Chi-Chi (Chinese Crested & Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures & Care

While the Chi-Chi might not be the best-known puppy on the street, there’s a reason that they’ve entered the designer breed dog mix. They’re outgoing and energetic, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get the hypoallergenic traits from their Chinese Crested lineage and their spunky attitude from the Chihuahua.

What else can you expect from this hybrid pup, and why is there such a drastic difference in the size and appearance from dog to dog? We answer all those questions and more here!

Chi Chi Dog Characteristics

Chi Chi Dog Puppies

Just because these dogs are small doesn’t mean they aren’t a handful. On the contrary, they have an extremely playful temperament and energy to spare. Still, their smaller size makes them great for apartments and is a big reason their average lifespan can reach 15 years.

However, they are notoriously difficult to train, especially if they take after their Chihuahua parent. The Chinese Crested and the Chihuahua are also vulnerable to a few health conditions that can be passed down.

Finally, while Chi-Chi Dogs are great around other pets and kids, their smaller size can make them a bit timid, and they can nip when they feel threatened. Early socialization and training are vital to keeping this in check.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chi-Chi Dog 🧠

While a Chi-Chi is often stubborn, don’t mistake that for a lack of intelligence. Chi-Chi dogs are incredibly smart and loyal; they just have a strong will and like to do whatever they want. This is especially true if they take after the Chihuahua, but this also means they’re more likely to have a spunky and outgoing attitude that makes them a joy to own.

However, if they take after the Chinese Crested, they’ll be extremely smart but easy to train. The tradeoff is that they’ll also be lazier and less free-spirited throughout the day.

Are These Dogs Good for Families 👪

While a Chi-Chi is affectionate, you must be especially careful if you have small kids. Chi Chis are tiny, and stumbling children and wandering hands can quickly lead to an injured dog or a nipped child.

We recommend only getting a Chi-Chi if you have older children.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets 🐶 😽

In the same way that a Chi-Chi is good with kids, they’re good with other pets, too. But you must be careful around larger dogs and other big pets because a Chi-Chi Dog is so small. While a Chi-Chi is unlikely to start any problems, clumsiness and accidents can quickly lead to an injured pet.

Just remember that socialization is key with any dog, so if you’re looking to keep your pup happy around other animals, it’s best to train and socialize them early.

Things to Know When Owning a Chi-Chi Dog

Before you head out and adopt a Chi-Chi, it’s best to understand what you’re getting into. From how much they eat to common health conditions to keep an eye out for, we’ll cover everything that you need to know here.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

A Chi Chi doesn’t have any special dietary requirements, but they need a high-quality kibble to keep them healthy. The good thing about such a small dog is that high-quality food will last a long time, so you don’t have to worry about spending much money to feed them. It's best to look for small-breed formulas and speak to your vet to help you develop a healthy diet plan.

Exercise 🐕

A Chi Chi is a high-energy dog, so you must take them for daily walks to prevent destructive behavior. Since a Chi-Chi is smaller, the walks don’t need nearly as long as you would need with a larger pup.

Just shoot for an hour of activity for your Chi Chi Dog daily, including indoor and outdoor activities.

Training 🎾

If your Chi Chi takes after a Chihuahua, training them will require a bit more work. Still, training them early and often is critical, as is persistence. With their Chinese Crested lineage, you must stick exclusively with positive reinforcement.

Otherwise, you’ll end up with a timid dog that doesn’t want to be around you, which is the last thing you want to happen.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming is a bit of a mixed bag with a Chi Chi. If you get a hairless pup, you only need to brush out the tufts of hair about once a week. However, you need to brush a fluffy Chi-Chi daily and take them to a groomer for a monthly trimming.

You’ll also need to bathe your Chi Chi Dog occasionally, and you should brush their teeth a few times a week.

Health and Conditions 🏥

While most Chi-Chis are healthy, they can inherit a few genetic issues from their parents. The best thing you can do is watch for these potential concerns while keeping your Chi-Chi Dog on a strict diet and brushing their teeth daily.

If you do your research when selecting a breeder, the chances of getting a Chi-Chi with any of these issues are slim.

Male vs Female

There are a few differences between a male and female Chi Chi Dog. First, males are larger than females, but that depends on which parent they take after. Second, males tend to need more human interaction than females. So, if you’re looking for a dog to follow you around all day and be a lap dog, a male might be a better choice. However, a female might fit your home better if you spend long hours away.

Finally, neutering is cheaper than spaying, and a male can be a little more affordable up front.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Chi Dog

1. Chi Chi Dogs Have Highly Varied Physical Traits

All mixed-breeds take different parts of their appearance from each of their parents, but few dogs have two parents that vary as much in appearance as the Chi-Chi Dog. That’s why you can have hairless and fluffy Chi-Chis and everything in between.

2. Chi Chi Dogs Are Prone to Separation Anxiety

The Chi-Chis can suffer from separation anxiety, and this problem only worsens if you don’t train them early on. Get your Chi-Chi puppy used to the fact that you will leave and return, even if you don’t plan to be gone that often.

3. Some Chi-Chi Dogs Are Hypoallergenic

Even though breeders tried to capture the Chinese Crested’s hypoallergenic traits, they were only partially successful. Not every Chi-Chi is hypoallergenic, but it’s a little easier to tell than other crossbreeds.

If they have the Chinese Crested’s hairless appearance, there’s a good chance that you have a hypoallergenic dog. But on the other hand, if they look more like a Chihuahua, they’re likely still producing dander.

Final Thoughts

While there’s no guarantee of what you’re getting from each parent breed, the appeal of a Chi-Chi is undeniable. You could get a playful pup that’s hypoallergenic or a non-hypoallergenic dog that just wants to laze around all day.

No matter which traits your Chi Chi Dog inherits, you’ll have a lovable and cute companion that will make a great addition to your home. If you're interested, we have several Chihuahua Mixes and Chinese Crested Mixes for you to explore!

Featured Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock