Chi Chi Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chi Chi?

A Chi Chi dog breed is a cross between a chihuahua and a Chinese crested dog. Chihuahua dogs have an ancient heritage stretching back to the early medieval period; these dogs were raised and sold by the Aztecs for companionship and some religious ceremonies.

Despite the name, these crested dogs don't actually originate in China; instead, they were first discovered in Africa by Chinese merchants and sailors. The Chinese crested is a hairless dog which was beneficial because the breed was less affected by fleas and parasites.

Enter the Chi Chi, which is a cross between a chihuahua and a Chinese crested dog. Chi Chi dogs have traits from both ancestral parents; most breeders and owners would describe them as friendly, energetic, and with big personalities despite their size - lovely mixed breed dogs.

Who are Chi Chi dogs best for?

Chi Chi puppies are designer lap dogs, they are small dogs that are meant to be carried around and pampered, but that's not the only reason to bring a Chi Chi into your life. This little dog is also a friendly and lively companion, perfect for single people, families, and first-time owners.

Like its parent breeds, a Chi Chi dog is small, energetic, and hairless; this has pros and cons for people thinking of getting a Chi Chi. Although they are small, they are very vocal and snappy; if you have young children, the Chi Chi might annoy them and cause aggravation in the home.

How much grooming does a Chi Chi need?

A Chi Chi puppy has a coat that resembles the ancestral parent breeds, which means that the coat is usually on the thin side. If it's more of a powderpuff Chinese crested dog you might have a little more fur on the Chi Chi dog. Either way, these dogs tend to shed daily, but it's very light.

You will find that a Chi Chi dog sheds its coat every day and more during shedding season, but don't let that put you off; in reality, the hair you find is minimal due to the lightness of the coat, which is best for allergies. Keep a brush close and give them a casual groom now and then.

Do Chi Chi bark much?

It might not come as any surprise, but little dogs tend to be quite vocal - maybe it's a size thing! Whatever the reason, you need to start training your Chi Chi dog from an early age so the barking doesn't get out of hand; there are some effective ways you can train your Chi Chi dog.

The best way to start barking training is to use positive reinforcement techniques; for example, if your small dog is barking a lot, you need to use treats and affection to encourage silence. Similarly, if you withdraw affection from your Chi Chi dog, it will start learning to behave.

Do Chi Chi bite?

Chi Chi dogs are similar to their chihuahua ancestors when it comes to biting - that means they bite a lot, but don't worry, even a hard bite from one of these little dogs is not going to hurt. Still, it's not a behaviour trait you want to encourage in your companion, so train them.

Again, the best way to train bad behaviour out of a dog is to use treats for positive reinforcement and withdraw your affection to get the response you're looking for; the good news is that Chi Chi dogs are extremely affectionate and respond when you turn your back.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chi Chi?

These dogs make excellent companions, they are energetic, friendly, and fiercely loyal, but they also have attachment anxiety and can't be left alone for very long. Because of their loyalty, they might also become unhappy around other dogs or when you show affection to someone else.

What is the weight & size of a Chi Chi?

Based on its breed, it's no surprise to learn that the Chi Chi is a smaller dog; in fact, these are designer dogs bred to sit on someone's lap or to be carried around. Expect a Chi Chi to weigh somewhere between 2-5 kilos, and stand between 12 - 30 cm tall from the shoulder.

Although you can expect these dimensions for weight and size in general, there is no guarantee that your Chi Chi dog will conform to these standards. The Chi Chi is a new breed of dog, and there are variations; still, you can expect a Chi Chi dog to be a fairly small lapdog for the house.

How much training does a Chi Chi need?

A Chi Chi dog can be difficult to train because of its pushy nature, but that makes it even more important to get this right. Like most dogs in training, you need to create set routines for them to follow so they understand when it's time to eat and where to go for the toilet or how to ask.

A Chi Chi is pushier than average dogs, so make sure you never bow to their wishes or put them in control. Feeding time should always be determined by you and the schedule, not by them. Also, carry out obedience training with treats and various reinforcement techniques.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Chi Chi?

In general, Chi Chi dogs are fairly healthy and suffer from a few conditions, that said, they can develop genetic health problems associated with their breed, and you need to prevent ear infections. Other conditions include Luxating Patella, Dental Disease, and Dry Eye.

What is the lifespan of a Chi Chi?

Unlike most dogs, Chi Chis can live a long time - the oldest one ever recorded lived until he was twenty; in most cases, they will live somewhere between 11-20 years old. The reason is that these dogs come from pretty good stock and suffer from relatively few health conditions.

How much should you feed a Chi Chi?

A Chi Chi is a small dog with energy to spare, so they need the right kind of food and the right time. Stick to a set feeding schedule and use high-quality dog food, limit kibble, and try not to overfeed them because these overactive dogs are prone to overeating and gain weight quickly.

What is the price of a Chi Chi in Australia?

Chi Chi dogs are a new breed of dog, and they have a lot of breeders in Australia. If you want a mixed Chi in your life, you can buy one from a breeder for around $800, but if it's a specialised breed, you can expect to pay more. These dogs can also be acquired from rescue centres.