If you are looking for a small dog that will cuddle in your lap on winter evenings and entertain you by playing and performing delightful tricks, the companionship of a chipoo will make a perfect addition to your family. The chipoo is not a purebred dog. This breed is a hybrid. Hybrids are created when two very specific breeds are crossed. The goal of creating a hybrid is to produce a new breed that possesses the best qualities from both parent breeds. In the case of the chipoo, the two breeds are the Chihuahua and the toy or miniature poodle. Most kennel club registries do not recognize the chipoo.
The Chipoo is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature Poodle. Its appearance can vary from dog to dog depending on the dominance of their parents’ genes. They usually have Chihuahua-like ears in shape and size, and may have curly or fluffy Poodle coats. As with all dogs, their coat has to be brushed regularly and special attention should be given to dental care. Chipoos are toy-sized companions. While chipoos are all likely to be small, the size can range from standing 5 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 3 to 20 pounds, depending on whether the poodle used in the breeding was a toy or miniature version. Most chipoos are clad in the poodle’s long, wavy coat, which can exhibit a range of solid colors that include white, gray, black or apricot. The coat can also come in black and tan, tan with white markings or tri-colored. The overall frame, the shape of the head and the appearance of the ears will depend on whether the Chihuahua or the poodle made the most dominant impression on the offspring.
Personality
The Chipoo’s personality can vary from dog to dog. Generally, these are affectionate and loving dogs that are playful and happy. They tend to bond with a single person and may be more suitable for a one-person household. Chipoos are generally intelligent and energetic. Because of their small size, they are suitable for apartment living and don’t have high exercise needs. Chipoos are known to be sweet and loyal dogs. They are content to nap on their owners’ laps during down time. Chipoos do have plenty of energy to expend, and they are fast little dogs. They are playful, clever and entertaining. Chipoos are intelligent and easy to train, but the owner will need to take the dominant lead. The chipoo has an independent nature, and it will want to be the boss of its home if given the chance. Chipoos are often leery of strangers, and they should be socialized from an early age. They make excellent family companions, but their delicate size makes them better suited to families without very young children. As long as there is room to run and play indoors, chipoos are ideal for apartment living.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 – 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Poochi, Chipoodle, Wahpoo, Choodle |
Chipoo Build Information
The Chipoo is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature Poodle. Its appearance can vary from dog to dog depending on the dominance of their parents’ genes. They usually have Chihuahua-like ears in shape and size, and may have curly or fluffy Poodle coats. As with all dogs, their coat has to be brushed regularly and special attention should be given to dental care. Chipoos are toy-sized companions. While chipoos are all likely to be small, the size can range from standing 5 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing 3 to 20 pounds, depending on whether the poodle used in the breeding was a toy or miniature version. Most chipoos are clad in the poodle’s long, wavy coat, which can exhibit a range of solid colors that include white, gray, black or apricot. The coat can also come in black and tan, tan with white markings or tri-colored. The overall frame, the shape of the head and the appearance of the ears will depend on whether the Chihuahua or the poodle made the most dominant impression on the offspring.
| Size: | Small |
Behaviour and Personality
The Chipoo’s personality can vary from dog to dog. Generally, these are affectionate and loving dogs that are playful and happy. They tend to bond with a single person and may be more suitable for a one-person household. Chipoos are generally intelligent and energetic. Because of their small size, they are suitable for apartment living and don’t have high exercise needs. Chipoos are known to be sweet and loyal dogs. They are content to nap on their owners’ laps during down time. Chipoos do have plenty of energy to expend, and they are fast little dogs. They are playful, clever and entertaining. Chipoos are intelligent and easy to train, but the owner will need to take the dominant lead. The chipoo has an independent nature, and it will want to be the boss of its home if given the chance. Chipoos are often leery of strangers, and they should be socialized from an early age. They make excellent family companions, but their delicate size makes them better suited to families without very young children. As long as there is room to run and play indoors, chipoos are ideal for apartment living.
| Activity Level: | Moderately active |
| Affection Level: | Very affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Chipoos shed very little, but the coat should be brushed every other day to prevent matting. Chipoos may need to be clipped every four to six weeks to maintain coat length preference. Chipoos should have their teeth brushed daily to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, which will help to prevent periodontal disease and maintain better overall health.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Chipoo Common Health Conditions
Chipoos live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. They are at risk for the same health conditions that afflict the Chihuahua and the poodle, including patellar luxation, open fontanels, hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, bladder stones and congenital heart disease. A number of eye conditions are also on the list, including progressive retinal atrophy, overactive tear glands, glaucoma, cataracts and entropion. Like all toy breeds, chipoos have an elevated risk for periodontal disease.
Chipoo Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Chipoos are independent, loyal, sweet and playful family pets. A chipoo is a Chihuahua and poodle cross. A chipoos is sometimes called a poochi, a chipoodle, a wahpoo and a choodle. Depending on whether a chipoo’s background includes a toy poodle or a miniature poodle, chipoos may stand from 5 to 15 inches tall and weigh 3 to 20 pounds. Chipoos have a high energy level. Chipoos require moderate grooming. Chipoos live an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy |
