Designer Breed Icon
  • Activity Level: low
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  • Shedding Level: low
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  • Grooming Level: moderate
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  • Trainability: high
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  • Good for Novice Owners: high
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  • Adaptability: high
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  • Kid/Pet Friendly: often
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  • Prey Drive: low
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  • Watchdog: very alert
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  • Average Size: Small
  • Average Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • Registered?: other

Chi-Poo Dog Breed Information

Overview

Temperament

Adaptability

Health

Owner Experience

Grooming

Activity Level

Size

Life Span

Did You Know?

A Chi-Poo is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature Poodle. Chi-Poos are compact and energetic little dogs that love their families. They tend to be energetic and playful, and love nothing more than being around their favorite humans.

Although the Chi-Poo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable canine organizations. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and more all recognize the Chi-Poo.

A Chi-Poo tends to be sweet, loving, and affectionate with their families. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They can be initially wary of strangers and strange dogs. But, as long as they have been well-socialized, they tend to warm up quickly.

Chi-Poos are fantastic watchdogs because they will alert you to things, people, noises, etc. on your property. Because of this, they can be prone to barking a lot. If you start to train your dog to stop barking early on, you can keep this from becoming a nuisance behavior.

Chi-Poos are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes with or without yards. These little dogs do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks when the temperatures drop.

Because these little dogs bond closely with their families and crave attention from them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. This also means they can be prone to developing separation anxiety. So, you will want to make sure you socialize your dog and spend some time making sure they can be comfortable when you are not around.

Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chi-Poo include glaucoma, luxating patella, hypoglycemia, and overactive tear glands. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies, so don’t be afraid to ask about the health of the parents.

As a small dog breed, the Chi-Poo is more prone to developing painful dental diseases later in life. Gum disease in dogs is one of the most common health issues and has serious consequences. By practicing good dental care early and consistently throughout your dog’s life, you can help prevent it.

Chi-Poos are highly intelligent dogs that are eager to please and pick up on things quickly. Inconsistent training can make them stubborn. But, as long as training is kept consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, they are a good fit for owners of all experience levels.

Puppy training classes are still an option. Aside from the training, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes. They’re a way to bond with your puppy, socialize them, and more.

Although a Chi-Poo can inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat, they don’t always. If they take more after their Chihuahua parent, they will shed a little year-round, require weekly brushing, and need the occasional bath.

If they inherit the Poodle coat, they may not shed, but they will need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats from forming. In addition, professionally grooming and clipping are needed every 4-6 weeks.

In addition to coat care, regardless of coat type, you will need to take care of your Chi-Poo’s nails, ears, and teeth. If you are visiting a dog groomer regularly, they may be able to help out with some things, but you will still need to do maintenance at home between visits.

Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep them from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Dental diseases can be prevented later in life with consistent dental care. Daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal.

Although a Chi-Poo will be energetic when they play, they are small dogs and will tire themselves out quickly. Usually, daily walks plus some playtime are enough to keep this little dog happy and healthy.

Because they thrive being around you, they may be up for more activity if you are. They’ll often just be happy to be spending time with you. Just make sure you keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overexerting themselves trying to keep up and be prepared to potentially have to rest or carry them.

A fully-grown Chi-Poo usually averages 5-15 inches tall and 5-20 pounds in weight.

Chi-Poos generally live for 12-15 years on average.

This mix is usually called a Chi-Poo. Other nicknames include Choodle, Poochi, Chipoodle, and Poohuahua.