Families searching for the perfect four-legged friend will want to know more about the Chipit and how they interact with the family. This breed is growing in popularity and is becoming more readily available. They could be the perfect addition to a growing family, even if you have kids in the mix.
The Chipit is created by breeding a Chihuahua with a Pitbull. The breed is often relatively small, coming in at 20 inches or less. They typically weigh between 15 and 35 pounds. They are loyal, intelligent, and active dogs perfect for family life when appropriately socialized as puppies.
If you are interested in learning more about this breed, our ultimate guide will give you all of the information you need to make an educated decision.
What is a Chihuahua Pitbull Mix?
If you are wondering what a Chipit is, the answer is relatively simple. It is the combination of a Chihuahua parent and a Pitbull parent. Some people refer to this breed as the Pihuahua as well. The goal of this crossbreed is to create a dog that inherits the best of both breeds in one compact package.
History of the Breed
The American Pitbull has been around since the 1800s in areas like the United Kingdom and Ireland. They were initially created to be agile dogs that participated in bull baiting. This was an inhumane practice where people entertained themselves by watching the dog interact with a bull until the dog dropped from exhaustion or injuries.
As the breed traveled across the ocean to the Americas, its role shifted away from the terrible practices it was initially bred for. The American Pitbull was used to herd and hunt, but they are now companion animals as well.
On the other hand, the Chihuahua is a much smaller breed that dates back around the same time as the Pitbull. Many researchers believe that they go back as far as Mayan times. They were often used as companion animals, but they were sometimes also included in religious ceremonies. Some people kept the Chihuahua for food.
Nowadays, the Chihuahua is often bred in designer dog breeds such as the Affenhuahua and the Chiweenie. It should be no surprise that the Chihuahua and Pitbull breeds are sometimes crossed to create a stunning new breed like the Chipit.
Combining the two breeds into one Chipit is still relatively uncommon but is growing in popularity. They take the high energy levels of both breeds and combine them into one excellent companion who will enjoy an active life by your side.
Temperament
What can you expect from the temperament of a Chihuahua Pitbull mix? Many owners want to know what they can anticipate from this combination. While they may inherit the traits of either parent dog, one thing is for sure: the Chipit is an active dog that won’t do well with a sedentary lifestyle.
This breed is also extremely loyal and affectionate to its owners. As a result, you may have to work harder to socialize your Chipit around strangers. They are likely to be quite yappy due to their Chihuahua parent heritage.
The good news is that this combination is usually reasonably intelligent. They pick up on commands and training relatively quickly. Remember that an intelligent dog may also get into more trouble, though! You will have to ensure that your dog is exercised in mind and body. After all, a tired dog is typically a happy dog!
Registration
To many people, having their dog registered is a point of pride. While all Chipits will be an excellent addition to the family, you may want the prestige of having a registered dog. This can also influence how you breed the dog later in life or even compete with them in shows requiring registration.
The Designer Breed Registry does recognize the Chipit as a registered breed.
Are They Hypoallergenic? Shed a Lot?
Allergy sufferers may search for the perfect companion that features a hypoallergenic coat. While many of the designer dog breeds do have hypoallergenic tendencies, no dog truly falls into this category, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This is because most people are not allergic to the fur and dander of the dog but rather their saliva and the proteins found in their urine.
Unfortunately, neither the Chihuahua nor the Pitbull is hypoallergenic, so their offspring will not possess any of these traits either.
The Chipit is considered to be a moderate shedder. You can minimize the amount of loose fur and dander in your home by:
- Brushing two to three times per week
- Vacuuming or sweeping more often
- Replacing the air filter more frequently on your HVAC system
- Limiting where your dog can go in the house
While it may not erase your allergies completely, these tips can minimize the effects of having a shedding dog in the home.
Appearance and Colors
Because you are combining the best of both the Pitbull and the Chihuahua breeds, it can be difficult to predict precisely what your new four-legged friend will look like. In most cases, they are about 20 inches tall when measured from the shoulder.
The shape of the head is one aspect of their appearance that can go either way. Some will have the more prominent and rounder head of the Pitbull parent, while others will have the smaller head of the Chihuahua parent.
These puppies are often quite muscular due to their Pitbull heritage. Despite their large muscles, they may still have the small feet or long ears from their Chihuahua parent. Any combination of traits may be possible with this breed.
Their coat color can be pretty varied. A few of the possible colors and combinations that you may see include:
- Tan, brown, or chocolate
- Merle
- Brindle
- Gray
- White
- Black
How Big Do They Get?
