Pitchow

30-70 lbs
17-21"
Unknown
American Pit Bull Terrier
Chow Chow
Chowpit
Pitchows, or Chowpits, are hybrid dogs created from American Pitbull Terrier and Chow Chow parents. These unique dogs have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years and make great companion pets. This designer breed often has a varying appearance since they can be born with physical traits from both parents. Personality as well can change among individuals, since the Chow Chow and American Pitbull Terrier have different temperaments and the offspring can be anywhere in between. Overall, this hybrid breed tends to be kind and obedient but can be uncomfortable around some people that they do not know.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
American Pitbull Terrier, Chow Chow

Pitchow Health

Average Size
Male Pitchow size stats
Height: 17-21 inches Weight: 30-70 lbs
Female Pitchow size stats
Height: 17-21 inches Weight: 30-70 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Entropion
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Cataracts
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Allergies
  • Congenital Heart Defect
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Urinalysis
  • Blood Electrolytes
  • ECG
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Complete Blood Work
  • Serum Chemistry
  • Optical Exam
  • Fluorescein Test
  • Schirmer Tear Test
  • Complete Blood Profile
  • Cultures
  • Complete Ophthalmologic Examination

Pitchow Breed History

Pitchows are hybrid dogs that are born from an American Pitbull Terrier and a Chow Chow parent. Because this is a mixed breed that was born from two purebred dogs, we have to look at information on the parents in order to find out what your designer puppy will look and act like. American Pitbull Terriers originate from England and were created from several types of Terrier breeds such as the Fox Terrier, the White English Terrier and the Black and Tan Terrier as well as English Bulldogs. This mix was then named as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and were usually owned by butchers and hunters. Butchers would use these dogs for managing bulls and to hold hunter’s game, such as wild boar. These dogs have a past involved in bloodsports such as bull or bear baiting and were later on used for dog fighting once the previous sports were outlawed in the 1800s. Around the same time, the breed was brought to the United States, which is where they were given the name of the American Pitbull Terrier. No one really knows where the Chow Chow was originally from, but it is known that this breed is very old. There are fossils of dogs that are similar to the Chow Chow that are from millions of years ago, as well as pictures shown on Chinese pottery which date back all the way to 206 B.C. It is thought that these dogs are somewhat related to the Chinese Shar-Pei, since they are both from China and have distinctive blue mouths. This breed was often used as a working dog for the Chinese and were capable of many types of work, including hunting, herding, pulling sleds and carts, guarding boats and protecting the home. Sadly, the breed was used for more than working in China. They were often eaten and considered a delicacy, and their fur was used to make coats for humans. They were brought to England in the 1800s by merchants. The Chow Chow is thought to be the ancestor of several other popular breeds today, including the Pomeranian, Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound and the Keeshond.

Pitchow Breed Appearance

Most of the time, when you look at a hybrid breed you should be able to see both parents in the appearance of the offspring. Typically, Pitchow puppies will look mostly like their American Pitbull Terrier parents, although they usually have the blue or blue spotted tongue from the Chow Chow. These cute dogs can take on the thick, erect ears of the American Pitbull Terrier or the floppier and more thin ears from the Chow Chow. Sometimes these dogs can develop one ear of each breed! The muzzles of these dogs are similar to those of the American Pitbull Terrier, although slightly shorter. Their jaws are wide and the tongues are, of course, purple. Overall, their bodies are stocky but supple. The back legs of these dogs are like the American Pitbull Terrier, and the tails may be curved. If you need a deeper understanding of what a Pitchow can look like, compare the appearance of both parents.

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Pitchow eyes
Hazel
brown Pitchow eyes
Brown
amber Pitchow eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
blue Pitchow nose
Blue
black Pitchow nose
Black
brown Pitchow nose
Brown
isabella Pitchow nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
cream Pitchow coat
Cream
brown Pitchow coat
Brown
gray Pitchow coat
Gray
black Pitchow coat
Black
white Pitchow coat
White
brindle Pitchow coat
Brindle
fawn Pitchow coat
Fawn
blue Pitchow coat
Blue
red Pitchow coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Pitchow straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Pitchow Breed Maintenance

Some traits of hybrid dogs can be hard to determine for sure, since characteristics of a dog can be inherited from each parent. The Pitchow, for example, could be born with an American Pitbull Terrier coat, or maybe one that more closely resembles the Chow Chow. If your dog develops a coat from the first parent mentioned, it will be fairly simple to care for. If they have fur that is more like the Chow Chow, however, maintenance will be a bit more difficult, since you will have to clean between the folds of their skin. Ear cleaning is also needed for dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds in order to lower the threat of ear infections. Perform this simple but necessary task once a week. Another job that you as an owner must do is clipping your dog’s nails. To maintain the nails at a healthy length, cut them shorter around once every month or two. Lastly, tooth brushing is a maintenance need that is vital but often overlooked. Dogs can get tooth decay and gum infections just like us, and require regular teeth brushing to stay healthy. It is best to do this every day, although as often as two or three times a week is okay too.

