The Chi-chi dog is a new mix breed known as the ‘Designer’ or ‘Hybrid.’ These dogs are bred by crossing two popular species – the Chihuahua and the Chinese Crested. And although it may sound like breeders are being ridiculous, mixing up breeds like this, in truth, isn’t such a bad idea, especially when we’re talking about mixing some of the more ancient species affected by “human engineering” over the centuries.
For these…
In particular dog breeds, mixing in some new “genetic” material that can be used to help combat some of the genetic defects and hereditary medical conditions in some breeds that are now highly susceptible is an excellent idea. Plus, it never hurts when you decide to mix a Chihuahua and a Chinese Crested because the result is one of the cutest little things you’ve ever seen!
But just because…
They are super cute doesn’t mean that a Chi-Chi will be the right dog for you. This is why in this article, we’re going to look at some of the pros and cons of owning a Chi-Chi so you’ll be better prepared to know if it’s the right dog for you!
Origin of the Chi-Chi Dog Breed
Knowing “exactly” where these little guys first originated is a bit touchy because nobody seems all that sure. We can say that they Chi-Chi appears to be a bit more popular in Europe and Asia than in the States. But this could be a result of the fact the “parent” breeds for the Chi-Chi are also more popular in Europe and Asia than the USA, so who’s to say how relevant that is regarding where this breed first originated?
What we can tell you is…
That, because the Chi-Chi isn’t “super popular” in the United States as of yet, is probably why they have been “officially” recognized as their own “breed” by the American Kennel Club (but in our opinion, it’s only a matter of time).
History of the Chi-Chi Breed
Now why we can’t tell you where the Chi-Chi was first created? We can tell you “why” the Chi-Chi was probably first made. And the answer to that question lies in the history of the two breeds used to create a Chi-Chi, mainly the Chihuahua and the Chinese Crested.
The Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua is a Mexican breed whose roots are so long nobody knows how deep they go. There are inscriptions of dogs that look suspiciously Chihuahua-like in ancient ruins all over Mexico – and carved wooden toys in their semblance dating from 100 AD.
So, needless to say…
It’s safe to assume that the Chihuahua is a very ancient breed that has accompanied us through the ages. Loyal to the last and eternally by our sides. This is great, but the problem is people love the fact that Chihuahuas are tiny little dogs, and the smaller, the better for many folks.
As a result, this breed has been “selectively” bred for centuries in a constant effort to “improve” the breed and make it smaller. And what happens when this is done for centuries is that many medical conditions ordinarily discarded due to natural selection become enhanced or promoted.
This is also why…
Our oldest dog breeds are also some of our “least healthy.” And in the case of the Chihuahua, it’s also why you’ll see that this breed will suffer from an increased risk from conditions such as:
- Patellar Luxation,
- Portosystemic shunts,
- Legg-calve-Perthes disease,
- Mitral valve disease,
- Corneal dystrophy,
- And cryptorchidism.
Now as for the Chinese Crested…
Well, they, have also been around for a long time. And while their exact origin is debatable, what isn’t is that this little breed has a friend of many a Chinese sailor dating way back to the 13th century. And depending on what “type” of Chinese Crested we’re talking about, their appearance will vary significantly. These dogs have a dominant gene that makes specific puppies fur-less, and others come out super fluffy.
Now, both varieties of dogs can be born to the same litter in a rare genetic twist, so you never know what you’ll get unless you breed two “super fluffy” Chinese Crested with one another.
Now as you can imagine…
The Chinese Crested has suffered the same experiences as the Chihuahua in that it has also been “selectively bred” to remain very small. And while it is a much healthier breed than the Chihuahua, it too suffers from an elevated risk for several medical conditions, including:
- Patellar Luxation,
- And Legg-calve-Perthes disease.
The good news is that…
When you begin to add additional “genetic material” to a particular dog breed, it can potentially reduce the genetic risk factors for many of these common ailments affecting these two breeds, which is one reason why many responsible dog breeders are encouraging the development of these “designer dogs” or “hybrid dogs” provided they are being created for all the right reasons.
Other examples of “designer dogs” that are currently being created include:
- Aussiedoodle– Australian Shepherd and a Poodle,
- Bassetoodle– Basset Hound and a Poodle,
- Bugg– Boston Terrier and a Pug,
- CavaPom – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Pomeranian,
- Cockapoo – Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle,
- Goldendoodle– Golden Retriever and a Poodle,
- Irish Doodle– Irish Setter and a Poodle,
- Labradoodle – Labrador Retriever and a Poodle,
- PomaPoo– Pomeranian and a Poodle,
- Puggle– Pugg and a Poodle
- Schnoodle – Schnauzer and a Poodle
- Yorkipoo – Yorkie and a Poodle.
