Dogs are a great part of any family and knowing a bit about potential breeds before you make them a part of your family is exceedingly useful.
There are so many different combinations and breeds of dogs out there that a breed like a chihuahua and pit bull mix is not out of the question.
Here, we will discuss a bit more about this breed and what to expect if you are planning on introducing one to your family.
Appearance
This is a breed that is very unique in looks.
The chihuahua, even the largest of the breed, rarely ever get over ten pounds total.
This means that a pit bull, which is significantly larger and can be upwards of 100 lbs, may make the cross a bit larger than a typical chihuahua and smaller than your average pit.
These dogs are referred to as Chipits and Pithuahaua and are often found in rescues and shelters as it is not a cross that is done intentionally in most cases.
These dogs are generally going to be around 20 lbs on average and may be about 20 inches tall overall.
They are short, they have a stocky body, and they are also very muscular, as is a trademark of the pit bull breed.
They often have very small feet, thin noses like the chihuahua and longer ears than a typical pit bull.
Their heads are also quite interesting.
They have larger heads that are at once large and square like a pit bull but rounded like a chihuahua.
They are a very stocky dog that is fun, playful and that looks somewhat like a dwarf pit bull since they do have many of the characteristics of a pit bull in appearance, but they are much smaller.
They are often fluffy as puppies but do get a sleeker coat that is common of both chihuahuas and pit bulls.
Attitude and Behavior
If you have ever had a pit bull or a chihuahua you know that they are both very high energy breeds.
Perhaps for different reasons, but they both do tend to go go go and do not like to slow down for anyone.
This breed has the same energy level that you might notice in a pit bull or a chihuahua and they do need plenty of exercise and play.
They will become destructive if they are left alone for too long and are not exercised properly.
Imagine a puppy that never stops chewing, that is what this cross breed becomes if they are not taken out for regular walks and are not allowed time to play and have fun.
As with both chihuahuas and pit bulls, they do also like to bark, they like to alert you if something is happening and they like to bring to your attention anything that they see fit.
They are smaller dogs so if you do not have a ton of room, they can adapt to that smaller space.
You still want to get them out to walk and paly as much as possible if you do live in a small space.
They are also very loyal, a positive trait from both chihuahua and pit bull.
They may become aggressive if their owner is attacked or threatened and they will be defensive if strangers approach too quickly.
They should be socialized both to other dogs and animals and other people.
If you have the time and the money to devote to training it can be very beneficial for these dogs and can help make them a productive pup that is well behaved.
They are very social when they are well trained and they can be very smart and lovable.
They are very smart, something that comes from both chihuahua and pit bull, and they do have the ability to learn a wide range of tricks.
They are also people pleasers, they want their human to be happy so they are very receptive to learning tricks.
Health Concerns
As a general rule they are rather healthy and can live to be around 13 years old on average.
Some can live longer with proper care and regular checkups.
They do have some issues that come from both the chihuahua breed and the pit bull breed.
The first is patella luxation, or dislocation of the knee caps.
This is a common issue with smaller dogs and can cause some great pain for your pup.
If you notice that your pup has injured their leg or is limping you should get them to the vet as soon as possible to right the issue.
Another problem common of this breed is hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
This comes from the chihuahua side of the breed.
This happens most often when your dog has gone a long time without eating and when they have been moving around and exercising a great deal.
They may also get hip dysplasia, which comes form the pit bull side of the breed.
This is where the hips are weak and they are malformed at the hip joint.
This can cause a deformity in the hip that can then degenerate and cause a great deal of pain for the pup and can cause the need for artificial hip replacement and other surgery.
Pit bulls are also prone to heart disease and you may notice that your dog has issues.
Mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus are both common in chihuahuas and will be apparent when the dog is very young.
Proper checks with your vet can keep these issues in check and can help make sure that your dog is happy and healthy.
Grooming and Nutrition
These are generally healthy dogs and they do not need any special food or grooming.
Feeing a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and veggies as well as protein can help your dog live a long and healthy life.
They need a bath every few weeks and brushing to prevent shedding but are otherwise low maintenance and are not going to need a ton of care.
These are fun dogs that are great for families, especially those with young kids that are going to play and have tons of fun with them.
They are loving, they are dedicated and they are a fantastic addition to any family and will make a great family pet that will be with you for years to come.
This is a breed that may have come about by accident, but that is surely lovable and great for a wide range of families and a wide range of dog lovers out there.