The Pitbull Chihuahua mix, known as the Pit Chi, is a medium-sized mixed breed dog created by breeding the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Chihuahua. This energetic, active, and spunky breed is best suited for family homes, although it is also small enough to be manageable for an elderly relative.
The Chihuahua Pitbull mix is a relatively young mixed-breed dog, without much documented or detailed history. It’s speculated that the cross first came about during the 1990s or early 2000s, as crossbreeding became more popular in the United States.
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To better understand the Pit Chi, we’re going to dive deep into the history of each parent breed, along with their temperaments and suitability for certain family dynamics over others. Keep reading to learn more about the Pitbull Chihuahua and decide whether it’s the right breed for you and your family.
Pitbull Chihuahua Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 15–45 pounds |
| Height: | 12–18 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–13 years |
| Coat Colors: | Gold, white, tan, black and brown with white markings. |
| Temperament: | Active, playful, spry |
| Suitable for: | Single individuals, families with or without children and the elderly. |
What Does a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
Like most other designer dogs, the Pit Bull Chihuahua will borrow different parts of its physical appearance from each parent breed. Your Pit Bull Chihuahua is likely to be a short dog (less than 18 inches in height), with a longer body and short tail. It will inherit the stocky, muscular build of it’s Pit Bull Terrier parent, but the facial features of the Chihuahua.
This will mean pointed ears that are upright, and a slightly longer snout than your average Chi. When it comes to coat colors, your Pit Bull Chihuahua will inherit the traditional white markings of the Pitbull, with either a brown, gold or tan accent coloring.
It will have a smooth coat type, with shorter fur and be a light shedder year-round, requiring regular brushing to keep it’s coat healthy.
The History of the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
Like most designer breeds, Chihuahua Pitbull mixes haven’t been around that long. Likely developed in the 1990s or early 2000s, the Pit Chi is developed through IVF treatments due to the vast size differences between the Pitbull Terrier and the Chihuahua.
Let’s explore the history of both parent breeds to learn more about where Chihuahua Pitbull mixes come from.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest dog breed. Heralding from a Mexican state of the same name, Chihuahuas have an ancient history, stretching back to the Aztec people. The Chihuahua is believed to have been descended from the Techichi, a small barkless breed kept by the Aztecs in the 9th century.
Though not documented outside of Mexico until the late 19th century, when Mexican border traders sold Chihuahuas to American tourists, the Chihuahua has always been a faithful companion pet.
Chihuahuas can be separated into three different breeds – the short-haired Chihuahua, the long-haired Chihuahua, and the Hairless Chihuahua, with the latter being the rarest.
Renowned for the small size and affectionate nature, Chihuahuas are routinely among the most popular dogs for the elderly and those who live the apartment life.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas first came to the United States in the late 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Since then, they have climbed the popularity ladder in the United States and around the world. In 2021, the AKC ranked the Chihuahua as the 37th most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, Chihuahuas are a favorite pet among the elderly. Though they do have moderate exercise requirements, they’re also quite happy to walk slower and burn off their excess energy over a longer period.
Chihuahuas are also well-liked by family units, although they do have an independent streak and can be somewhat stubborn.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
Chihuahuas are likely descendants of the Techihi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples (an Aztec tribe) during the 9th century. Chihuahuas were first brought to the United States in the late 19th century and quickly became a family favorite.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Because of its small size, crossbreeding the Chihuahua often requires artificial insemination via IVF treatments. Female Chihuahuas often experience problems during pregnancies, so they are rarely used as crossbreed parent dogs.
However, there are a few popular Chihuahua mixes. These include:
- Chihuahua Greyhound Mix (Grey Chi)
- Corgi Chihuahua Mix (Corgi-Chi)
- Border Collie Chihuahua Mix (Border Chi)
- Doberman Chihuahua Mix (Doberchi)
- Schnauzer Chihuahua Mix (Schnau-Chi)
The History of the Pitbull
The Pitbull, or the American Pit Bull Terrier to give it its UKC title, is a medium-sized stock, muscular dog breed from England. Originating in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Pitbull Terrier was bred for dog fighting and ‘bull-baiting’ – two cruel blood sports banned in the United Kingdom in 1835.
Seeking to create a hyper-masculine, powerful breed, breeders selected only the best stock from the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier to create the Pitbull Terrier. This resulted in a dog with high energy levels, and an unfortunate aggressive streak – developed over time thanks to its participation in blood sports.
After the banning of dog fighting and ‘bull-baiting’ in 1835, the Pit Bull Terrier was exported from the UK to the United States, where it began a new life. Unfortunately, it was used in dog fighting on the other side of the pond as well, until that practice became unpopular.
Pitbulls were recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1934 and renamed the American Pit Bull Terrier. Though they remain unrecognized by the American Kennel Club, this hasn’t stopped the Pit Bull from becoming a popular pet among many American families – despite their murky legal status.
Pitbulls are banned throughout many American cities, and though not banned outright in any state, the legislation surrounding their ownership makes them extremely difficult to obtain and keep as pets. The ban results from many instances of aggressive behavior from the Pitbull resulting in serious injury or even death to members of the public.
How Popular Are Pitbulls?
The American Pit Bull Terrier remains a popular dog in the U.S., despite being banned in many American cities. Not being an AKC-recognized breed makes it challenging to get a good read on Pit Bull population statistics, although other sources put the Pit Bull Terrier as 20% of America’s ‘strong’ dog population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Given their size and strength, Pitbulls aren’t the best dog for everyone.
They’re not well-suited for the elderly population due to that muscular body and overpowering strength. They can sometimes exhibit separation anxiety and destructive behaviors, which make them challenging for apartment dwellers.
All in all, Pitbulls are best suited for family homes, or for a strong single individual with the time and energy necessary to control the Pitbull whilst on a walk and to give it the exercise and mental stimulation they require.
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
Pitbull Terriers were bred for blood sports in the United Kingdom in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Bred from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier, Pitbulls often participated in dog fighting and bull-baiting, before the practices were outlawed in 1835.
After this, Pitbulls became unpopular in the United Kingdom and were exported to the United States, sometime between 1845 and 1860, where they began a new life as the American Pit Bull Terrier. They were recognized and named as such by the United Kennel Club in 1934.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
The American Pit Bull Terrier has commonly been crossbred since it became illegal to own in many American cities, as a way to circumvent existing legislation.
Crossbreeding of the Pitbull likely began in the 1990s and early 2000s, creating many popular Pitbull Terrier crosses. These include:
- Pitbull Blue Heeler Mix (Pit Heeler)
- Pitbull Akita Mix (Pitkita)
- English Bulldog Pitbull Mix (English Pit)
- Pitbull Catahoula Mix (Pitahoula)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix (Rhodesian Pit)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of any research into a new family pet is temperamental research. This will give you a better idea of just how your newest dog will fit into your existing family unit.
For example, if you are an active family always on the go, you will want a dog that fits that lifestyle. Either you want a dog you can bring with you – or one you can leave home for a day without worrying about property damage.
Similarly, if you’re mostly a family that stays at home a lot – you’re not (necessarily) going to want a hyperactive dog that needs excessive exercise.
Researching what dog works best for you and your family will save you plenty of time, energy, and money and find you the right pup the first time.
What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix?
As you might expect, the Pitbull Terrier Chihuahua mix is an active, energetic breed that requires plenty of exercise in order to maintain a happy, healthy life. Despite fears of aggressive behavior, your Pitbull Chihuahua will likely not exhibit aggression, although stubbornness and independence are among it’s chief personality traits.
Like both breed parents, the Pit Chi is likely to be slightly standoffish with strangers and may bark in a small, yappy-type dog fashion.
Is The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
Despite fears of aggression, your Pit Chi is likely to be a very affectionate and friendly animal towards those it knows. It may hold a healthy suspicion and be slightly aloof around them.
Is The Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
You may experience some training difficulties regarding the Pitbull Chihuahua mix. The Pitbull Chihuahua is stubborn and can sometimes have difficulty with complex commands. Start small and work your way up. Use positive reinforcement and persistence over admonishing your Pit Chi.
How Much Can A Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua Pitbull mix is between 15 and 45 pounds.
How Tall Can A Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Get?
The average height of a Chihuahua Pitbull mix is between 12 and 18 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Pitbull Chihuahua. These include:
- Boston Terrier
- Mini Bull Terrier
- Miniature Poodle
- Shih Tzu
Does the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Shed?
The Chihuahua Pit Bull mix is a light-shedding dog. However, they are hypoallergenic! Making them wonderful companions for owners with dander allergies! Regular brushing should take care of the excess fur that can accumulate over time.
How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Require?
The Pitbull Chihuahua is a very energetic little dog, requiring between 30 and 45 minutes of daily exercise. This includes mental stimulation. If you’re not going to be at home for a period of time, we recommend you get your Pit Chi a KONG toy, or something similar to give them something to do while you’re away!
How Long Can a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua Pitbull mix is between 10 and 13 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Have?
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap dislocation)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Heart condition)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Pregnancy Problems (Female Chihuahuas often suffer problems during pregnancy)
How Can You Find a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Pitbull Chihuahua mix puppy to buy, we highly recommend you first consider adopting a Pitbull Chihuahua mix from your local animal shelter or vet clinic.
Many people bring their Pitbull Chihuahuas in to be adopted because their circumstances change, this has led to a huge number of Pit Chi’s being put up for adoption. If in-person adoption doesn’t work out, try looking online at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Pitbull Chihuahua puppy is between $200 and $500. While not necessarily the most expensive crossbreed you’ll ever come across, you could spend less by going the adoption route.
If you’re purchasing a Pitbull Chihuahua mix, then you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a dog from a reputable breeder. We’ve created this guide to help you discern a reputable breeder from a puppy mill!
Is the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been looking to add a bit of zest and zeal to your life, then a Pitbull Chihuahua might be what you’ve been looking for. An active, energetic breed that’s small enough to take with most places, but still able to be a lapdog at the day’s end, it’s the perfect small/strong dog combination for most families.
However, if you’re certain a Pit Chi would not be your ideal pet, consider reading our other breed guides to see if one of those might be more suitable.