The Chipoo is one-half Chihuahua and one-half Toy Poodle. They are a brilliant blend of two popular pint-size pups, making a saucy but affectionate fun canine companion. As with all mixed breeds, you have to be open to the unknown, in that you never know which parent they might take after more. But if you love both breeds, the Chipoo could be the perfect answer to your doggy dreams.
Chipoos are fun, active, and have much more mental energy than people think. They need a family that can spend most of their day with them because they hate to be left alone for too long. Their stubborn Chihuahua character might come out, but with early and consistent training, their intelligent Poodle traits should take over. Chipoos adapt to most families and can live with dog-savvy children.
We explore all you need to know about the Chipoo mixed breed. We look at everything from their history and how that affects their personality to their looks and grooming needs. They are relatively simple to care for, but there are a few things you need to be aware of before committing to this pup. Eager to know more? Let’s take a closer look.
History
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The history of the Chipoo isn’t clear cut, like many other new designer dogs. Most Chipoos originated in America during the late 20th century. The fascination with designer dogs began with the Labradoodle, and since then, dog lovers worldwide have bred and bought them. To understand the Chipoo better, examining their parents’ history is essential.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a popular dog in America and originates from Mexico. The Chihuahua’s ancestor, the now-extinct Techichi dating back 1,000 years, was much larger than the Chihuahua. But this dog was bred down to be smaller and lighter over time. These tiny dogs lived across Mexico in small, rural villages. It was during the mid-1800s that Americans found the breed was popular in the state of Chihuahua. And so the name stuck.
It is unclear what the Chihuahua’s specific purpose was, but it was likely an all-round companion dog. They’re small enough to feed and house, alert owners to strangers, warn off intruders, and offer cuddles at night. Chihuahuas weigh no more than 6 pounds and measure between 5 and 8 inches tall. They are intelligent, agile, and self-confident, which sometimes needs reigning in.
Poodle
There are three Poodle sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. More often than not, the Toy Poodle is the parent in this doodle mix due to their size, similar to the Chihuahua. Toy Poodles usually weigh between 4 and 6 pounds and measure no more than 10 inches tall. However, sometimes a breeder might use a small miniature Poodle. Poodles are one of the most commonly used breeds in the world of designer dogs, as they are adorable, fun, and well-balanced. They are also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for families with allergies.
Despite being the national dog of France, Poodles came from Germany over 400 years ago. Their breed purpose was to hunt ducks and other waterfowl. Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, and they are also loyal and eager to please, making them highly trainable. The standard Poodle is the original Poodle size, and over time, they were bred down to become charming lap dogs. The Toy Poodle was first bred in America during the early 20th century and is now very popular.
Temperament
You must have an open mind when it comes to mixed breeds, particularly new hybrids like the Chipoo that are usually first-generation. The Chipoo might be more like the Poodle than the Chihuahua, or vice versa. Or they could be a perfect blend of both. For this reason, you need to be sure that both breeds are suitable for you, your home, and your personality. But overall, the Chipoo is a wonderfully fun, loving, and loyal mixed breed.
Chipoos have a lovely and sensitive side and crave spending time with their family. Both of the Chipoo’s parents were lapdogs, so you can expect the Chipoo to be doubly so. They adore snuggling up on the sofa, snoozing away with belly rubs. They long for human companionship, so if you’re looking for an independent dog who enjoys their own company, this is not the breed for you.
Chipoos have a suspicious streak, which comes from their Chihuahua side. They can be protective of their owners, and you might find they stick close to you in public. This pup could make a great choice if you’re after a little watchdog. They can also be vocal to display their excitement or as a warning to strangers. Training can help with their barking, but the Chipoo is not a quiet dog.
Size & Appearance
The size of the Chipoo varies, but they typically range from 3 to 6 pounds and measure approximately 8 inches tall, from paw to shoulder. If their size is essential for you, you must ask the breeder what size parent the Poodle is. If their parent is a miniature-size Poodle, they are likely to be taller and heavier than this. But overall, they are an extra small to small size doggo.
Chipoos usually take on a sweet blend of both their parent’s appearances. They have a sweet smile, soulful eyes, and a cheeky but cute appearance. Their eyes are usually perfectly round, and their tails are typically small to medium in length. Their ears may be small, erect, and triangular. Or they might be slightly larger and drop down. Sometimes, they inherit one of each.
