Chihuahua Poodle Mix: Your Complete Guide
Chihuahua poodle mixes are a cross between a Chihuahua and a poodle, specifically toy poodle breeds.
These dogs also go by Chi-poos, which is what many breeders call them when they’re up for adoption. We love both names but have to admit that Chi-poo is an adorable name for a breed as cute and tiny as the Chihuahua poodle mix. Some other names for the Chihuahua poodle mix include Choodle, Chipoodle, Poochie, and Poohuahua.
Name aside, the Chihuahua poodle mix is known for being compact, energetic, and little balls of energy. Typically, they’re great with kids, other animals, and love to function like another member of the family. Overall, you get the best qualities of poodles and Chihuahuas when you adopt a chi-poo.
That said, it’s important to understand how this breed acts so that you can get the full picture. We’ll take you through the breed’s behavior, temperament, grooming needs, size, and even their health.
Read on to learn everything you need to learn below.
Quick Look at the Chihuahua Poodle Mix
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 5-20 pounds |
| Coat Type | Curly, wavy, tan, black |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Outgoing, social, curious, playful |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-20 years |
What Is the History of Chihuahua Poodle Mixes?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are thought to have been around for years prior to focused breeding efforts, however, many breeders in the United States began focusing on this. Reed during the 1970s. This is about the same time as the development of the cockapoo.
The goal of creating this dog was to combine the poodle and Chihuahua to create a small dog that’s easy to care for because of fewer health problems and grooming requirements.
What started as a simple experiment has turned into one of the most popular breeds in the United States. These small, designer dogs are sought-after by people around the world. Typically Chi-poos are expensive because of their designer breed status but you may find them in animal shelters.
The last thing to note is that the Chi-poo is not a part of the American Kennel Club (AKC). While this is possible in the future, it has not yet happened at this time. Still, Chi-poos are members of the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
It’s also possible for the breed to get recognition from the AKC in the future.
What Do Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Look Like?
The Chihuahua poodle mix has a unique appearance that resembles a poodle and a Chihuahua, since those breeds are the dog’s parents.
Their coat can be the color of a poodle or a Chihuahua, but usually, it falls somewhere in between. This makes some of the most common colors tan, black, blue, and a combination of these colors. Silver, cream, fawn, and white are also possible colors that may appear in their coats.
Another common feature that stands out for Chihuahua poodle mixes is their ears. Their ears are floppy and often contain thick, curly hair. Chihuahua poodle mixes also have similar tails and may have a similar length and style of hair around their forelegs.
When it comes to their snout, it’s small and flat compared to large dog breeds. Most Chihuahua poodle mixes have dark eye colors as well.
What Size Is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix’s Size?
As a combination of two toy breeds, the Chihuahua poodle mix is a tiny dog. On average, they weigh between 5 and 20 pounds with 15 inches of height. Chihuahua poodle mixes have a wide height and weight range because there isn’t a well-established breed standard yet. Therefore, some may come in different colors, heights, and sizes.
Male and female Chihuahua poodle mixes may also have some size variation. Male Chihuahua poodle mixes are bigger than females in height and weight.
What Is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix’s Coat Type and Length?
Chihuahua poodle mixes have a unique coat type that’s a hybrid of a poodle and a Chihuahua. However, their coats will sometimes favor more of one parent. For example, some Chihuahua poodle mixes will have wavy coats, while others will have curly coats. Ultimately, it depends on the parent. Typically, their coat is medium in length.
Chihuahua poodle mixes usually have a soft coat but it can become matted and rough if you don’t care for it properly.
What Is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix’s Temperament?
The Chihuahua poodle mix has a temperament that’s a combination of poodle and Chihuahua personality traits. Therefore, they’re intelligent, playful, and clever companions that will sometimes get vocal with you to voice their displeasure.
While the Chi-poo is tiny, it’s not exactly a lapdog. They will sit on your lap only when their energy levels are drained from frequent playing, walking, or training.
Another personality trait to note is that Chihuahua poodle mixes may get snappy when their parents are out of the house for long periods. The Chihuahua poodle mix tends to do okay with parents who aren’t home all the time, but try not to leave them alone for more than a few hours per day.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Good With Kids?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are great with kids. They’re too small to harm children but durable enough to play rough with kids without getting hurt. Still, they might get aggressive if they feel threatened, so keep an eye on your Chihuahua poodle mix when they’re around your child to see if you need to intervene or implement more training.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Good With Other Animals?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are great with other animals and don’t mind hanging around animals of all sizes. Some Chihuahua poodles may have a prey drive, so keep an eye on them when you’re out for walks. Socialization training can help them be more comfortable around other animals.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Aggressive?
Chihuahua poodle mixes aren’t aggressive dogs. They only get aggressive when they feel threatened or if they’re harmed. Otherwise, you don’t have to worry about them lashing out or biting anyone. It’s also important to note that Chihuahua poodle mixes may be standoffish towards strangers until they get to know them.
Do Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Bark?
Chihuahua poodle mixes bark often, but usually only for a reason. They will bark to alert you to strangers or bark if they feel discomfort. That said, it depends on the day and how they’re feeling because some days they will bark more than others.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Affectionate?
Chihuahua poodle mixes love to show affection to their owners, which comes from their desire to please people. They love to sit on your lap and you’ll find them in your bed often if you don’t mind the company.
