Chihuahua Poodle Mix (AKA Chipoo): A Little Dog With A Big Personality

Chihuahua Poodle mix is a cross of a Chihuahua and a Poodle also known as Chipoo or Poodle Chihuahua mix. This crossbreed is intelligent just like Poodles and as courageous as Chihuahuas with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. Chi-Poo's can grow around 5 to 15 inches tall, weighing between 3 to 20 pounds.

Let’s find out if this little guy may be a great addition to your home.

Origin of the Poochi

A brief history and poor documentation lead us to believe that this breed was designed along with other popular crossbreeds that have been developed in the last 50 years. The Chihuahua Poodle mix likely originated in the United States in the 1970s.

It’s becoming a bit more popular than it once was but still struggles to claim its fame as a top contending mixed breed.

Why is this, you ask?

Well, let’s learn more about this breed, and you can decide why you think many people don’t know about them.

What Does a Chipoo Look Like?

When breeding a Choodle, the Chihuahua is usually the sire (father), and the dam (mother) is commonly the Poodle. The reason for this is because Toy or Miniature Poodles are larger than Chihuahuas and have safer pregnancies and easier deliveries.

Whichever breed played what role doesn’t matter though, when it comes to the look of its mixed offspring. The Chipoo can look like either parent.

Even puppies from the same litter can differ significantly in looks.

Typical physical characteristics include their petite size and small feet. The tail is either long or short and sometimes docked (cropped).

Their floppy or pointed ears sit upright at the base of their head and can droop at the tips.

It has adorable, almond-shaped eyes that are either black or brown.

Coat Type and Color

The Chihuahua can either be long- or short-coated. So depending on which kind was used in the breeding, it will affect the look of the Poochi. Most breeders, though, choose to use short-coated Chihuahua.

The smooth-coated (short-haired) Chihuahua has a smooth and straight coat. The long-coated Chihuahua is soft, and the fur is slightly curly.

Poodles fur is generally stiff, wiry and curly.

So the Poodle & Chihuahua mix can have a short, straight, long, or curly coat. Even a combination of all of the above is possible!

The coat colors come in a wide spectrum. You may see any of these or, again, a combination of more than one:

Check out the coats and colors of the pups in this video:

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Size

Poodles tend to weigh more than Chihuahuas. Commonly a Toy or Miniature Poodle is used in the making of the hybrid. But, it’s also possible for the much larger, Standard Poodle, to be the parent breed.

At around 6 months its growth rate will start to decline and be pretty close to its adult body weight.

Below is a chart to give you an idea of the size and weight your Choodle could be when it’s fully grown.

What Kind of Personality and Temperament Should You Expect?

The Chihuahua Poodle mix is a bouncy little creature that’s so lively and energetic. It loves to be on the move and play all day. Chipoos are social butterflies and thrive for attention.

They are kind, loyal, loving, friendly and outgoing, so trips to the dog park will do him wonders.

He does also love his family and will enjoy sitting on your lap and snuggling.

Poochi is pretty independent, so leaving him along to explore the home while you’re gone is okay. Since their Poodle parent is very intelligent, it’s a good idea to provide lots of interactive toys. Keeping them busy will prevent mischievous behavior caused by boredom!

Who is the Choodle Best Suited For?

A Chipoo is an indoor dog, so consider this before bringing one into your home. They do well in apartments, small homes, and condos.

A yard is always great, but as long as you can take him out for a walk or some off leash (safe) play, he’ll be fine.

They get along with other dogs and are good with children. But it’s important to socialize them as puppies, so they know how to interact properly. Supervise young children around Chipoo's, since they can harm such a small dog easily.

The Poodle Chihuahua mix is a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment.

Poochis aren’t fans of the cold weather; they tend to tolerate heat better.

Does the Chipoo Require Exercise?

This question should be easy to answer, knowing everything we’ve already learned.

Yes, the Poochi thrives on physical activity, but a lot of exercises is NOT required.

He'll appreciate family activities, vigorous off leashed playing, and leashed walks.

Just be careful not to let the little guy overexert himself. Also, provide him with plenty of water to keep him hydrated.