Most Chipoos have short to medium hair with a slight wave. Some have short hair, and rarely do they have straight hair. But as a mixed pup, you can never be sure. The Poodle parent is hypoallergenic, but the Chihuahua parent isn’t. Some Chipoos are hypoallergenic, but many aren’t. So, there is no guarantee that a Chipoo suits those with allergies.
The primary colors of the Chipoo range from light colors, such as white, cream, fawn, and silver, to dark colors, like brown, gray, and black. Sometimes, they have a solid coat color, and others have multi-color coats. Thanks to their parent’s varied color collection, they have a wide range of coat colors, making them an extra beautiful breed. Most Chipoos have dark features, including eyes, nose, paws, and nails, but some may have lighter elements.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Chipoos have a lot of energy for their small size, and this is something you shouldn’t underestimate. Chipoos need around 45 minutes of exercise daily to keep them happy and healthy. Their love of the water means most Chipoos love swimming and retrieving toys and objects, so an afternoon at the local doggy park or lake is a great idea. You may even want to invest in a doggy lifejacket for your Chipoo.
Not only do they need plenty of exercise, but they also need lots of mental stimulation throughout the day. Ensure they have access to challenging toys during the day to keep their mind busy and to prevent unwanted behavior. They also crave interactive play with their humans and need a family to spend most of their time with them. Both of the Chipoo’s parents can suffer from separation anxiety, so it’s likely the Chipoo might, too.
Thanks to their tiny size, Chipoos can live anywhere and make a top choice for small apartments or homes. They would appreciate a small yard to play in, and if you have one, you need to ensure it is secure. Chipoos have a curious nature and high prey drive, meaning they are likely to escape, given half the chance. They would thrive just as much in a large home. As long as they can see you, they’re happy. Most Chipoos can live with other pups and dog-savvy children if they are socialized well from a puppy.
Training
Chipoos can have a stubborn streak, mainly from their Chihuahua parent. However, with proper and consistent training from an early age, this shouldn’t be an issue, thanks to the obedient Poodle influence. Research something called “little dog syndrome,” and be sure you don’t fall into any of the mistakes some small dog owners make. Teach them the rules and routines you expect them to follow when you bring them home.
Chipoos need early socialization to ensure they can interact politely with other dogs and humans and cope well with new experiences. A responsible breeder should start this, but it’s your role to continue their training and build their confidence. A nervous dog can become unruly and challenging. Chipoos respond best to a positive reinforcement training style, so make every experience as positive as possible. If you’re struggling with behavioral issues, consider contacting Doggy Dan for extra support.
Chipoos don’t like to be left alone for too long and are likely to suffer from separation anxiety. Crate training is an excellent idea for Chipoos, giving them a safe space to relax when you are gone. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that they are safe and don’t have free reign of your home. After a short crate training period, most dogs love their crate, so give them time.
Health
The life expectancy of a Chipoo, considering their parent’s life expectancy, is typically between 14 and 16 years. Keep them up-to-date with their health checks and vaccinations and maintain their fitness with daily exercise and high-quality nutrition. Like all dogs, they are predisposed to a few health concerns, so it’s important to consider pet insurance for your Chipoo. Here are the main health concerns to be aware of in this hybrid.
Eye Concerns
The Chipoo is predisposed to several eye conditions from both sides of the family. These include progressive retinal atrophy and age-related cataracts. If Chipoos inherit the sometimes bulging eyes of the Chihuahua, they are more prone to eye injury, too. Many eye conditions can lead to blindness if left untreated, so it’s important to take your Chipoo to the vet if you notice any change in their eyes or vision.
Heart Conditions
Heart conditions run in the Chihuahua bloodline, so there is a chance Chipoos could inherit several heart conditions. The most common are patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease. Both conditions can be detected during their health checks and corrected with surgery. However, if left undetected, they can lead to congestive heart failure. Symptoms of these heart conditions include fatigue, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and exercise intolerance.
