Chilier Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chilier?

There is not a lot known about the history of the Chilier itself, but you can learn a lot about a dog by looking at its parent breeds: the Chihuahua and the Cavalier Spaniel.

The history of the Chihuahua is still shrouded in mystery - either they came from China to Mexico aboard ships, or they are the descendants of the Techichi dog from South America. Chihuahuas were considered to be magical and poses healing powers. These little dogs were kept close to the side of ill people and were cremated or buried with their owners.

The Chihuahua was included in Aztec rituals and can be seen in Aztec artworks.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a new breed that has had several changes to the breed standard through the years. The Spaniel arrived in the United Statues during the 1940s, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was established in the 1950s.

Today the Chilier is still not recognised by the American Kennel Club, but the breed is recognised by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Who are Chilier dogs best for?

Chiliers are social and friendly dogs, making them ideal family pets. They are loving and enjoy the company of young children.

This breed also gets on with other pets, although it may chase after smaller animals. To avoid this type of behaviour, socialise your Chilier puppy from a young age and introduce it to other animals and dogs. These dogs are small, and care should be taken when they are introduced to large dogs.

Pet parents should be open to taking their Chilier to the dog park to get them properly socialised when young.

How much grooming does a Chilier need?

If your Chilier is the offspring of a long-haired Chihuahua, then its coat will require some grooming.

The main requirement to maintain a Chilier's coat is combing and brushing to remove knots and loose hair. Chiliers shed moderately throughout the year, so by brushing them regularly you will reduce the amount of hair littered around your house.

Although a Chilier should enjoy the occasional bath, bathing too frequently will strip protective oils from the coat.

Dental hygiene is important, and responsible pet owners will brush their Chilier's teeth twice a week with dog toothpaste to reduce the risk of dental diseases. You should also trim the dog's nails if they get too long.

Do Chilier bark much?

Chiliers are quiet dogs that rarely bark, which makes them great for apartments. This active little dog does need plenty of exercise and could bark if left alone or bored.

Do Chilier bite?

Chiliers might be high-energy dogs, but they are not prone to biting. The only reason your adult Chilier might bite is to protect itself if it is being provoked, or if it is in pain. It may also nip if excited or its instinct to herd kicks in, however, the nips are rarely painful.

Your Chilier puppy is quite mouthy and will chew on anything it sees. Chewing is natural for most puppies, and you can train your Chilier pup to only chew on appropriate objects by providing it with chew toys and mental stimulation through interactive toys.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chilier?

This intelligent dog has a pleasant demeanour. It may be a small dog, but it has a big personality.

From the Chihuahua side, the Chilier has inherited loyalty to its owners. They can be a bit clingy, particularly to one person in the household, and will be devoted to that person until the end. Chiliers do not take well to strangers, so it is a good idea to socialise Chilier puppies as soon as possible.

From the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's side, the Chilier inherited alertness and friendliness. Chiliers will bark to alert the presence of a stranger but will reciprocate friendliness even from a stranger.

You get a perfect combination of the best traits of the parent breeds in this hybrid breed. Unlike other dogs of the same size, the Chilier is confident, warm and playful.

What is the weight & size of a Chilier?

Weight:

• 2.7 - 5.5 kg

Height:

• 20 - 25 cm

How much training does a Chilier need?

Chiliers are incredibly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

The biggest obstacle to training a Chilier is the pet owner who believes small breeds do not require obedience training.

Chiliers are strong-minded (something they inherited from the Chihuahua side), and will need consistent training from a young age, especially if you want a well-behaved adult dog.

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

There is no firm data on the health problems of Chiliers, however, some health conditions can be hereditary from the purebred dogs that are the parents of the Chilier:

• Patellar Luxation: This condition prevents the kneecap from remaining in place, causing it to slip out which can cause lameness or a limp. It can be treated with pain medication in mild cases but could require surgery if extreme.

• Tear staining: small dogs often have brown stains on their face from the tear ducts. Because of their large eyes, the Chiliers are no exception. There is no solution to the problem, but regular cleaning of the face will prevent the stains from being too excessive.

• Heart problems: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to heart disease. Both the Spaniels and the Chihuahuas experience heart murmurs, making it a great health concern for Chiliers. Vets should do annual checks to assess the heart.

• Hydrocephalus and Chiari-like Malformation: This is a condition that affects the skull and the train. Either the brain is too large for the skull, which causes pressure on the brain, or there is water on the brain which also results in pressure. These conditions can be painful and result in dullness and slow reaction times.

• Hip dysplasia: This is a common condition in many breeds where the hip joint slips out.

What is the lifespan of a Chilier?

The life expectancy of the Chilier is 10 to 16 years.

How much should you feed a Chilier?

You should feed your Chilier quality dog food suitable for its size. Free feeding (leaving food out during the day) is a terrible idea as these small dogs will keep eating and are prone to fast weight gain.

You should feed your adult Chilier 1/2 - 1 cup of dry dog food each day, over two meals.

What is the price of a Chilier in Australia?

A Chilier puppy can cost you between $420 and $1,100. The price will depend on the breeder and the breeding stock.