He’ll be super happy if he can get in a 45-minute walk per day, 8 miles per week.

Below 50 degrees, and he’ll start shivering. So if you’re going out in cold weather, be sure to cover him with a coat or sweater.

Potty Training the Choodle

Small dogs have smaller bladders. House training them can be a challenge.

For some helpful tips, check out this article, and you’ll have your pup trained in no time!

The number one rule is to start early!

Once they’re set in their ways, it can be nearly impossible to change their habits. So if you’re considering adopting an older dog, you should find out if it’s housebroken first (usually they are).

Grooming the Chipoo

ChiPoo haircuts are only for dogs with longer coats, and you shouldn’t have to do it more than once every few months.

If their coat is like a Poodle's, the dog can be styled in any manner that a Poodle uses.

If you want to try grooming your Chipoo yourself, here’s a video about grooming toy poodles that you may find helpful.

Poodle’s don’t shed, which is a good thing for your Chipoo, which could be “hypoallergenic.” Great news for people that suffer from allergies!

Brushing at least one to three times a week will remove dander and loose hair. It also keeps the coat smooth and tangle-free.

This breed can also inherit overactive tear glands, which may cause tears to dry under its eyes and turns the fur a dark color. So use a wet cloth or a very fine and blunt comb, as needed, to keep this issue under control.

Dental health is also important, so brush their teeth 2-3 times a week.

Keep a close eye on the nails. If they aren’t being filed down naturally, you’ll want to trim them when they get long.

Clean your dog's ears once every 1-2 weeks to prevent any infections

Tools that you should keep handy include: pin brush, comb, scissors, nail clippers, a toothbrush, and toothpaste.

Training and Socialization Tips

Intelligent dogs like the Chipoo are usually easy to train. Keep things positive and offer lots of praise.

For their safety, be sure to leash train them and socialize them early! This’ll make it easier for both of you.

A properly trained Poochi can go anywhere with its family. And he’ll love to do so!

Once they develop their strong personality and independence, they can become stubborn. Handle this right away in a firm way and with patience.

If you notice they’re bonding more intimately with a single family member, you should break them of this. It’s for their own good because this behavior can lead to intense separation anxiety.

Your Chi-poo will likely alert you of intruders by barking. It’s okay that they do this, just be sure to keep it under control.

Feeding Your Chipoo

Since this is an active breed, you’ll need to provide them with high-quality food, specially formulated for small dogs.

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can occur in this breed. To prevent this, feed several small meals throughout the day. But don’t overfeed, as Chihuahuas are prone to obesity. ½ – 1 cup per day, should be all that he requires.

Chihuahuas have soft teeth, which can lead to dental diseases. That’s why prefer dry food which hard texture will help to clean your Poochi’s teeth.

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Health Issues

Chihuahua’s, Poodles, and small dog breeds, in general, are prone to suffering from certain conditions.

Keep an eye out for:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cataracts
• Dental issues
• Dry cornea
• Dry ears
• Dry skin
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Luxating patellas (loose kneecaps)
• Overactive tear glands
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Skin allergies
• Slipped stifle (knee caps)

Where to Find a Chipoo for Sale or Adopting

As the Chipoo continues to gain popularity, they’ll become more readily available.

I did some online research and found a breeder in Texas.

I was surprised to see that there’s a breeder in Australia too.

The price you should expect to pay for Chipoo is between $500 – $950 USD.

If rescuing is more your style, you should check out your local shelter. This Poo Mix Rescue lists Poochis (and other Poodle mixes) available for adoption all over the U.S.

Club Recognition

Designer breeds aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Registrations can be made with the following clubs:

• American Canine Hybrid Club
• Designer Breed Registry
• Designer Dogs Kennel Club
• International Designer Canine Registry

What Did You Decide?

So why do you think this breed isn’t more popular? Well, your guess is as good as mine.

Whatever the reason, I think a properly trained Chipoo would make a perfect addition to most households.

They’re independent and don’t require as much attention as other breeds, but still love to cuddle up with you when you can, which makes them very versatile. So as long as you don’t live in a cold climate, this designer breed could be your next pet.