Chipit Overview
- Parent Breeds:
- Chihuahua & Pitbull
- Breed Nickname:
- Chipit
- Size:
- Small to medium
- Height:
- 12 to 18 inches
- Weight:
- 15 to 35 pounds
- Life Span:
- 10 to 13 years
- Coat Colors:
- White, gray, fawn, brown, brindle, black
Chipit Characteristics
About The Chipit
What Is A Chihuahua Pitbull Mix Called?
A mix breed between a Chihuahua and a Pitbull is called a Chipit. They’re otherwise known as the Mexican Bulldog or Pithuahua.
These aren’t two breeds that you would often think of putting together, but the offspring is a cute and loyal family pet.
Pitbulls have a bad reputation due to their dominant personality, but do Chipits follow suit? Here’s our guide to this mixed breed so you can determine whether they’ll be a good fit for your family.
Chipit Breed History
There isn’t much information on Chipits.
The Chihuahua has an ambiguous history with plenty of theories.
Pit Bulls originated in the 19th century in the UK.
There is very little information on the breed history of Chipits, although it is presumed that they were first bred in North America for companionship.
The parent breeds have a much richer history, however.
Chihuahuas have an ambiguous history, depending on who you ask. Some believe that they originated in Mexico with the Aztecs in the 9th century, being sacrificed and buried with their owners to accompany them into the afterlife.
Another theory is that they were founded in China where they were treated like royalty and a sign of wealth.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a cross between a Bulldog and a Terrier, originating in the 19th century in the UK.
They were bred to be bull baiters and fighting dogs for entertainment. However, they were bred to be gentle with humans so they could be handled easily during these fights.
The Pitbull’s reputation still precedes them today, creating a stigma around them and their owners. It is possible that the Chipit was bred to break the stigma and recreate the vision of the Pitbull.
Chipit Personality & Temperament
Very loving and affectionate.
Don’t do well being left alone for long periods of time.
Their protectiveness can be mistaken for aggression.
Despite their parent’s bad reputations, the Chipit is a lovely family dog that loves hanging out with its family.
They don’t enjoy being alone and will always seek out their owner, so they’re suitable for people who are going to be at home for the majority of the day.
Chipits are notorious for developing bad behaviors when left alone for too long, presumably inherited from their Chihuahua parent. Bad behaviors can include digging, chewing, howling, and more.
Chipits are friendly with older children but might be too active and excitable around younger children. They are only suitable for families with older children.
Provided that they are properly socialized as puppies, Chipits should be fine to live with other animals.
These dogs are very protective and loyal to their owners, often thinking that they’re larger than they are. If they think another dog is threatening them or their family, they will become assertive and start picking fights.
Don’t let this deter you, though. Proper training can resolve this problem and you’ll be left with a lovable dog that is so often misunderstood by others.
Chipit Health
Inherit health concerns from the parent breeds.
Breeding small and medium-sized dogs together can cause issues.
Pitbulls and Chihuahuas deal with their own health concerns as purebreds, but Chipits should be at less risk for these issues due to cross-breeding. However, this doesn’t mean they are exempt from any health concerns.
Here is a list of major concerns Chipits often deal with:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Patellar Luxation
- Color Dilution Alopecia
Minor issues include:
- Spina Bifida
- Cataracts
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
As Pitbulls are medium dogs and Chihuahuas are small dogs, issues can arise when breeding them together. For example, trying to fit Pitbull teeth in a Chihuahua-sized jaw will lead to overcrowding and other dental issues.
Similarly, Pitbull energy levels in a Chihuahua body could lead to overexertion and joint stress.
Chipit Training
Like to be the dominant force in the household.
Might push back at the beginning of training.
Use positive reinforcement.
Chipits need to be trained from early on that you are the dominant force in the household and they are your follower. This will prevent them from becoming too stubborn or aggressive in the future.
Socialize them with other dogs during puppy training and use positive reinforcement to reward positive behaviors.
Chipits are intelligent, but they’re also very controlling. Training can be a bonding activity for you both, so make sure you have plenty of treats, positive words of affirmation, and patience.
You’ll get through to them eventually, they might just take a little longer to accept the new behavior.
Chipits often bond with one member of the family more than others, so this person will need to be the trainer. Other members will have a much harder time training them, which might make the dog frustrated.
Chipit Exercise Requirements
Like to be the dominant force in the household.
Might push back at the beginning of training.
Use positive reinforcement.
Chipits need around 60 minutes of exercise every day, although ideally more. This exercise needs to be strenuous, too, so don’t be afraid to wear them out!
Chipits work best in houses with yards where they can run around and play chase to burn off some steam. They enjoy agility training, too, so this is a great option if you have the time to do it.
Chipits have short legs, but they can keep up with the majority of activities you like to partake in. These might include walking, jogging, or swimming.
Much like Chihuahuas, Chipits get tired quickly, but their energy levels replenish in a flash. So, it’s best if you can take them out multiple times a day to keep them exercising.
If you have a securely fenced yard, you could allow them outside whenever they get restless.
Chipit Diet & Feeding
Be careful not to overfeed them.
Ask your vet for advice if you’re unsure.
Chipits eat between two and five cups of food a day.
Speak to your veterinarian about the amount of food you should be giving your Chipit. As small to medium dogs, Chipits should eat around two to five cups of food a day.
However, as their size can fluctuate so vastly from dog to dog, it’s best you get a professional opinion to avoid overfeeding.
Chipits have high energy levels so need food that can keep up with this. Look for food with high protein and low grain content. Make sure you choose high-quality kibble to avoid filler ingredients or low-quality meat products.
As Chipits are predisposed to dental issues, high-quality kibble can also help keep their teeth and gums healthy.
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Chipit Cost
Costs between $400 and $700.
Ongoing costs include a crate, food, toys, and vet checkups.
Despite the stigma around the parent breeds, Chipits are still expensive designer dogs. They’ll cost around $400 to $700 from a reputable breeder.
With Chipits, it’s vital that you check out the parents before buying a puppy.
Pitbulls are misunderstood dogs, but when not socialized they can show bad behaviors. This can be a red flag when buying from a breeder – reputable breeders should only use properly looked-after parent breeds.
You’ll also need to buy a crate, study toys, food, and other necessities. You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,000 on these costs when you first get a dog.
Grooming bills won’t be very often, but insurance might be higher due to the parent breeds.
