Chowpit
The Chowpit is a cross between the Chow Chow and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Chowpit. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog that presents a square profile when viewed from the side. Males typically stand between 19 and 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds, while females measure 18 to 20 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. The breed possesses a sturdy, muscular frame with straight, heavy-boned legs that contribute to its distinctive stilted gait. This unique walking pattern results from the rear legs having minimal angulation, creating a somewhat stiff-legged movement that is immediately recognizable and characteristic of the breed alone. One of the most striking features of the Chow Chow is its magnificent double coat, which comes in two varieties: rough and smooth. The rough coat is abundant, dense, and stands off from the body, creating a thick ruff around the head and neck that resembles a lion's mane. The smooth variety has a hard, dense outer coat with a definite undercoat but lacks the pronounced ruff. Both coat types come in five recognized colors: red, black, blue, cinnamon, and cream, with shading variations acceptable within each color. The coat requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance, with particularly intensive care needed during seasonal shedding periods when the undercoat is released. The breed's head is large and broad with a flat skull and moderate stop. Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the blue-black tongue, which is unique among purebred dogs and shared only with the Shar Pei. This unusual pigmentation extends to the lips and oral cavity, with darker coloration preferred in show specimens. The eyes are deep-set, almond-shaped, and dark, giving the Chow an expression of dignified aloofness and intelligence. Small, triangular ears are thick, slightly rounded at the tips, and carried stiffly erect, adding to the breed's alert appearance. The tail is set high and carried closely over the back, blending with the profuse coat to create a harmonious silhouette that completes the breed's distinctive outline.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Despite their protective nature, Chow Chows are generally not aggressive when properly bred and socialized. They make excellent watchdogs, alerting their families to unusual activities without excessive barking. The breed has relatively low exercise requirements compared to many dogs of similar size, typically content with moderate daily walks. Chows can be dominant with other dogs, particularly those of the same sex, and their strong prey drive means careful introductions are necessary with smaller pets. Their clean nature and lack of doggy odor make them appealing for those who appreciate a fastidious companion.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Other health issues affecting Chow Chows include hypothyroidism, which can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems, and bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and potentially rotates. The breed's thick coat makes them susceptible to overheating in warm weather, requiring careful management during summer months. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of position, and various skin conditions including hot spots and allergies also occur in the breed. The average lifespan for a Chow Chow is approximately 12 years, with proper care and health screening helping to ensure the longest, healthiest life possible.
American Pit Bull Terrier
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, solidly built dog that exudes strength and athleticism without appearing bulky or cumbersome. Males typically stand 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, while females measure 17 to 20 inches and weigh 30 to 50 pounds. The breed presents a well-proportioned, muscular frame that is slightly longer than tall, with a broad chest, strong shoulders, and powerful hindquarters that enable impressive athletic performance. Despite their muscular appearance, American Pit Bull Terriers possess remarkable agility and athletic ability, moving with an effortless, springy gait that demonstrates both power and grace. The head is one of the breed's most distinguishing features, being broad and flat with a wide, deep muzzle and pronounced cheek muscles that give the face its characteristic chiseled appearance. The skull is large but proportionate to the body, and the jaws are well-defined and powerful without appearing exaggerated or overly heavy. The eyes are round to almond-shaped, set low and wide apart on the skull, and can be any color except blue in show dogs, though blue eyes occur in some individuals. Ears are naturally rose or semi-prick and may be cropped or left natural depending on owner preference and regional customs. The neck is heavily muscled and slightly arched, flowing smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders that contribute to the breed's athletic movement. The coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier is short, close, stiff to the touch, and glossy, requiring minimal grooming beyond occasional brushing. This single coat lies flat against the body and highlights the breed's well-defined musculature. The breed standard accepts all colors, patterns, and combinations except merle, which is associated with health problems and considered a disqualification. Common colorations include brindle, red, blue, fawn, black, and white, or any combination of these with various markings. The tail is thick at the base, tapering to a point, and is carried low, reaching approximately to the hock. The overall impression is of a confident, athletic dog built for both strength and speed.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament While American Pit Bull Terriers generally display excellent temperament toward humans, some individuals may show dog-directed aggression, particularly toward dogs of the same sex. This tendency requires responsible management, including proper socialization, secure fencing, and appropriate supervision during interactions with other animals. Early and ongoing socialization remains essential for developing a well-adjusted adult dog. The breed's tenacity, originally valued in working contexts, means they may not back down from conflicts once engaged, making prevention of confrontations critically important. Despite misconceptions about aggression, temperament testing shows American Pit Bull Terriers typically score above average in stability and friendliness toward people.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Additional health concerns include hypothyroidism, which can cause weight gain, lethargy, and coat problems, and congenital heart defects that may be present from birth. Cataracts and other eye conditions occur in some lines. The breed can be prone to weight gain if diet and exercise are not properly managed, and obesity exacerbates many other health conditions. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of proper position, affects some individuals. The average lifespan for an American Pit Bull Terrier is 12 to 14 years, longer than many breeds of similar size, reflecting the overall hardiness of the breed when provided proper care and veterinary attention.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Chowpit may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Chow Chow and American Pit Bull Terrier to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.