Chigi Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

5-9 kg

Height

18-30 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the Chigi

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

What do you get when you cross a Chihuahua and a Corgi? A Chigi! This adorable mixed-breed dog will make a wonderful addition to most families. If you’re considering giving a home to one of these cute little pups, this Chigi dog breed guide is for you.

Here you’ll find everything you need to know to be able to care for your Chigi properly. From dietary advice and training methods to size, weight, and temperament, this guide will help you decide if this breed is right for you or not.

Whether you’re a current Chigi owner or you’re about to start the search for your new furry best friend, read along as we take an in-depth look at this breed.

What is the history & origin of the Chigi?

Although it isn’t known for sure when the Chigi was initially bred, breeders likely began mixing the two parent breeds during the last 20-50 years, as this is when “designer dog breeds” became popular.

However, quite a bit of history is known about the parent breeds – the Chihuahua and the Corgi. The Chihuahua is the national dog of Mexico, and it was named after the state of Chihuahua during the 1850s.

The tiny Chihuahua is part of the toy group. Despite its diminutive size, the Chihuahua is a sassy little dog with a temperament that doesn’t match its tiny stature! Its looks can be deceptive – the Chihuahua can turn from a cute “purse dog” into a ferocious guard dog if it feels its human is being threatened.

The Corgi, on the other hand, is slightly more mellow than the feisty Chihuahua, although they do still make good guard dogs. Its origins date back to the medieval years, and the Corgi traces back to Wales, where they were used as working canines and much-loved companions.

There are two varieties of Corgis – the Cardigan and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, with the Cardigan variety being slightly larger than the Pembroke.

What is a Chigi breed?

The Chigi is a Chihuahua Corgi mix that has a few different names, including the Chorgie, Chi-Corgi, and the Corgi Chihuahua mix. The appearance of a mixed breed can come from both parents, or it can come mainly from one side. The look of a Chigi puppy is down to genetics and chance.

They typically have large ears, a slim muzzle, dark eyes and nose, and a long tail. The shape of the face can vary depending on which type of Chihuahua the parent breed is.

Because the Chigi isn’t purebred, it isn’t registered with the AKC. But, it is recognised by the following organisations:

International Designer Canine Registry
Dog Registry of America
Designer Breed Registry
Designer Dogs Kennel Club
American Canine Hybrid Club

Who is a Chigi best for?

Although the Chigi makes a wonderful addition to most households, they’re not ideal for very small children. Because of their tiny statures, small and excitable children could easily hurt this small pup.

This tiny breed is considered a toy-size dog, so it’ll need handling with extra care. They are affectionate and playful and would be a perfect fit for a family with older children or an active 1-2 person home.

With enough exercise, a Chigi could adapt to living in an apartment, but they much prefer a large home with an outdoor yard where they can run around. That said, this is not a breed that can live outside in a kennel! If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, the Chigi could be for you.

Chigi Grooming & Shedding

Chihuahua Corgi mixes are moderate shedders, so a few brushing sessions a week will be needed to prevent your home from getting covered in a layer of fur! Bathing should be done sparingly because the fur typically dries out, and the natural coat oils are needed for general health.

The coat is usually straight and can be either a short or medium length, depending on which coat length the Chihuahua parent has. Because of their tiny size, a Chigi may not be suited to very cold climates.

Your Chigi’s nails will also need to be trimmed regularly as long nails can cause discomfort. The teeth and ears will also need to be checked and cleaned every week a vet-approved cleaner to prevent infection.

Do Chigis bark a lot?

Both of the Chigi’s parent breeds are known barkers! The Chihuahua is renowned for being a little dog with a big voice, and Corgis were bred to be guard and herding dogs. Their job was to alert their owners of intruders or potential dangers – barking is hardwired into their genes.

Because of this, there’s a good chance that your Chigi will be a very vocal pup! However, regular and consistent obedience training from a young age can help to stop barking from becoming an issue.

What is the average weight & height of a Chigi?

