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Chi Chon (Bichon and Chihuahua Mix): Breed Info, Pictures & Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Chi Chon dog

Height: 8-10 inches
Weight: 4-10 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Colors: White, cream, brown, black
Suitable for: Active families looking for an adaptable, low-shedding dog
Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, sassy, sensitive

The name, Chi Chon, is a bit deceptive. You might think that this pup is Asian. Instead, he is a hybrid between the Mexican Chihuahua and European Bichon Frise. He is a relatively recent mix, combining the traits of two popular breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC). He brings the sassy temperament of the Chihuahua with the playful nature of the Bichon in a delightful combination.

The Chihuahua is a toy breed, rarely exceeding 6 pounds. On the other hand, the Bichon has a more robust frame with some extra pounds to boot. He adds weight and bulk to the mix. He is a healthy dog that can reduce the overall risk of health issues of the Chihuahua. This pup is also intelligent and easier to train than the other parent breed.

The Chihuahua is the older of the two breeds, with the Bichon’s lineage going back to the 1300s. Both dogs have seen many changes through the decades with refinements from selective breeding. The Bichon and Chihuahua mix is far removed from their previous jobs and purposes. These pups are more companion animals than anything else today.

Divider 5Chi Chon Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Research is the vital first step toward getting a dog. Even though the Chi Chon is a hybrid, finding out about the breeds will give you a clearer idea of what to expect with this pup. Both parent breeds are adaptable and can handle city life just as easily as a home in the country. This pooch is an excellent choice if you are a first-time pet owner.

Neither parent breed tolerates being alone. Therefore, the Chi Chon isn’t the best choice for those who work all day away from home. He’ll do well in a family setting where someone is always around to pamper him or play a game of catch. This pup is energetic and needs mental stimulation to keep him fit and happy.

The Terrier in him brings a keen prey drive to the mix. You should keep this pup on a leash or in a fenced-in yard. However, neither parent breed has a strong wanderlust potential. There are two bad habits that you may see in the Chi Chon. He is sometimes nippy, and he may be vocal. It’s wise to stop these negative traits before they become a problem.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Chon

1. The history of the Chihuahua goes back thousands of years.

The exact history of the Chihuahua is shrouded in mystery. Experts believe that it goes back to 300 BC with the Toltec people of Mexico. Archaeologists discovered effigy pots in the southeast of the people’s Techichi dog. Evidence suggests that the Aztecs further refined the breed. Unfortunately, this pup wasn’t as much of a companion animal as it was a delicacy.

2. The Chihuahua’s legacy lives on in baseball.

The energetic nature of the Chihuahua makes his name an excellent choice for an athlete, especially if you are a minor league baseball team in Texas. Just ask the El Paso Chihuahuas!

3. The Bichon Frise is not French, despite the sound of his name.

The Bichon Frise lived a very different life than his appearance may suggest. This pup got his sea legs first with Spanish sailors and then Italian before making it to the French palaces.

The parent breeds of Chi Chon
The parent breeds of Chi Chon: Left – Chihuahua (Daniel Kondrashin, Pexels) | Right – Bichon Frise (Vladimir Nenezic, Shutterstock)

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Chi Chon 🧠

The temperament of the Chi Chon will make every day a new experience. There is the tenacity of the Bichon Frise with the feisty nature of the Chihuahua. The result is fireworks! Both pups are intelligent, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy ride. There is an independent streak to deal with, along with a need for both physical and mental activity.

One thing you need to bear in mind is that both parent breeds bring sensitivity to the mix. Your Chi Chon won’t respond well to harsh reprimands. The Bichon in him is eager to please. This pup gets attached to his owner, so it’s easy to understand why he would respond that way. He spent a lot of time with his human companions on the water that forged those strong bonds.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

The Chi Chon has many qualities desirable in a family pet. He is playful with enough energy to keep up with the kids. He is affectionate and craves the attention that everyone in the household will bestow on him. Keep in mind the naughty habits of nipping that we alluded to earlier. We also suggest that you supervise time with your pup and small children because of his size so that he doesn’t get hurt.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Early socialization is vital if you have other pets or want to add them to your household. The Chi Chon isn’t aggressive to other animals by nature, other than his prey drive. He and the family cat can learn to get along. We’re sure that your kitty will establish the ground rules right from the start. It’s a different story with small animals like hamsters. It’s best to ensure that they never meet.

