The Pitbull Chow Chow mix, otherwise known as the Pit Chow, is a large-sized mixed-breed dog created by breeding the American Pit Bull Terrier with the Chinese Chow Chow. This frumpy-faced pup is fast becoming one of the country’s most popular Pitbull mixes, thanks to their adorable faces and gentle, calm demeanor.
Image credit: korrathepitchow
As a recent designer breed, the Chow Chow Pitbull mix hasn’t long been in the homes of many Americans, but it’s already made its mark as an excellent family pet. Read on to see if the cross between the ancient Chow Chow and the American Pitbull Terrier could be your next addition to your family unit.
Pitbull Chow Chow Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 30–70 pounds |
| Height: | 17–21 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Cream, brown, grey, black, brindle, fawn, blue, red. |
| Temperament: | Loving, loyal, independent, intelligent, playful. |
| Suitable for: | Active families with or without children, active single individuals. |
What Does a Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Look Like?
Like most hybrid breeds, the Pitbull Chow Chow will inherit much of its physical appearance from each purebred parent breed. It will likely inherit the dense double coat of the Chow Chow, with the facial features of the American Pit Bull Terrier. You can expect a slightly more agile version of the American Pit Bull Terrier, as the Chow Pit inherits the longer body and bushy tail of the Chow Chow.
A wide variety of color patterns are possible with the Chow Chow Pitbull mix. However, they will almost certainly inherit the traditional white markings of the American Pitbull Terrier.
The History of the Pitbull Chow Chow Mix
As a more recent mixed-breed dog, the Pitbull Chow Chow doesn’t have an extensive history to draw from. It was likely created during the 1990s, and early 2000s, when crossbreeding became a popular practice throughout the United States. Since its creation, the Pit Chow has grown steadily in popularity, renowned for their cuddly, fluffy coat type and loving, moderately active temperament.
To learn more about this beloved mixed-breed, we’ll investigate the histories, temperaments, popularity, and suitability of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Chow Chow, two breeds from different times that make one heck of a genetic match!
The History of the Chow Chow
Let’s start with the Chow Chow – one of the world’s oldest dog breeds – the Chow Chow heralds from ancient Mongolia, some three thousand years ago, according to some cynologists. Chinese pottery of the time places them somewhere in the Han dynasty (206 B.C – 220 A.D.)
Their thick, double coat keeps them warm in all kinds of weather.
The Chinese used Chow Chow to pull sleds over mountain ranges and swamped terrain, according to Marco Polo. Other Chinese legends tell of blue-tongued war dogs (Chow Chows have blue-black tongues thanks to a dominant gene throughout the breed) and of emperors with 5000 Chows.
The first Chow Chow arrived in the United States during the late 19th century and they were registered with the AKC in 1903.
How Popular Are Chow Chows?
Chow Chows are well loved in the United States, mostly thanks to their gentle, loving nature and gorgeous physical appearance.
Despite this, they don’t fare well in the American Kennel Club’s popularity rankings – coming in 80th place in 2021.
Who Are Chow Chows a Good Dog For?
Given the size of the Chow Chow, they are best suited for a house and yard – as they are a playful companion that doesn’t do well in an enclosed space. That means no apartments for the Chow Chow!
Other than that, the activity levels of the Chow tend to preclude them from being owned by the elderly. That and their coats require a high level of maintenance. Their double coat will experience a bi-annual ‘blowout,’ whereby their dead hair falls out and leaves room for a new coat to grow. This is often the case with double coated dogs. This will weekly brushing and even a daily go-over during peak blowing season. A regular – say quarterly – trip to the groomers is recommended.
How Did Chow Chows Come About?
The Chow Chow’s detailed history has been lost to the sands of time, but most cynologists believe them to be one of the world’s oldest dog breeds. Dating back to at least the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), the Chow Chow remains very popular in its native China and has been used extensively as a guard and sled dog before its modern place as a companion pet.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chow Chow?
The Chow Chow has become a popular breed in the United States since it’s arrival in the late 19th century. Despite this, most breeders choose to keep their Chows’ as purebreds. However, Chow Chows have recently become a more popular choice among mixed-dog breeders, beginning in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Popular Chow Chow crosses include:
- Chow Chow Labrador Retriever Mix (Chabrador)
- Chow Chow Husky Mix (Chusky)
- Chow Chow German Shepherd Mix (Chow Shepherd)
- Chow Chow Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Chow)
- Chow Chow Shar Pei Mix (Chow Pei)
The History of the Pitbull
The Pitbull, or the American Pit Bull Terrier, has an unfortunately bloody history, beginning in the United Kingdom. Bred at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th century, the Pit Bull came from crossbreeding of the Olde English Bulldog and the now extinct Old English Terrier.
They were bred to participate in blood sports, chief among them ‘bull-baiting’ – the practice of releasing a dog into a pen with an angry bull – then placing bets on which would win. The game was over when the bull was either collapsed from exhaustion, or the unfortunate Pitbull Terrier, Boxer, or other terrier-type dog, was dead.
This practice was outlawed in 1835 with the passage of the Cruelty to Animals Act. This almost immediately rendered the Pit Bull unpopular in England. They were brought to the United States instead, again, participating in dog fighting until that became unpopular. Pit Bulls have slowly made their way to companionship among households, but they are unfortunately renowned for their aggressive tendencies – mostly due to their history.
However, it’s not all doom-and-gloom, the Pit Bull Terrier was recognized in 1934 by the United Kennel Club and renamed the American Pit Bull Terrier and has had roles in police forces, military and as therapy dogs.
How Popular Are Pitbulls?
