The Bichon Chihuahua Mix: All About This Little Lapdog

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix – or the Chi Chon – is a fluffy small dog breed. As the name suggests, Chi Chon is a hybrid dog breed developed by crossbreeding Bichon Frise and Chihuahua dogs. Taking after their parents, the Chi Chon dogs are playful and make great companion lapdogs despite being sassy.

Both Bichon Frise and Chihuahuas are among the top 50 most famous dog breeds, and Chi Chon – a mix of the two – is also quite popular, especially among hybrid dog lovers. If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with this interesting mix of dog breeds, continue reading.

In this article, we are going to discuss all about this adorable little lapdog.  

 So, without further ado, let’s jump straight into the details!

Bichon Chihuahua Mix Overview

Characteristics of Bichon Chihuahua Mix Breed

Chi Chon Appearance

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix dogs have a toy-sized compact body with a soft but wiry coat on it, available mostly in white, brown, black, and dark and light golden colors. However, their eyes are only black in color. Overall, they are light in weight despite being slightly bulky.

The breed is small, just like its parents, but these dogs are not as fragile. Furthermore, they take more after their Chihuahua parent.

Chi Chon Personality and Temperament

Bichon Chihuahua Mix dogs are adventurous: they never back down from challenging tasks owing to their spirited and curious nature. Likewise, they are delightful, playful, and affectionate; hence, they are always up for frolicking and spending time with their family. In fact, not just with the ‘hoomans,’ they also easily get along with other dogs. In addition, their adaptability makes them very suitable for interacting with different people and environments.

Though the breed is loyal and devoted, it is not suitable for watchdogging. You will have to adopt a proper guard dog if you want your dog to protect you and your property.

But before you bring home a Chi Chon pup, you should know that they are highly energetic and need regular mental and physical stimulation to expend their energy healthily. When not provided ample mental stimulation of physical activity, they tend to develop behavioral issues like barking at sirens, barking at guests, barking at nothing, biting, peeing in the house, etc.

On top of that, given that Chi Chon pooches thrive on the attention of their loving owners, having them tailing you everywhere you go could also become a bit annoying.

Chi Chon dogs make great family pets as they love to playing children and other dogs of their size. But you should never leave them alone with your small children or pets as Chi Chon dogs are known to get a bit nippy when excited or scared.

History

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix is a new mix dog breed.

Although the second generation of the Chi Chan breed, i.e., the progeny of two Chi Chons instead of a Bichon Frise and a Chihuahua dog, is also available now, the first generation Chi Chon dogs are more common.

Since these dogs are not purebred, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize them. Nonetheless, other clubs, such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), have recognized this mixed dog breed.

The parent breeds are, nevertheless, centuries old. The Bichon Frise breed originated in Spain and was initially used by seamen but later became a popular lapdog. On the other hand, the Chihuahuas originated in Mexico and make great companions. Both breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Did You Know?

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Being only 3.8 inches tall, Miracle Milly – a Chihuahua – is the tiniest dog ever known to exist.

Caring for Bichon Chihuahua Mix

Keep your furry friend fit and fine by having a look at the details below:

Chi Chon Diet

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix are active and energetic dogs and hence need an ample amount of high-quality dry dog food with all essential nutrients for their health.

Because of the vulnerability of small dogs to dental diseases, consider feeding your pet raw food or kibble that is soft and easy to chew. Additionally, ensure that the food is free from artificial ingredients and fillers.

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Chi Chon puppies need to be fed three to four times a day, while the fully grown dogs, once or twice. Moreover, the appropriate amount of daily food for these dogs is half to one cup.

Chi Chon Exercise Requirements

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix dogs are athletic, energetic, and love to play around. Therefore, they need enough amount of daily exercise. Nonetheless, since these are small dogs, exercising them is not too demanding. Hence, about two daily walks around the block would be ample for them. In fact, walking and running are among their favorite activities.

You can also play different games with your dog, such as fetch. However, note that these dogs are good at jumping; therefore, it is recommended that you keep the fences of your yard high to minimize the chances of losing your dog while playing.

Since this breed is intelligent, consider engaging your dog in mental activities as well. It can help polish his intellect and observation further.

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Training

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix breed is moderately easy to train – thanks to their intelligence.