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Brushes for Pitchow
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Pitchow requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Pitchow Temperament

Pitchows will take on some temperamental characteristics from both the American Pitbull Terrier and the Chow Chow. Based on the typical behavior of these two breeds, we can assume that the Pitchow will be a fairly independent dog that is also quite playful. Although these designer dogs are very friendly, they can sometimes be uncomfortable and suspicious around strangers. They are also not big fans of children but will be tolerant of them. These dogs are bright and skilled enough to be taught numerous impressive tricks. The Pitchow will be a good alarm when someone is at the door, although they are usually described as singers as opposed to barkers. It is important to train and socialize your dog early to make sure that your pet grows up into a confident and obedient adult. Teaching your pets obedience as a puppy will teach them to trust and follow you as their owners throughout their whole life.

Pitchow Activity Requirements

The Pitchow will enjoy a daily walk and should also be given time to run free in a large and safe enclosed space. Most dogs from this unique breed enjoy many outdoor physical activities, including swimming. Based on the information available on the parents, we can determine that they can be suited to life in an apartment or a home without a yard as long as you make sure to exercise them enough throughout the day. Their preferred climate can vary, since the American Pitbull Terrier prefers the warm weather, and the Chow Chow would rather cold temperatures. Since Chow Chows are not very active breeds and American Pitbull Terriers have high energy levels, we can assume that the Pitchow will be somewhere in between. Therefore, they should be exercised for around 30 to 60 minutes per day.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Pitchow Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.20 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Pitchow Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Pitchow size stats at six months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 19.0 lbs
Female Pitchow size stats at six months
Height: 6.5 inches Weight: 19.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Pitchow size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
Female Pitchow size stats at 12 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 30.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Pitchow size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 39.0 lbs
Female Pitchow size stats at 18 months
Height: 16.5 inches Weight: 39.0 lbs