Given their lack of recognition by the American Kennel Club, population statistics for the American Pit Bull Terrier are hard to come by. Unfortunately, the United Kennel Club does not collect population stats.
However, other sources have estimated that the Pitbull makes up 20% of America’s ‘strong dog’ population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Given their build, size and strength, Pitbull Terriers aren’t for everyone – in fact, you should only consider a Pitbull Terrier if you think you can handle them whilst on a walk. They have a fiercely stubborn streak and are known to ‘pull’ on a leash.
Pitbull Terriers don’t do well in apartment buildings either, this is due to their tendency to suffer separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
In general, American Pitbull Terriers make wonderful family pets, and are mostly gentle, loving creatures!
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
Pitbulls were originally bred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in England, from a combination of breeds – namely the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier. They were bred to participate in blood sports, such as ‘bull-baiting’ and dog fighting. In 1835, when bull baiting were outlawed in England, this led to a sharp decline in the popularity of Pitbulls.
Thus, the Pitbull Terrier made its way to the United States and was reborn as the American Pit Bull Terrier, recognized in 1934 by the United Kennel Club. American Pitbull Terriers are one of the most popular dog breeds of today, despite their uncertain legal status in some American cities.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
The American Pit Bull Terrier has been crossbred many times throughout its existence, although the first written accounts of this occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s, as people began to use crossbreeding as a way to circumvent legislation surrounding Pitbull ownership.
Some popular Pit Bull mixes developed during this time include:
- Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix (Australian Pit)
- Doberman Pitbull Mix (Doberman Pit)
- Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix (Pit Heeler)
- Pitbull Catahoula Mix (Pitahoula)
- Pitbull Akita Mix (Pitkita)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important things about preparing for the arrival of your newest pup is ensuring that you find a good temperamental match for you and your family unit. If you have children, you’ll want a dog that’s good with kids: gentle, not so big as to be a tripping hazard for smaller children, not aggressive, and loving.
If you’re an active family, you’ll likely want a dog that’s able to join you on your adventures. Active breeds like the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, or Blue Heeler are some of the best breeds for active companion pets, as they have the agility and endurance to last for all-day hikes!
Finding a compatible pet will make your life much easier regarding training and other basic day-to-day interactions with your new dog. While most dogs adapt to their surroundings, some are better at it than others. Finding a compatible dog will make that transition much smoother!
What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Chow Chow Mix?
The Pitbull Chow Chow is loyal and playful, inheriting that from its Pitbull parent – Chow dogs tend to be a bit more aloof and independent. The Chow Pit will also inherit the Pitbull Terrier’s keen sense of smell and sometimes suspicion of strangers, which can initially manifest as aggressive behavior. If you notice any aggression, be sure to correct it right away.
The Chow Chow is also something of a cuddle-buddy (no wonder, with that massive furry coat), your Pitbull Terrier Chow Chow may also think its a lap dog from time to time.
Like most mixed-breed dogs, the Pitbull Terrier Chow Chow mix will inherit its parent breed’s temperaments in different measures.
Is The Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Friendly?
The Chow Pit is a very friendly animal! Both of its parent breeds are friendly dogs to those they know while aloof and wary of strangers! Expect your Chow Pit to be similar.
Is The Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Easy to Train?
Despite some initial stubbornness from the Pitbull Terrier side of the genes, your Chow Pit will eventually warm to proper training. You can use positive reinforcement techniques to make training at home run more smoothly.
How Much Can A Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chow Chow Pitbull mix is between 30 and 70 pounds.
How Tall Can A Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Get?
The average height of a Chow Chow Pitbull mix is between 17 and 21 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Chow Chow Pitbull Terrier mix. These include:
- English Bulldog
- Border Collie
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- English Shepherd
Does the Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Shed?
As it is likely that the Pitbull Terrier Chow Chow mix will inherit the double coat of the Chow, you can expect moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year, with a blow out occurring once in the Spring and once again in the late Fall, before Winter.
Weekly brushing will help mitigate the fur build up from the shedding.
How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Require?
The Pitbull Terrier Chow Chow mix is likely to be a very active mixed-breed dog. Thus, you should expect to be playing with, or walking the Pit Chow for at least an hour daily.
Exercise also includes mental stimulation. This can be an outdoor game of fetch or playing with their favorite chew toy. We recommend buying a KONG and filling it with their favorite treats.
How Long Can a Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Pitbull Chow Chow mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Have?
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (Gastric Issues)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow joint inflammation)
- Gum Infections (Periodontal Disease)
- Pemphigus Foliaceus (Skin Condition)
- Patella Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
How Can You Find a Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start looking for Pit Chow mixed breed puppy for sale, consider instead trying to adopt one! There are hundreds of adoptable dogs languishing in shelters across the country. Check your local vet clinic and animal shelter, to see if anyone has brought in a Pitbull Chow mix for adoption.
You can also check out AdoptAPet.com, if your local vets or shelter turns out to be a bust.
How Much Does a Pitbull Chow Chow Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Pitbull Chow Chow mix is between $800 and $2000! This makes them one of the most expensive mixed-breed pups out there! Adoption is a fraction of that cost.
If you’d like to purchase your Pit Chow from a mixed dog breeder, we have created a handy guide to help you navigate the process and avoid puppy mills!
Is the Pitbull Chow Chow Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for a huggable, lovable, active companion pet, that’s not too much work, then the Pitbull Chow Chow might be that breed for you!
If you’re certain the Pit Chow isn’t what you’ve been searching for, consider reading our other breed guides, as we’ve cataloged dozens of mixed-breed dogs currently popular in the United States.