Chigi is a hybrid between the Chihuahua and Corgi dog species. Despite their diminutive size, they're a bundle of energy and joy to be around. Some of the best traits of both parents were passed down to these pups. Some common monikers for Chigis include the Chihuahua/Corgi and the Chihuahua/Chi-Corgi.
There is no doubt that the Chigi is a fantastic addition to practically any family; nevertheless, they are not suggested for families with little children, as they could hurt this little pup. Because of its diminutive stature, a toy dog may require special attention. Playful and affectionate, they'd fit well in with a large family or a busy single-person household.
A Chigi might live in an apartment with sufficient exercise, but they prefer a large home with a yard to run around in. A tiny dog with an enormous personality could be just what you've been looking for. Find out more about the mixed-breed dog breed known as Chigi by reading the information provided below!
Highlights
- Chigis are canine hybrids. Unlike their Chihuahua or Corgi parents, they are not purebreds.
- Fawn, black, white, and cream are the primary hues of the Chigi's coats. Occasionally, their coats are all one colour, but more often than not, they're a mosaic of hues.
- The undercoat on these dogs tends to be thick and dense, making them easier to brush. Weekly brushing is all that's required.
- The small size of the Chigi makes it vulnerable to being harmed by overexcited children. Parents with older children who are capable of playing in a non-aggressive manner should consider these games.
- Chigis have a lot of stamina. Incorporate daily walks and energetic play sessions into your dog's routine.
- As long as they're introduced in a calm and gradual manner, chigis can get along with most other animals. Due to their tendency to roam and try to herd other dogs, they are not advised for usage in dog parks.
- In terms of training these pups, positive reinforcement is the best method. In spite of their stubbornness, they are extremely receptive to training.
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
10 to 20 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
7 to 12 inches
History
The parent breeds can teach us a lot about the Chigi, even if there isn't much information available about the breed itself. This tiniest of purebred canines is descended from Mexico's ancient Techichi dog, which was revered for its healing and medicinal abilities. When the Aztecs had these canines, they treated them like royalty and buried them alongside their masters.
Milly, a one-pound Chihuahua that made it into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014, was the tiniest Chihuahua ever recorded. Although the Chihuahua is a small dog, he is an excellent service and therapy dog. In 1904, the American Kennel Club officially recognised this breed as a distinct entity. Corgis are said to have been born in Welsh fairies' secret sanctuaries and given to individuals in need of protection for themselves and their families. Magical saddles, according to legend, left their mark on the dog's fur, giving the appearance that the markings on the Corgi were intentional. The Welsh corgi, despite its fanciful appearance, is a working breed that excels at herding livestock and sheep.
Dogs of this breed were first registered with the United Kennel Club in the 1920s and are thought to be descended from Swedish cow dogs known as Vallhunds. In 1934, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi were both registered with the American Kennel Club.
Personality and Temperament
The Chihuahua's cuteness meets the Corgis herding instincts in the chigi, one of the most modest and well-mannered dogs around. They are sociable and willing to satisfy the owner and his family, who own them. Not only that, but they are always at ease around both strangers and children.
Especially if your chigi has taken the side of its chihuahua parent (and is smaller in size), it is imperative that they are not left alone with children for long periods of time. Dogs and cats can all live happily together in harmony with the chigis.
As long as your socialisation training is sufficient to maintain this dog in a happy mood, chigis are excellent socializers. However, if they aren't contacted by outsiders or come across anything unusual, they don't bark much and are generally silent. This means that they would only use alert calls to warn the people closest to them if there was an imminent threat to their safety.
As a one-man dog, this particular breed develops a deep attachment to a single person or family member. In a nutshell, because of their calm nature, chigis are wonderful companions for people living in small spaces.
Care
Keeping up with your Chigi's regular veterinary checks will help you catch any health issues before they become serious. When it comes to caring for your dog, you should consult your veterinarian.
Chigis are small canines with lots of energy. Incorporate daily walks and energetic play sessions into your dog's routine.
Health
The Chigi is a robust crossbreed that can live for between 12 and 15 years. However, they are more susceptible to some diseases and disorders than others.
Allergic Skin Disease
Veterinarians commonly agree with pet owners when they say that allergic skin disease is the most aggravating ailment they have ever seen in their pet. Despite the fact that allergies can be diagnosed and managed, they are rarely cured completely. Pink skin, itching, and secondary skin infections are among the first warning symptoms of necrotizing fasciitis.
