Chipit (Pitbull & Chihuahua Mix) Info, Pictures, Traits
By Emma Braby
Updated on
Height: | 12 – 16 inches |
Weight: | 15 – 30 pounds |
Lifespan: | 11 – 14 years |
Colors: | Black, tan, white, red, gold, grey |
Suitable for: | Active families, families with children, those seeking a watchdog, first-time dog owners |
Temperament: | Loyal, loving, aloof but warms up quickly, vocal, energetic |
The Chipit is the curious canine concoction of the Chihuahua and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Not much is known about the origins of this unusual mix, but it’s clear he is proving to be popular with a variety of families. His parents are very different from one another, but the mixture of their temperaments results in a well-balanced and loveable pooch.
He is suspicious of strangers but quick to warm up to them once their master has greeted them. He is loving and loyal to his family and is active and fun. He is a great all-rounder who gets along with kids and other animals. Training and socialization are essential with this mix, and although he is great for a first-time dog owner, you need to be prepared to put in the hard work.
Are you thinking about welcoming the Chipit into your life? If the answer is yes, you’ve come to the right place.
Chipit Puppies
As with any Pit Bull mixed breed, you must look into your local laws and your tenancy agreement (if applicable) to find out if there are any restrictions on them. Some landlords forbid Pit Bull mixes, and some local laws require you to have specific, and therefore more expensive, insurance. This may determine whether you can have him or not, so please check this out before you bring him home. Unfortunately, breed-specific legislation (BSL) is a big reason why families have to surrender their Pit Bull mixes to rescue shelters. So, please do your research beforehand.
If you are good to go on the BSL front, you should know that the Chipit, being a Pit Bull mix, is no more aggressive than any other breed. To be a polite pooch, though, the Chipit needs to be socialized and trained well as a puppy. Before you commit to buying the Chipit, you need to be able to invest a lot of time and effort into his training. You also need to be a strong leader who will not allow him to get away with the ‘little dog syndrome’ behaviors that lead to overprotectiveness. If you train him well, these behaviors should not present themselves, and he will be a polite pooch.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Chihuahua & Pitbull Mix
1. The Chipit gets his overprotectiveness from his Chihuahua parent, not his Pit Bull parent.
The Chipit has the potential to be overprotective, which can turn into aggressiveness if not kept in check. The American Temperament Test Society shows that just over 30% of Chihuahuas failed the temperament test. In contrast, only 13% of Pit Bull Terriers failed.
2. Despite his more muscular exterior, the Chipit is still super sassy.
His muscular exterior inherited from the Pit Bull parent has not changed his feisty and charming personality. His big, round eyes will have everyone falling head over heels in love with him, and he can be a diva dog for sure.
3. The Chipit has a few other names.
The Chipit is also known as the Pithuahua, Chitbull, Chihuabull, and the Mexican Bulldog. This is important to remember when searching for a reputable breeder.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Chipit 🧠
The Chipit is a lovely little pooch that is full of character and charm. He is feisty, and he knows exactly what he wants isn’t afraid to get it. If you allow him to get what he wants all of the time, though, he will become spoilt – you have been warned!
He is one of the most loyal mixes going, so if you are after a canine sidekick that will always be by your heel, look no further than this guy. The Chihuahua neediness and the Pit Bull loyalty together will result in you being the apple of his eye.
He is fun and full of energy, meaning that he is always up for a game or two with the family. His little legs and body haven’t got endless energy compared to his intense Pit Bull parent, and he’ll need several afternoon snoozes. If you like to mix up your free time with interactive games followed by an afternoon of Netflix and chill, the Chipit has got your back.
The Chipit is also very loving and cuddly, and he’ll always be waiting for you to sit down, getting ready to pounce on your lap. If you aren’t a fan of lap dogs, this guy is probably not the one for you. He will stick to you like glue, but this is a part of his charm.
He is friendly with strangers, too, but only once he knows that the new people mean no harm to his family. He might bark at them at first, but he’ll soon be looking for belly rubs from everyone. With incoming strangers around, he’ll probably be quite vocal and make sure that they know who’s number one.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
Yes, the Chipit is an excellent option for all types of families. He is very tolerant of young children, and his nanny Pit Bull genes will shine through, so he’ll seek out the younger members of the family for a cuddle.
He also makes an excellent option for an elderly family who likes the idea of a Pit Bull, but one who is not as energetic or intense. With that being said, they will still need to commit to a certain amount of exercise.
Being a small- to medium-sized dog, he could live in an apartment where there is access to a private yard. He would appreciate a larger home, but as long as you are there, he is quite adaptable. If you do have access to a yard, it must be secure so that he cannot escape or snap at passersby. Dog wars at the fence can be a problem for protective dogs, so it’s important to put safety first.
