Chihuahua Corgi Mix Breed Information, Traits, & Characteristics

The Chihuahua corgi mix is a cross between a Chihuahua and a corgi. Chihuahua corgi mixes are also commonly referred to as chigis, chorgies, and chi-corgis.

These mixes are 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. The dogs are affectionate, charming, and alert, and they form strong bonds with their owners. The average lifespan of this breed is 12 to 14 years.

With proper socialization and training, Chihuahua corgi mixes make excellent companions and are ideal for small apartments. However, people with young children should avoid this breed. While chigis are rarely aggressive, their bodies are fragile and rough handling can lead to injuries.

Chihuahua corgi mixes typically cost between $300 and $1,000.

Chihuahua Corgi Mix Characteristics & Overview

Origin & Purpose

The origin of the Chihuahua corgi mix isn’t known. Deliberate breeding of the Chihuahua and corgi likely first began in the 1990s, a time when designer dog breeds were becoming increasingly popular.

Today, Chihuahua corgi mixes are still bred and sought after because of their endearing features and bold, playful personalities.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas were first discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico, in the 19th century, and were developed to be toy-sized companion dogs. These dogs were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.

While its origins are still debated today, the Chihuahua is considered to be a descendant of the Techichi, a small, mute, now-extinct breed that can be traced back to the Mayan era.

The breed has a glossy coat, pointed muzzle, and distinctive round eyes. These dogs are confident and will stand up to animals much bigger than them.

Corgi

The corgi is originally from Wales, where it was selectively bred to be an all-around farm dog capable of herding, guarding livestock, and catching rodents. Corgis are an ancient breed and even appear in Welsh folklore about corgis and fairies.

There are two distinct corgi breeds: the Pembroke Welsh corgi, which was recognized by the AKC in 1934, and the Cardigan Welsh corgi, recognized in 1935.

Corgis have double coats with short legs, erect ears, and compact bodies. The breed is known for its outgoing personality.

Lifespan

With appropriate care, the Chihuahua corgi mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. The dog’s diet, activity level, and health issues can all affect its lifespan.

Chigi Appearance

Chihuahua corgi mixes are small dogs that inherit a combination of qualities from both parent breeds. Most chigis have straight double coats, the body type of a corgi, and the Chihuahua’s facial features. The dogs’ fur comes in various shades, including black and fawn.

Height and Weight

Chihuahua corgi mixes are considered small dogs with a height at the withers of 7 to 12 inches and a weight of 10 to 20 pounds. Chigis that inherit more genes from their Chihuahua parent are typically under 8 inches tall. Those that take on more traits from the corgi are usually 10 to 12 inches tall. Males are typically larger than females.

The Chihuahua corgi mix reaches its full adult height within a year. Lifestyle factors, like diet and activity level, can affect the dog’s weight throughout its life.

Colors

Chihuahua corgi mixes come in different shades of fawn, black, red, sable, white, chocolate, blue, tan, and cream. Sable and pure white are considered the rarest colors, while the most common hues are fawn, cream, and red.

Some Chihuahua corgi mixes have white markings on their legs, chests, necks, and heads.

Chigis can also inherit the corgi’s distinctive fairy saddle marking — a stripe on the back where the fur changes in direction and thickness.

Coat

Chihuahua corgi mixes have double coats with a thick outer coat and dense undercoat. The appearance and length of the fur depend on which coat type the mixed breed inherits from its parents. Chigis shed moderately and blow their coats twice a year.

• Corgi coat: Soft undercoat and medium-length outer fur that’s slightly harsh in texture. Lies smooth and weather-resistant, with thicker hair on the neck, thighs, and tail

• Chihuahua long-haired coat: Soft, slightly wavy or flat, with feathering at the tail, paws, and legs. Fringed ears and a distinctive ruff on the neck

• Chihuahua short-haired coat: Short, soft, glossy hairs, with a slight ruff on the neck. Hairs are tightly packed together

Chihuahua Corgi Mix Personality and Temperament

According to the AKC temperament guide, Chihuahuas are alert, self-reliant, and confident, while corgis are even-tempered, loyal, and affectionate. Chihuahua corgi mixes take on a combination of these personality traits.

These mixes are protective over their owners, which can cause them to be reserved around strangers or become possessive. However, with proper socialization and training, these dogs are rarely aggressive toward people.

Chigis are bold and fearless and often don’t realize how small they are. These dogs should always be supervised when interacting with young children or larger dogs. While intelligent, chigis have an independent streak and are often stubborn. This breed needs an owner that can be firm, consistent, and patient during training.

Chihuahua corgi mixes are also prone to separation anxiety and often engage in destructive behavior if left alone for long periods of time.

Barking

The Chihuahua corgi mix has a high barking tendency, often barking when bored, excited, hungry, or to alert its owner. Appropriate training from an early age, as well as ensuring the dog’s needs are met, can curb excessive barking.

Chigi Care

Chigis are moderately difficult to care for because they need a lot of mental stimulation, training, exercise, and attention throughout the day to stay happy and at ease. Chihuahua corgi mixes also require frequent grooming to keep their coat and skin in healthy condition.

Food Needs

Chihuahua corgi mixes should be fed 0.5 to 1.5 cups of kibble per day, depending on size, activity level, and metabolism. Large, lively chigis that exercise a lot need more food than small, laidback dogs. Food should be split into two to three separate meals and spread out throughout the day.

