Pitbull Chow Mix (Pitchow): Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

If you’re looking for a family pet and a guard dog, it’s a sign — the Pitchow must be for you. Also called Chowpit or Pitchow mix, this mixed breed combines the American Pit Bull Terrier with the fluffy Chow. 

Chowpits often display different qualities because they inherit genetic characteristics from two different breeds. As a result, some Pitchows may resemble Chow Chows, while others may resemble Pitbulls. 

Still, the Pitchow is one fascinating crossbreed. If you want to know more about this unique hybrid dog, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the Pitchow mix.

Breed Overview

What Is a Pitbull Chow Mix?

The Chowpit, also known as the Pitbull Chow mix or Pitchow, is a mixed-breed dog that results from crossing a Chow Chow with a Pitbull-type dog. The Chowpit is a medium-sized dog with a well-balanced attitude. They are ideal family companions for active households and spacious homes.

Due to the genetic diversity of its parent breeds, the general characteristics of a Pitchow can vary greatly. This means appearance, energy level, and personality may vary from one Pitchow to another.

Appearance-wise, some of these mixes may take after the American Pit Bull Terrier and have a muscular build, while others may resemble the Chow Chow and have a fluffy coat. 

Some Pitchows may also have more energy, while others may have calmer personalities. Despite that, most Chowpits are generally intelligent and obedient, making them highly trainable and good family dogs. 

To have a better expectation of a Pitchow and its bond with its family, watch this video:

Pitbull Chow Mix Origin and History

There is not much information available about the origin and history of the Pitchow mixed breed, as it is a relatively new crossbreed. 

Fortunately, we can gain some insight into the breed’s history by looking at the history of its parent breeds — the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Chow Chow.

The American Pit Bull Terrier has a controversial history that dates back to the 19th century when it originated in England.

This Terrier breed was created from several types of terrier dogs, such as the Fox Terrier, the White English Terrier, the Black and Tan Terrier, and the English Bulldog. 

This mix was originally used by butchers and hunters. Over time, they were bred as fighting dogs, which eventually stopped after dog fighting was banned. Later, Pitbull dogs slowly transition into becoming companion pets.

On the other hand, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed that has been around for thousands of years in China, where it was used for hunting and guarding. The Chow Chow was also popular among the Chinese nobility.

The Pitchow was likely bred in an attempt to combine the desirable characteristics of both parent breeds, such as the Pitbull’s loyalty and the Chow Chow’s demeanor.

Pitbull Chow Mix Appearance

The appearance of a Pitchow can vary greatly depending on the individual dog and the traits inherited from its parent breeds. However, some general characteristics are commonly seen in the Pitchow mix.

Pitchows can also have a variety of coat colors and textures, with some having the short, smooth coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier and others having the Chow Chow’s longer, thicker coat. 

Common coat colors for the Pitchow mixes are black, brown, tan, cream, and red. Most are also seen with white markings.

The head shape of a Pitchow can also vary. Some may sport rounded heads like the Chow Chow, while others have more angular heads like the Pitbull.

On their face, these dogs usually have dark almond-shaped eyes and black noses. Tell-tale differences between each pup can also be seen in the ears, skin, and tongue.

For instance, some Pitchows inherit the classic blue Chow tongue, while others have the Pitbull’s long purplish tongue. The tongue color could also depend on the color of its parents’ tongue through its dominant inherited gene.

Overall, Pitbull Chow Chow mixes are sturdy-looking dogs that come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. These dogs usually resemble one parent more than the other. 

Pitbull Chow Mix Size and Weight

In terms of size, Pitchows are medium to large dogs, weighing anywhere from 30 to 70 pounds and standing 17 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. 

During the weaning stage or around 6 to 8 weeks from birth, Pitchow puppies weigh around 8 to 15 pounds. As they grow, their weight can reach 30 pounds by four months of age.

Adult Pitchows hit standard weight and size by 1 to 2 years of age. Keep in mind that Pitchows may continue to gain weight and grow until they reach 2 to 3 years of age, at which point they will have reached their full adult size.

Owners should monitor their dog’s weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine to keep it within its ideal weight range.

Pitbull Chow Mix Temperament and Personality

Pitchows are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate towards their families or owners. They enjoy spending time with their humans and may become attached to one particular person in the family.

Having parent breeds that have hunting backgrounds, this mixed-breed dog has high energy and prey drive. These traits may not be ideal in the company of other pets or kids.

While a Pitchow can be good with children and a great companion pet, it is important for dog owners to supervise interactions between young children and any dog to prevent accidental injury to the people around it.

All things considered, early socialization is important to ensure that this hybrid dog learns proper behavior. 

As a Pitchow owner, you must tame your dog early on and teach it the proper way to act around other animals or strangers.

Pitbull Chow Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

The Pitchow typically has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, although some may live longer. Proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care will help maintain their health and longevity.

The lifespan of the Pitchow Mix can also vary depending on the individual dog and characteristics from the Chow and Pitbull genes. However, as with all dogs, the Pitchow can be prone to certain health problems.

Here are some of the health problems that Pit Bull Chow mixes can have:

• Bloat: Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, including the Pitchow Mix. This occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food, causing it to expand and twist on itself. 
• Cataract: Cataracts are a common eye condition that can affect dogs. A cataract is an opacity or cloudiness of the lens in the eye, which can cause vision problems or even blindness if left untreated. They may develop slowly over time or can appear suddenly.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, which produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. In severe cases, hypothyroidism can lead to complications such as heart problems, nerve disorders, and infertility.
• Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition common in dogs. It is a developmental disorder that affects the hip joint, causing instability and abnormal wear and tear on the joint over time. This can be caused by a combination of inherited Chow or Pitbull genes and many environmental factors. 

To help your Pitchow stay clear of these health issues, you must ensure to take good care of its nutrition and overall well-being. One way to do this is by taking your Pitbull Chow Chow mix to the vet on a regular basis.

Likewise, you should also ensure that your dog gets a nutritious diet that is suitable for its age and activity level. Furthermore, regular exercise is something your Chowpit mix will greatly benefit from.

How to Take Care of Your Pitchow

Taking care of the Pitchow Mix involves providing your dog with proper nutrition, regular exercise, and routine veterinary care. Here is a simple guide with tips to help you take care of your Pitchow:

Food and Diet

A healthy diet is essential to the overall health and well-being of your Pitchow. For starters, you must choose high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level.

You must also avoid feeding your Pitchow table scraps or human foods that can be harmful such as chocolate, grapes, and coffee. 

Pitchows can also be energetic and require more calories than less active dogs. If your dog has high energy, consider food that is higher in calories or consider feeding them smaller meals more frequently.

Furthermore, ensure that you follow a diet tailored specifically to your Pitchow. More often than not, following feeding guidelines on dog food packaging is not enough to keep your dog’s diet optimized.

Cleaning and Grooming

Pitchows could have thick, dense coats that require regular grooming to keep them healthy and free of mats and tangles. Brush your dog’s coat regularly, and bathe them as needed.

Also, make sure to choose the proper shampoo or soap fit for your dog. Additionally, remember to check your dogs’ ears and provide regular cleaning. 

Dental health is also important, and Pitchows are no exception. To keep this in check, brush your dog’s teeth regularly and provide them with dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean.

Training and Exercise

Pitchows are dogs with high energy and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This may include walking, running, or playing fetch.

Pitchow mixes are also intelligent and trainable dogs. However, they can also be independent and hard-headed due to the stubborn streak of their Chow Chow lineage.

Consistent training and socialization from a young age can help prevent problem behaviors and ensure your dog is well-behaved around people and other animals.

How Much Does a Pitbull Chow Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

The cost of a Pitchow mixed breed puppy can range from $800 to $2,000 depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, location, and available documents. 

Sellers with good reputations and champion lineages will charge higher prices. Moreover, shipping fees and additional documents will add to the cost.

In addition to the initial cost of the Pitchow mixed breed puppy, new owners should also anticipate additional expenses for starter supplies such as food, bedding, crates, toys, treats, leash, collar, and more. 

Here is a summary of the initial costs you may encounter when raising a Chow Pit mix puppy:

Keep in mind that these prices are estimates, and the actual cost would depend on the prices in your area and your preferences in the quality of materials.

Fortunately, you may save money by reusing existing items from your previous pet if available. These may include crates, beds, or toys. Make sure, however, that they are still in good condition for your dog to use. 

Places to Find Pitbull Chow Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you have already decided to get your own Pitbull Chow mix, the next step is to find a reputable breeder from where you could take home that new furry family member. 

As you look for your pup, be sure to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. These sources do not always have the best breeding practices and usually prioritize earnings over the health of their dogs.

To get you started, here are some reputable sources where you may find Pitbull Chow mixes for sale:

• Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online puppy marketplace that sells crossbreeds and other puppy breeds from reputable sellers. Pitbulls and Chow Chow puppies are available, along with other mixes and purebreds. We recommend using the search filters “Pitbull mix” and “Chow Chow mix” when looking for a Pitbull Chow.
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that sells puppies from reputable sellers all around the country. On this page, you’ll find a variety of purebreds and designer dogs from reputable and well-reviewed sellers. Make it a practice to regularly check their website for updates.
• PuppyFinder – PuppyFinder is a puppy search engine that gives dog breeders, rescue groups, and individual sellers free advertising. This site offers connections to reputable sellers with mix-bred pups for sale also. One excellent element of their website is identification verification, which assures the safety and transparency of both sellers and purchasers.

