The Chihuahua poodle mix is a teeny tiny cross between a Chihuahua and a poodle.
Just like a teacup poodle these little dogs are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
Despite their small size, these pups are surprisingly energetic.
They will love to run and play just as much as they love hitching a ride in your arms.
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What is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix?
This loving pooch is the result of mixing a Chihuahua and a teacup poodle.
You may also have heard them being called a Chipoo or a Poochi.
The Chihuahua Poodle mix is a toy dog and was bred to be a cute and cuddly companion.
As they are so small they are easygoing and small enough to fit into a variety of different homes and lifestyles.
They often look like a Teacup Poodle just with a slightly longer body. The major appeal of these adorable little dogs is their playful, puppy like nature that lasts into their adult years. It is like having a puppy that never grows up!
Chipoos are surprisingly independent and resilient for such a small dog and are much easier to care for than other toy breeds.
- Overview: Hybrid (Chihuahua/Toy Poodle).
- Purpose: Companion.
- Weight: 7-20 pounds.
- Size: 7-15 inches.
- Temperament: Playful, loving and independent.
Chihuahua Poodle Mix Appearance
A Chihuahua Poodle mix is a small, lightweight dog that you can carry around with you.
Those who inherit more Chihuahua will be long and slender. Whereas those with more Poodle in them with be shorter and chunkier.
Their eyes can be light or dark and their noses are usually brown or black. They walk and run with a real spring in their step.
Chipoo’s ears are usually rounded but can sometimes stand erect.
Height and Weight
- Males stand between 9-15 inches tall and weigh between 10-20 pounds.
- Females stand between 7-12 inches and weigh between 7-17 pounds.
Breed Colors and Coat
Both the Chihuahua and Poodle can come in lots of different colors.
So as you can guess this mix is no different.
Black, white, grey, and many shades of brown are all possible fur colors. They may be all one color, or a mix of two or three different ones.
Their fur is medium length and can be styled to your fancy.
The breed’s single coat sheds surprisingly little and will only need brushing a few times a week.
5 Fun Facts About The Chipoo
- The first Chihuahua Poodle mix was bred in the 1970s.
- While letting your pup hitch a ride in your bag can be fun, it is important that even the tiniest dogs get time on their feet to walk.
- The Chihuahua originated in Mexico, while the Poodle is a European breed. The mix is thought to have begun in the United States.
- Chihuahua Poodle mixes are safer for owners with dog allergies due to their minimal shedding.
- The Poodle is one of the smartest dogs there is and all Poodle mixes are renowned for this intelligence.
Chihuahua Poodle Mix Personality and Temperament
Chihuahua Poodle mixes are even tempered and good natured dogs.
They makes cute and cuddly lap dogs and love to be carried or held.
As it is very easy to spoil them rotten they can develop a bossy streak.
When you wake up in the morning, your pup’s sweet face will be the first thing you see. They will spend their day following you around right at your heels.
Even as they grow up they never lose the curiosity and playful behavior of puppyhood. Every day is a big adventure for this lovable little pooch.
They are surprisingly independent for a toy breed and do not mind spending time alone.
These playful pups will keep themselves and their owners amused with all kinds of tricks. Just about anything will keep them entertained.
Their energy comes in quick bursts and they enjoy short play sessions throughout the day.
Both parent breeds are known for being very chatty dogs so you will likely hear a lot of yapping from your mix.
Reducing excessive barking whilst they are a puppy should be a priority.
These dogs will eagerly socialize with their family but can be shy and anxious around strangers. This anxiety will lead to much more barking and yapping.
Keeping your pup close by your side while you take them out to socialize will help them feel much more comfortable. They tend to be very suspicious of other pets but will get along with other toy dogs with similar personalities. Never keep one with a large dog or an especially pushy breed.
Is The Chihuahua Poodle Mix A Good Family Dog?
The Chihuahua Poodle Mix makes an excellent dog for families with older children (10+ years old).
Young children are often too noisy and rambunctious for these delicate dogs to handle. These delicate pooches can snap or bite if handled roughly.
Caring for a Chihuahua Poodle Mix
A Chihuahua Poodle mix is often more manageable than their parent breeds.
It is a great first pet for adult owners but should not be a child’s first puppy.
Owners should be able to keep up with its bursts of wild energy throughout the day.
These dogs are not at all difficult to care for and are in fact easier than other toy breeds. Housetraining and finding the right diet are the biggest challenges of the breed.
Exercise Requirements
A Chihuahua mixed with Poodle will keep its youthful energy throughout their life.
When they want to walk or play they will bark and tear around the house until you take them out.
They will need 2-3 short walks a day – each walk should be about 10 minutes each.
Your dog should be on leash while walking. When they are tired they will wait patiently for you to pick them up.
