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Are you interested in adopting a unique dog breed? Do you like Pitbulls and Chows? If so, you may want to consider the Pitchow! If you’re not sure what a Pitchow is, that’s OK. This is a relatively new dog on the block.
We’ve put together some information about Pitchows to help you decide if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Pitchow?
The Pitchow (also called the Chowpit) is a hybrid mix between a purebred Pitbull and a purebred Chow Chow! What a unique combination! The Pitchow doesn’t have a set standard because the dogs are hybrids. The issue is that each dog is a unique individual that randomly inherits his genes from both parents. That means you never know what genes a puppy may inherit. That makes it challenging to determine what a puppy may look like or determine his other characteristics.
Within the same litter, some puppies may resemble their Pitbull parent, while others look more like the Chow Chow parent. Then there are others who may look like a blend of both dogs. You just never know! But that’s what makes these dogs so unique.
While we don’t know much about the history of the Pitchow, we do more about the Pitbull and the Chow Chow. By taking a look at the parents, we can learn more about what their puppies are like.
Quick Overview of the Pitbull
The Pitbull is properly called an American Pitbull Terrier. These dogs have a violent past; they were used in a bloody sport called bull- or bear-baiting. Thankfully, these sports became illegal in 1835. However, breeders then used the dogs for dog fighting. This is where the trait of dog aggression was developed in the Pitbull dog breed.
However, today, reputable breeders only breed Pitbulls that are healthy and non-aggressive. Even so, the dogs continue to have a bad reputation for being aggressive. Most of the problem comes from breeders who don’t use proper breathing methods. They also fail to train and socialize the dogs from a young age. Then the dogs may be adopted by pet parents who have no idea how to manage and train the dogs. In this situation, yes, a Pitbull can become aggressive. However, the same can be said for just about any dog breed in similar circumstances.
Pitbulls that have been properly raised, trained, and socialized make wonderful family companions. The dogs are well-adjusted and know how to behave in different environments, with other humans, and even other dogs and pets. The dogs are very loving and loyal to their families and will protect them.
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Ask a Vet Live NowThe Chow Chow
The other parent of the Pitchow is the Chow Chow. The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. They originally came from Mongolia and Northern China. They were bred to be hunting and guard dogs.
Chows are beautiful dogs that have a large heads, with a teddy bear face and deep-set eyes. Chows are famous for their thick mane of hair that strongly resembles that of a male lion! The Chow has a very noble bearing. However, they can be quite silly at times!
The dogs are more independent. You might say they’re more like a cat than a dog in some ways. Chows don’t like to be snuggly; however, they are quiet dogs that do want to be near their humans. They usually pick out a favorite person in the family.
The dogs are very loving and loyal to their families and can get along great with kids.
So, these are the parents of the Pitchow!
Pitchows usually stand between 17 to 21 inches tall and weigh 30 to 70 lbs. They have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
Pitchow Appearance
When it comes to the Pitchow’s appearance, the dogs have various looks, depending on which parent they most take after. For this reason, you’ll see Pitchows that strongly resemble their Pitbull parent, while others may resemble their Chow Chow parent.
The dogs are sweet, no matter what they look like! Some Pitchows have floppy ears, while others stand up like the Chow’s. The muzzle may be similar to the Pitbull but maybe a little shorter. And some dogs may have the black markings on their tongue like the Chow! You just never know!
Pitchows can have eyes that are hazel, brown, or amber. Their noses can be blue, black, brown, or Isabella. And their costs can come in cream, brindle, brown, gray, black, blue, and red. You see what we mean when we say these dogs have a wide range in appearance!
Pitchow Temperament
Pitchows are very loving, loyal dogs with their family, and they make great family companions. Some dogs, who are more like their Pitbull parent, may want to snuggle and be a lapdog. However, Pitchows that are more like their Chow parent will be more independent and aloof.
Chows can be a bit on the serious side; however, the Pitchow is usually playful and mischievous. They like to have fun! The dogs are also highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation.
In addition, if the Pitchow is more like their Chow parent, it’s possible the dog may be territorial and protective. They can make a great watchdog; however, it’s still a good idea to ensure your canine companion is properly trained and socialized. That way, he will know when to react in a protective way at the right time.
Do Pitchows Get Along with Other Pets?
When it comes to dogs, the Pitchow is not very accepting when another dog is brought into his home or territory. However, if the dog has been socialized and raised in a family with other dogs, he may be OK with other dogs.
The same can be said of other pets. However, the Pitchow does not tolerate pet rodents. That’s because at one time the Pitbull Terrier was trained to be a ratter, and this instinct is still found in the dogs. So, it’s best not to have small pets of this kind when you have Pitchow.
Exercise
The Pitchow requires about 60 minutes of exercise a day. And remember, these dogs also need other activities for mental stimulation. You don’t want a bored Pitchow on your hands!
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! The Pitchow can make a wonderful family companion for the right family. They thrive in an active family and with pet parents who understand how to manage and train these dogs.
We must also remind you that in some locales, Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes are illegal. So, before adopting a Pitchow, make sure it’s OK to have one of these dogs. If you can, we’re pretty sure you’ll have a wonderful, fun, loving companion for years to come!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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