Chi-Spaniel

10-17 lbs
12-16"
United States
Chihuahua
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel Chihuahua mix, Chi Cocker, Cocker Chi

The Chi-Spaniel is a hybrid breed. It is a combination of the parent breeds Chihuahua and Cocker Spaniel. He is a sweet and highly intelligent dog. He loves his family, and he is good with children as well as other pets. He rarely barks. He is rather friendly, and in addition to the fact that he doesn’t bark often, he does not make a good watchdog. Depending upon his direct parentage, he may be a variety of colors and coat lengths. 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. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Chihuahua and Cocker Spaniel

Chi-Spaniel Health

Average Size
Male Chi-Spaniel size stats
Height: 12-16 inches Weight: 12-18 lbs
Female Chi-Spaniel size stats
Height: 12-16 inches Weight: 10-17 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Glaucoma
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Overactive Tear Glands
Minor Concerns
  • Allergies
  • Dry Skin
Occasional Diagnoses
  • None
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • CT Scan
  • Eye Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Blood Work
  • Lab Tests
  • Allergy Testing

Chi-Spaniel Breed History

While there is not much information on the Chi-Spaniel breed itself, one can still learn much about the breed by studying the parent breeds. The most common theory about the origins of the Chihuahua is that he descended from the Techichi, a tiny dog from South or Central America. History points out that this particular dog was prized by the Aztecs who believed the Chihuahua's ancestor had magical healing powers. Often cremated and buried with their owners when they died, the Techichi lived in temples and were in fact, treated royally before death. Another theory is that the dog was transported to Mexico by traders from China. First seen in Mexico in the 1950s, the Chihuahua made its way to the United States and was entered into the American Kennel Club in 1904. The modern Cocker Spaniel is a descendant of an ancient dog family, the Spaniel. It is believed that the dog originated in Spain. The Cocker Spaniel was given his name due to his excellence at hunting woodcock. In the late 1870s, Americans began bringing the Cocker Spaniel to America (and at that time they were known as English Cocker Spaniels). Eventually, this dog was bred to be smaller in size, with restrictions in breeding. English Cocker Spaniels were not to be bred to American Cocker Spaniels. Eventually, the two became distinct breeds, with the smaller Cocker Spaniel becoming more popular among Americans.

Chi-Spaniel Breed Appearance

The Chi-Spaniel’s color, type of coat, and length of coat all depend upon the immediate parentage of the Chi-Spaniel.The parent breeds of the Chi-Spaniel are different in size and in the way their coat is made up. Some Chihuahuas have longer hair, like the Cocker Spaniel. Others are short-haired. This will affect exactly what the Chi-Spaniel 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 and the long-coated Chihuahua has a curly, soft coat. The Cocker Spaniel has a wavy coat that is thick. The ears of your Chi-Spaniel may be fringed and he may have longer fur on the legs, belly, chest, and feet. His tail will most likely be plumed and furry.  Colors of this hybrid may include black, cream, red, white, fawn, chocolate, gray, silver, tricolor, brindle, spotted, and merle.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Chi-Spaniel eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Chi-Spaniel nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
cream Chi-Spaniel coat
Cream
brindle Chi-Spaniel coat
Brindle
silver Chi-Spaniel coat
Silver
gray Chi-Spaniel coat
Gray
fawn Chi-Spaniel coat
Fawn
white Chi-Spaniel coat
White
black Chi-Spaniel coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Chi-Spaniel straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Chi-Spaniel Breed Maintenance

The Chi-Spaniel has minimal grooming requirements. He is not difficult to maintain; grooming once a week is often more than enough to keep your Chi-Spaniel in tip-top shape. He is a minimal shedder and 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. During shedding season, you may want to use a deshedding comb once a week. He will only need a bath when he gets dirty. If your Chi-Spaniel has a longer coat, you may choose to keep him clipped so that you do not have to groom him as much. The teeth and nails should not be negelcted; brush the teeth a few times a week and trim the nails every few weeks.

Brushes for Chi-Spaniel
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Chi-Spaniel requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Chi-Spaniel Temperament

Your Chi-Spaniel will be very affectionate. Often a confident dog in the home, he needs mental stimulation in order to be content. Though friendly, this hybrid may become a one person dog if you allow it. He can be sensitive and will need positive reinforcement when being reprimanded and also during training. Early socialization is always best as both of the parent breeds may be hesitant when meeting new people or other canines. Obedience classes and trips to the dog park will enable him to show off his intelligence and learn how to interact in all situations.

