10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Chipit
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Designer dogs are a combination of two different dog breeds, and the aim of crossbreeding is often to create a new breed that has the best personality traits and physical characteristics of both parent breeds. An unusual designer dog about which you might not know a lot is the Chipit, which is also known as the Pithuahua and the Mexican Bulldog. Here are 10 things you might not know about the Chipit to help you decide if this dog is a good option for you.
1. One Parent is the Chihuahua
One of the parents of the Chipit is a Chihuahua, which is a Central and South American dog breed that is named after a town in Mexico. They were first introduced to North America in the 1500s, and they are now a popular companion dog across the globe. It is one of the world’s smallest dog breeds.
2. Its Other Parent is an American Pit Bull Terrier
A Chipit’s other parent is an American Pit Bull Terrier. The origins of this breed are from the Terriers and Bulldogs of the UK. These were bred in the 19th century for dogfighting and bull-baiting, but so that they would be gentle with humans. Both bull-baiting and dogfighting were outlawed in 1835. They were then predominantly used for hunting vermin. Sadly, the American Pit Bull Terrier often has a negative reputation due to its history of dogfighting. It is a reputation that many dog lovers believe is undeserved.
3. Their Size Can Vary
The size of a Chipit can vary significantly, says Wag Walking. As Chihuahuas are a small dog breed and American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium breed, the size of a Chipit depends on which of its parents it has inherited most of its physical traits. Therefore, there are both small and medium-sized Chipits. The height range of this designer breed is between 12 and 18 inches, while they can weigh from 15 to 35 pounds. The taller the dog, the more they are likely to weigh. To check the healthy weight range for your Chipit for its height and gender, seek your veterinarian’s advice.
4. Chipits’ Coats Also Vary
Another physical trait of Chipits that varies significantly is their coats. There are both long and short-haired varieties, and the amount they need grooming depends on the length of their coat. They also come in almost any color, and some have more than one color on their coat. The most common colors are white, cream, gray, brindle, brown, and fawn. Most Chipits have brown or amber eyes and either a black or brown nose.
5. They Are Easily Bored
Although the Chipit has many fantastic personality traits, one of the negatives of this breed is that they become bored easily. If your Chipit becomes bored, it may lead to it displaying various behavior problems, including destructive behavior and excessive barking. To prevent boredom, make sure you spend time with your Chipit, take it for regular walks, play games with your dog, and do not leave it alone in the house for too long.
6. Chipits Make Excellent Family Dogs
According to Pet Guide, Chipits have many traits that make them an excellent option for families. They are a loving, affectionate, playful, and loyal breed, and they enjoy spending time with their families. Chipits are not known to have an aggressive streak, which is important to know for those with children.
7. They Are Not Suitable for Apartment Living
Many people may believe that a Chipit is a good option for apartment living due to its smaller size. However, that is not the case, as they are an active breed that needs room to exercise and play. Ideally, they should live in a house with plenty of room and a good-sized backyard where they can exercise. Regardless of the size of your house and backyard, you will need to take your Chipit for an hour-long walk daily. In addition to their walks, Chipits will enjoy playing various games and enjoying activities with their family.
8. Training Chipits Takes Patience
Like both parent breeds, Chipits are intelligent. In theory, this means that they are easy to train. However, many Chipits also have a stubborn streak, and it is this trait that poses challenges to owners of the designer breed. If you have a Chipit with a stubborn streak, then training can take a lot of patience. They respond well to positive reinforcement and do not like severe reprimands. Some Chipits can also suffer from small dog syndrome and they may try to exert dominance. A combination of patience, making the boundaries clear, and early socialization can help prevent this from happening.
9. They Are Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club
As the Chipit is a designer dog breed, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. It means that Chipits cannot register with the organization, take part in its events, or compete in any competitions. However, both the Chihuahua and the American Pit Bull Terrier are breeds that the American Kennel Club recognizes. While the Chihuahua was first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904, the American Pit Bull Terrier was not officially recognized by the organization until 1936. If you want to register your Chipit, then do so with one of the designer dog breed registries and organizations.
10. Chipits Can Live for Up to 13 Years
Although the lifespan of Chipits can vary, their lifespan is usually between 11 and 13 years. To give your Chipit the best chance to live a long and healthy life, it is essential to make sure they have a good diet and plenty of exercise. There are some health problems associated with this breed, including patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and color dilution alopecia. Other concerns include cataracts, spina bifida, and brachycephalic syndrome.
