Often referred to as the Chipoo, Poochi, Fiesta Poo, Chidoodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, and Choodle, the Chihuahua Poodle mix is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Chihuahua and the Poodle. It’s important to note that the cross is between a Toy Poodle and a Chihuahua, not a Standard Poodle. While these dogs are not as popular as some of the other designer dogs, they still are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and have a devoted following. If you’re considering adding one of these small, cute dogs to your home, here’s some helpful information that will help you decide of a Chihuahua Poodle mix is right for you.
Origin and History
The Chihuahua Poodle mix has only been bred within the past couple of decades, although no one is quite sure when and where the hybrid was first started. To learn more about the Chipoo, it’s a good idea to look closely at the origin and history of the parent breeds.
The Chihuahua has a very long history that is thought to trace back thousands of years. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that these dogs showed up in the United States from Mexico. These small dogs quickly became popular and were even used in many television shows and movies.
Poodles also have a long history, and these dogs were originally bred as water retrievers back in Germany and France. It’s thought that the breed came to the United States in the mid or late 1800s, but they didn’t become popular breed in the U.S. until the middle of the 1900s. Today they are well known as smart companion dogs across the country.
Appearance
Since both the Toy Poodle and the Chihuahua are small dogs, you can expect your Chihuahua Poodle mix to be a very small dog as well. These dogs grow up to be between 5 and 15 inches tall and they only weigh between 3 and 20 pounds. These dogs are well proportioned and sturdy, and they usually have a very small head with a black nose. They can have brown or black eyes, and their ears may be pointed or floppy. The Chipoo can have a coat that is curly, smooth, or wavy, and it can vary in length as well. Some common coat colors include apricot, white, tan, and black. Usually they have a tail and small feet that look much like those of the Chihuahua.
Chipoo Temperament
Your Chihuahua Poodle mix will generally have a fun loving, friendly, sweet personality. They are also quite playful, which can be very entertaining. In some cases, the Chipoo be a bit bossy and independent, so you need to make it clear that you’re in charge early. These dogs enjoy relaxing and cuddling at the end of a long day, although they may become attached more to one person than others. Expect them to be wary of strangers.
Since the Chipoo is very energetic and smart, it’s important to train them early. Early training and socialization can help prevent behavioral problems in the future. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so they don’t do well on their own for long periods of time. They have the potential to be stubborn, so you’ll need to be patient and firm when training this hybrid. Using plenty of praise and treats can be helpful.
While the Chihuahua Poodle mix does love to play and run around, they are small and they don’t need a lot of exercise. This makes the Chipoo a great choice for people who aren’t able to be very active. A couple short walks each day with some playtime is plenty for these small dogs.
Grooming
The Chihuahua Poodle mix doesn’t shed a lot, so you won’t need to clean up after them much. The specific type of coat they end up with will determine the amount of brushing that you need to do. If he has longer hair like a Poodle, then you may need to have the coat trimmed at the groomers from time to time. Unless your Chipoo gets dirty, you’ll only need to bathe him every couple of months. Make sure you wipe their ears clean weekly and check the ears for irritation and other problems. Their nails will need clipped, and if you don’t know how to do it, you may want to have a professional take care of this grooming task. Since they are prone to tooth decay, brushing their teeth regularly is also essential.
Working Roles
The Chihuahua Poodle is a companion dog and is not used in any working roles.
Health
When you choose a Chihuahua Poodle mix, you’ll have a dog that has an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. Since this dog is a hybrid, they can have any of the health problems of both parent breeds, although hybrids are often healthier than the parent breeds. Some of the health risks and potential problems that may affect your Chipoo may include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Bloat
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Addison’s disease
- Juvenile renal disease
- Epilepsy
- Melanoma
- Eye problems
- Testicular neoplasia
- Seizures
- Medial patellar luxation
- Collapsing tracheas
- Hypoglycemia
- Cryptorchidism
- Foramen magnum dysplasia
- Mitral valve disease
- Hydrocephalus
- Pulmonary stenosis
- Congenital elbow luxation
- Pattern baldness
- Endocardiosis