Pitbull Chihuahua Mix: Your Guide To The Small, Energetic Hybrids

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Written by: Celestine Gomez
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People might call them Pithuahuas or Chipits for fun, but the Pitbull Chihuahua mix still remains an unfamiliar dog breed.

That’s mostly because deciding if an unusual mixed breed will work for your household isn’t always easy. From personal experience, it takes more research and vigilance compared to common breeds.

So, what’s there to love about these tiny rascals, and how can you give them the best care possible? Let’s find out!

The Origins of the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix

So, the Chipit hybrid results from breeding a Pitbull dad with a Chihuahua mom or vice versa. What does that actually mean in terms of purity and registries?

Before we answer this, let’s get one thing out of the way real quick: Pitbull isn’t really a breed on its own.

In most cases, when someone says “Pitbull,” they’re referring to the American Pit Bull Terrier breed.

However, it’s also possible to include Staffordshire Terriers, Bulldogs, and Bull Terriers under the same umbrella term. That’s mostly due to the fact that they share similar physical attributes. Take, for instance, how they share muscular necks, stocky heads, and shorter snouts.

bulldog and chihuahua

Why does this matter here?

Well, it makes all the difference when you’re defining what a Pitbull Chihuahua mix is.

For one, you can have a mating between an American Pit Bull Terrier and Chihuahua. The result would be a Chipit hybrid.

Meanwhile, swapping the Pit in the equation with a Bull Terrier creates a Bullhuahua. Yes, that’s what the International Designer Canine Registry actually calls them!

Not all canine organizations acknowledge these mixed breeds, though.

So, you might not get lucky if you’re trying to find the Chipit mix on the American Kennel Club (AKC’s) registry. Don’t fret; it’s still possible to find them on other official listings, like the Designer Breed Registry.

Picking a Common Name for the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix

Chipit is an easy nickname for the Pitbull Chihuahua mix, and it just rolls off the tongue. Meanwhile, some people get a bit more creative with their names.

For instance, you might hear any of the following common names describing the mixed breed:

  • Chitbull
  • Pithuahua
  • Pihuahua
  • Chihuabull

What the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Is All About

When we’re talking about mixed dogs, the first question that pops into the mind is usually: what are they like?

One of the best ways to answer this question is by taking a look at appearance, size, and temperament.

So, let’s jump right in!

Appearance

For the most part, Pitbull Chihuahua dogs sport their parents’ short and glossy fur. These neat coats could range in color between black, tan, brown, white, and even spotted blends.

Yet, it’s still possible for a Chipit to grow thicker coats. This case happens if one of the parents is a long-haired Chihuahua instead of a short-haired one.

All in all, their dome-shaped heads with large almond eyes are, hands down, the cutest traits.

Is it even possible to turn down their adorable gazes?

I really doubt it, but if that doesn’t seal the deal for you, you might want to take a look at their tiny Chihuahua feet!

Size

It’s not always easy to predict how large the Chipit puppy will grow up to be, though.

Sure, Chihuahuas are one of the tiniest and skinniest dog breeds out there. However, Pitbulls are quite muscular and broad around the neck.

On average, an adult Chihuahua could weigh up to six pounds. Meanwhile, a Pitbull Terrier could exceed the 50-pound mark!

So, a good ballpark figure for a Pihuahua’s weight could be anywhere from 15 to 35 pounds. Generally, you can expect something small but still stockier than your average Chihuahua.

Ultimately, it all depends on how much influence each parent’s genes have on the little puppy.

Temperament

Don’t let their tiny sizes fool you, though. The Chipits are seldom low on energy!

In fact, the AKC likens the Chihuahua’s demeanor to that of a Terrier. So, you have two parents with similar traits, making it easier to predict the offspring’s personality.

For one, the Pitbull-Chihuahua dogs are likely to be affectionate, outgoing, and trainable.

That said, there are a few not-so-charming traits to watch out for with the mix:

  • Dominant personality: A Chipit might be stubborn due to the Chihuahua genes.
  • High prey drive: If you have cats at home, you’ll have to ease the pair together at first.
  • Prone to anxiety: Your little hybrid buddy could get anxious if you leave him alone often.
  • Excessive barking: If the pup takes to the Chihuahua parent, they can be rather vocal.
  • Not always kid-friendly: Although the hybrids get along well with people, you might want to avoid leaving them unsupervised around children.

Keep in mind that these are only predictions based on the parent breeds’ general temperament. Each dog is still an individual case.

So, it’s not entirely out of the question to find a Pitbull Chihuahua mix that’s great around kids. This is even more likely if the breeder socialized them well at a young age.

Caring for the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix

Dogs are huge responsibilities, and getting uncommon breeds can be even more challenging. However, once you know the general needs, things should be a bit easier.

So, here’s what you need to know about caring for a Pitbull Chihuahua mix:

Training Potential

Like any other breed, the socialization period for a Chipit makes all the difference in how much work you’ll need to put in training later on.

Odds are, you’ll have to get down to the pup’s eye level to ease the tension. Then, you can maintain positive reinforcement through clicker and crate training.

If you need to do leash correction during walks, make sure you’re not being too rough. After all, the Pitbull Chihuahua mix’s necks are pretty tiny.

Once you get the basics down, training the puppy on tricks like handshakes and high-fives should be relatively easy!

Grooming and Maintenance

Thanks to their sleek coats, you don’t have to spend hours or break the bank grooming the adorable Chipits.

In most cases, one weekly grooming session will do just fine.

However, if your little pup got a luscious coat from a long-haired Chihuahua parent, you’ll need to put in more effort.

Aside from the coat maintenance schedule, you’ll also need to tackle all the other dog needs. This ranges from nail trimming to dental cleaning. Yet, nothing makes the mix particularly demanding on any of these points.

Exercising Needs

In most cases, the Pitbull Chihuahua mixes aren’t too aggressive. However, they’re definitely playful and high-energy hybrids, especially as young pups.

This means they need to release this energy with frequent walks and adequate playtime. Otherwise, they can get a bit destructive. Remember that they can get excited often, and you’ll need to keep them on a leash.

So, if you’re looking for a low-energy breed, the Chipits might not be the best pick for you.

Diet and Portioning

What, how much, and how often you’ll feed your dog all boil down to age, activity level, and ideal weight.

For instance, you might need to use one to two cups of dry kibble as the standard portion for an adult pooch, around 13-35 pounds. Then you can repeat the feeding at least twice per day.

There’s no reason why the Pitbull Chihuahua mix’s nutritional needs should be any different. Of course, that’s assuming that the pup has no diagnosed conditions that require special diets.

Health Concerns

As a general rule of thumb, mixed breeds are less likely to show extensive inherited health problems when compared to purebred ones.

However, that doesn’t mean you can slack off with checkups and routine tests just because your dog is a result of cross-breeding.

The sad truth is that any pup could fall ill at any given moment, and we have to do our best to prevent that by considering the family history.

So, on the Pitbull side of the family, you’ll need to watch out for:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Canine atopic dermatitis
  • Hypothyroidism

Meanwhile, the common Chihuahua health issues to keep in mind for the unusual hybrid are:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Eye diseases (glaucoma, dry eye, and cataracts)
  • Childbearing issues
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Idiopathic epilepsy (around 45% reported incidence rate in Chihuahuas)

As always, it’s crucial to keep up with regular checkups and report any warning signs to your vet.

Remember that hybrid breeds might not be as easy to diagnose if they present diseases differently!

5 Reasons Why the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Is a Good Family Pet

Pitbull

Although they’re not as common as many other dog breeds, the Pitbull Chihuahua mixes can be a great family pet.

If you’re still on the fence about adopting Chipits, take a look at these highlights:

1.   They’ll Encourage You to Take on a More Active Lifestyle

Since the Pitbull Chihuahua mix can be energetic, you’ll need to get in the loop with tons of physical activities and outdoor time.

Soon, you’ll find yourself making time for long walks more often.

This exercise need can even be a bigger bonus point if you want to involve your family in a more active lifestyle. After all, these playful little puppies could use all the attention they can get!

2.   It’s a Chance for Your Canine Training Skills to Shine

If you’re not new to the world of raining dogs, getting a Chipit can be the perfect fit. That’s because you’ll be able to put your canine training skills to good use with a challenging hybrid.

On the other hand, new pet owners might need a hand in training their Pitbull Chihuahua mixes. For one, handling excessive barking can be a tough feat for a lot of people out there.

3.   You Don’t Have to Worry About a Chipit’s Shedding

Dogs are lovable, but let’s admit that their shedding can be pretty annoying.

Luckily, most Pitbull and Chihuahua cross-breeding cases have short coats. So, this tame fur won’t shed as much as a German Shepherd.

As a result, you’ll be able to cut down on vacuuming chores around the house. Plus, it can also translate to fewer allergic reactions for pet owners.

Of course, it’s still crucial to note that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic. This applies to pet dander in general, not dogs’ fur only.

All in all, if you get allergies often, I’d recommend testing out the waters before getting a Chipit. This is particularly true for hybrids that have a long-haired parent in the mix.

4.   You’ll Be Taking in a Rescue

Despite the adorable looks, the Pitbull-Chihuahua mixed breed isn’t exactly hot on the “designer dog” market.

Instead, the cross-breeding is mostly just a matter of coincidental mating.

The pairing might sound unlikely, but it could happen between strays on the street. Plus, it’s also possible between unneutered dogs (remember to get your pups fixed!) in the same household.

That means that if you want a Chipit, you’ll need to pick it up from a dog shelter. So, you’ll be taking a rescue to your home while making room for the shelter to help other poor pups in need.

5.   They’re Loyal Companions

Some people perceive Pitbulls (and their sub-breeds) as aggressive. That’s mostly because their ancestors had a bad rap with bull-baiting. Some might even think cross-breeding them is cruel and dangerous to public safety.

However, that’s rarely the case with healthy and loved Pithuahuas.

Don’t just take our word for it. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that Pitbulls can be pretty loyal to their owners. Even those that can be aggressive in bull-baiting are still well-behaved around humans.

So, you can expect to see the same demeanor in their mixed breeds, too.

The Takeaway

Despite being accidental hybrids, the Pitbull Chihuahua mix can be a playful, loyal, and absolutely adorable addition to your family.

The Chipit puppies take a few of their parents’ appearances and traits, which make them high-energy. However, they can still surprise you with their own personalities and needs.

So, if this mixed breed sounds enticing, you could get in touch with your local shelter and ask how you can help out!

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Celestine Gomez

I'm Celestine Gomez, worked for 5 years in an animal shelter in Los Angeles, California. Having noticed the inherent passion and zeal in me to care for pets, I took a step further to create a team of I and like-minded individuals to provide an informative resource in order to broaden the knowledge base of a regular pet owners.