Some infections, such as Ringworm, can be misinterpreted for allergies. Since so many dogs suffer from allergic skin disease, new treatments are being discovered all the time, making it reasonable to assume that a cure will be available in the near future.
Patellar Luxation
Knee caps that pop in and out of position are typical in tiny dogs, and the severity of the luxation can range from one to four depending on the individual. A veterinarian may maneuver the patella in and out of place during a diagnostic assessment if it pops out of place. This can be heard and felt when it happens. Most veterinarians can make a diagnosis based just on palpation, however radiographs of the knee joint are frequently ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Some individuals of the breed will be unaffected and continue to live a very normal life. These dogs benefit from using anti-inflammatories and pain relievers when their symptoms flare up and keeping a lean body condition score. Specialist surgery may be required for patients with more severe malformations in order to maintain a high quality of life and acceptable mobility.
Periodontal Disease
Aside from mouth sores and difficulty eating, periodontal disease can raise the body's bacterial burden and cause infections in organs such as the heart. Dental hygiene can help prevent periodontal disease, but it must be taught and performed from an early age.
Tracheal Collapse
If your dog has a honking cough, you may worry if they have Kennel Cough or if anything foreign, like a bone, is blocking their airway. Tracheal collapse is often associated with a honking cough.
You'll see that the trachea is significantly smaller on an x-ray than it should be. Even though stents can be surgically inserted into the airways, most dogs will be treated with medications such as cough suppressants and decongestants.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- CT scan
- Eye Examination
- Physical Examination
- Blood Work
Nutrition
Chigis are little dogs that don't need to eat as much as larger breeds every day. If you have many dogs, take into consideration their differing sizes and levels of activity when choosing how much food each dog should eat. As these dogs are prone to weight gain, it is not recommended that you allow your Chigi to eat on its own. Instead, divide your dog's daily food allotment into at least two meals to ensure that it gets the correct portion and avoid bloat, which can happen from eating too quickly.
This infographic from PetMD will help you figure out how much food your dog requires. Speak to your veterinarian about Chigi's individual dietary needs if you're not sure how much the dog should be eating or if you've noticed substantial weight loss or growth.
Grooming
Chigis have short coats, so brushing them once a week is all that is necessary to keep shedding at bay. When caring for your Chigi's coat, it's important to keep up with routine dental care and nail trimming.
Exercise
Despite their diminutive stature, Chigis are very active and require around an hour of daily activity. Take your dog for a walk, play catch with it in your yard, or take him to the dog park to help him complete this need. Please remember that small dogs have short legs, therefore they can't run vast distances like their larger counterparts.
For as long as your Chigi is getting enough exercise to meet its demands, it is well adapted to apartment living. If you don't have access to a fenced-in yard, you'll have to be more deliberate in arranging an exercise routine for your dog.
Training
The Chihuahua parent of the Chigi has a headstrong streak that the Chigi may sometimes inherit. Because Chigis are intelligent, they can be tough to train because of this. When teaching Chigis, it's crucial to start early so that they can learn fundamental commands and build a solid basis for developing good habits.
Children and Other Pets
Small dogs like the Chigi can be easily hurt by children who are overly thrilled. A home with older children who know how to play softly would be ideal for a Chihuahua. The Chigi is a fun, energetic dog that likes children.
Chigis may get along with other animals as long as they are introduced to them in a calm and gradual manner. A dog's early exposure to other dogs and other pets is crucial.
If you're planning on taking your pet to a dog park, the Chigi isn't the best choice.
Puppies
It's not uncommon for Chigi puppies to begin socialisation and obedience training at a young age. Because of the possibility of joint problems later in life, it's important to move and play gently and in moderation. Small limbs should be avoided at all costs.
Chigis are available for purchase for as little as $300 and as much as $1,000, depending on the breed. Make sure you do your homework before deciding on a breeder. Dogs are often the victims of businesses that emphasise profits over health, such as puppy mills, so-called "backyard" breeders, and even some pet retailers. The American Kennel Club does not recognise Chigis as a breed. No formal paperwork detailing your dog's genealogy and health history will be sent to you as a result. However, this information can be obtained from a reputable breeder.
Dog Breed Similar To Chigi
- Chihuahua
- Corgi