For the rest of the day you should let them burn their energy as necessary.
You can teach them how to jump small hurdles and catch a ball. Your dog will be happy playing indoors or out, so long as they have enough space. Giving them their own play room in your house is a good idea.
- Number of Walks Per Day: 2-3.
- Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 45 minutes.
Feeding and Diet
Finding a nutritious diet to a small dog can be very difficult.
It is easy to give them too much or too little dog food.
A dry kibble formulated for small/toy breeds is best. These formulas are packed with all of the nutrients your little pup needs to fuel their day.
Split one cup of kibble a day into two half cup meals.
A good small breed formula will be packed with protein and have very little carbs and fats. It should have a high vitamin content and no extra fillers or additives.
| Calories Per Day: | Cups of Kibble Per Day: |
|---|---|
| 400 | 1 |
Known Health Problems
The Poodle Chihuahua mix can suffer from overactive tear ducts.
This leads to weepy or crusty eyes, redness and irritation. Dogs that suffer from this chronically will need their tear ducts flushed every few months.
With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on!
Exam fees are included, which saves you around $50-$250 per sick visit.
PetPlan covers injury and disease in every adult tooth — not just the canines.
Not all providers cover hereditary conditions linked to breed. PetPlan does.
These dogs can also suffer from low blood sugar.
When your dog is not given enough to eat their body cannot produce enough blood glucose to use for energy.
A hypoglycemic dog will be very tired and sluggish.
This can be prevented with a good feeding schedule and making sure your dog is getting the right nutrition.
How Long Does A Chihuahua Poodle Mix Live?
These mixes typically live up to 15 years. However a particularly healthy pooch may reach 20 years old!
How Much Does A Chihuahua Poodle Mix Cost?
Expect to pay about $800 for one of these pups.
How to Train a Chipoo
With all of the intelligence of a Poodle combined with the stubborn nature of a Chihuahua, dog training can be quite a chore.
Fortunately, these dogs learn very fast once they are motivated to train.
Housebreaking is the biggest challenge as they have a very small bladder.
Take your Chihuahua Poodle mix to their potty area right after they have finished eating or playing, or right after they wake up in the morning.
Reward them when they do their business in the right spot.
It will take a lot of time and patience but your puppy will eventually be able to go to their potty spot on their own.
Nuisance barking and yapping is the second biggest challenge to tackle. This can be eliminated by simply ignoring it when it happens. Respect your dog’s need to communicate but do not validate them when they are just making noise for the sake of making noise.
They will learn better ways to get your attention.
Do not underestimate the high intelligence of these tiny dogs.
They do not need as much stimulation as other Poodle breeds but still hate to be bored.
You should give your dog their own special room or pen in your house where they can amuse themselves.
Chasing games will tap into your pup’s prey instinct while they train. Get a rope or a stick for them to chase and take them out into the yard to let loose.
While they chase the toy you can practice their basic commands.
Buyer’s Guide
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to care for. | Difficult to housetrain due to small bladder. |
| One of the most independent toy breeds. | Can be loud and yappy. |
| Very playful and amusing personality. | Specific dietary needs. |
| Handles being left alone. | Does not get along with strangers. |
| Good pet for first time dog owners. |
Quick Breed Summary Table
| Breed Characteristics | |
| Size: | 7-15 inches |
| Weight: | 7-20lb |
| Lifespan: | 15 years |
| Coat: | Medium single coat |
| Color: | Black, white, brown and grey |
| Do They Shed: | Minimal |
| Temperament: | Lovable, funny, playful, bossy and independent |
| Intelligence: | High |
| Socialization: | Socializes best with its own family members |
| Destructive Behavior: | Can bite if handled roughly |
| People Skills: | Often shy around strangers |
| Good with Children: | Yes (age 10+ only) |
| Activity Levels: | Moderate |
Summary
A Chihuahua Poodle mix is a wonderful furry friend to have.
Just about anybody can find a place for them in their home and heart.
They are so easy to care for that new owners should have very little trouble with them. However, their bossiness can sometimes catch a new owner off guard.
These loving and playful dogs never truly lose their youth. It is impossible to be in a bad mood with one of these funny little pups around to put a smile on your face.
When playtime is over your Chihuahua mix will be ready to cuddle on the couch with you.
More Chihuahua and Poodle Mixes
Want a Chihuahua mix or Poodle mix but aren’t keen on the Chihuahua Poodle mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:
Chihuahua Mixes
- Chihuahua Terrier Mix
- Chiweenie
- Jack Russel Chihuahua Mix
- Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
- Pomchi
- Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix
- Chihuahua Great Dane
- Chorkie
- Chug Dog
This is the best dog I ever loved like a child her name is ly ly she is eighteen years old blind and deaf solid white more like a poodle characteristics and healthier than I am l am 65 years old