By Macy Gen Veterinary AssistantMacy Gen Last updated: 18th October 2022

Chi-Poo

By

Macy Gen Veterinary Assistant Macy Gen
Last updated: 18th October 2022

Chi-Poo, a designer dog, has been developed by crossing the Chihuahua and the Miniature or Toy Poodle. This loving breed is of a small stature with round eyes, floppy or pointed ears and a coat that may either be wavy or curly in appearance. In fact, the shape of its head and body may resemble that of either parent, depending on how much it is genetically inclined towards them.

Chi-Poo Pictures

Quick Information

Other NamesWapoo, Chi poo, Chih-poo, Poochi, Poochie, Choodle, Chipoodle, Chidoodle, Fiesta Poo, Chi-Poo, Poo-chi, Poohuahua
CoatSmooth, fluffy, coarse, wiry, curly, wavy
ColorWhite, Cream, Brown, Gray, Black, White, and Apricot, Tan with White markings, Black, and Tan
Breed TypeCrossbreed
Group (of Breed)Designer Dog
Lifespan12 to 15 years
SizeSmall
Weight3 to 20 pounds
Height5 to 15 inches
Litter size4 to 5
TemperamentEnergetic, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Good with ChildrenYes (But not recommended for young children)
HypoallergenicTo some extent
BarkingOccasional
SheddingLow
Originated inUSA
Competitive RegistrationDDKC, DBR, IDCR, DRA, ACHC

Chi-Poo Puppies Video


Breed registration information

This breed gained recognition by the International Designer Canine Association in 2009. Different breed organizations have recognized it by various names.

Designer Dogs Kennel Club: Wapoo

American Canine Hybrid Club: Chi-Poo

International Designer Canine Registry: Chi Poo

Designer Breed Registry: Choodle or Wapoo

Temperament and Personality

These energetic dogs love to play also loving to spend time with their owners by sitting on their lap and being cuddled. A significant trait that the Chi-Poo may have partially inherited from the Chihuahua is their habit of bonding intimately with a particular person of the house, following him wherever he goes. These amicable dogs are not a good option for children below ten years of age as the latter may harm or rashly handle them.

They can thrive well indoors or even in apartments if they have sufficient space to run around freely. This Chihuahua-Poodle mix gets along well with other dogs and pets when brought up with then since their puppy days. They are however not too comfortable with strangers.

Care

Exercise

These active, playful dogs require a lot of physical activities to be healthy and happy. Taking them out for a walk daily under moderate temperature is a good option. In fact when outdoors if the temperature falls below 50 degrees, it is safe to take a coat or sweater for them. They get bored and destructive when left alone for too long. Therefore, give them adequate mental exercise by introducing a lot of interesting toys to them.

Grooming

Though they shed less, their coats should be groomed at frequent intervals in a week on the basis of the length by using a brush with soft bristles. Bathe them once or twice when needed. It is best to brush your dog before bathing it as this will help in removing loose hairs, also preventing it from getting matted after being wet. In fact, if your pet Chi-Poo has a coat similar to Poodle then brushing at regular intervals as well as clipping is essential.

Make sure to brush their teeth two to three times in a week to prevent any dental infections. Because of their overactive tear glands similar to Poodles, it is required to remove the dried tears by cleaning the region around their eyes using a fine tooth comb devoid of any sharp edges.

Health Problems

They may suffer from diseases like luxating patella, tracheal collapse, hydrocephalus (building up of fluid in the cavities of the brain), dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, and chronic valvular heart disease. They also have the problem of dry skin, being incapable of absorbing anything through their skin. Some of them may possess an inverted eyelid that may heal on its own or in the extreme case require surgery. This breed is also prone to hypoglycemia that can turn fatal if not treated properly.

Training

Being intelligent just like the Poodle they will respond well to training when handled by a tactful trainer who will not be harsh on them but handle their stubbornness in a firm and patient way. Loving to amuse their owners with impressive tricks, they will be adept at it when groomed with an efficient hand.

The techniques of rewarding and praising will encourage them to respond in a positive way. Proper socialization training is also required to be given to the puppies to help them get over certain behavioral problems like barking, showing possessiveness regarding their toys or belongings or getting destructive. Moreover, they should be trained to get over their habit of being attached to a particular individual of the family as his absence may trigger intense separation anxiety in them. They are to be leash trained for their safety.

