Chi-Chon are companion dogs through and through. They love nothing more than being around the people they love and receiving attention from them. They can become overly attached to one person, so early socialization is important.

Chi-Chon do not usually bark a lot unless they have been trained into it, but they can be prone to barking to get attention. So, it can be a good idea to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior.

They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because they are so small, they can be easily injured by young children who are still learning to walk and master motor control. As such, interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised.

Chi-Chon are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with yards. Although they do well in most climates, they are sensitive to heat and will likely get cold when the temperatures drop. For these little dogs, it’s usually a good idea to have some winter dog products on hand to keep them warm while out on walks in chilly weather.

Because they thrive on attention and bond so closely with their families, Chi-Chon do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety. So, you will want to work on socialization, training, and confidence as your Chi-Chon grows to prevent it.

Although mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs, it’s not a guarantee and good breeding practices make a difference. Just as they could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, a mix could also inherit all of them or some combination of them.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chi-Chon include patellar luxation and skin issues. As a small dog breed, they are also more prone to developing dental disease so practicing good dental care throughout their life is essential.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done.

A Chi-Chon is an intelligent little dog that picks up on things and tends to be eager to please. They can sometimes inherit a bit of a stubborn streak from their Chihuahua parent, but as long as training is kept positive and consistent, it’s usually not an obstacle.

This makes a Chi-Chon a good fit for owners of all experience levels as long as they are able to spend time training them. Puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they help you reinforce training, strengthen the bond you and your puppy have, and can even help socialize a puppy.

Although a Chi-Chon usually ends up with the low-shedding, fluffy Bichon Rise coat, they could still inherit a coat more similar to their Chihuahua parent. If they inherit a Chi coat, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and only need a bath on occasion. If they inherit the Bichon coat, they won’t shed, but they will require daily brushing and professional grooming every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to take care of your Chi-Chon’s nails, ears, and teeth. Trimming your dog’s nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks with careful ear cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste can help prevent painful dental disease.

Although Chi-Chon may be energetic and have bursts of energy when they play, they will also wear themselves out quickly and do not need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this little dog.

A fully-grown Chi-Chon usually stands 8-10 inches tall and weighs 6-10 pounds.

A Chi-Chon generally lives for 12-15 years.

The Chi-Chon is also sometimes called a Chichon, a Bichon Chi, or simply a Chihuahua Bichon Frise Mix.