Chi Chi

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
The Chi Chi is a hybrid breed of the Chinese Crested pup and the Chihuahua. When you look at the possible health conditions that this breed may face, you should pay close attention to both parent breeds. Some of the conditions your pup may have include eye problems, patellar luxation, dental problems, and heart problems.

Your Chi Chi may experience eye problems at some point in his or her life. It is important to make sure that you have your pup’s eyes checked regularly to ensure that there are no concerns. Some of the most common eye problems include eye infections, dry eyes, blindness, cataracts, and sometimes glaucoma.

Patellar luxation is a knee dislocation or a loose knee in your pup. When this occurs, your pup may experience problems in his or her knee and will not be able to place pressure down on it. You may notice that the knee looks a bit odd or your pup keeps the leg elevated.

Dental problems are of concern as well, so you need to monitor your pup’s oral health the best you can. Brushing his or her teeth will prevent dental decay. It is important that you take your pup in for regular dental cleanings to ensure your Chi Chi does not have gum disease or decay.

Lastly, heart problems are common in the Chi Chi. You need to make sure you talk to your veterinarian if you suspect something is wrong. Your pup can undergo screenings and tests to check for any heart-related conditions.

The Chi Chi has a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

The Chi Chi is a breed of dog that is considered to be very bold, but also friendly at the same time. You will find that your pup does like to play and will jump around, bark, and enjoy himself in your home. This breed is very alert and not welcoming of strangers. In fact, you will find that your pup lets you know when there is someone nearby, but will not necessarily act as a true watchdog.

Your Chi Chi will often have a single person in the home that he or she becomes attached to the most. Your pup will follow this person around and cuddle with them the most, but you will also find this breed does seek attention from others.

The Chi Chi feeds on human interaction, so you may find that he or she does not want to be left alone for any length of time. You will notice that this breed gets along with children and other pets, but early socialization is needed to ensure proper behavior.

This breed is small, which means he or she will do well in an apartment or condo. Your pup does not necessarily need a huge yard to run around in, but will enjoy it if the option is there. If you do not have a yard, you will need to take your pup out at least once or twice per day on a walk to help expel built up energy.

You will notice that your Chi Chi is quite curious, which can lead him or her to trouble, regardless of being indoors or outdoors.

Training is not really a problem, but it may be tough now and again, especially when your pup has a bit of a stubborn side. You do need to monitor your pup and remain consistent when it comes to training. For the most part, your pup will be eager to please you and respond well to your commands.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming your Chi Chi, you will find that he or she has low to moderate needs depending on his or her coat. For example, if your pup has a long coat, you will find that he or she needs to be brushed at least once a day to keep tangles out and loose hair gone. If your pup has a short coat, you can get away with a brushing every couple of days.

It is possible for this breed to be hairless and if your pup is, you do not need to do much to take care of his or her coat, other than to place sunscreen on his or her skin when you go outside.

The Chi Chi does not need a bath unless he or she is dirty or smells. When you do use a shampoo, make sure to choose a mild one. You will need to clean your pup’s ears once per week to ensure that an infection does not form.

Lastly, you want to keep your pup’s nails trimmed and at a healthy length. You should trim your Chi Chi’s nails once per month or as needed. If your pup does not have any hair, then you will need to especially make sure his or her nails are trimmed to prevent scratches when your pet itches himself or herself.

Diet

Your Chi Chi will consume anywhere between a 1/2 cup and 1 cup of food per day. You should feed your pup a high-quality kibble that is not loaded with chemicals and fillers.

You can give your pup wet food on occasion, but should not rely on it as the only source of food because it does not provide enough nutrition and can lead to obesity.
 

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Cost

A Chi Chi puppy will cost you anywhere between $500 and $800. When you start to calculate how much your Chi Chi will cost, you need to sit down and think about some of the other expenses that come along with a dog and ownership such as the cost to feed your pup, vaccines, preventative medicines, and vet checkups.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Chi Chi does well in a home or apartment and would be a good choice for you if you are looking for a companion that thrives on the human touch and becomes attached to his or her owner. The Chi Chi is easy to care for and will do well in any home setting. You do need to remember to socialize your pup though, otherwise, he or she may not tolerate kids and other animals the way you want him or her to. This breed ranks a 2.

 

Chihuahua

Chinese Crested

Japanese Chin

Shih Tzu