Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Full Grown: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
Are you considering adopting a pitbull chihuahua mix puppy but want to know what they'll be like fully grown? This guide covers everything you need to know about a pitbull chihuahua mix at their adult size, including appearance, personality, health, care needs, and more.
About the Pitbull Chihuahua Mix
The pitbull chihuahua mix, also called a "pitweiler" or "chibull," is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding an American Pit Bull Terrier with a Chihuahua.
Both parent breeds have very different sizes, shapes, and temperaments, so it's difficult to predict exactly what a pitbull chihuahua mix puppy will be like fully grown.
Traits can be inherited from either the pitbull or chihuahua side, or a combination of both.
Size at Full Growth
Due to their mixed heritage, pitbull chihuahua mixes can vary widely in size as adults. On average, expect them to reach:
- Length: 12-18 inches
- Height: 10-15 inches
Most pitweilers fall squarely in the "toy breed" size range. However, some may inherit more of the pitbull parent's stockier build and end up medium-sized. No matter their proportions, almost all will be smaller than a typical pitbull.
Weight at Full Growth
As with size, a pitbull chihuahua mix's weight as an adult is hard to pin down exactly. On average, anticipate them weighing:
Male: 10-30 lbs
Female: 8-25 lbs
Most fall in the 10-20 lb range. Larger specimens may top out around 30 lbs, but anything over 25 lbs would be unusually big for the breed.
Appearance at Full Growth
In terms of looks, pitweilers are a toss-up. Some take after their pitbull parent with stocky bodies, broad chests, and short coats. Others favor the Chihuahua's slender build and large ears and eyes. Color patterns also vary widely and can include:
- Brindle
- Fawn
- Brown
- Black
- White
- Merle
No matter the look, most will have a short coat that's easy to care for. Some may inherit a Chihuahua's single or double coat instead.
Personality at Full Growth
Personality-wise, pitbull chihuahua mixes tend to bond strongly to their families as loyal companions. They can also inherit traits from either parent breed such as:
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Alert
- Good with kids
- Independent
- Assertive
Early socialization is important to ensure they are comfortable interacting with strangers as adults. Without it, some may show protective or possessive tendencies towards their owners.
Price
Expect to pay $300-800 usually for a pitbull chihuahua mix puppy depending on the breeder's location and the puppy's pedigree. Well-bred puppies from health-tested parents commanding higher prices.
Food and Feeding
As adults, pitweilers have moderate calorie needs. A good rule of thumb is to:
- Feed 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into two meals
- Adjust amounts up or down based on your dog's body condition and activity level
Fresh, clean water should always be available. Sometimes a pitbull chihuahua mix's risk of obesity warrants only feeding measured kibble and restricting snacks and treats.
Lifespan
With proper care, pitbull chihuahua mixes have a lifespan of 12-15 years on average. Some may live upwards of 18 years if healthy and well taken care of throughout their lives.
Health at Full Growth
No breed is fully guaranteed to be free of issues, but with a responsible breeder, pitweilers are generally healthy dogs as adults. Watch for:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in toy varieties
- Patellar luxation (slipped kneecaps)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Collapsing trachea
- Eye problems
Dental disease and obesity also require lifelong care and management if preventable conditions don't crop up.
Care and Nutritional Needs
Once fully grown, pitbull chihuahua mixes still need:
- Daily brushing to keep their short coat shiny and mat-free
- Regular dental hygiene like brushing teeth to prevent issues
- Nail trims every 1-2 months to avoid cracking or overgrowth
- Yearly vet checkups and vaccines to catch health issues early
Clean their ears weekly to prevent infection, and give them raw bones or chew toys to keep their teeth and jaws conditioned.
Cost of Ownership
Beyond the initial purchase price, expect these additional expenses:
- $500-800 per year for high-quality food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and more
- $300-500 per year for annual wellness exams, heartworm/flea prevention, and dental cleanings
- $1000-2000 for unexpected medical expenses like surgeries or prescription medications if issues arise
Having savings set aside for emergencies is prudent for any dog owner.
Possible Behavioral Changes
Some pitbull chi mixes change little once reaching adulthood, but it's not uncommon to see:
- Increased independence and unwillingness to please as much as a puppy
- Less energetic play drive and more preference for naps as senior dogs
- Assertiveness if not properly socialized as toy breed dogs
- More vocalization like barking or howling to make their needs known
Consistency, positive reinforcement training remains important throughout life.
Notable Characteristics
As full grown dogs, pitbull chihuahua mixes usually:
- Bond very closely to their families
- Enjoy human affection and contact
- Get along well with patient, respectful children
- Do best as only pets or with small, mellow canine housemates
- Thrive on interactive playtime and mental stimulation
- Can be suspicious of strangers if not properly socialized
When is a Pitweiler Considered Fully Grown?
On average, pitbull chihuahua mixes reach their adult size around 12-18 months old. However, smaller toy varieties may finish growing closer to 1 year. Either way, it's best to consider them adults after 2 years old when growth plates have fully fused.
Suitability as a Pet
With the right owner, pitbull chihuahua mixes make loving pets. Their small size means they're well-suited to apartment living with regular exercise. However, these dogs do best with an owner who:
- Can continually provide attention and bonding activities
- Is willing to groom and train them daily
- Supports positive training from an early age
- Understands their needs as both a small and toy breed dog
Pitweilers tend to be vocal, protective of resources, and prone to small dog syndrome if not properly socialized. Single-pet homes allow them to form close relationships without stress. Renters should also check if their building accepts all sizes of dogs.
Due to their terrier heritage, some may exhibit high chase or prey drives towards small animals. Supervised coexistence with other pets requires careful, gradual introductions from a young age. Without patience and training, aggression can occur.
These hybrids thrive as indoor companions in enriched environments. Apartment dwellers who prioritize family bonding over physical space may find a pitweiler mixes their perfect furry fit. However, buyers need realism about the breed's tendencies and commitment to lifelong care, training, and enrichment.
Is a Pitbull Chihuahua Mix Right for You?
Use this checklist to determine if adopting a pitweiler suits your lifestyle:
- Are you ready for a toy/small breed dog and can meet their specialized needs?
- Does your home environment allow controlled socialization from 8 weeks onward?
- Do you have the time for daily one-on-one play and interactions?
- Are you committed to positive obedience training throughout your dog's life?
- Do you accept that some resource guarding or distrust of strangers may occur?
- If renting, does your building allow all dog sizes?
- Can you afford vet care, quality supplies, toys and their food budget?
If you can provide the attention, care and realistic expectations these hybrids require, pitbull chihuahua mixes offer wonderful pet companionship. But their unique needs make them unsuitable for absentee owners or first-time dog buyers.
Conclusion
With foresight into caring for a mixed breed dog from two very different parent types, adopting a pitbull chihuahua mix as an adult can be hugely rewarding. Their small stature opens up apartment living while still carrying terrier personality traits.
Just be ready to meet their specialized needs as you would a small dog prone to "little dog syndrome." With commitment to lifelong training, socialization and enrichment, these hybrids thrive as devoted family pets.
