Chi Chi – Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics & Facts

The Chinese Crested and Chihuahua dog breeds were combined to create the mixed-breed Chi Chi. These pups were small, active, and alert, inheriting some of the best traits from both of their parents. The Mexican Crested and the Crested Chi are some other names for Chi Chis. These mixed-breed dogs may be found in shelters and breed-specific rescues despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed.

So keep adoption in mind! Shop not! These spirited puppies make excellent apartment dogs for active city dwellers, but under the right circumstances, they can also thrive in larger family homes. The Chi Chi is never without something to say, and they won’t hesitate to yell it out to let you know.

It is the right breed for you if you are looking for an active, intelligent, alert dog that loves to stick to their favorite humans like glue. See the list of features and information about it below.

Chi Chi Mixed Dog Breed Picture

Chi Chi – Mixed Dog Breed Characteristics

Vital Stats:

Highlights

• The Chi Chi is a hybrid dog breed. Unlike their Chihuahua and Chinese Crested parents, they are not purebred animals.
• Chi Chis primarily come in shades of brown, black, fawn, cream, and white. Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, and other times they have a variety.
• Chi Chis are typically a good option for allergy sufferers because they frequently have almost no hair, save for a few patches. Chi Chis with longer coats might not be as allergy-friendly. Fortunately, both coats are very simple to maintain. Weekly brushings should be sufficient.
• Chi Chis have a lot of energy. Make sure your Chi Chi gets at least one good, active play session and a short walk every day, along with at least one good, half-hour to hour-long walk.
• Due to its small size, children who get too excited can easily hurt it. Chi Chi likes to hang out with adults or older children who can play lightly.
• Chi Chi is completely capable of getting along with other pets, including other animals. However, it is more like a Chihuahua than a Chinese Crested may not be naturally friendly with other animals and may prefer to be the only pet in the house.
• This breed is prone to separation anxiety, so early training is recommended. They have the ability to have fun.
• These dogs are best suited for someone with prior dog ownership experience when it comes to training.

History

The Chi Chi dog breed may have developed naturally over time, but in the late 1990s or early 2000s, most likely in North America, designer breeders began purposefully breeding Chihuahuas and Chinese Crested dogs. Breeders wanted to combine the energetic temperament of the Chihuahua with the more allergy-friendly hairlessness of the Chinese Crested, so they crossed the two parent breeds.

As the demand for the mixed breed puppies increased, they continued to produce Chi Chis. Despite being initially developed as a designer breed, some Chi Chi mixed breed dogs have ended up in shelters or under the care of rescue organizations. If you decide the Chi Chi is the right dog for you, think about adopting.

Check with your local animal shelters, search online for Chi Chi rescues, or contact breed-specific Chinese Crested or Chihuahua rescues as they occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs and place them in loving homes.

Size

As a relatively recent mixed breed, there aren’t many size guidelines for the Chi Chi. However, because their parents were Chinese Crested and Chihuahuas, Chi Chis are typically on the smaller side. The majority range in weight from four to eleven pounds, and their shoulder height ranges from five to twelve inches. The majority of Chi Chis, however, can be larger or smaller than average.

Personality

Most Chi Chi owners describe their dogs as having big, exciting, and spunky personalities. These tiny dogs may appear anxious at first, but after they get to know you, they’ll stick by your side like glue and act up if they aren’t allowed to be close by all the time. Due to their propensity for separation anxiety, Chi Chis should be trained as soon as possible.

Depending on how much of their Chinese Crested parent’s personality they retain, some Chi Chis will be friendlier and more outgoing than others. Chinese Cresteds are adored for their outgoing and amiable personalities (and for their furrier counterpart, the Chinese Crested Powderpuff). On the other hand, Chihuahuas are occasionally known to become a little territorial.

Regardless, the Chi Chi has a fiery disposition and is best suited for someone with prior dog ownership experience. Additionally, these little dogs have a vocal side. Early training is crucial to breaking any undesirable barking habits. They also make great alert dogs because of this. Although they can be a little demanding, Chi Chis can make wonderful best friends with a little time and patience.

Health

The Chinese Crested and Chihuahua breeds are both predisposed to some of the same ailments as the Chi Chi breed. While the majority are generally in good health, a few may be predisposed to certain ailments, so it’s crucial to maintain proper care and regular veterinary examinations. Here are some of the common health problems this breed has: 

• luxating kneecaps.
• dental illness.
• a dry eye.

Care

Like all dogs, your Chi Chi should receive regular veterinary exams in order to catch any health issues early. Your veterinarian can assist you in creating a routine of care that will keep your dog healthy. Chi Chis have a high level of energy and can be prone to weight gain. Make sure your Chi Chi gets at least one good, active play session and a short walk every day, along with at least one good, half-hour to hour-long walk.

Every day, check their ears for debris and vermin, and clean them as your veterinarian advises. Before they grow too long, trim your dog’s nails. This should be done once or twice a month. It shouldn’t be making noises against the ground. This is where your groomer can help. Maintaining your Chi Chi’s oral health should be your top priority when providing for their needs.

As small breeds are more likely to have dental problems, you should brush their teeth every day. You can get instructions from your vet on how to properly brush your dog’s teeth.

Feeding

This is a small breed with a lot of energy, so an ideal diet should be designed for them. If you overfeed them, they tend to gain weight, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and avoid leaving leftovers all day. Also, keep their daily treatment intake to a minimum.

The Chi Chi’s nutritional requirements will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years, just like those of all dogs. There is far too much variation among individual dogs, including weight, energy, and health, to make a specific recommendation. Instead, you should ask your vet for advice on your Chi Chi’s diet.

Coat Design and Maintenance

Chi Chi coats frequently combine the coats and colors of their Chinese Crested and Chihuahua parents; if the Chinese Crested parent is not a Powderpuff, the Chi Chi will probably be mostly hairless, with the exception of the ears and tail. This breed primarily come in shades of brown, black, fawn, cream, and white. Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, and other times they have a variety.

This breed is said to be a good choice for allergy sufferers as they are usually mostly hairless, leaving only a few patches. There are also Chi Chis with longer coats, but they may not be as allergenic. Fortunately, both classes are very simple to maintain. Weekly brushing is enough.

This breed does not do well in inclement weather because they are small and often have a shorter coat (or no coat at all!). Your dog will need a coat in the winter, and you may need to put sunscreen on his ears, nose, and other sensitive areas in the summer when their coat isn’t thick.

Kids and other animals

Due to their small size, children who become overly excited can easily hurt Chi Chis. Chi Chis prefer to hang out with adults or older children who can play gently. Having said that, this breed can be a great, energetic companion for kids who are taught from a young age how to approach and play with a small dog. If introduced to a new pet gradually and calmly, it is perfectly capable of getting along with other animals.

Early socialization will facilitate a smooth transaction. The sooner they become accustomed to other pets, the better. However, Chi Chis that are more Chihuahua than Chinese Crested may not be naturally friendly toward other animals and may prefer to be the only pet in the home. 

Rescue Teams

Since Chi Chi are a mixed breed, it might be challenging to locate a rescue that specializes in their breed. However, as they frequently take care of mixes, you might want to try Chihuahua or Chinese Crested breed-specific rescues.

Creator: PetsCareTip