Because he is quite vocal with strangers, if you live in an apartment or somewhere where there are noise restrictions, you need to consider if he is the right pooch for you. If a vocal watchdog is what you are looking for, the Chipit is brilliant at it.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Chipit needs to be socialized well as a pup to ensure that he gets along well with other dogs. Although this is the same for every dog breed, it is especially true of dogs that have the potential to be overprotective.
If he isn’t socialized well or shows any overprotective traits, he may have a hard time fitting into a multi-pet household. Having to share your attention with other animals might be difficult for him.
If he is socialized well, he loves to be in the company of other dogs. He would probably appreciate the company for playtime and when their humans cannot be there too.
Things to Know When Owning a Chihuahua & Pitbull Mix:
Below, we are going to take you through the basic needs of the Chipit. Thankfully, he is a relatively easy-going pooch who doesn’t have excessively demanding requirements. Even so, take note of the following to make sure that you can provide for him.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The Chipit will consume between 1½ to 2 cups of food a day. You must feed him life stage appropriate food, especially during puppyhood, for when he has all of his growing to do. This will ensure that he gets all of the nutrients that he needs to set the foundations for a healthy body and lifestyle.
The Chipit is a muscular dog who needs a higher protein diet compared to others. The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that puppies eat a minimum protein content of 22%, and adults should eat a content of 18%. A high-quality kibble should provide much more than this, and for the Chipit, you should aim for much higher. Generally, 25% to 35% is ideal for a Pit Bull-type breed.
Exercise 🐕
The Chipit needs around 45 minutes of exercise every day. If he is much more like his Pit Bull parent, he will need closer to 60 minutes. He will also need regular playtime at home to keep his brain stimulated. Be sure to invest in brain games and treat-filled toys to keep his intelligent mind ticking.
If you’re heading down to the local dog park, be sure to check out the rules there too. Some dog parks restrict Pit Bull mixes from entering at all, and some prevent entry without a muzzle. If you are allowed, you’ll be able to prove that your gorgeous Pit Bull mix is just as polite as the rest of them. He will love this exercise activity.
Training 🦮
His incredible loyalty is good news for his trainability. Despite having a stubborn streak, with early training, you will soon find an obedient pooch on your hands. With stubborn dogs, the trick is is to keep training short and sweet to prevent him from becoming bored. As well as finding out what motivates him to be a good boy. The positive reinforcement training method is the best way to teach the Chipit.
Crate training is also essential considering how anxious this boy can be without his family at home with him. Start crate training as soon as you get him home to make it a smoother training process. Just think about how dogs naturally seek shelter, so his crate will become his safe space when you are not there.
Grooming ✂️
The Chipit will have a simple grooming routine, but how often you brush him will be entirely dependant on what coat his Chihuahua parent has. If he has a short coat, he too will have a short coat. If he has long hair, the Chipit will have a short to medium-length coat. Brushing him once or twice a week should be plenty to keep his jacket in a healthy condition.
He is likely to have big eyes and big ears, and with that comes the need for cleaning. A clean once every week should be plenty to keep any infections at bay. If it becomes a problem, your vet will likely advise you to clean them several times a week.
Bathe him once every 8 weeks or so, and never more often than this because you risk damaging his natural skin oils. As he may inherit his Pit Bull parent’s delicate skin and associated health conditions, it is advised to use a gentle oatmeal doggy shampoo designed for sensitive skin.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Chipit is a relatively healthy dog who shares the health concerns of both of his parents, and he will enjoy a long lifespan of 11 to 14 years. Be sure to check out the following health concerns and watch out for any signs.
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Patent ductus arteriosis
- Color dilution alopecia
Male vs. Female
The main difference between male and female Chipits is their size. Males are larger in both height and weight than their female counterparts. Some owners suggest that males seem more energetic than females, but this is not always the case. Training and home environment affect personality more than gender does.
Final Thoughts
The Chipit is a fun and feisty dog who is also sweet and loving with his family. Be sure to train your Chipit well as a pup and set the ground rules to avoid those overprotective behaviors. He is an adaptable dog who just wants love, and in return, he has a lot of love to give back.
Remember to research your local laws before making any serious commitments. But as long as you can keep up with his energy levels, whatever his genetic outcome, and keep him company for most of the day, you will be onto a winning relationship for sure.
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- Jack Chi (Chihuahua & Jack Russell Terrier Mix): Info, Pics, Puppies, Facts
- Alaskan Pit Bull (Alaskan Malamute & Pit Bull Mix): Info, Pictures
Featured Photo Credit: MizKitty, Shutterstock