Pitchow Owner Experiences

harley
2 Years
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug of war
Walks
wrestling
my puppy is very cute i love her so much
6 years, 9 months ago
Azul
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is an amazing pet and companion. He's very mild tempered and loves other dogs. We have a hard time keeping him in the yard. He meets me at the house when I get home from work, if he's been out all day. He's very smart and playful!
6 years, 8 months ago
Ajax
8 Months
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Incredibly smart dog but stubborn as all hell. Very independent and very friendly to most people
6 years, 8 months ago
Bear
8 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Go to Park
Playing in the snow
My boy is very sweet. He loves other dogs and is always ready to play. Very very smart and mannerly. He listens well and is my good boy💕
6 years, 7 months ago
Maya
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Running
She's often energetic around noon and late evening. She loves our cat. She's very cuddly when not pouncing on you. She runs to the door every time she sees someone approaching it. She's very obedient outside and will stay in the yard and comes back when called.
6 years, 6 months ago
China
8 Months
5 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Play
Walk
Can be obiedient, however, most of the time chooses not to listen. Always biting the hands of people who try to pet her and grabbing shoes and socks and running around with them, even after an hour or so playtime.
6 years, 6 months ago
Maiya
11 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Walks
I have had my dog since she was a baby. We have 3 cats that she tolerates but she does not like other dogs at all. She loves people but she is a very good guard dog. I’m pretty sure if a burglar ignored her barking and got in the house she’d make friends weird him. Lol
6 years, 4 months ago
Shadow
6 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
cuddle
Walk
Run
Nap
Shadow is a beautiful black pitchow. About 50lbs with straight hind legs, curled tail, pointed ears, and blue-spotted tongue! She is definitely a companion pup who loves her family but is not afraid to protect them, barking at anyone who walks by the house. She is friendly to other dogs and to people once she gets to know them. Shadow is a very intelligent pup; she learned several tricks and was “potty” trained very quickly. She is a bit stubborn at times but overall listens to commands very well. She does shed a lot but weekly brushing helps maintain the mess. I love this dog so much, I may stick with this cross breed for my next few dogs.
6 years, 1 month ago
Koa
3 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Koa is a sweet brindle pitcher.
5 years, 9 months ago
LINK
5 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very attached to me, but is very loving toward my spouse. But follows me everywhere I go and is very cautious of strangers. Barks at people and other dogs when viewing them from window, but will not back at them when im out walking him. Gets along well with small dogs and puppies.
5 years, 6 months ago
Archie
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kong ball
Picking up sissy from school
Going to mammaws
Going to the petstore
Going to lowes
Going to the groomers
Going to the boarder
Going bye-bye
Sitting in the shade on a sunny day
Going to the dog park
Playing with the new puppy
Eating icecream
Tricks
Eating Snacks
Car rides
naps
Archie is a great dog. His Mother is a Pit and his Father is a Chow. He is cautious around new people, but once he checks you out hes all wags and spotted tongue hanging out. He loves children and loves other dogs. He loves to play but also loves to lay back in the a/c and relax. He normally has dense, long, wirey hair, but we have him groomed every 2 months just to keep it under control. We keep his tail longer because we think its cute. He has small, thicker ears, and when hes "smiling" he has the pitty look. He is brindle colored and was born with bright blue eyes and had them until he was about 8 months old and they started chnging and now they are white. He is a very bright puppers but at the same time very hard headed! He has never bit anyone or even attempted to. Hes such a sweet boy. Hes also a big old scaredy cat! Just this evening he was scared of my daughters chewimg gum bubble...lol. Dont let the names Pit and Chow scare you and dont let Pitchow scare you either. Like I told my skeptical Mom (who loves Archie to pieces now) and everyone else, its not the breed of dog to be fearful of, its the owners who dont raise them properly and dont have proper control over them that accidents happen, thats where fear comes from. My whole point is, dont blame the dog, its all in how they are raised.
5 years, 2 months ago
Max
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Max is a very smart, loveable, friendly, dog
4 years, 7 months ago
Duke
2 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love him just got him today
4 years, 7 months ago
Eli
5 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Eli is so handsome and very sweet. His dad is a large white chow his mom is a medium black pit. He looks like mom with a tiny patch of white on his chest. He loves napping and never barks inside the house. When he is outside he barks at neighbors in their backyards to let us know someones around. We love him. He isn't fully potty trained but thats mostly my fault. He’s so sweet a best friend and guard dog.
4 years, 6 months ago
Archie
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Events
Car rides
Hiking
Shopping
dog park
We got Archie at 4 weeks old, as his mother quit making milk. He is a very sweet dog, potty trained pretty good, loves children, loves adults, loves cats and other dogs, and just an all around good doggie.
4 years, 6 months ago
Cinnamon
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She’s amazing. She’s super smart. She knows so many tricks and demands. She’s beautiful.
4 years, 5 months ago
Mia
1 Year
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Rope
Run
Fetch
Beach
Walk
Hikes
I adopted a 1 year old chow pit mix from a shelter, named her MIA. Very respectful, loving, cuddly and listens well. Can definitely be nervous around new people and other dogs. Protective of the home, barks whenever someone is at the door, but just watches people and other dogs off the balcony. Sometimes isn’t interested in learning new tricks but is very good with the ones she knows. Overall very loving and sweet bread. Absolutely beautiful and gets many compliments from strangers.
4 years, 5 months ago
Brody
15 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ive had Brody since he was 8 months old and hes been my best friend ever since. Ive taken him everywhere..to store..restaurants even to a rehab center to see my mom and he was always well behaved. Hes good with children and other animals especially baby animals. The only downside is he doesnt get along with male dogs around his size..no matter how i introduce them..he will not accept them. But hes been the best dog ive ever had.
4 years, 3 months ago
Ariat
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Swim
Tug-of-war
Agility training
Walk
My baby girl has been my world since I picked her out. I started basic training about 2 weeks after she came home and she now sits, lays down, rolls over, waves with one pay and shakes with the other. She is also working on playing dead in the yard with my children. She loves to play the good guy when the kids want to play bad guys. She speaks, sneaks, and is one pup that I will forever cherish
