Pit Bull and Chihuaha: 5 Things to Know About Chipits

There are so many dog breeds out there, you can have just about any pooch you can imagine. Believe it or not, a breed called a Chipit exists and it’s a mixture of two very different dogs — American pit bull terriers and Chihuahuas. 

A Chipit is simple to teach thanks to their pleasant personalities. Many pet owners love this breed because of their sweet demeanor and surprising intelligence. These dogs adore their owners, and while living in a family, they frequently form a close relationship with one particular person, typically the one who interacts with them the most. 

They are a great breed for both single individuals as well as families. Let’s talk about everything there is to know about this absolutely adorable dog breed! 

Breed History

According to who you talk to, the Chihuahua has a distinct history. Some people think that this breed started with the Aztecs, who sacrificed them during rituals and placed them beside their ancestors once they died. This, it was said, was carried out to aid the dead so that they could find their way to the afterlife. 

According to another legend, traders transported the Chihuahua to the Americas in the 1500s. The Techichi, a little dog that was indigenous to Central and South America, is thought to be the ancestor of this breed, according to yet another notion. 

The Chihuahua, from which they acquired their name, is believed to have been found in Mexico in a little town by the same name. This breed was initially registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.  

The American pit bull terrier, which arose in the 19th century in the UK, is a cross between bulldogs and terriers. They evolved into multi-tasking working dogs that could herd animals, go on hunts, guard properties, and perform other tasks. 

American pit bull terriers served a variety of functions in society from the early 1900s to the present. They make great service and rehabilitation dogs. The American Kennel Club has yet to recognize this dog breed.

Chipit Appearance

According to the breed of Chihuahua parent and the dominant genes, the Chipit can have a short or long coat. Those with long hair typically have a coarse undercoat. The coat can be any mix of brown, brindle, gray, white, and black. 

Because of the physical variances of the parent breeds, this breed has a range in size. They can weigh between 15 and 35 pounds and are typically between 12 and 18 inches tall. The Chipit has a short head, a wide back, a robust body, powerful legs, and large ears.

Chipit Personality 

A Chipit is a breed that loves his family and would adore spending time with you. They actually dislike being alone and, if left alone for an extended period of time, can develop anxiety and depression. Additionally, loneliness might lead to behavioral issues. 

Although they get along well with older kids and animals, it’s essential to socialize with them from a young age to avoid problems later on. When they feel like their loved one is in danger, they have a tendency to be bullies and will engage in combat with much larger canines. 

The intelligent Chipit is relatively simple to train, but you must adhere to the regulations and encourage positive reinforcement.

Must-Know Information About Chipits

If you’re thinking of adopting a Chipit, good on you for helping a pooch in need! Here is some important information that will help you give them the best life possible! 

They Need Daily Exercise! 

A Chipit requires at least an hour of vigorous movement each day because it possesses a lot of energy. This breed enjoys running around outdoors and playing fetch. They excel at training for agility as well. 

Allowing your Chipit to run around outside for a few hours each day while you work will keep them from getting bored if you have a yard that is safely fenced in. If your dog spends too much time alone or has an excessive amount of energy to expend, behavior issues may develop. Try taking a walk in the garden or playing fetch on a nice summer day! 

Renters Beware

You must check your local regulations and the terms of your lease to see if there are any limits on them, since there often are with any pit bull breeds. Pit bull mixes are not allowed by some landlords, and certain municipal laws demand that you carry particular insurance that is more costly.  

Make sure to find this out prior to adopting a Chipit because it might affect whether you are able to possess him or not. Sadly, breed-specific law is a major factor in why owners are forced to turn over their pit bull/pit bull mix dogs to animal shelters.

Making Pet Friends

To make certain that the Chipit breed plays well with other animals, you must train him well as a puppy. While this holds true for all dog breeds, it is particularly true for those with the tendency to become overly protective.

He can struggle to integrate into a home with multiple pets if he isn’t well socialized or exhibits any overprotective instincts. A Chipit can find it challenging if you devote your entire focus to your other pets. This is why training at a young age is essential!

If he has had proper socialization, he enjoys the companionship of other dogs. He would likely value the companionship for playing and when human companions are not available. If you’re adopting an older Chipit, be sure to introduce any other pets slowly and listen to social queues from the animals. 

Food Requirements

The daily food intake for a Chipit ranges from one and a half to two cups. You must provide him food that is suitable for his developmental stage, particularly when he is a puppy because that is when he has the most developing to do. This will guarantee that he receives all of the vitamins and minerals required to lay the groundwork for a healthy physique and way of life.

The Chipit is a robust dog that requires more protein in its diet than other breeds. According to the MSD Veterinary Manual, adult dogs of this breed should consume 18% protein and puppies should consume no less than 22%. This is the very minimum that a high-quality chow should offer; for the Chipit, you ought to strive far higher. 

Grooming a Chipit 

The Chipit will require minimal care, however, the frequency of brushing will largely depend on the coat type of his Chihuahua father. Some dogs of this breed will have short hair, while others will have a longer coat. You only need to groom a Chipit one or two times per week to maintain the health of his coat.

Given that he probably has large eyes and ears, cleaning will be necessary. It should be sufficient to clean once a week to prevent illnesses. Your veterinarian might suggest that you cleanse them multiple times a week they’re particularly dirty. 

Chipits need baths at a maximum of once every 10 weeks. Doing it more often than that can damage their skin and the natural oils that are necessary for their skin’s health. Use a light oatmeal dog shampoo made for sensitive skin as he might pit bull mixes have delicate skin. 

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing better than a dog. Finding the perfect breed that works with your lifestyle doesn’t have to be a lot of work. We hope this look into the mix of an American pit bull terrier and Chihuahua helps! 

Keep in mind that this breed lives on average between 11 and 14 years! With regular vet visits, the right dog food, plenty of exercise, and lots of love, you’re sure to be friends for life. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Ryan Brix/Shutterstock.com