They can be trained effectively by carrying out the following recommendations:

1. Bichon Chihuahua Mix puppies need early training – preferably within the first 16 weeks of age. That is why it is important to start training your pup as soon as you bring him home. Doing so will keep the unwanted habits at bay.
2. Being with obedience training and teaching your dog basic commands such as sit, stand, etc.
3. Besides obedience training, you should also provide socialization training to your Chi Chon pup so that he gets along with the household members and other animals with no qualms. Early socialization can also ward off his nipping tendency.
4. It can be difficult to potty-train small dogs such as these. However, the potty pad training methods can work fine.
5. Always be persistent and patient. Never punish your dog or even shout at him.
6. Keep rewarding your dog whenever he does a good job.
7. If you find it difficult to train your pet, do not hesitate to get the assistance of professional trainers.

Chi Chon Grooming Requirements

The grooming requirements of Bichon Chihuahua Mix dogs are generally low. However, it depends on the coat they inherit. Moreover, they are not hypoallergenic but do not shed much.

You should consider brushing your dog once every week. To go the extra mile, consider taking him to a professional groomer every two to three months to keep his neat and clean look intact. Always go for a quality brush such as Hartz Combo Dog Brush, which works great for de-shedding and removing small mats.

Similarly, to maintain the oral health of your doggo, you should regularly clean his teeth using dog toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste on dogs.

Occasionally bathing your dog is recommended to keep him clean and to make sure that he does not smell bad. While doing so, ensure that you clean his eyes and ears thoroughly without harming him to avoid the buildup of any infectious material.

Chi Chon Health Issues

The Bichon Chihuahua Mix is overall a healthy dog breed. Chi Chon pups are considered healthier and less vulnerable to diseases as compared to their purebred parent breeds – Chihuahua and Bichon Frise. However, like most dogs, Chi Chon dogs are also prone to some medical issues.

1. Cataracts: It is a hereditary disease that usually shows up when Chi Chon get old. The protein in the eye sticks together to form a cloudy appearance, not letting light enter the eye.
2. Patellar Luxation: It is a common cause of lameness in small dogs. Its symptoms usually include limping, refusing to work out, and swelling. It is also an inherited disease.
3. Hip Dysplasia: It causes the loosening of the hip joint, and thus pain and difficulty in walking. This disease mostly occurs in the initial growth stages of dogs. Weakness of the legs is the first sign.
4. Heart Problems: Small dog breeds are prone to heart failures and valvular diseases. A dog suffering from these diseases might not show any symptoms; hence, you need to be watchful of your pet.
5. Minor Problems: Several complications can prop up in your Bichon Chihuahua Mix if he is not taken care of properly. They include ear and eye infections, allergies, obesity, and dental diseases.

Chi Chon pups find it hard to tolerate cold weather. So, if the environment is cold, you should consider buying your Chi Chon pup a winter coat such as the Vecomfy Extra Warm Dog Hoodie, a jacket that insulates a puppy from the harshness of cold weather.

Since the breed is not much popular, finding a healthy Bichon Chihuahua Mix puppy from a reputable breeder can be difficult, but if you look around a bit, you will be able to find a Chi Chon pup or a breeder who is willing to develop one for you by crossing Chihuahua with a Bichon Frise. While buying your Chi Chon pup, make sure that it is not sourced from a puppy mill.

Chi Chon pups are not very expensive. However, depending on the breeder, a Chi Chon pup may cost you anywhere between $400 to $700. Moreover, you will have to spend about a thousand dollars every year on his grooming and vet visits.

Should You Get a Bichon Chihuahua Mix or Not?

If you are in the mood to purchase a Chi Chon pup, check out the following pros and cons before you make the final decision:

If the drawbacks are too much for you, you can also go for other small hybrids that include Chihuahua blood, such as the Maltese Chihuahua Mix and the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix.

Summing Up

Bichon Chihuahua Mix, also known as Chi Chon, is a designer dog breed developed by crossing Chihuahuas with Bichon Frise. These small and fluffy dogs make great family dogs. They love playing around with children round the clock. However, they often get a bit nipping when excited or scared and, thus, should not be left alone with small children. They are healthier than both of their parent breeds. So, if you want a long-life partner, get yourself a Chi Chon pup.