Predicting the size of your Chipit is another problematic aspect of their appearance. While most will measure 20 inches or less at the shoulder, their weight can vary significantly with their size. Most dogs of this breed will weigh between 15 and 35 pounds depending on which parent they take after the most.
Health Issues and Lifespan
Most dog lovers flock to designer breeds because they are healthier than their purebred counterparts. When you combine the traits of two different dogs, you often end up with a breed that experiences fewer health concerns overall. Unfortunately, this does not mean that they are immune to developing some severe conditions.
Chipits are prone to issues with their joints, namely patella luxation, and hip dysplasia. These can be uncomfortable for your dog, but a skilled veterinarian can help minimize this discomfort. Surgery may not be necessary to give your dog more comfort if they suffer from these conditions.
They may also be prone to heart issues, hypoglycemia, and possibly a collapsed trachea. The latter can be pretty problematic but can be helped by putting your dog in a harness instead of a traditional flat collar that puts pressure on the trachea while walking.
These dogs also tend to have a bit of a longer lifespan. Most Chipits will live to be anywhere from ten to thirteen years old.
Are They Good Family Dogs?
If you have heard the rumors that Pitbulls are an aggressive breed, you may be wondering whether the Chipit will be a good fit for your family. Fear not because this breed can make a superb companion, even if you have small children.
The Chipit tends to bond intensely with their owners and wants to spend as much time with their favorite humans as possible. As a result, you may see these dogs follow you around from room to room as you go about your day.
The important thing is to socialize your dog in its formative years. This means exposing it to many different people, such as children. When they are raised with an understanding of what is expected of them in all situations, the Chipit can make an excellent family dog for an active family who loves to play or spend time with their canine companion.
Are Chipits Aggressive?
Especially if children are in the mix, many people are concerned about whether their Chipit is likely to be aggressive. With the proper training and socialization as a puppy, it is unlikely that this breed will act out aggressively toward family members.
They may be a bit warier of strangers or other dogs. This is why socialization during their formative weeks and months is so essential. Teach your Chipit that they have nothing to fear from other people or pets, and they should get along well with everyone without any hints of aggression.
What to Feed a Chipit
Most of the time, you will want to keep your Chipit on a diet of kibble appropriate for their age and size. They may do better on a kibble meant for a medium-sized dog as they are often larger than their Chihuahua ancestors. A small dog kibble may not be appropriate for a dog of this size and stature.
Make sure that you choose a formula that is ideal for their stage of life. Puppy chow typically has more calories that a growing dog needs to reach its full potential. As your dog ages, you may need to switch to an adult dog kibble or senior dog kibble.
The serving size will vary based on the type of food that you feed your dog. If you have questions or concerns regarding what to feed your Chipit, consult with a veterinarian for best practices.
Wet or canned dog food should be given sparingly as dry kibble is better for the teeth and oral health of the dog.
Grooming
How do you maintain a healthy coat on your Chipit? They usually have a relatively short coat that doesn’t require much in the way of grooming. Dog owners love that this breed doesn’t need frequent hair trims, but they still need to be brushed two to three times each week.
Routine brushing removes hair and dander from your dog’s body in a controlled environment. It is much easier to sweep it up when finished rather than plucking hairs from your furniture and clothes.
They only need to be bathed as needed. Be sure not to bathe them too often, or you can dry out their skin, leading to discomfort and increased dander. Try to wash them with a moisturizing shampoo if you must do so more regularly. Usually, most owners can get away with only bathing their dogs once a month unless they get dirty sooner.
How Much Do Chipits Cost?
When you are thinking about adding a Chipit to the family, the most important thing you can do is find a reputable breeder. Puppy mills often turn out lots of dogs that appeal to people because of their designer status, and the Chipit is no exception.
When a dog comes from a puppy mill, there is usually no regard for health or socialization. They may be less expensive, but they will often come at a cost.
A Chipit that comes from a breeder is likely to be a bit more expensive, but it is not astronomical if you are getting a well-bred dog. Most Chipits will range from $800 to $1,000 when they come from a reputable breeder.
Adding a Chipit to the Family
Are you ready to commit to one of these loving Chipits for your family? While they may not be hypoallergenic, they are still lovable and affectionate dogs that can be great with families of any size. Keep in mind that you will need to give them the exercise they crave to keep a happy and well-behaved dog in your home. Consider whether this breed could be the perfect fit for you!