Feeding

They should be given the diet of small or toy dogs probably wet food as most of them may face difficulties in digesting the contents of the commonly used dog foods. This breed may be picky while eating, thus it can take time to feed them. Give your pet about three fourth to one and a half cup dry dog food. Feeding your chipoo healthy food many times in a day will reduce the risk of hyperglycemia.

Interesting Facts

  • They act as perfect alarm dogs, warning their family at the very sight of an unfamiliar person or any uncommon sound by barking.

40 responses to “Chi-Poo”

  1. Anita Wilson says:

    It looks as if we have finally gotten a breed for our new rescue. She is golden wavy haired and has pointy ears that are horizontal rather than vertical . We knew nothing of her except that she had used all of her days and was to be euthanized the following day. We lost the last of our inside babies about 2 months ago due to old age. Rusty a shepherd / lab was 14, Buster of questionable lineage at 16, and Emily a shihtzue
    for only 2 years. All of these were literally found in the highway. Our latest rescue mentioned above is a rescue as well, and beginning to relax around us now. As we are senior citizens we want to maybe lower the number of babies, but if the need be, there is always ROM for one more.

  2. Vicki says:

    What are the best flea treatments for a 7 week chipoo puppy?

  3. Sheri waters says:

    Looking for a female white beautiful chinese crested and chihuahua mix female puppy

  4. Joey bruno says:

    Chipoo are the best dogs in the world loyal loving and just good dogs

  5. Kim k. says:

    My little rugrat just turned one this month. Sooo smart! By 4mths I had taught him At least 12 tricks! But he’s too smart. Can’t find toys cuz he destroys them in seconds! His jaw strength is unbelievable. I previously had toy poodle, a girl, for 17yrs. She passed 3 yrs ago so my friend surprised me with Tucker. Boys are a lot different than girls!! Even with his crazy energy, his ability to tear up all toys,refuses to let me cut his nails, or his pestering my 20yr old cat, I’m in love with him and he makes me laugh. Lots of work but it’s worth it!(Most of the time)lol

  6. Paulette says:

    I have a 16 year old chi-poo who never liked playing with toys. Never cared for them. All she does now is sleep and follow me around. She’s adorable though. Love my baby! She’s a golden blond.

  7. Julie says:

    I live in Arizona, and I’d love a little girl with curling hair Chi poo puppy. If anybody has a newborn could you let me know. Thanks

  8. G R Kendrick says:

    I have a black with white male and a tan/blond with white male born April 16′ 2018. Oklahoma

  9. Kim cline says:

    I am looking for one let the breed today and fell in love if anyone knows where we can buy one please let me know. I like the brown ones but open to look at any color.

  10. Brenda says:

    I have a chip poodle and we got her when she was a month and a week ago her her parents died. So we ended up taking her in and feeding her on the bottle now she’s chewed the nipple off the bottle so we gave her her own dish we buy her puppy milk she loves to play she loves to bite when she her teeth are really sharp so I was wondering if it’s time for her to eat hard dog food and if so what kind or can she eat Caesars wet food would I give her diarrhea someone help if you have any answers

    • Valerea says:

      I rescued my Chi-Poo Lolo when he was about 4-5 months old from a pretty bad situation. He’s about to be three and I have learned a lot in the way of feeding him. He does not do well with dry food that has grains in it. He itched constantly. Sometimes he wouldn’t poop for a day or 2. I switched him to grain-free and the problem is gone and so is his noxious gas. I feed him Caesars homestyle (with the noodles/veggies), One to two full containers daily. He is a sturdy healthy weight. I would suggeest finding a grain-free dry food for small breed puppies and saturating some of it in a bit of sodium free chicken or beef broth to soften it. Only if she is over 8 weeks.

  11. sebrinaw@ymail.com says:

    I am looking for a Chi-poo. Our family had one for seventeen years. We would like to have another Chi-poo to help mend our broken hearts.

  12. JoyAnna Oakland says:

    I am looking for a female… any color but black… do you have any litters coming up.

  13. Wilma Bulbulian says:

    I am interested in a Chipoo puppy, small, blonde, ears down, with short hair. I live in Calif. but am willing to travel or have the puppy sent to me. I am 64 and have other older small dogs, we just lost our baby and need to add to our family.

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