Pitchow
Chowpit
Pitchows, often referred to as Chowpits, are a hybrid breed created by crossing American Pitbull Terriers with Chow Chows. These unique dogs generally have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years and are celebrated for their companionship. Their physical traits can vary greatly, reflecting the characteristics of either parent breed. Furthermore, their personalities can range widely; due to the differing temperaments of the Chow Chow and American Pitbull Terrier, the resulting puppies may display a mix of traits from both sides. Typically, Pitchows are loving and loyal, although they might be apprehensive around strangers.
Breed Origin
Pitchows are a mixed breed that emerges from the combination of an American Pitbull Terrier and a Chow Chow. To fully grasp the traits and behaviors of these designer dogs, it’s important to look at the characteristics of their purebred ancestors. The American Pitbull Terrier has its origins in England, evolving from a mix of Terrier breeds such as the Fox Terrier, White English Terrier, and Black and Tan Terrier, along with English Bulldogs. This blend ultimately led to the development of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which was commonly kept by butchers and hunters for managing bulls and aiding in the pursuit of game like wild boar. Historically, these dogs were involved in bloodsports, including bull and bear baiting. When these practices were outlawed in the 1800s, the breed transitioned to dog fighting. It was during this time that the breed made its way to the United States, where it became known as the American Pitbull Terrier. On the other hand, the origins of the Chow Chow are somewhat enigmatic, yet it is acknowledged as one of the oldest dog breeds. Fossils resembling Chow Chows date back millions of years, and similar dogs are depicted on Chinese pottery dating as far back as 206 B.C. It is thought that the Chow Chow shares ancestry with the Chinese Shar-Pei, as both breeds originate from China and possess unique blue tongues. Traditionally, Chow Chows have fulfilled various roles as working dogs, including hunting, herding, pulling sleds and carts, guarding boats, and protecting homes. Regrettably, they were also consumed as a delicacy, and their fur was utilized for clothing. The breed was introduced to England by merchants in the 1800s. The Chow Chow is recognized as a foundational breed for several modern breeds, including the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, and Keeshond.
Breed Appearance
When exploring a hybrid breed, it's common to observe physical characteristics from both parent breeds in the offspring. Pitchow puppies generally take after their American Pitbull Terrier parent in appearance, but they often inherit the unique blue or blue-spotted tongue that is a hallmark of the Chow Chow. These charming dogs may display the sturdy, erect ears typical of the American Pitbull Terrier or the softer, drooping ears of the Chow Chow, and sometimes, they might even sport a combination of both! Their muzzles resemble those of the American Pitbull Terrier but are usually a bit shorter. With broad jaws and, of course, purple tongues, their overall build is both robust and nimble. The hind legs are similar to those of the American Pitbull Terrier, while their tails may feature a gentle curve. To gain a better understanding of what a Pitchow looks like, comparing the physical traits of both parent breeds can be quite enlightening.
Care Routine
Identifying the unique characteristics of hybrid dogs can be quite difficult, as they may inherit traits from both of their parent breeds. Take the Pitchow as an example; it could have a coat that resembles that of an American Pitbull Terrier or one akin to a Chow Chow. If your dog has a coat similar to the Pitbull, grooming will be fairly easy. On the other hand, if it resembles the Chow Chow, upkeep becomes more complicated due to the necessity of cleaning between the skin folds. Moreover, ear cleaning is vital for dogs of every breed and size to reduce the likelihood of ear infections, so it’s recommended to carry out this simple task on a weekly basis. Nail trimming is another key duty for dog owners; to maintain your pet's nails at a healthy length, aim to clip them approximately once a month. Finally, regular tooth brushing is essential for your dog's oral health, as they are susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease just like humans. While daily brushing is optimal, doing it two to three times a week is also advantageous.
Behavior & Temperament
Pitchows inherit a blend of personality traits from both the American Pitbull Terrier and the Chow Chow. Given the typical characteristics of these breeds, it’s likely that Pitchows will display a certain level of independence alongside a playful demeanor. While these hybrid dogs are generally friendly, they may sometimes feel anxious or cautious around new people. Furthermore, they are typically not overly enthusiastic about children, although they can be accommodating. Pitchows are intelligent and can learn a range of impressive tricks. They make excellent alert companions, often communicating through vocalizations instead of the usual barking. To help your Pitchow grow into a confident and well-mannered adult, it’s essential to prioritize early training and socialization. Teaching your puppy obedience lays the foundation for a lasting relationship built on trust and respect.
Play & Exercise
The Pitchow flourishes with daily walks and benefits from the chance to roam freely in a large, secure space. This unique breed typically enjoys a range of outdoor activities, including swimming. Taking into account the characteristics of their parent breeds, Pitchows can adapt to apartment living or homes without a yard, as long as they receive adequate exercise throughout the day. Their climate preferences may vary; the American Pitbull Terrier thrives in warmer weather, while the Chow Chow prefers cooler conditions. Since Chow Chows tend to be less active and American Pitbull Terriers are quite lively, it can be concluded that Pitchows will likely exhibit a balance between these two energy levels. Therefore, they should be exercised for about 30 to 60 minutes each day.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
2.5 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
50 lbs (23 kg)Male: 50 lbs (23 kg) , Female: 50 lbs (23 kg)
Height
19 inches (48 sm)Male: 19 inches (48 sm) , Female: 19 inches (48 sm)
6 Months
19 lbs ( m 19 lbs, f 19 lbs )
6 inches ( m 6 inches, f 6 inches )
12 Months
30 lbs ( m 30 lbs, f 30 lbs )
11 inches ( m 11 inches, f 11 inches )
18 Months
39 lbs ( m 39 lbs, f 39 lbs )
16 inches ( m 16 inches, f 16 inches )
Eye Colors
Hazel
Brown
Amber
Nose Colors
Blue
Black
Brown
Isabella
Coat Colors
Black
White
Brindle
Fawn
Blue
Red
Gray
Brown
Cream
