera that should not be poked. The molera is similar to that found in children but remain that way even as the dog ages.
- Despite being a bit fierce these dogs are great and friendly companions a trait that they mainly get from the Pitbull parent.
Pitbull Chihuahua mix general characteristics
| Chihuahua Pitbull mix summary table | |
|---|---|
| Height | Females: 12-16 inches, Males: 14-18 inches |
| Weight | Female: 15-30 pounds, Males: 20 to 35 pounds |
| Lifespan | 10-14 years |
| Breed Type | Mixes and more |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| Suitable For | Active families |
| Grooming requirements | Moderate |
| Color Variations | Black, White, Tan, Brindle, Chocolate, Golden, Gray, Brown |
| Health concerns | Hypothyroidism, Heart problems, Hypoglycemia, Canine allergies |
| Temperament | Loyal, Loving, Intelligent, Playful, Affectionate and can be destructive when bored |
| Other names | Pithuahua, Chipit |
Height and weight
The Pitbull Chihuahua mix is a small to medium-sized dog.
- Females stand at between 12 and 16 inches and weigh between 15 and pounds.
- Males stand between 14 and 18 inches and weigh between 20 and 35 pounds.
The Physical appearance
The Chipit’s appearance can vary depending on the dominant parent.
Some offsprings are born looking like their Chihuahua parents while others are born looking like the Pitbull mother depending on the Pitbull breed used.
However, you should expect this canine to have a powerful, muscular, and stocky body.
In some cases, this dog may have a head that is unproportional (either bigger or smaller) to the body with a short but snubbed snout.
The neck may also be short with a long tail and long upright ears.
Pitbull Chihuahua mix coat appearance and shedding
Chipit’s coat can be short and glossy to long depending on the dominant parent and the type of coat that the Chihuahua parent has. If a long-haired Chihuahua fathers the mix, the coat is most likely going to be long and vice-versa. Pitbulls have short coats.
Learn more about the Long-haired Chihuahua.
In most instances, the Chihuahua Pitbull will have a short coat, he is a moderate shedder. He is not hypoallergenic and may not be suited for allergy sufferers.
Colors
Both Pitbull can Chihuahuas have a wide variety of colors that can be inherited by the Pithuahua offspring.
These colors include;
| Chocolate | Black | White |
| Golden | Gray | Brindle |
| Tan | Brown | Silver |
| Black and white | White and tan | Fawn |
Temperament and personality traits of the Chipit
| Traits | Rating |
|---|---|
| Friendliness |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
| exercise needs |
⭐⭐⭐
|
| Trainability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
| Ease of care |
⭐⭐
|
| sociability |
⭐⭐⭐⭐
|
The Chipit is a combination of the quite confident Chihuahua and the super friend Pitbull and they, therefore, complement each other.
However, the temperament of the Pitbull Chihuahua mix can be quite unpredictable. But contrary to what many people believe, this is not due to the Pitbull parent but mostly due to the Chihuahua parents.
Pitbulls are even-tempered dogs but Chis easily develop the big-dog mentality and can are not as friendly as Pits.
These dogs can be quite protective mainly due to the Chihuahua parent.
With that out of the way, you have to keep in mind that this dog will need early socialization and training for him to have a great temperament. This is key to having a well mannered and friendly Chipit.
The Chihuahua Pit can be quite vocal and can be prone to howling and barking. This is especially when they get bored or are left alone for extended periods.
Always keep this dog stimulated and avoid leaving him for long periods to prevent destructive behavior.
After all, there is nothing that this dog values more than human attention and affection. He will always find a way to make you happy and loves to cuddle.
However, he is not one to sleep next to you all day as he is a fairly active dog that will need exercise and lots of play.
Is the Pitbull Chihuahua mix a good family dog?
This dog makes a great family addition, especially for active families.
He is a very patient and playful pooch that gets along well with kids but the same cannot be said for other dogs.
This Chihuahua cross can be quite unfriendly towards other dogs, especially of the same sex. But with early socialization, this dog aggression can be greatly reduced.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pitbull Chihuahua live?
Pitbull Chihuahuas can live for between 10 and 14 years.
What is a Chihuahua Pitbull called?
The Chihuahua Pitbull mix is also commonly known as the Chipit or Pithuahua.
How big does a Chipit get?
The Chipit or Chihuahua Pitbull is a small to medium-sized dog. Males Chipits stand at between 14 and 18 inches and can weigh as much as 35 pounds. Female Chpits on the other hand can get as big as 30 pounds as stand at between 12 and 16 inches. How big this cross gets depends on the dominant parent.
Can a Pitbull get a Chihuahua pregnant?
A Pitbull cannot get a Chihuahua pregnant but a Chihuahua can get a Pitbull pregnant. Mating a male Pit with a female Chi can have devastating birth complications on the Chihuahua due to the difference in body size. The puppies will be too large for the Chihuahua causing dystopia and cause dangerous birth complications.
Never mate a Male Pit with a Female Chi.
Pithuahua puppies
Litter size:
2 to 6 puppies.
These puppies will take around 12 months to reach their full height and weight.
Chihuahua Pitbull puppies are very playful and can retain this puppy playfulness even after maturity and take up to 3 years to settle down.
How much does a Pitbull Chihuahua mix cost?
A Pitbull Chihuahua mix puppy will cost anywhere between $300 and $800 with an average cost of $500.
Other costs that you may incur once you get this dog are the medical expenses that can vary between $500 and $1000 annually.
Because this is not an officially recognized breed it may be difficult to find specialized and reputable breeders. You should do proper research on the best breeder when you are starting your search for this cross.
Avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills that may try to sell you a Chipit puppy for super cheap.
These puppies may be poorly bred and may, later on, have a lot of health issues which will cost you a lot to treat if at all they are treatable.
Here is a guide on how you can search and find a reputable breeder and some of the red flags that you should look out for.
How to take care of a Pitbull Chihuahua mix
1. Grooming requirements
This designer dog is not high maintenance is very easy to groom.
In most cases, the coat is short and will not need a lot of work to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Brushing the coat twice a week is recommended but bathing should only be done once a month at most. Overbathing this dog would strip him of essential coat oils which will cause the skin to dry out.
This dog will also need ear care, especially if he has long ears to reduce the risk of ear infections. Regular dental care is also crucial for the dog’s hygiene and health.
Also, clip the nails after every two weeks.
Top hygiene care tips
Make sure that you get your Chipits anal glands expressed to prevent them from producing a bad odor.
Failing to express these glands can also lead to building up of secretions which make the dog uncomfortable and they may also rip open leaving them exposed to bacterial infections.
Trim the hair and remove debris between the paw pads to reduce the risk of infections and to ensure that the dog is comfortable as he walks.
If your Chihuahua Pitbull mix has a bad-smelling breathe, you can use special dental sticks to freshen up the breath. However, regular brushing using a doggie toothbrush and toothpaste should do a good job.
Also, sometimes a bad breath may be a sign of an infection that will need to be treated.
Keep the dogs bedding clean and always clean any potty accidents with bleach. The floor should also be kept clean and should not have anything that can choke or harm this dog.
Clean tear stains using dog eye wipes regularly.
2. Exercise requirements
This is an active and high energy dog that will need regular exercise to burn out most of his energy.
He will need between 30 and 60 minutes of daily exercise to meet his physical stimulation needs.
This can be divided into 2 daily walks, playtime sessions, agility training, and simple brain games.
| Number of walks | 2 (15 minutes each) |
| Exercise needs | upwards of 3o minutes |
Failure to meet this dog’s mental and physical stimulation needs may make him destructive as he looks for a way to burn out energy and entertain himself.
Daily exercise will also prevent him from becoming obese which can cause serious health complications.
Also, during walks, you should make sure that you leash this dog but use a harness instead of a dog collar.
Exercise care tips
The Pit Chihuahua mix is prone to trachea collapse that mainly results from the use of dog collars. It is highly recommended to use a harness instead of using a collar every time you are taking this dog for a walk on a leash. This will help reduce the risk of trachea collapse.
You will also need to get some chew toys for this crossbreed that are especially helpful when this dog starts getting bored.
Also, remember to handly this dog with care during exercise and play sessions. Do not allow him to jump from high spaces as he can easily get hurt.
3. Pitbull Chihuahua mix feeding and dietary guide
The amount of food that you give to this dog will depend on;
- Size
- Metabolism
- Level of activity
A super active Chipit will need more calories than a less active Chi and Pit mix.
When it comes to the dog’s size, a general rule of thumb is to give this pooch 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.
| Chipit Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 600 to 1100 calories |
| Cups of Kibble | ~2 |
Feeding tips
Feed your Chihuahua Pitbull mix using a ceramic or stainless steel bowls. Avoid colored plastic bowl that tends to leak dye, especially if you are feeding this dog on wet food.
Stay away from foods with artificial additive, colorings, fillers, and by-products as they tend to trigger allergies and often upset this dog’s stomach.
Chipits do well on raw meat from sources such as turkey, lamb, fish, chicken, and the likes.
Fruits and vegetables are also great for this crossbreed for a well-balanced diet. Some healthy vegetables and fruits that you can give to this dog include carrots, bananas, blueberries, peas, and more.
Avoid colored treats as these colorings can trigger allergies in this Chihuahua mix. Instead, use cream-colored or white treats from sources such as carrots and raw treats such as liver that is also highly nutritious.
4. How to train a Chihuahua Pitbull mix
These dogs are intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train, that is most cases. If this dog is more like the Chihuahua parent he may have a stubborn streak that may make training him challenging.
Positive reinforcements and reward-based training are the best way to achieve the best result when it comes to teaching this dog new tricks and commands.
Make training a rewarding process for his and his best side will come to light.
Avoid using any aversive training methods such as punishment or shouting at this dog as it does more harm.
Be creative with your training methods and socialize this dog from an early age for the best behavior.
Chihuahua Pitbull mix health concerns
Although this dog has one of the longest lifespans he can be prone to several health issues such as;
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart problems
- Hypoglycemia
- Canine allergies
Visit your veterinarian if you notice any sudden changes in the dog’s health or his vigor and playfulness suddenly go down.
You can also get this cross health insurance which will cut your vet bills by a great deal.
But to get a Chipit that is generally healthy you must get one from a good and reputable breeder.
Breed summary
The Pitbull Chihuahua mix is a cross that will always make sure that you are entertained.
This dog is loving and loyal and is best suited for active families.
So, did you find this article helpful?
Share your response and feedback in the comment section below.
There you go, WOOF!
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