Chigis tend to measure between 18-30cm in height and weigh around 5-9kg. This makes the Corgi Chihuahua mix a toy or small dog. Although they’re not as tiny as their Chihuahua parent, they don’t tend to be as sturdy or strong as the Corgi parent.

Are Chigis easy to train?

The Corgi side of your Chigi is very trainable and loves to learn new tricks. That said, the Chihuahua side makes these small dogs quite stubborn!

But, as long as you use consistent, sympathetic and positive reinforcement techniques, your Chihuahua Corgi mix will quickly learn what’s expected of it.

How do Chigis behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Chigi can often be described as having an alert and affectionate personality. They’re playful, fun, and fiercely devoted to their owners. Your Chigi may inherit the herding tendencies of the Corgi parent, and it may consider children as its “flock”.

For this reason, training and socialising should be started as early as possible. As with many other dogs, positive reinforcement is the best way to train your Chigi. They can have a wilful streak but are very trainable as long as training sessions are kept short and interesting.

Chigis love going on walks, and they thrive on being active! If you love walking, the Chigi will make the perfect companion.

Does the Chigi have any common health issues?

Mixed breeds are generally healthier than purebred dogs. However, the Chigi is predisposed to a few of the same problems that the Corgi and the Chihuahua sometimes suffer from.

This is why it’s important to schedule regular vet check-ups and maintain your dog’s health. Some common health issues to be aware of include:

Patellar luxation – This is when the kneecap (patella) moves out of place, causing limping or lameness. It can be painful and may require surgery if severe.
Hypoglycemia – Low blood sugar levels can cause weakness, shaking, or even fainting. Chigis, especially puppies, are at risk and may need frequent, small meals to manage it.
Eye problems – Chigis may suffer from various eye issues, like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy, which can lead to vision loss. Regular eye checks are important.
Joint issues – Corgis are prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis, and Chigis may inherit these joint problems, causing pain or difficulty moving as they age.
Von Willebrands – This is a bleeding disorder where the blood doesn’t clot properly. It can lead to excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries, and may require special care during surgery.
Epilepsy – Seizures can occur with epilepsy, which may cause sudden shaking or loss of consciousness. Treatment with medication can help manage the condition.

What is the lifespan of a Chigi?

The Chihuahua Corgi mix has a life expectancy of around 12-16 years.

How much does a Chigi need to be fed?

When you’ve chosen your Chihuahua Corgi puppy, be sure to ask the breeder what kind of food and amount the puppy is currently fed. It’s best to keep the pup on the same type of food for the first six months of its life.

Choose a dog food that’s specially designed for smaller dogs as it will be able to meet their high energy needs. The kibble should also be small enough for your puppy to eat comfortably.

Chigis do tend to put on weight if they’re overfed. Because of this, meals should be given at regular times instead of the food being left out all day as this will cause unnecessary snacking.

How much can you expect to pay for a Chigi in Australia?

Many designer breeds are quite expensive, and many factors can affect the price, such as availability, location, and the parents’ lineage. Generally, Chigi puppies tend to cost between $300-$800.

Always be wary of people offering puppies at very low prices. Puppy mills breed dogs in high quantities, and sadly, the living conditions are usually very poor. The puppies probably haven’t been given veterinary examinations either, making them more likely to suffer from health problems.

Chigi FAQs

Are Chigi dogs hypoallergenic?

Unfortunately, no. The Chihuahua Corgi mix sheds moderately throughout the year, so they can’t be considered “hypoallergenic”. For this reason, the Chigi wouldn’t be a suitable choice for someone suffering from allergies.

Is a Chigi a good fit for first-time dog owners?

Yes, as long as you’re able to provide early training and socialisation, the Corgi Chihuahua mix makes a great companion for first-time pet parents.

Are Chigi dogs prone to separation anxiety?

Yes, Chigi’s love the company of their humans, and so they get quite anxious if they’re left alone for too long. This can lead to excessive barking and destructive behaviour.

To avoid your furniture taking the brunt of your dog’s anxiety, there should be someone at home at any given time. For this reason, the Chigi would be the perfect companion for someone who works from home.