Mixed breed dog Chi Chi is a cross of Chihuahua and Chinese Crested dog breeds. These pups, despite their diminutive size, possessed many of the best characteristics of both of their parents. The Mexican Crested Chi Chi and the Crested Chi Chi are two alternative names for Chi Chis.
These spirited pups are ideal for energetic city dwellers, but they can also do well in families with multiple children if given the proper conditions. Always on the go, the Chi Chi will let you know with a little happiness what's on their mind at any given moment. As an active dog who is intelligent, attentive, and loves to be close to their people, the Chi Chi may be the appropriate choice for you!
You can find all the characteristics of Chi Chis and other mixed dog breeds in this section!
Highlights
- Mixed breed dogs are known as Chi Chis. Like their Chihuahua and Chinese Crested parents, they are not purebreds.
- Chi Chis come in brown, black, fawn, cream, and white as their primary colours. Their coats might be solid, or they can be a combination of different hues.
- With the exception of a few areas of hair on their bodies, Chi Chis are normally hypoallergenic pets. More heavily coated Chi Chi may be less suitable for those with allergies. Fortunately, taking care of both coats is a breeze. Weekly brushing should suffice.
- Chi Chis are extremely energetic. Do not forget to include a half-hour to an hour long walk in your Chi Chi's daily routine as well as several short walks.
- Overexcited children might easily damage the Chi Chi due to its small size. In the company of parents or older children who can play gently, Chi Chis are most comfortable.
- Chi Chis get along well with other animals and are a great choice for families with many pets. The only exception to this rule is if your Chi Chi is more Chihuahua than Chinese Crested, in which case they may not get along with other pets and prefer to be the only pet in the house.
- In order to prevent Chi Chis from developing separation anxiety, you need to start training them early. They have a tendency to get a little yappy.
- If you've ever owned a dog before, these pups are most suited for your training needs.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
4 to 11 pounds
Lifespan
11 to 20 years
Height
5 to 12 inches
History
In the 1990s or early 2000s, designer breeders began purposefully combining Chihuahuas and Chinese Crested dogs in order to create the Chi Chi dog breed.
In order to create a dog that was both playful and allergy-friendly, breeders bred Chihuahuas and Chinese Cresteds together. As demand for Chi Chis grew, the breeders kept making them.
However, despite their origins as a designer crossbreed, the Chi Chi has found its way into shelters and the care of rescue organisations. The Chi Chi may be the appropriate dog for you, and if so, you should think about adopting him or her.
Do some research on Chi Chi rescues, or seek for breed specific Chinese Crested or Chihuahua rescues, as they often take in mixed breed pets and find them new homes.
Personality and Temperament
Although they get along well with the rest of the family, some of these canines may form a special bond with a few members of the family. Despite their friendly and welcoming demeanour, they can be abrasive toward animals and strangers when they first meet them. This feature makes it a great watch dog, despite the fact that it can be untidy and boisterous.
For a long period of time, the Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix can be left alone in an open yard or apartment. However, long periods of isolation can lead to a variety of behavioural disorders, including hair loss, biting or scratching themselves, rudeness, and even attempts to flee. They get along well with children, although caution should be exercised when allowing them to play rough with these dogs. The hairless type, on the other hand, necessitates special care because they lack hair to protect their skin from wounds or scrapes. In order to keep children safe while playing with these dogs, an adult should always be present.
They've inherited the Chinese Crested's ability to leap higher than you believe they can by being exceptional climbers and jumpers. To find your pet, look on top of the closet or atop your heaps of clothing. Although their legs are delicate, it's important to keep an eye on them when going up or down stairs, or even helping them down the sofa if they can't jump. Otherwise, they could easily fall and get hurt. They get sunburned in the searing heat and chilly in the freezing cold if left unprotected from the elements.
Care
You should take your Chi Chi to the vet on a regular basis to make sure there are no health issues. When it comes to caring for your dog, you should consult your veterinarian.
Health
Chihuahuas, Chihuahuas, and Chinese Crested are all susceptible to certain health issues. Maintaining appropriate care and veterinary exams is essential since even healthy animals can develop a few minor health issues.