4 years, 2 months ago
Tempest blue
5 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He doesn't like my 7/5 year old like to chew on them and very aggressive if they wanna play, doesn't like visitors in the house. High energy and will follow me but barely listens lol.
4 years, 2 months ago
Luna
4 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dog Parks
Walk
I got Luna when she was 2 months old a few weeks after my 12 yr old chihuahua passed and love her so much she also loves my male and female friends I new that early socialization was important so I took her to the dog park as soon as I could I was told that her mom was the pit and her dad was the chow she is white with brown spots my friend call her a pitcow cuz she looks like a lil cow she has the most crackhead pup energy ever but is fully potty trained still working on the basic commands but she knows sit leave it and almost has stay and heal down I am going to have her be my service dog so the training and her low matinence coat are a good thing she likes having a task to do but I'm sure dog park time is her fav time. she has helped me cope with the loss of my other baby she was 120 found her on craigslist she was the best 120 I have ever spent in my life and I wouldn't give her up for anything in the world.
4 years, 2 months ago
Marley
15 Weeks
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running, walking, dog oadm
We got Marley when she was 7 weeks old. She is super sweet, but sometimes she gets really skittish. But mostly, she is super sweet. She is already starting to show her protective side-at night when she sees someone, she will start barking. She is overall a great dog!
4 years, 2 months ago
Chloe
9 Weeks
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
we just got her she is in the teething phase a little atitude
4 years ago
Karma
7 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Walk
Run
Playing tug of war n cuddling
Tag
Very laid back and smart
3 years, 11 months ago
Ethan
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ethan is loyal and protective of his owners. He is cautious around strangers and will not allow people he doesn’t know to pet him. He is intelligent and likes to watch television. He barks at the animals. He has a high prey drive and hates cats. He is playful with us and the other dogs.
3 years, 10 months ago
Paddington
14 Weeks
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Outdoor activities
snuggling
Playing with kids
Singing
Extremely friendly and playful. He sings and loves the outdoors as much as he loves being a couch potato.
3 years, 9 months ago
Bear
7 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Walk
Run
Hide & Seek
Eating Snacks
Play
He’s very friendly and tends to have the best behavior out of all my other dogs. He loves being outdoors running in the backyard. Otherwise, he’ll sit by my feet demanding cuddles and belly rubs. He can be nervous around people he’s unfamiliar with for sometimes, but if he sees them on the regular. If he waves his paw and winks at you, he likes you lol.
3 years, 9 months ago
Dixie
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Dixie is about 8 mos old now, got her when she was 8 weeks old. Looks much like a pit bull, tan and white, pit bull jaws, with chow ears. She is sweet, very loving, and very social. Can be very stubborn and be a grudge holder...she is 55 lbs now..and buff. Easily distracted or chooses not to hear me, especially when she is focused on something. Took me 2 yrs to consider another dog after losing my German Shepherd, Girlie, she was 12 yrs old. Wasn’t sure I could love another, but I have...Dixie is full of love..and I too am full of love for her. She is also a talker...different barks and sounds to communicate.
3 years, 8 months ago
Pvt Snowball
2 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So far just cuddling and cleaning up pee-pee
Pvt Snowball is named for the African-American soldier in "Full Metal Jacket" whose nickname was the same. I just got snowball a few hours ago, and as such, we are just getting to know each other, and he is still crying for his mama. I've always been an absolute dog nut, and have no doubt that he and I will be inseparable until one of us passes. He is all white and fluffy like a connon ball. Daddy is a pit while mama is full-blood Chow Chow. I will be sure to post more as little Snowball grows up.
3 years, 8 months ago
Chole
6 Months
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I am surprised by your weight guide she is already 42lbs and the trainer said she probably could lose 2lbs but according to your guide she is obese
3 years, 8 months ago
Jackson (Jax)
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play with Toys
Lay down and relax
Running
Running in the woods
Smart, extremely loyal, and loving
3 years, 8 months ago
Sedona
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Play
Catch treats
Learn a new trick
Food
Run
licking
Chase
My Ona bear is the most LOVING dog I’ve ever met! She LOVES to lick! Loves people, she doesn’t care for dogs unless it’s her big brother.
3 years, 4 months ago
DAISY
5 Weeks
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
flirt pole
sleeps all day like a real chow chow
3 years, 4 months ago
Malla
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The sweetest doggo ever. High energy.
3 years, 2 months ago
Harley
10 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
going on walks
Going on drives
Fetch
she did is a tad bit more crazy than normal but i love her nonetheless.
3 years, 2 months ago
Hades
2 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Swim
Fetch
Not exactly a guard dog but more like an alarm. Excellent hearing. Lovable and playful. Good with kids and our 2 Jack Russels and rednose pitbull. Always by your side if you move around the house.
2 years, 11 months ago
Jax
3 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Amazingly sweet. The sweetest dog I ever had! Spurts of high energy and then super lazy but LOVES to cuddle! Also loves other dogs and people.
2 years, 11 months ago
Sandi
6 Weeks
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
First dog 6weeks old
2 years, 9 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

my pitchow female is 42 lbs at 6 months / our trainer at the dog school says she could lose 2 lbs but your chart says at 6 months she should be 20lbs???

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

My pitt/chow mix female brindle sog is about 9 to 10 years old. She has been expressing random bursts of aggression towards our other 3 dogs, especially one in particular. She has grey in her eyes so im sure shes possobly going blind and she more than likely has athritis or hip problems. Is there any advice you can give me to help eleviate this issue or point me in the right direction as to how i should handle this?

Answer
I absolutely agree that at this age a medical issue is likely driving the behaviour change. Ensure she had a safe space to be alone when needed and don't allow the others to pester her. A vet visit is required as she likely needs pain medicine and anti inflammatories. If she has cataracts, these can sometimes be treated.
3 years, 8 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - New pet
Question

My pit chow puppy was born January 1 when can I bring him home is he ready now?

Answer
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - Other
Question

We took my sister dog because my siter passed how can we help her dog with the lose of her owner

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd