Chi-poo Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chi-poo?

The Chi-poo was possibly naturally bred throughout the years, but in the 1970s, designer breeders began breeding Poodles and Chihuahuas.

Breeders set out to mix the Poodle and Chihuahua to create an intelligent but low-maintenance dog that would be independent and easy to train. Because it's believed that mixing breeds can reduce health issues, more Chi-poos were bred to keep up with the demand for mixed breeds.

Who are Chi-poo dogs best for?

Although Chi-poos make great family pets, they're more suited to adults and families with older kids because of their small size. They can easily be hurt by excited young children and prefer to play with older children who understand that they need to handle the dog gently.

Both the Poodle and Chihuahua can be stubborn and temperamental. If your Chi-poo takes after the Chihuahua parent, it could be a bit nippy.

For this reason, children should be taught from an early age that they mustn't play roughly with this small dog. Always be cautious, though. Never leave a young child with a dog unsupervised under any circumstances.

How much grooming does a Chi-poo need?

The Chi-poo is a low-shedding dog which is great news as it makes grooming much easier. A brush once a week is usually enough. However, more frequent brushing may be needed depending on the texture and length of the coat.

Chi-poos are prone to eye issues and will need extra care. Make sure you regularly clean your pup's eyes to reduce the tear stains that their overactive tear glands produce.

The Chi-poo can also suffer from ear infections thanks to the floppy ears. Grooming your dog regularly can help you to notice early signs of health problems. This means you'll be able to seek veterinary care quickly.

Chi-poos don't tend to tolerate cold weather very well because of their thin coats, so a dog coat or a cute sweater may be needed during the colder months.

Do Chi-poo bark much?

Because they're bred from Chihuahuas, these small dogs may be a little bit yappy. Chihuahuas are well known for their big voices, so your Chi-poo might inherit this noisy dog trait. This could be a problem if you live in an apartment or are in very close proximity to your neighbours.

Your Chi-poo will bark to alert you if a stranger is approaching. But, it may also bark out of excitement. The best way to reduce the barking and avoid annoyed neighbours is to start obedience training early on.

Do Chi-poo bite?

Because the Chi-poo is a Chihuahua Poodle mix, there could be a bit of nipping, especially during the puppy phase. Although it won't seem like an issue at first, it's important not to let this habit become worse.

Obedience training and puppy training classes can help prevent any biting habits from forming. Early and consistent socialisation can help to prevent aggression towards people and other dogs too.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chi-poo?

This Chihuahua Poodle mix tends to inherit the good qualities of each parent breed. They're intelligent, playful, and energetic. They're great performers, and they can learn tricks very easily. Their high intelligence levels mean they learn quickly and are very confident.

However, this little pooch can develop "little dog syndrome", which means they think they're bigger and tougher than they are! This goes hand-in-hand with its confidence and can get it into trouble!

When it comes to affection, a Chi-poo tends to bond with one person. They are loving and loyal to other household members, but they will devote most of their affection and love to their chosen human! This makes them an ideal breed for people living alone.

What is the weight & size of a Chi-poo?

Because the Chi-poo is a new mixed breed, there aren't many size standards. Your pup may be short and compact like the Toy Poodle, or it could follow after the Chihuahua or Miniature Poodle and be slightly taller.

However, you can expect a Chi-poo to have an average height of 12-38 cm at the shoulder. The same goes for weight. If your pup is on the smaller side, it may only weigh around 2 kg. But if it's a bigger variety, you can expect a weight of around 9 kg.

How much training does a Chi-poo need?

As mentioned before, both of the Chi-poo's parents have stubborn sides. This means that early training is essential. This energetic dog needs a leader that can show it how to behave correctly.

A firm but gentle control along with positive reinforcement is the way to get the best out of a Chi-poo. Have lots of praise and treats at the ready!

This little dog is also temperamental with a good memory. If you become angry or try harsh training methods, the dog will remember long after the incident. This can make training difficult as the dog may refuse to follow commands and could even cause aggression.

As well as short and effective training sessions, regular trips to the dog park are essential for fitness and socialisation!

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

One of the top reasons for creating designer dog breeds is to reduce the risk of health problems that many purebred dogs suffer from. However, there's no way to know if your Poodle Chihuahua mix will develop any of the problems that each parent breed can suffer from.

When it comes to your Chi-poo, there are some minor and serious problems that you'll need to watch out for. This is why regular check-ups with your vet are vital for keeping your dog healthy and happy. Some common health problems to be aware of include:

• Hypoglycemia - Low blood sugar

• Overactive tear glands

• Glaucoma - damaged optic nerve

• Luxating Patellas - dislocated kneecaps

What is the lifespan of a Chi-poo?

Like other small breeds, the Chi-poo typically has a long lifespan of 12-15 years. Providing your dog with a healthy lifestyle can help it to live a long, healthy, and happy life. This includes adequate exercise, a healthy and balanced diet, and routine health checks by a vet.

How much should you feed a Chi-poo?

Like all canines, your dog's diet should provide all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that will allow them to live a healthy life. Neither the Poodle nor Chihuahua has any serious food allergies or intolerances, so the Chi-poo can eat dry, canned, or raw dog food.

Fresh, clean water should always be available, and remember that your pooch will probably need to drink even more during the summer months.

What is the price of a Chi-poo in Australia?

The price for a Chi-poo puppy varies between breeders. But, you can expect an average price to be around $500. It's important to choose a responsible and reputable breeder who will provide details about the puppy's parents - records about the health, and purebred status of the parents should be offered.

If possible, you should also visit the puppy's parents. This will help give you an idea of their temperaments, and you'll be able to check the conditions that they're kept in.