Avoid free feeding, stick to a food schedule, and ensure that treats make up no more than 10% of the dog’s daily calorie intake. Puppies need specially-formulated food that’s rich in protein and that supports their growth.

Grooming Needs

Chihuahua corgi mixes have double coats that need brushing two to three times per week, and daily brushing is needed during heavy shedding periods. Use a slicker brush to remove excess hair, mats, and tangles.

In addition to brushing, these dogs should be bathed once every few months to keep their coat glossy and healthy. Clean their teeth twice a week and trim long nails down as needed.

Exercise Needs

Chihuahua corgi mixes need at least an hour of exercise per day, split into two separate walks. Avoid areas with steep stairs or uneven pathways because chigis have small, delicate legs. Other ideal outdoor activities include agility classes, fetch, tracking, and light jogging.

Mental Needs

Chigis are lively, bold, and curious dogs that need plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day to stay happy and mentally fit. Provide mental stimulation in the form of training, puzzle toys, interactive games, and obedience classes.

The Chihuahua corgi mix is prone to separation anxiety, so the dog shouldn’t be left alone for lengthy periods. You can help ease a chigi’s anxiety with soothing chew toys, a comfortable crate, and a blanket covered in your scent.

Common Health Concerns

Chihuahua corgi mixes are a healthy mixed breed overall but are susceptible to the following health conditions:

• Hip dysplasia: An abnormal formation of the hip joint that occurs during puppy growth. Symptoms include lameness, limping, pain, and lethargy. Hip dysplasia is treated and managed with physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, weight control, and surgery

• Luxating patella: A condition when the kneecap slips out of its groove and dislocates. Symptoms include stiffness, a hopping movement, pain, and lethargy. Treatment depends on the severity of the luxating patella but can involve physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery

• Tracheal collapse: A condition when the dog’s windpipe collapses. Symptoms include a honking cough, breathing difficulties, wheezing, gagging, and vomiting. Tracheal collapse is managed with lifestyle changes and medication

• Hypoglycemia: A genetic disease in which blood sugar levels drop dangerously low, causing symptoms such as weakness, tremors, lethargy, fainting, and seizures. Treatment involves raising blood sugar levels

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative, inherited disease that affects the dog’s vision and eventually leads to blindness. Unfortunately, there’s no known cure for PRA

• Gum disease: A progressive disease caused by a buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Symptoms include bad breath, discolored teeth, excessive drooling, loose teeth, inflamed gums, and appetite loss

• Hypothyroidism: A disease in which the dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms include a slowed metabolism, weight gain, excessive shedding, and lethargy. Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid replacement hormone medication

Chihuahua Corgi Mix Training

Chihuahua corgi mixes are moderately difficult to train. While smart, these dogs have an independent streak, take a while to housebreak, and are known for their stubbornness. Use positive reinforcement measures, be patient and firm, and keep training sessions between 5 to 15 minutes.

Socialization and training can begin once the Chihuahua corgi mix is eight weeks old. Begin with housebreaking, crate training, name training, and basic obedience, and expose the puppy to all kinds of environments, people, and animals.

A clicker is a particularly useful tool for dealing with stubbornness because it turns training into a fun, exciting game. You can also entice stubborn dogs with high-value treats. Avoid negative reinforcement-based training measures because they can cause Chihuahua corgi mixes to become aggressive, anxious, or fearful.

Chigi Price

Chigis are moderately expensive dogs because of their popularity and care needs. The initial purchase price of a chihuahua corgi mix varies depending on whether you go through an adoption agency or buy a puppy from a breeder.

How Much Is a Chihuahua Corgi Mix?

A Chihuahua corgi mix costs between $300 and $1,000 on average. The cost varies depending on geographical location, lineage, breeder, and the dog’s health, age, and appearance.

Adopting an adult Chihuahua corgi mix typically incurs a fee of $50 to $250, making it a cheaper alternative.

How Much Does it Cost to Own a Chigi?

Owning a chigi costs between $50 and $150 per month, or around $1,200 a year, which includes expenses such as food, routine healthcare, treats, and toys. Other potential necessities like dog sitters or training classes can add to the ownership cost.

Expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 in the first year because of additional expenses, like puppy vaccinations, bedding, grooming supplies, and neutering.

Is a Chihuahua Corgi Mix Right for You?

Chihuahua corgi mixes are devoted, alert, and lively companions that’ll brighten your days with their playful nature and bold antics. However, these dogs aren’t ideal for all people and lifestyles because of their stubbornness, exercise needs, and proneness to separation anxiety.

Chihuahua Corgi Mixes Are Suitable for:

The Chihuahua corgi mix flourishes with people who are prepared to exercise, play, train, and groom a dog regularly, and is suitable for older children who know how to properly handle and manage a small breed. The chigi also needs an owner that can be by its side for most of the day.

Chihuahua corgi mixes can happily live in apartments as long as they’re exercised regularly and taken out to relieve themselves.

Chihuahua Corgi Mixes Are NOT Suitable for:

Chihuahua corgi mixes aren’t suitable for people that work long hours, have young children, or rarely exercise. Chigis also aren’t ideal for first-time dog owners because they’re difficult to train without prior experience and often exhibit destructive behavior if their needs aren’t fulfilled.

A Chihuahua corgi mix shouldn’t be kept with other pets if it hasn’t been properly socialized. This dog is energetic, playful, and has a high barking tendency, so it isn’t ideal for those who prefer a quiet, peaceful environment.