This dog is a hybrid between the Chihuahua and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeds, and is known as the Chilier. These puppies have a combination of their parents' finest qualities: friendliness, sociability, and affection. The Chilier, or Cavachi, is sometimes referred to as such.
Known for their love of humans, this breed is known for its ability to easily form bonds with members of your family. They also have a laid-back disposition. Though their small size allows them to live comfortably in apartments, they would much rather have access to a secure and enclosed outside place. Those considering adopting a Chihuahua mix should be informed that Chiliers tend to be stubborn and difficult to teach because of their Chihuahua bloodline. See below for a complete list of Chilier characteristics and facts!
Highlights
- This dog is a cross between a Pit Bull and a Chihuahua. Like their Chihuahua or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ancestors, they are not purebreds.
- The most common hues for chilier coats are black, brown, fawn, grey, and white.
- As far as grooming goes, this isn't a breed that sheds a lot. Once a week brushing is sufficient.
- As a rule of thumb, the Chilier requires around half an hour of exercise per day, but remember that these sessions must be rigorous. The pace of your strolls should be quick.
- Taking care of your Chilier's teeth is really important. Brushing your teeth at least three times per week is required.
- Chipotle-loving adults and children make a great pair. Adorable and playful, this breed is a great choice for families. Dogs and children should still be supervised at all times.
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
6 to 12 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Height
8 to 12 inches
History
Because the Chilier is a relatively recent mixed breed, there isn't much information available about its past. You can get an idea of what you're up against by checking into the lineage of the parent breeds.
Originally, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was intended to be a companion dog for the kings and queens of Europe. It's thought that Charles I and II gave the breed its name! The Chihuahua has a noble side as well, as we've seen before. The original belief was that the breed had magical healing qualities, and they were treated as such!
Even though they've been dubbed "designer dogs," many Chiliers wind up in shelters. So if you're considering getting a Chilier for your family, you might want to check with your local animal shelters and rescue groups.
Personality and Temperament
This breed thrives as an excellent family dog since it is easy-going and ready to please its owner in whatever way it can. This canine might show some of the traits of its Chihuahua parents, such as being extremely devoted to a specific family member and fiercely protective of him. Chihuahua and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel hybrids can be charming and lively, but they can also be independent and headstrong and exhibit a kind of domineering behaviour at times.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the temperament of the Chihuahua-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix when it comes to interacting with young or rowdy kids who often treat them casually. Because of this, it's important for parents to keep an eye on their children at all times.
As previously stated, interacting well with other pets may be difficult if they have a strong attachment to a single member of the family. However, if their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent is their primary influence, they can be nice towards them.
A child's disposition toward strangers may be influenced by the gene from the parent from which it has inherited the most. If they are more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they may quickly warm up to the stranger; yet, if they are more like the Chihuahua, they may display dislike toward an unknown face in their home.
Care
In order to maintain a healthy weight, the Chilier needs to exercise for about 30 minutes each day, but these workouts must be rigorous. Dogs should be taken for quick walks, or they should be allowed to run around in a fenced-in backyard. Fetch and retrieve games are a must, as are interactive toys that should be swapped frequently to keep the dog cognitively stimulated.
Health
A wealth of information regarding purebred dogs' health issues has been accumulated, but because the Chilier is a relatively new breed, this information is not yet available. Some of the parents' most common traits may be passed down to their children.
Patellar Luxation
The term "wobbly kneecaps" can be used to describe patellar luxation. When the muscles of the thigh pull on the kneecap, the kneecap is moved out of its proper place. For example, it could indicate that the dog skips a step on the back limb that's hurt or carries the leg for a long time.
Patellar luxation can be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients simply need pain medication on a temporary basis, while others require corrective surgery in order to regain full use of their leg. If the dog's condition isn't improved, he'll develop early arthritic symptoms.
Heart Disease
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are tragic victims of heart disease, with 75% of UK Cavaliers showing signs of heart murmurs by the age of seven. Heart murmurs are common in Chihuahuas, thus the likelihood of this occurring in a Chilier increases.
Veterinary examinations twice a year can detect a murmur in its infancy. The need for a cardiac scan might be determined based on the volume of the murmur. When medication (Pimobendan) is administered to a dog whose heart is enlarged but not yet showing clinical indications, it can considerably increase the dog's lifespan.
Tear Staining
The Chilier is no exception to the rule when it comes to little dogs with tear streaks on their face. Big eyes with a large surface area that water quickly, as well as tear ducts that do not drain all the fluid away, contribute to tear staining. When the tear fluid oxidises in contact with the air, it turns brown, resulting in tears dripping down the face.
This is primarily a purely aesthetic issue. Only regular eye-wiping and the removal of drool from the eyes can prevent tears from staining a dog's coat.
Hydrocephalus or Chiari-like Malformation
The brain and skull are also affected by these issues. When it comes to hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and Chiari-like malformation (the brain is too big for the skull), the Chihuahua and Cavalier are the two breeds most at risk.
Chiari-like deformity, on the other hand, is excruciatingly painful and has the potential to cause mental dullness. Surgical intervention is not an option for these patients, and they must be given powerful pain medication.
Recommended Health Test
- X-Rays
- CT scan
- Physical Examination
- Blood Work
Nutrition
You should know that free feeding your Chilier puppy is a bad idea from the start. Although she may be full, your dog will keep eating. It's easy to tell a Chilier is overweight because of their small size.
Dry kibble should be fed to him once or twice a day. After that, divide the food into two halves and only use high-quality brands of food. The best thing to do if you're not sure what your pet needs or how much to feed him is to consult your veterinarian.
Grooming
Your Chilier is a low- to medium-maintenance breed with a moderate amount of shedding. Make sure to brush her at least once a week and use a high-quality shampoo if necessary. In addition, you should keep an eye on her nails and clip them when necessary, and of course, brush her teeth twice a week.
Exercise
To keep her happy and healthy, this breed requires a reasonable amount of exercise each day. Since she's small and can get most of her exercise indoors, a daily walk or two should be sufficient. Taking her to a dog park where she can run around and play is a good idea, but you'll need to be careful because she's so big and strong.
Training
If you don't start teaching your puppy early, it may be difficult to break the stubborn and headstrong nature of the Chilier breed. If you want your Chilier to act properly as a puppy and as an adult, early socialisation and training are essential. A child's temperament is determined by which parent he or she is most like.
Children and Other Pets
Children and Chilier are usually a winning combination. The breed is friendly and playful, and it will enjoy playing with the children on the spur of the moment. In some circumstances, a stubborn and independent tendency may emerge, so make sure both the dog and children are appropriately socialised and supervised right from the start.
Chiliers get along perfectly with other well-behaved pets in the house. Set early boundaries and manage relationships between the dog and other family pets.
Ultimately, early socialisation with this mixed breed pays off. When you bring your Chilier home to your family, be sure to encourage excellent behaviour and follow a consistent training routine.
Puppies
Start socialising your Chilier puppy early. Chihuahua DNA can result in a dog that is aggressive toward children and other animals, so start working with him right away. Exercise that may damage his bones should be avoided due to his propensity for joint problems later in life. Proper nutrition is critical for any puppy, and your veterinarian can advise you on the best brands to use for this particular breed.
There are a slew of new breeds of designer puppies appearing all the time, and the Chilier puppy is no exception. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that the Chilier breed can be a touch stubborn, but they are also lovable, intelligent, and eager to please.
It's important to understand that these cute pets come with a lot of responsibility if you're considering getting one. You'll find more facts to aid your decision-making as you proceed through this article.
The cost of a Chilier puppy can range from $300 to $800, depending on the breeder. It's critical to do your homework on any potential breeder before moving further, as there are some who are less than honest about their practices.
Dog breed similar to Chilier
- Chihuahua
- Cavalier King Charles