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

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

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.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Cane Corso Akita Mix: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

A Cane Corso Akita mix is a mixed breed that combines the Cane Corso with the Akita. Because both of these breeds are...

Can Dogs Have Tilapia? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Tilapia is one of the most commonly eaten fish around, so if you’re a fan of fish, chances are you eat this fairly...

Can Dog Food Cause Ear Infections? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from ear infections. Your dog might never have one, or they may get them routinely. If you...

Are Basset Hounds Lazy? Our Vet Explains the Breed’s Activity Levels

You might be looking into getting a new dog and wonder if the laid-back Basset Hound is right for you. Are these loveable...

More related

Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

If you are looking for a unique and majestic dog, look no further than the Cane Corso Dogue de Bordeaux mix. This magnificent...

How Do Dogs Drink Water? Vet Reviewed Methods & Hydration Tips

Have you ever wondered why your dog drinks the way they do? They seem to splash about in their bowl until they’re satisfied,...

How to Treat a Broken Dog Nail in 8 Steps (Vet Answer)

A dog’s broken nail can be sore and bleed a lot, too! Like us, dogs have sensitive tissue with nerves and blood vessels...

Phantom Goldendoodle: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

You’re probably familiar with the Goldendoodle, one of the most well-known hybrids or “designer” dogs. A Phantom Goldendoodle may sound haunted, but they’re...

Keep reading

10 Best Dog Foods for Maltipoo Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks 

You’ve just brought home an adorable Maltipoo puppy from the breeder, and you’re excited to watch this little ball of fluff grow into an adult. Puppies of all breeds need well-balanced nutrition to grow up strong and healthy, but not...

Maltipoo puppy eats from a metal bowl

Scheduled vs Free Feeding Dogs: Vet-Verified Comparison, Pros, Cons & Facts

You may just scoop up a cup of dry kibble and toss it into your dog’s bowl every day, without giving it a second thought. But if you want more information about the two main types of feeding—scheduled and free...

Golden Retriever dog eating

Maev Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Have you heard of the newest pet food craze of raw dog food? Does it sound like something you want to serve your dog? Maev is a relatively new dog food brand, launched in 2020 and made in...

Dogster_Maev Dog Food Review

5 Dog Trail Mix Recipes You Can Make Today

Going on outdoor adventures with your dog is an excellent way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while having fun and creating memories together. Engaging in outdoor activities expends a lot of energy, so it’s important to pack nutritious...

Dog Trail Mix Recipes You Can Make Today

Can Dogs Eat Doritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Our canine companions will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, including food snatched right from our hands or plates. But just because your dog will eat something doesn’t always mean they should eat it. There are...

Can Dogs Eat Doritos

5 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

Sweet potatoes are superfoods chock full of many health benefits for humans. They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals and are generally considered a healthier choice than regular potatoes. Since they’re so beneficial for humans, you might wonder if sweet potatoes...

dog smelling the homemade cooked sweet potato on plate

Members Mark vs Kirkland Dog Food (2025 Comparison): Pros, Cons, and What to Choose

It is no secret that Americans love their dogs. In fact, according to the American Pet Products Association, 68% of US households include a pet—and that number is only growing. With so many people making pets a part of their...

Dogster_Dog Food Members Mark VS Kirkland

Which Nuts Are Bad for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safe & Toxic Options

Keeping our animals healthy is a top concern for us pet owners, and the foods that they eat often present the biggest danger. For example, many people worry about nuts because there are several kinds, and some are safe for...

a bowl of assorted nuts