Divider 4Things to Know When Owning a Chi Chon:

Now that we have the basics down, it’s time to get into the specifics of owning a Chi Chon. Raising a puppy, especially a toy breed, is a challenge. Diet and eating are foremost from both ends of the spectrum. Exercise is a critical part of the equation, too. Training is another factor to put on the front burner. We’ll also touch on the health concerns, which you must know from the start.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Several factors are essential when considering diet. First, there is the food. You must feed your pup a product that is appropriate for the breed’s size and his life stage. Puppy diets differ from adult foods because they are higher in nutrients to support his development. Likewise, foods for toy breeds are more calorie-dense because they mature more rapidly.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is critical with puppies, especially with small dogs like the Chi Chon. A drop can cause neurological problems, including seizures. It can quickly become a life-threatening condition. The best way to prevent it is with frequent small meals spaced evenly throughout the day. You can feed your puppy three or four times a day and go down to two when he’s an adult.

Exercise 🐕

Both parent breeds are active dogs. They want to have fun and run around to explore their world. That means daily walks if you live in an apartment. As long as you socialize your Chi Chon early, he’ll be a good candidate for the doggie park. As with children, we recommend supervising playtime because of his smaller size. This pup will play the tough guy even though he doesn’t have the brawn behind it.

Training 🦮

We strongly urge you to begin training from day one. It will keep those bad habits under control and also give you another opportunity to bond with your pet. Remember that the Chihuahua in him has an independent streak. Therefore, it’s essential to establish who’s boss in a gentle way right from the start. Training aids are an excellent way to reinforce this relationship.

However, limit them to no more than 10% of his caloric intake. The operative word is treats and not food. It’s essential to remember that commercial diets are nutritionally complete. Supplements are not, nor are they required to provide everything your pup needs because of their labeling. Nevertheless, consistent training is imperative. Keep things on an even keel for the best success with this task.

Grooming ✂️

The ease of grooming will vary, depending on the dominant breed. The Chihuahua is easy-peasy with a weekly session with a curry brush. The Bichon in your Chi Chon will require more care and even professional grooming in some cases. Whatever the case, we consider this time an excellent way to bond with your pet. It’s an opportune time to check his ears and toenails for the necessary maintenance.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The incidence of health issues will depend on the dominant parent breed and the overall condition of your Chi Chon. The best preventive is regular vet visits to keep him up-to-date on vaccinations and to do routine tests, such as annual eye exams. This pup is relatively long-lived for a dog of his size. Make them happy years.

Minor Conditions
  • Deafness
  • Allergies
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart issues

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Male vs Female

The size difference between male and female Chi Chons isn’t significant. You may hear that males are more affectionate, but we think it depends on how you raise your pup. Either sex will make a welcome addition to your home. If you don’t want to breed your dog, we suggest discussing spaying or neutering with your vet.

In the past, people often scheduled the surgery when their pets reached six months old. However, research has provided new insights that you must consider when making this decision. The risks for some diseases can increase or decrease, depending on the breed. There is also an increased chance of obesity. Your vet can help you make an informed choice.

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Conclusion

Inviting a Chi Chon into your home will ensure that there is never a dull moment in your household again. His energy and playfulness make him a joy to own. Of course, his sweet nature will reward you with lots of love and affection. He may act stubborn at times, but inside is a pup that only wants to make you happy. If you want a pet to pamper and cuddle, the Chi Chon is your dog.


Featured Image Credit: Jasmine S C, Shutterstock

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