Legg-Calve-Perthes
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is an orthopedic disorder that mainly affects small dog breeds. The degeneration of the hip joint leads to bone and joint inflammation, and it can cause lameness, muscle wastage, and painful mobility. If you notice any abnormal movement, make an appointment with your vet for an examination.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is another orthopedic condition that affects the kneecaps, and it is commonly referred to as the floating kneecap. Like Legg-calve-perthes, it is more common in smaller dog breeds. Most affected dogs only require corrective management where your vet can push it back into place. But more severe cases might benefit from surgery to correct it.
Nutrition
Chipoos are small doggos that require dog food formulated for the nutritional needs of small breeds. How much they eat depends on various factors, including their age, size, sex, activity levels, and the diet you choose. It’s essential to consult the feeding instructions on the packaging or your vet about how much to feed your Chipoo. Feeding them too little can lead to nutrient deficiency, and too much can lead to weight gain.
Choosing an age-appropriate diet is essential, especially during their first year of development. The diet should be high-quality and meet the pet food standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO.) The ingredients list should include high-quality ingredients such as animal-based protein, healthy carbs, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Why not consider one of the leading fresh food subscriptions for your Chipoo, such as The Farmer’s Dog?
Grooming
Chipoos need brushing several times a week to keep their hair dirt and tangle-free. The amount of grooming your Chipoo needs depends on the type of coat they inherit. If they inherit the tighter curls of the Poodle, they need a brush designed for Poodles. Or if they inherit softer waves or straight hair, a generic dog brush is suitable. If they have a single coat like their Poodle parent, ensure any brush you use has soft or round ends to protect their sensitive skin. And if they have a double coat like their Chihuahua parent, an undercoat rake is beneficial.
Chipoos have tiny mouths, which means their teeth are tight and compact. For this reason, they need a regular dental regime from an early age. Chipoos only need bathing once every two or three months, depending on how long their coat is or how dirty they become on their adventures. Select a doggy shampoo formula with gentle ingredients such as oatmeal or coconut.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
Chipoos aren’t as common as Labradoodles, so you might have to spend extra time researching and finding a reputable breeder. It can be challenging to identify a mix pup’s parentage. So be sure to work with a reputable breeder who can prove that your pup is indeed a Chipoo and not just any ol’ pup. They should also provide you with relevant health certificates and allow you to meet the puppies before committing to them. Watch out for the tactics used by irresponsible breeders and puppy mills.
The average price of a Chipoo puppy from a reputable breeder can range between $600 and $900. The Chipoo is a relatively uncommon breed, so the price shouldn’t be much more than this. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be much cheaper than this either. Additional costs are involved when buying a puppy, such as buying necessary equipment they need, other supplies, and initial and ongoing health care.
Rescues & Shelters
Chipoos aren’t common, so finding one in a rescue shelter is much rarer than a more popular mix breed. Identifying a mixed dog’s breed can also be tricky if they’ve been surrendered without information. Head to your local shelters and speak to the staff there about your search for a Chipoo. Alternatively, online rescue organizations list adoptable dogs nationwide, which could increase your chance of rescuing a Chipoo.
As A Family Pet
- Chipoos are tiny mixed breeds.
- They crave human interaction and need a family at home most of the day.
- Crate training can help to soothe separation anxiety.
- Chipoos need around 45 minutes of exercise daily.
- Please provide them with stimulating toys to prevent unwanted behavior.
- With proper training, they can live with other dogs and dog-savvy children.
- They can live in small homes or apartments.
- Chipoos are very adaptable.
- Their grooming regime is relatively simple.
- Chipoos are sweet, fun, and loyal dogs.
Learn More About Chihuahuas and Poodles
The Chipoo is an adaptable little puppy who wants a family that can spend most of their time with them and provide lots of entertainment and fun throughout the day. If you can achieve that, you can be sure to find a best friend in the Chipoo. Have you researched their parents to learn more about them individually? The Chihuahua is very different from the Poodle, but this mix brings out the best of them.
Poodle mixes are adaptable hybrids that get on with it. You might come up against their stubborn Chihuahua side, but with early and consistent training, you can bring out the best in them. The Chipoo makes a great apartment doggo, but there are many more small-size pups to look at if this is your main consideration.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a dog owner with over 20 years of experience. She has also worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years, taking care of countless dog breeds with different needs, including Poodles, Chihuahuas, and Poodle mixes. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible. She works alongside a professional and experienced team to bring the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information to our readers.