As the Pitchow mix is a crossbreed, finding breeders who specialize in this breed may be challenging. Hence, it may take a bit more effort to find reputable sources where you may buy this hybrid.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to adopt a Pitchow, check out these reputable rescue organizations: 

• Peace for Pits (P4P) – P4P is a foster-based rescue that accepts purebred and mixed Pitbulls who have been abandoned or surrendered. Their mission is to rescue dogs from high-kill shelters. They periodically have Pitchows available for adoption in their foster homes.
• Pit Bull Rescue Central (PBRC) – Pitbulls and Pitbull mixed breeds, including Pitchows, are the focus of PBRC. Their noble contribution is evident across the United States. They occasionally have Pitchows available for adoption under their care.
• Chow Chow Rescue Society (CCRS) – CCRS, which was founded in 2016, is dedicated to rehabilitating and rescuing Chow Chow and Chow Chow mixes around the country. You could be lucky and come across a Pitchow in need of a new loving home by contacting CCRS.

Keep in mind that Pitchow mixes from rescues are usually senior dogs already. Meanwhile, some may have aggressive tendencies brought about by trauma they may have experienced in their previous home. 

If you still have not found your perfect Pitbull Chow mix in these listed sources, you could try asking for recommendations from friends in the dog enthusiast community near you. 

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pitchow

The Pitchow is undeniably one of the most unique and lovable mixes out there. However, as with all dogs, there are both pros and cons to raising this pup. 

Here are the pros of having a Pitchowmix:

• Loyalty and companionship: The Pitchow is a generally affectionate dog. This furball’s loyal personality and fun-loving temperament keep them close to their owners at all times. This makes the Pitchow a good family dog — an ideal match for families who are looking for clingy dogs to grow up with. 
• Guarding skills: A Pitbull Chow mix is very protective of its family. It shows suspicion towards random strangers and unfamiliar people. Combined with their loyalty, this makes them exceptional guard dogs. 
• Uniqueness: Many dog enthusiasts pride themselves on having a unique pooch. Owning a rare mixed breed, such as the Pitchow mix, could be a bragging right, especially since this mixed breed is quite uncommon and hard to come by.

On the other hand, here are the cons of owning a Pitchowmix:

• Prone to several health issues: Pitchowmixes can inherit the diseases common to their parent breeds. Conditions such as hip dysplasia, Cataracts, and allergies can be passed on to these dogs. Fortunately, most genetic health issues can easily be prevented by simply acquiring a puppy from a reputable breeder.
• Unpredictable size: Since the Chowpit is a mixed breed of medium to large-sized dogs, it could be difficult to predict its size. This could be a challenge for owners who live in small apartments. It could be a hassle if your Pitchow grows a little bit bigger than what you expect it to be. 
• Challenging to train: Because of its natural stubbornness, a Chowpit can be hard to train. This dog requires a firm and patient trainer who has prior knowledge of handling such behavior. This also makes this breed not recommended for first-time dog owners.

To help you decide if this dog is right for you, it’s best to first know the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Pitchow. Use the information above to ponder thoroughly if this mixed breed is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pitbull Chow Mixes Good Family Dogs?

Pitbull Chow mixes can make great family dogs with the right care and training. They are known for being loyal, affectionate, and protective of their families, and they generally get along well with children.

Are Pitbull Chow Mixes Aggressive?

Generally, the Chow Chow Pitbull mix is not known to be an aggressive breed as its Chow Chow and Pit Bull parents are generally calm. 

Your Pitchow, however, could exhibit aggressive behavior if not properly socialized and trained from a young age. Likewise, dogs with trauma may also show signs of aggression at times.

Do Pitbull Chow Mixes Shed?

Yes, Pitbull Chow mixes does shed. Both the Pitbull and the Chow Chow breeds are known for shedding, so their mixed offspring will likely shed. However, the amount of shedding can vary from dog to dog.

Are Pitbull Chow Mixes Hypoallergenic?

No, Pitbull Chow mixes are not considered hypoallergenic. As both the Pitbull and Chow Chow breeds, the Pitchow sheds its fur, which can trigger allergies in some people.

Final Thoughts

The Pitchow is a terrific mixed-breed dog with a nice blend of high energy and calmness. This mix will do best in families with large spaces or with people looking for a companion dog with guarding instincts.

As you adopt or buy one, keep in mind that the appearance and personality of a Pitchow rely heavily on the attributes it inherits from its parents. That said, Pitbull Chow Chow mixes tend to differ in looks and disposition slightly.

Fortunately, most Pitchow mixes are handsome-looking dogs sporting the sturdy build of their parent breeds. Needless to say, you can’t go wrong with this hybrid canine when it comes to looks.

So, are you getting this hybrid dog soon? Share your thoughts about the Pitbull Chow Mix in the comments below!