Now at this point, you’re probably wondering…
“What does a Chi-Chi Look like?”
Because the Designer Breed mix in this dog has two parents who each have two different ‘types’ within their breeds (the Chihuahua can either be a smooth or a long coated, and the Chinese Crested can either be Hairless or Powderpuff), you have four different types of genes to choose from.
To complicate matters even further, you’ll also want to factor in that the Chihuahua has two distinctively different head shapes. However, the AKC only rates the ‘apple’ and not the ‘deer’ head shape.
So…
Your Chi puppy might weigh eight pounds, be ten centimeters tall, and be ‘crested’ with a white tuft of hair, white hair around his paws, and a white tail similar to a horse. Or he might be fifteen pounds and resemble a fawn-colored cloud.
It is said that the Chinese Crested Powderpuff variety has a face similar to that of a terrier when it isn’t shaved…but shaving the muzzle is fashionable nowadays. It is now considered a very “high-doggy society.”
All we can tell you is…
That he won’t be more than fifteen pounds once fully grown…and that while we here at IndulgeYourPet think all puppies are adorable, Chi-Chi puppies take cute to a new LEVEL!
Chi-Chi Dog Breed Temperament
Will he have a temper? That will depend on his parent’s characters and how you raise him. Unlike their stereotype, Chihuahuas aren’t ‘nasty’ dogs. They are a toy breed and a companion dog.
The Chinese Crested is also a companion dog nowadays (as opposed to their old ratter sea-bearing days), and therefore your new Chi-chi puppy is likely to be adoring and gentle- as long as you raise him right.
And truth be told…
The fault with Chihuahuas tends to lie with the owners. They are such small dogs that the owners don’t believe them capable of harm and therefore don’t socialize them like they might a giant dog. They won’t tend to attend obedience classes, and as a result, sadly, re-homing shelters are filled with Chihuahuas who were never adequately trained. As a result, we’re never allowed to behave as we should have!
Chi Chi Health Concerns
Because this is such a new breed, health problems have yet to emerge. However, they come from highly bred lines with health problems that you’ll need to be able to familiarize yourself with. The Chinese Crested is sometimes born with missing teeth; this is fine if the dog is hairless, which is considered an acceptable trait. But if you’re “super puffy” Chinese Crested has misaligned teeth, this will be regarded as a “flaw” by some.
They can suffer from the aforementioned medical conditions we’ve already discussed, which you should be aware of if the Chi-Chi is a “first generation” Chi-Chi. In cases like these, you’ll want to discuss any potential issues the parents might have and get a good look at them for yourself.
Also, as we’ve…
As already discussed, the Chihuahua will not be without its own set of issues, including their teeth which we haven’t already discussed. This is why you’ll also probably want to look at your Chi-Chi teeth before falling completely in love!
That said, however, probably the biggest problem that you’re going to run into with the Chihuahua, and might be one that you run into with your Chi-Chi as well, is their insatiable appetite, which can often lead to obesity which will shorten their life more than anything else… so get them walking and avoid over-feeding and you should be fine.
Also, Be Cautious…
Since the Chi-chi is a Designer breed, Puppy Farmers everywhere will likely start churning them out by the dozen. It would be best if you did not buy from dodgy dog breeders. Signs to look out for are:
- No documentation
- The breeder cannot introduce you to either of your pup’s parents
- Dirty or unsanitary conditions
- Multiple breeds (more than three) being sold from the exact location
- Malnourished pups
If you see any of the above signs, leave and call the authorities.
And on that Note…
If you choose to purchase a Chi-Chi puppy or adopt a Chi-Chi rescue dog, we encourage you to take a moment and see what it would cost to buy a pet insurance policy for your new family member. If your little guy ever becomes sick or injured, you wouldn’t need to burden the cost of treatment on your own.
Now will a pet insurance policy be suitable for everyone?
Probably not. But until you know exactly what they “will” and “won’t” cover and what they cost, you won’t know if they are worth it or not.
This is why….
We here at IndulgeYourPet have taken the time also to research who we feel offers the Best Pet Insurance Policies out there so that you can quickly determine if having a policy on your new little family member makes any sense.
