Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Chi Chon (Chihuahua & Bichon Frise Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Share

Chi-Chon_ Jasmine S C, Shutterstock

The small and adorable Chi Chon is a hybrid cross developed from the Chihuahua hailing from Mexico and the Bichon Frise from Europe. This little dog has both the sassiness of the Chihuahua and the playfulness of the Bichon to make a delightful family pet.

Breed Overview

Height:

8–10 inches

Weight:

4–10 pounds

Lifespan:

12–15 years

Colors:

White, light brown, golden, black, brown and white, black and white, black and brown

Suitable for:

Anyone looking for a small, fun-loving dog that doesn’t shed much

Temperament:

Intelligent, fun loving, loyal, sassy, playful, sensitive

The Chi Chon gets its small, lightweight size from the Chihuahua along with a bit of bulkiness from the Bichon. This little dog is generally very healthy and gets along well with both adults and kids. If you’re looking for a cute small dog that’s smart and easy to train, the Chi Chon may be the perfect pet for you.

Chi Chon Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

dogster face divider

Chi Chon Puppies

Be sure that the puppy you get has gotten all of the necessary shots and has been dewormed and checked over by a veterinarian. It’s important to remember that you’ll have to pay for a booster shot when your puppy is young and provide him with good quality food and puppy treats. This dog breed doesn’t tolerate cold weather well so it’s a good idea to have a winter coat or two for the cold seasons.

This small dog is a fun ball of joy that will be great with families and kids. Take a look at the full care guide of Chi Chon puppies so they grow into healthy dogs.

Parent Breeds of the Chi Chon
Image Credit: Left- Phuttharak, Shutterstock | Right – OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chi Chon 🧠

Living with a Chi Chon is always an adventure. This dog gets its feistiness from the Chihuahua and its tenacity from the Bichon to result in a dog that’s pure energy. This breed is intelligent and sensitive.

A Chi Chon needs to be physically and mentally stimulated to keep him happy. Because of its sensitivity, this dog should not be reprimanded harshly. This breed wants to please their owner and will follow the owner around to the point that it can be seen as clingy at times. The Chi Chon makes a wonderful pet for anyone who wants a small companion dog that’s always ready to join the gang for any fun adventures they have planned.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

The Chi Chon makes a great family dog. This little furball is always willing to play fun games with children and he’s got more than enough affection to please every member of the family! It’s important to know that a Chi Chon can be a bit nippy when excited, scared, or unsure. That’s why this little dog should not be allowed to play with small children unless there’s an adult around.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

A Chi Chon is not an aggressive breed or does it have a high prey drive. If you adopt a Chi Chon puppy, you must socialize your young dog around any other pets you have so he gets used to living with other animals. A Chi Chon can live in harmony with another dog or a cat. However, it’s best to keep this dog away from small animals (like rodents) because the dog may view the small critters as playthings.

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

Things to Know When Owning a Chi Chon

Now that you know quite a bit about the cute little Chi Chon, we’ll get more specific about what it’s like to be the owner of this breed. Bringing up a puppy is always a challenge, and especially a toy breed like the Chi Chon. You need to focus on the important things including diet, exercise, and training. You’ll also need to know about any health issues that come with this breed.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your Chi Chon must have all his nutritional needs met. Therefore, it’s essential to feed your dog high-quality dog food. This dog can eat both dry food and wet food. If you decide to feed it kibble, be sure it’s free of unnatural ingredients. A Chi Chon puppy should be fed three or four times a day. As an adult, feed your dog once or twice a day.

Exercise 🐕

As an active breed, a Chi Chon needs lots of daily exercise. A brisk walk or two around the neighborhood every day is essential as are a few play sessions inside or out in the yard. Your Chi Chon will always be ready for fun and will enjoy running around exploring the world.

If you’ve done a good job socializing your Chi Chon, he’ll do well at the local dog park. If you have small kids at home, be present when they play with your Chi Chon so the dog doesn’t nip them.

Training 🎾

It’s important to start training your Chi Chon as soon as you bring him home. This early training will help your dog bond with you and it will assist in keeping undesirable habits in check. Your dog needs to learn who is in charge but it needs to be done gently.

If you don’t feel you have the experience to properly train your dog, look for a local puppy training class to join. Whether you do the training yourself or not, be persistent, kind, and gentle when teaching your dog new things. The Chi Chon dog loves to please its owner, so your new pet should become well-behaved and obedient.

Grooming ✂️

The Chi Chon has a soft and fluffy coat that’s surprisingly low maintenance. This low-shedding dog isn’t one you’ll have to vacuum up after every day, which is great news if you’re not big on cleaning. You should plan on brushing your dog once a week to keep his coat looking neat and tidy.

This dog would benefit from professional grooming every few months to keep him from looking scraggly. Don’t overlook your dog’s dental care as small breeds can have dental issues so make teeth brushing a part of your dog’s maintenance regime.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Similar to other crossbreed dogs, the Chi Chon tends to be healthier than its purebred counterparts. However, like most dogs, this breed is susceptible to some health issues.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear infections
  • Allergies
  • Deafness
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Heart issues

dogster face divider

Male vs Female

The male and female Chi Chon dogs are the same size. There is no real difference in personality either. Both the male and female Chi Chon are affectionate, loving, and loyal. It’s up to you whether you get a male or female.

