Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is a cross of chihuahua and pitbull which is also known as Pihuahua or Chipit. It’s a medium size at about 15 to 20 inches tall, bigger than a pure Chihuahua, and smaller than a Pitbull. The life span of this crossbreed is around 10 to 13 years.
However, crossbreeds have their pros and cons, and in this article, I’m going to explain to you more about this unique dog, about what makes her so special, and what she needs to thrive.
A Chipit takes the best from her parents
This dog is a crossbreed between a Chihuahua and the American Pit Bull Terrier and, in most cases, she’s the best of both worlds, being intelligent, social, courageous, and protective.
Thanks to her nice personality, a Chipit is easy to train and, unless she has too much of Chihuahua parent in her, you can obtain great results with positive reinforcement, without needing to join a professional training school. Start potty training and basic obedience when she’s about 6 weeks old and never allow your puppy to cross limits.
I must warn you though that it’s going to be hard to say no to such a small ball of cuteness:
Chipits don’t usually inherit the Chihuahua’s watchdog abilities, so there’s little chance you’ll have to deal with excessive barking or with aggression towards strangers.
You can’t know how large your dog is going to grow, or what she’ll look like
As with all crossbreeds, a Chipit’s appearance as an adult is unpredictable, because she can inherit any of her parents’ physical characteristics. So, if you’re expecting to have a toy or small dog, then this crossbreed is not the right pick.
Size is not the only unknown characteristic your dog will have. You’ll have to keep an open mind about colors and the type of coat, too. Things are clear when both parents have short coats, but if the Chihuahua parent has a long coat, then there’s a chance your puppy will inherit it.
When it comes to colors, a Chipit’s coat can be a combination of any of the following:
- black;
- tan;
- (dark) brown;
- chocolate;
- gray;
- golden;
- white.
You’ll find a great companion in a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
These dogs love their owners, and when living with a family they tend to create a special bond with one of the members, usually the one who spends the most time with them. This makes them suitable for both people living alone and families.
They’re loyal, affectionate, and playful, and are generally great with children of all ages. However, if you have small kids you should watch them closely, as many of them don’t understand how to behave around dogs, and may harm your pet.
The problem with this dog is that you’ll have to spend a lot of time with her. She hates being alone, and when left by herself for too long she can develop separation anxiety and depression. Crate training can be useful, but don’t use the dog cage for more than four hours a day.
Grooming is generally fast, and fun
Both the Chihuahua and Pitbull area easy to maintain, so this crossbreed is the dream of every busy pet parent. As they shed moderately, you’ll be able to keep pet hair under control with regular brushing and a good vacuum cleaner. Grooming won’t occupy most of your time, as long as you keep a consistent schedule:
-
- brush her coat for 10-15 minutes, three times a week, to keep it smooth and glossy;
- if your dog has long coat, take her to a groomer once every few months for a “professional” touch;
- trim her nails once a month, or when it’s needed;
- bath her once every two months;
- clean her ears once a week;
- brush her teeth three or four times a week.
Use these moments to play with your dog. Activities like brushing or bathing can help you bond, as you have the chance to spend some more time together.
A hyper dog needs an active owner
A Chipit has high energy levels, and she needs to exercise regularly to stay healthy and fit. Take her for two 30-minute walks each day and make some time for at least one play session. She’ll also enjoy a trip to the dog park from time to time. Protect your dog from bad weather, as neither of her parents likes staying out in the wet or the cold.
Besides physical training she also needs mental stimulation. This dog is very intelligent and she can easily get bored when there’s nothing to keep her interest. Provide your dog with high-quality dog toys, and keep her busy with entertaining training sessions and games.
With enough exercise each day, your dog will be happy in a house of any size, with or without a yard. However, if you keep her inside most of the day, organize a playpen where she can stay away from electric cables, shoes, and other similar objects that she might try and chew.
Owning a Chipit can be expensive
Many breeders sell these dogs as rare ones, so you’ll probably have to pay a few hundred dollars for a puppy coming from a reputable breeder. Then you’ll spend about $2,000 for things like a crate, spaying/neutering, vaccinations and other one-time expenses.
According to the American Kennel Club, your dog will cost you between $2,600 and $2,800 a year, once your dog is an adult. Multiply that by 12, which is the estimated life span of a Chipit, and you’ll have an idea about the possible costs.
Besides these expenses, you should consider looking for pet medical insurance. Usually these dogs are pretty healthy, but the list of possible hereditary diseases is longer than that for most other breeds, and includes:
- hypothyroidism;
- hypoglycemia;
- heart problems;
- allergies;
- asthma;
- shivering;
- hip dysplasia.
Medical insurance for your dog will add between $200 and $700 a year, depending on her age and the type of coverage you’re choosing.
Conclusion
If you have a lot of time to spend with a dog, then a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix is the best choice for you. She’ll be happy to play and follow you everywhere. I guess this can’t go wrong, as long as you train her properly and keep her safe when you can’t watch her over.
