Chilier

The Chilier is a small statured designer cross of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Chihuahua. Some of the prominent characteristics of this breed include large bulging eyes similar to its parents and erect Chihuahua-like ears or droopy ones just as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Its loyal, outgoing and friendly nature has increased its popularity as a pet over the recent times.

Chilier Pictures

Temperament

This calm, friendly breed excels as a good family dog, always eager to please its owner in every possible way it can. However, it might also show the trait of its Chihuahua parent and be immensely loyal to a particular member of the family also being highly protective of him. Your Chillier may either be very, sweet, playful, amicable, patient and affectionate like its Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent or display the independent and stubborn nature of the Chihuahua, exhibiting a kind of bossy behavior at times.

The Chihuahua Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix may be excellent companions of children like its Cavalier parent or have certain reservations like the Chihuahua while mingling with young or rambunctious children who often deal with them in a casual way. Thus parental supervision is needed to prevent any unpleasant occurrences.

If they are possessive about a single person in the family as mentioned before, then mingling well with other pets could be a challenge. However, they can have a friendly attitude towards them if they have mostly taken to their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parent.

Its attitude towards strangers may also vary depending on the gene of the parent it has inherited more. If they are more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel they will not take much time to gel with the stranger, on the other hand, they might show aversion towards an unfamiliar face at their household if they are more like the Chihuahua.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

This active breed needs moderate exercise and would remain contended with a walk on a daily basis. Owing to its small size, it would adapt well to an apartment life if given ample opportunity to play indoors. Make sure to leash it while taking it out to avoid any mishaps.

This breed does not require too much of grooming as it sheds in a moderate way. Brush its coat at least twice a week to clear off the loose hairs. Other ways of maintaining your pet include bathing him with a dog shampoo when needed, cleaning its ears every week and brushing its teeth on a biweekly basis to combat tartar build up.

Though there are no known breed-related health issues, it might suffer from the ailments common to its parents like heart problems, patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, open fontanel, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

Training

The Chillier is a smart dog as well as a quick learner, although its stubborn and independent nature might at times be a challenge in training it. Improvising interesting ways and maintaining patience would help the owner to overcome challenges in training it.

• If your dog is too stubborn and loves doing things his way, try mending his behavior by implementing positive reinforcement techniques. For instance, if he has a tendency of pulling on to his leash when going for a walk adopt the clicker method. Once you step out of the door pause for a while and let your pet look at you, once he does so click and reward him with a treat. Continue doing so after every few steps your take so that your dog gets to understand that while out on a walk he would need to look at you in intervals to get his treat and in this way he would not be pulling at his leash.
• Socialize your Chillier puppies by taking them out too often, so that they are more exposed to people of different kinds and gradually develop a friendly rapport with strangers and guests.
• Once he can follow commands well and has adapted to the clicker training method, you can teach your intelligent dog something interesting, say the names of different objects in your household. Let your dog touch your hand first and once he has done so click and give him a treat. Now hold the object and command “touch”, click and treat when he has touched that particular thing. Do not reward him if he has his paws on your hand only. Now after he has touched the object call it by its name and repeat this activity for at least five times. Doing it on a routine basis would help your dog identify the object by its name.

Feeding

Feed your Chilier with half to one cup of dry dog food on a daily basis.