8-18 lbs
7-12"
United States
The Chi-Poo is a hybrid dog breed. It is a combination of the parent breeds Chihuahua and Poodle. The Chi-Poo is a low-maintenance dog, and it has a reputation for being good with children. He is a great dog for people with a busy lifestyle.
Unlike some dog breeds, he does not mind being left alone while you are at work or if you travel regularly. The Chi-Poo is energetic, but, he does not require a lot of exercise. He is playful and entertaining to his family. He is suited to live in many environments including apartments, small homes without a yard, or larger homes with a fenced-in area in which he can play.
While there is not much information on the Chi-Poo dog breed itself, one can still learn much about the breed by studying the parent breeds. The Chihuahua’s exact ancestry is not known, but there are two theories about his origin. One is that he descended from a Central or South American dog called the Techichi. Carvings from this area depict a small dog that resembles the Chihuahua of today.
After the Aztecs conquered the Toltec people (these are the people who had made the carvings on which the Techichi was depicted), the Aztecs took the dog as their own. The dog would live in temples such as the Templo Mayor and was a part of Aztec rituals. The dog was thought to have magic powers and be able to heal the sick. Red Techichis were killed and cremated and buried with deceased individuals. He was also a source of food.
There is another theory that small hairless dogs were brought to Mexico by Chinese traders and bred with native dogs. No one knows for sure which theory is accurate. However, the shorthaired Chihuahua was discovered in Mexico in the 1850s, and Americans visiting Mexico began bringing the small companion dogs into the United States with them.
The Poodle was developed for hunting waterfowl. The Poodle originated in Germany, but French breeders brought him to the dog we know today. The ancestry of the Poodle is debatable; many believe the Poodle is a mixture of European water dogs, the North African Barbet, and Asian herding dogs. It is a very old breed. There are illustrations that look very much like the modern-day Poodle in Egyptian and Roman artifacts. They have also performed as circus dogs over the years. Poodles were rare in the United States until after the second World War. At one time, the Poodle was the most popular dog breed in the country.
The Chi-Poo’s color, type of coat, and length of coat all depend upon the immediate parentage of the Chi-Poo. The parent dog breeds of the Chi-Poo are different in size and in the way their coat is made up. Some Chihuahuas have longer hair, like the Poodle. Others are short-haired. This will affect exactly what the Chi-Poo will look like. The smooth-coated Chihuahua has a smooth, shiny coat that is close to the body with a ruff of thicker hair on the neck. The long-coated Chihuahua has a soft coat that may be slightly curly. The ears will have an extra fringe of hair and a plumed tail. He may also have feathering on his feet.
Chihuahuas may be a variety of colors, so predicted a color for its progeny is difficult. Colors range from black, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, silver, tricolor, brindle, spotted, and merle. The Poodle comes in a variety of colors: blue, black, white, gray, silver, brown, café-au-lait, apricot, and cream. The hair is generally curly, stiff, and wiry. The Poodle often demands grooming as his hair grows in various lengths over the body. Poodles are considered mid-sized. They are slender. The Chi-Poo can often have both straight and curly hair on his body. The face can have a long straight frame and directly below on the chest will be a mass of curls.
The Chi-Poo dog breed has minimal grooming requirements. He is not difficult to maintain; grooming once a week is often more than enough to keep your Chi-Poo in tip-top shape. He is a minimal shedder, and he is actually a great dog for those with allergies. Simply brushing him once a week with a bristle brush should be sufficient to work his natural oils through his coat and remove any excess hair. Of course, during shedding season, you may need to do this more than once a week. Sometimes the curls will need to b trimmed with scissors though in order to keep the shape of the coat. Don't neglect the teeth and nails of your Chi-Poo; brush daily if possible and trim the nails bi-weekly.
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While there is not a lot of information regarding the Chi-Poo, we can study information regarding his parent breeds in order to learn what to expect from this hybrid.
The Chihuahua can be a temperamental breed. They often bond to one person in their family and may simply tolerate other humans around him. This is not always true, and socialization is important so that your dog will know how to behave and what is expected of him at all times. The Chihuahua is confident, often acting like a terrier. He is alert and does not like strangers. However, he can also be highly affectionate.
The Poodle is intelligent, kind, loyal and can be mischievous if he becomes bored. He also seems to have an air of dignity about himself. He is also very playful; some owners say he has a goofy streak. He is protective of his home and his family. He is affectionate with his family but he is aloof with strangers. He will usually warn his family if strangers are around. He has a great memory. It may be difficult to break him of bad habits. Your Chi-Poo will learn quickly but may think that he can practise his commands when he feels like it. Consistency and a kind but firm tone will be needed.
There's not much information available regarding the dog breed; however, we can study the parent breeds in order to learn what their offspring might be like.
The Chihuahua is an active little dog. He loves to chase small animals such as squirrels, and he will play as long as you allow. The Chihuahua is a great companion on walks, and he loves games of fetch. However, be careful not to let the Chihuahua overexert himself. The Poodle also needs regular exercise. He can be highly active, and when his energy is pent-up, he can be a little destructive. It is important to give him daily opportunities to run this energy off. Considering these facts, it is reasonable to believe that the Chi-Poo will be a fairly active dog with a need for daily exercise. When out for a walk, head to the dog park so your Chi-Poo can watch and learn as well as make new friends.
Written by a Pugs lover Grace Park
Published: 11/07/2017, edited: 10/14/2021
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