Chi Chis are susceptible to a wide range of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease:
- Luxating patellas
- Dental disease
- Dry eye
Recommended Health Test
- Eye
- Blood
- Knee
Nutrition
Despite their high levels of activity, Chi Chis only require around a cup of food per day to meet their nutritional and energy requirements. They should, however, be eating high-quality foods like sweet potatoes and peas, as well as real meat and vegetables like sweet potatoes and peas. Puppy food has a higher protein content than adult food, which is necessary for your Chi Chi's quick growth.
Choosing a small-breed-specific food is a fantastic idea whether you're feeding your dog puppy or adult food. Dogs with smaller digestive systems like Chi Chis are better served by kibble that is easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
Grooming
There are a variety of ways to groom Chi Chis, including no hair, short hair, and even long hair. Regular bathing is necessary for dogs without hair to remove debris and dust that hair would normally shield their skin from. Preventing skin cancer and sunburn in hairless Chi Chis is as simple as applying sunscreen to their skin before going outside.
In order to maintain a clean and shining appearance, short-haired Chi Chis may require brushing once or twice a week. Brushing long-haired dogs on a daily basis will help keep their coats free of mats and tangles. Bathing and applying sunscreen are not necessary for Chi Chis with hair.
A good cleaning of the Chi Chi's eyes and ears is in order. A wet towel or cotton ball should be used to gently clean the eyes and ears at least twice a month. If they get enough exercise, these dogs' nails should be naturally clipped without the need for a trimmer.
Exercise
Exercising every day is essential for the health and well-being of Chi-Chis. Their intelligence necessitates that they be physically and cognitively stimulated. Start your day by taking your Chi Chi for a long walk to keep them entertained until they can participate in other activities. Outside of walks, your Chi should play with other dogs and puzzle toys, such as hide-and-seek and tug-of-war in the house, or at a dog park.
Training
To ensure that Chi Chis can be efficiently managed by family members, they must be trained as soon as they arrive home from the breeder. If you don't teach your Chi Chi to obey you, they'll do anything they want, no matter how old they are. Even when they're young, puppies that haven't been taught the most basic commands like "come," "sit," and "stay" may be a real handful as adults.
You may notice that a lack of obedience training leads to excessive barking, impatience, and a general malicious attitude in your dog. You have the option of training your dog yourself or hiring a professional trainer. Regardless of how you choose to raise your dog, he or she will be able to contribute to the family dynamic.
Children and Other Pets
An overexcited child can easily hurt a small dog like a Chi Chi, due to its size. Chi Chis prefer to play with parents or older children who know how to be kind. The Chi Chi, on the other hand, can be a fantastic companion for children who learn early on how to approach and play with a small dog.
Chi Chis may get along with other animals as long as they are introduced to each other in a calm and gradual manner. This will be easier if you start socialising as soon as possible. The sooner they get acclimated to different animals, the better. It is possible, however, to find a Chinese Crested-Chi Chi mix that is more prone to being aloof and refusing to interact with other animals.
It really boils down to training, socialisation, and a little bit of good fortune for some Chi Chis to get along with other dogs and cats.
Puppies
They may be little, but these dogs are nonetheless a handful. They, on the other hand, are known for their joyful nature and endless vitality. The fact that they can live for up to 15 years despite their diminutive size makes them an excellent choice for compact dwellings.
When it comes to obedience training, these dogs are notoriously challenging, especially if they are related to Chihuahuas in any way. Even while it is rare, there are known genetic health issues with the Chinese Crested and the Chihuahua that can be handed down through generations.
Because of their small stature, Chi-Chi dogs tend to be apprehensive around other animals and children, which might lead them to nip when they feel threatened. When it comes to preventing this, early socialisation and training are essential.
This does not mean Chi-Chi puppies are inexpensive, but that they aren't nearly as expensive as purebreds. You can save money by shopping around at other breeders, but only if they're trustworthy and both parents have a medical history.
Choosing a shady breeder may save you money now, but it could end up costing you more in the long term.
Dog breed similar to Chi Chi
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Crested