Chi Chi Dog

The Chi Chi is a designer breed created by crossing the Chinese Crested and Chihuahua. They are characterized by a rectangular-shaped body along with an apple or wedge-shaped head like their Chihuahua or Chinese Crested parents respectively. They even have bright and round or almond shaped eyes, a slightly arched neck that appears long and slim, narrow shoulders, slender and straight legs as well as a C-shaped tail that is curved and held over the back especially when they are excited.

Chi Chi Dog Pictures

History

Though the history of this modern day designer dog is unknown, it might have been developed with the intention of creating an intelligent watchdog just like its parents, though with a smaller stature.

Temperament and Personality

These dogs possess a friendly, playful and intelligent nature getting along superbly well with the members of its family though they may develop a special attachment with a few of them. In spite of their cordial and amicable, they may be bold and indifferent towards animals as well as strangers on encountering them for the first time. This trait of its makes it excel as a watch dog though it may be messy and noisy at times.

The Chihuahua-Chinese Crested mix can be by themselves for a considerable period in an open yard or apartment. However, being left alone for a very long time makes them develop several behavioral issues such as losing hairs from stress, biting or scratching themselves, showing rudeness or attempting to escape. They have a wonderful rapport with kids, but the little ones should be taught to handle these dogs in a gentle way rather than behaving roughly or rashly with them. In fact, special care should be taken for the hairless variety as they have no hair on their skin to protect from wounds or scratches. It is always safe for an adult to supervise the child’s interaction with these dogs to ensure the latter’s safety.

Being excellent at climbing and jumping, they can surprise you by leaping higher than you can think, a trait attained from the Chinese Crested. Thus, if you cannot spot your little dog, search for him on top of the wardrobe or upon your piles of clothes. However, as it has delicate legs, it is essential to keep a watch on them while on stairs or even help them get down the sofa if they are unable to jump as they may easily fall off leading to injuries. The Chi Chi dogs are not adaptable to extremes of weather, getting sun burnt when left in the scorching heat or chilled if exposed to the bitter cold.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

Keeping their high energy levels and active nature in mind, help them exercise regularly. Indoor or outdoor activities along with a long walk would keep them physically and mentally fit.

They do not need too much of grooming though the procedure would vary according to the kind of coats they have. Those with a smooth coat need to be regularly washed using a rag while the long-haired variety requires daily brushing. The dogs without any hair need to be applied lotion and sun block every day to prevent their skin from getting tanned or burnt. It is essential to clean their eyes on a regular basis to combat infections. Provide special attention to those inheriting the large eyes of the Chihuahua as they may have tears quite often. Brush their teeth regularly as they are easily prone to dental infections.

Some of the common health issues the Chi Chi may be prone to include luxating patella as well as a host of eye diseases such as glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation and dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Chi Chi puppies often suffer from hypoglycemia, similar to their Chihuahua parent.

Training

These smart dogs are quick learners, thus needing to be trained in a firm, patient and tactful way with a lot of positive reinforcement techniques like rewards, praise, play and cuddles implemented to yield good results. Imparting socialization and obedience training from their puppy days will help them develop a pleasing personality. Owners can use their intelligence in a positive way by teaching them a host of new tricks that will come of great aid to them while participating in dog shows or sports like obedience and agility.

Feeding

These dogs require half to one cup of dry dog food on a daily basis along with a nutritious diet. However, overfeeding is to be strictly avoided as they can be obese because of excessive eating.

Interesting Facts

• Among the variety of coats of Chi Chi dog, some may be hairless while the others might have powder puffs (a long and soft coat) similar to the Chinese Crested. Breeders often throw the powder puff variety of the Chinese Crested into a bucket of water after their birth as such dogs are thought not to be very useful.
• In 2007, Elwood, a 2-year-old Chinese Crested-Chihuahua mix was crowned the winner in the World’s Ugliest Dog Competition with the owners getting a prize money of $1000.