Chi-Spaniel Activity Requirements

Owners of the Chi-Spaniel say he is an active little dog who loves to chase small animals such as squirrels, and he will play as long as you allow. The Chi-Spaniel is well-adaptable to living in either an apartment or a large home with a fenced-in yard. He will enjoy a 30 minute brisk walk with you, or you can allow him to play in a fenced-in area. This hybrid should not be left outside, however. Regular activity is a must if you do not want to see the Cocker Spaniel side exhibited in chewing and digging.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Chi-Spaniel Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Chi-Spaniel Owner Experiences

Kiera
8 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Laying in the sun
Look out the window
Watching documentaries about animals
Sleeping
Jogging
Walking
She's very different from every dog I have ever seen in my life. It's safe to say Kiera has her own character. She likes sleeping in the bed and on the sofa,she's needy and constantly asking for attention, but likes having her boundaries when she is not in the mood as well, so if she is not fond of anything, she starts snarling and barking. Likes to be treated as equal, as a person, she has a constant need of sleeping with us. She gets more than excited, happy and vocal when a member of the family comes home from work or vacation.She is very protective of her territory and house in general, therefore she doesn't like having strangers and visitors around. She's not very good with the kids, probably because, everyone is adult in our family.She likes hanging out with other dogs. We have a Georgian shepherd as well and even though, he is not very friendly towards her, Kiera constantly tries to play with him. Also, she's very responsive and attentive, so she can be a watchdog as well considering an exceptional sense of smell and hearing of hers. Kiera has chosen her favourite person-my mom so she is always obedient and loving towards her, no matter what. Kiera is extremely intelligent and comprehends everything we say, She is remarkably enterntaining, for example, Kiera has never been trained, although, she is capable of walking on two legs for a long time. Kiera is a huge fan of laying in the sun and spending time in the nature. She loves walking and running, chasing birds and observing things around her.
1 year, 11 months ago
Cassidy
8 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cassidy was obtained as a stray when she was approximately 1-2 years old. she was initially very fearful of men however has since grown very close to me. she initially demonstrated a high amount of separation anxiety although this has lessened over the years. i would not recommend a chispaniel for anyone who is away from home often. Cassidy is a loving and affectionate dog and is by far the best dog i’ve ever had.
2 years, 7 months ago
Rascal
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sleeps all night,in bed with me
2 years, 10 months ago
Eli
8 Months
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Cuddling
Watching tv
Running
He’s a great dog and very caring but sometimes can be a little too forceful and energetic. He gets very lonely and is always excited when someone comes home. He loves car rides and always sticks his head out the window. He’s around 26 pounds. I always keep an eye on him when he is loose because he likes to chew.
6 years, 10 months ago
Mila
7 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had my chi-spaniel since she was 8 weeks old. My only concern with your post is that she is 26 pounds! Her vet says she is healthy, maybe she is a bigger chi-spaniel. She has short hair like a chihuha but the body, ears and eyes of a spaniel. She does shed excesively and has a lot of anxiety. Ex: Shakes and hides under blankets when our neighbor drops his weights on the ground when he works out. :( She barks when people are at our door but will kiss them the secind they walk in. All in all a perfect breed, peopel always thinsk shes a baby lab that never grows up haha. But she has not dog frineds. :(
6 years, 9 months ago
Haven and Ruby
1 Year
6 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Haven and Ruby always know and let us know when someone is here. One is long haired and one is short haired. They get along well although Ruby gets easily jealous of Haven. They are both excellent with our kids, however, it takes them a little while to get used to new people.
6 years, 8 months ago
Kia
5 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We walk everywhere
She is very smart and loving and I can walk her without a leash because she never leaves my side. She can be protective but loves kids
6 years ago
Shaggy
8 Weeks
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I love him so much. He has stolen my heart. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.
5 years, 11 months ago
Hazel
3 Months
1 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She has enough energy for the both of us. She is very playful. She is also very stubborn and likes to do what she wants to do. Digs allot of holes and loves to chew on sticks of any sort. But she is teachable and learned pretty quickly.
5 years, 7 months ago
Milo
2 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Very cuddly and over protective of me. He never leaves my side
5 years, 5 months ago
shelby
15 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she is the sweetest, loudest and smartest dog i have ever had
4 years, 5 months ago
shelby
15 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing Ball
she is kind, very vocal, loves attention, loves her humans
4 years, 5 months ago
Izzi
12 Years
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got Izzi as a rescue dog and she's an awesome dog. She likes people more than she likes other dogs. She's very protective of me. She rarely barks. She's terrified of fireworks and going to the vet (only time I ever see her shake). I comb her daily and have to trim the fur on her paws every month or so. I only take her to the groomer to get her nails cut (I bath her at home). She's incredibly smart and can be stubborn at time. She's super well behaved and eager to please. Best dog ever.
4 years, 4 months ago
BuddyJack
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Running
riding
Playing with toys
He is a one person Dog and He will not let no one near me.
4 years, 2 months ago
Animal Expert Question Icon
Question - My pet
Question

Are Chi-Spaniel normally skinny

Answer
Book me a walkiee?
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