Keep in mind that you should have your pet neutered if you’re not planning on breeding your dog. It typically costs more to have a female neutered than a male so if cost is an issue, check with your vet to find out what these costs are for both sexes.

dogster face divider

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chi Chon

1. It’s a Designer Dog Breed

The Chi Chon is a designer dog breed which means it’s been deliberately bred from two purebred parents and was given the name that blends sections of the parents’ names together. Designer dogs like the fluffy and friendly Chi Chon are popular and very much in demand.


2. A Chihuahua Was the Smallest Dog Ever Recorded.

A Chihuahua named Miracle Milly weighed in at less than a pound. The average Chihuahua weighs in at 4 to 6 pounds so Miracle Milly is indeed a miracle!


3. The Bichon Frise Does Not Come from France as the Name Suggests

The Bichon Frise has its origins in Spain and was used as both a sailing dog and a herding dog. The French later developed the Bichon Frise into a lap dog. Because of its merry disposition, this dog was very popular wherein it was introduced to many European countries. The Bichon Frise was favored by Italian nobility and was often included in portraits of royalty.

dogster face divider

Conclusion

Welcoming a Chi Chon into your home will ensure your days will be filled with joy! This little dog with a fluffy coat of fur is a fun pet to own. It’s a sweet-natured dog that will shower you with love and affection. This dog loves to go on walks, romp in the yard with kids, and join your family on all your fun-filled adventures. If you’re looking for a cute, cuddly, and playful little dog that’s full of energy, you won’t be disappointed with a Chi Chon!

We have lots of other Chihuahua Mixes and Bichon Frise Mixes for you to explore!

See Also:


Featured Image Credit: Jasmine S C, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Dogster's Digital Magazine is Back!​

Dogster Magazine Cover June 2026

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real dog stories & community features

Why Some Dogs Treat Mealtime Like Playtime – And When to Pay Attention

Most dogs are reliable eaters. Bowl goes down, food disappears. So when a dog starts batting kibble across the kitchen floor, tossing pieces...

Major Win for Dogs: Ontario Becomes the Final Province to Ban Ear Cropping and Debarking

​​Ontario has approved new animal welfare regulations that will prohibit elective ear cropping and devocalization (debarking) procedures in dogs from January 1, 2027....

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Most Adorable Puppy (June 8, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

The Spice Cabinet Dangers Most Dog Owners Don’t Think About

Most people know chocolate is off-limits for dogs. Fewer realize that some of the most common herbs and spices sitting in a kitchen...

More related

10 Types of Pit Bull Bloodlines (With Pictures)

While the Pit Bull has become a well-established and popular dog, it is not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). In...

How to Teach Your Dog to Dance: 8 Tips & Tricks (Vet Verified)

Being a dog parent is incredible—our favorite furry companions can accompany us everywhere, and we can do fun, engaging activities with them. Our...

What Is the Ideal Room Temperature for a Dog? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

You won’t see a dog waving a fan in its face to cool off or putting on a pair of fuzzy slippers to...

Can Dogs Break Their Tails? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs’ tails are used to express emotion, for balance, and even as an aid for swimming. And, while they appear to have minds...

Keep reading

8 Best Puppy Foods for Medium Breeds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Shopping for the right food for your new puppy can be a bit overwhelming. Any dog lover knows that the food choices on the market today are seemingly endless. Even if you’re a brand-new dog owner, all you have to...

cocker spaniel in grass field

Ollie Fresh Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

Ollie Pets delivers fresh premium dog food straight to your door. All the recipes were crafted by experts in the field and contain very nutrient-dense ingredients. If you’re looking to make mealtimes more convenient, you’ll want to consider Ollie. Once...

DOG SAPR OLLIE NEW

Can Dogs Eat Wheat Thins? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

Wheat Thins is a popular brand of crackers often advertised as healthy snacks. They are baked whole-wheat crisps that are relatively low in calories and often paired with other food items like dips or sliced meat. While Wheat Thins are...

Can Dogs Eat_wheat thins

Holistapet CBD Dog Treats Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary CBD has grown in popularity substantially over the past few years. While this holistic remedy was first touted for humans, there are now many different pet companies that offer CBD products as well. Holistapet is an established pet...

Holistapet CBD Dog Treats

What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? 13 Vet-Approved Options

Summer is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably excited about all the in-season fruits you’ll be able to eat soon. You might also be curious about which fruits, if any, are safe to offer...

Labrador retriever dog eats watermelon from hands

8 Best Dog Foods for Pyoderma in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Pyoderma is a serious skin condition in dogs. Often, it involves small pustules developing on the surface of the dog’s skin. However, there are many different symptoms, including hair loss, itching, and dry skin. Different breeds are more prone to...

shiba inu dog scratching its ear

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

The grain-free diet craze is dying down among pet owners, leading some to wonder if dogs can eat grain products like Cream of Wheat. While it’s best to avoid table food for your dog and stick to a balanced commercial...

Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat

What Is Hypoallergenic Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Reviewed Explanation

If your dog is struggling with signs of food allergies (more on those later), your vet may suggest changing to hypoallergenic dog food. But what exactly is hypoallergenic dog food made of? Typically, hypoallergenic diets for dogs are made from...

labrador retriever eating from a bowl

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter