Chow Chow American Pit Bull Terrier Dog Breed

A Chow-Pit Bull mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; though a Chow mixed with PitBull may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeders or breed clubs have made claims to its original development. These imposing dogs are best as guardian dogs, or as companions to families willing to give them plenty of training and socialization.

A few PitBull-Chow mix facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 18 inches at the shoulders in height and 55 pounds in weight; their coats can be short and smooth or longer and thick (or somewhere in between); and they'll need a lot of obedience training and socialization starting at a young age.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Pitchow:

A Pit Bull-Chow Chow mix will make for an interesting (if sometimes challenging) crossbred dog. These hybrids might be friendly like the APBT, or standoffish like the Chow--or possibly both, depending on the situation. One thing's for sure, though: a Pitchow will be loyal and protective, and makes a great guardian dog.

These hybrids aren't for everyone. They can be stubborn and headstrong, and need firm leadership. And if their temperament is more Chow-like, they'll have a harder time getting along with kids; they'll definitely try to dominate other dogs, so they might be best in a one-dog (or even one-pet!) household. In any case, a Pitchow will get along better with children and other animals if they're raised together. A PitBull mixed with Chow can also learn to live in an apartment, but they'll do best in larger homes with fenced yards.

Pitchows' energy levels can vary. The APBT is extremely active, and the Chow Chow is not, so your Pitchow can be highly energetic (or not), or likely somewhere in between. In any case, they'll probably need a good bit of outdoor exercise on a daily basis. Just be sure to leash these dogs in public to avoid any unwanted confrontations with strange people or animals.

Protective, affectionate, independent, loyal, and sometimes stubborn, the Chow-PitBull mix temperament is one of confidence and devotion. These hybrids are loving and friendly with family members--but depending on inherited traits, they might be reserved and standoffish around others. Pitchows might get along with kids, but they won't take too kindly to rough treatment (even if it's unintentional), so they're probably better in households with older kids who treat them respectfully. Pitchows will also try to dominate other dogs, especially those of the same sex. All this means these dogs will need a lot of obedience training and socialization (starting during puppyhood if possible) to learn respectful behavior.

Training a Pitchow may be a bit difficult. They're not blessed with a lot of intelligence, and they can be stubborn--so they may need some repetitions to learn tasks, tricks, or commands. Firm (but never harsh), consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

One of the best Pit Bull-Chow characteristics, though, is these hybrids' watchdog skills. Pitchows are very confident and protective, and will likely investigate unknown sights or sounds--and chances are, they'll be able to neutralize potential threats like intruders.

A Pitchow, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids might suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, various heart issues, and gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Pitchow is 12-15 years.