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

Written by: Oliver Jones

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Oliver Jones

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

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.

Energy
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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
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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
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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.

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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.

Chi Chon - Chihuahua and Bichon Frise Mix
Image By: Pixabay

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.

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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

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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.

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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 in History.

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.

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Final Thoughts

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: Jasmine S C, Shutterstock

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