Chihuahua poodle mixes also display their affection through loyalty. If you notice them following you around the house, there’s a good chance that they’re showing you their version of affection.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Intelligent?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are one of the smartest toy breeds in existence. Poodles are intelligent, and so are Chihuahuas, so the combination of these dogs results in a genius-like offspring that can learn complex commands.
Chihuahua poodle mixes are also emotionally intelligent and can read people’s emotions. This helps them determine service dog work and keep people calm.
General intelligence aside, Chihuahua poodle mixes are also clever. Be sure to dog-proof your home or apartment to prevent any issues with their exploration.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Energetic?
Chihuahuas and poodles are energetic dog breeds, so expect an explosion of energy when you adopt a Chihuahua poodle mix. These dogs are energetic as puppies and throughout the rest of their lives. That said, they will begin to calm down as they get older, but this only happens once they get up there in age.
High-energy dogs need to participate in many activities to expend their energy, so dedicate an hour or two per day to play with them. Otherwise, Chi-poos might start getting anxious or rebellious. Also, take them on walks to socialize them if you plan on bringing them out in public.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Easy to Train?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are easy dogs to train. Chihuahuas and poodles are smart dog breeds, so the hybrid of the two dogs is ideal for training. They’re awesome at learning tricks, working as service dogs, and much more. When it comes to training a Chi-poo, there aren’t many limitations.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Good Watchdogs?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are good watchdogs but only if you train them. They’re smart enough to learn how to be a watchdog but might bark at everyone outside by default if you don’t train them. Additionally, they’re good watchdogs but not good guard dogs. Unfortunately, their small size and high-pitched bark aren’t very intimidating to strangers.
Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Good Service Dogs?
Chihuahua poodle mixes can be good service dogs but only in specialized situations. They’re best equipped for situations that involve mental health disabilities because of their small size. You can register and train a Chihuahua poodle mix for several roles including:
- Managing severe cases of anxiety and depression
- Getting help for people in public during a panic attack or seizure
- Fetching medications
- Reminding people that it’s time to take their medications
- Assistance with PTSD and avoiding triggers
Depending on your needs, Chihuahua poodle mixes can also be trained for other tasks. Plus, they’re the perfect size for travel on public transportation.
Chihuahua poodle mixes are also suitable for work as a therapy dog or emotional support dog (ESD). Emotional support dogs are allowed in apartments that don’t usually allow pets as long as you have an ESA letter. Therapy dogs are also around often and can be found in places like funeral homes to comfort groups of people.
How to Care for a Chihuahua Poodle Mix?
Chihuahua poodle mixes aren’t challenging to care for but you need to be proactive instead of reactive. So, get started by taking them to the vet every year and building a file with a vet you trust. Doing so will help you catch conditions before they get worse.
Aside from the vet, check their eyes and ears for debris. For example, they may have overactive tear glands that lead to wet fur and crustiness around their eyes. You can wipe this with a wet paper towel or get prescription medication from your vet if the condition worsens. Other grooming needs are minimal as long as you clip their nails and brush their teeth.
Do You Need to Groom a Chihuahua Poodle Mix?
Chihuahua poodle mixes need to be groomed a few times a week but for different reasons. First and foremost, brush their coat at least three times per week to prevent matting, ingrown hairs, and to remove debris from their coat.
If their coat is dirtier than usual, give them a bath with shampoo that’s formulated for their coat type – speak to your vet if you’re unsure about what to get.
Coat aside, turn your attention to their eyes and ears. Keep these areas clean and remove debris that collects around their ears, eyes, and mouth. A bath once a month can help here and brushing their teeth twice a week will reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
When it comes to nail and hair trimming, their coats don’t need to be trimmed too often but you can take them to the groomer once every six months for a haircut. This also applies to their nails if they don’t grind down naturally from play.
Do Chihuahuas Poodle Mixes Shed?
Chihuahua poodle mixes shed an average amount compared to other breeds, so you don’t have to worry about too much excess hair. That said, you can brush their hair or give them a bath to remove excess hair. It’s also important to note that how often and how much they shed depends on the dog’s parents. Ultimately, some Chihuahua poodle mixes will shed more than others.
What Health Problems Do Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Have?
Chihuahua poodle mixes have some of the same health issues that their parents have, but they’re typically healthier than each breed. To avoid health issues or complications, get your Chihuahua poodle mix to the vet often to have them evaluated. Doing so can help you catch health conditions early, which improves your dog’s prognosis.
Some of the health problems you want to look for in Chihuahua poodle mixes include:
- Hyperactive tear glands, which can lead to gunk and hair that needs to be cleaned around their eyes
- Hypoglycemia, which can result in problems with the heart and blood pressure
- Luxating patellas, a condition that results in knees slipping out of place
- Digestive problems
Some Chihuahua poodle mixes will also experience glaucoma, which is a pressure build-up behind their eyes. Symptoms may be similar to hyperactive tear glands, so make sure you take them to the vet at the earliest signs of health problems.
How Long Do Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Live?
The Chihuahua poodle mix has a long lifespan and lasts for a long time compared to most large dog breeds. You’ll get 12-15 good years out of them as long as you take good care of them. This includes taking them to the vet, treating medical conditions, and feeding them a healthy diet that doesn’t result in them gaining too much weight.
What Should a Chihuahua Poodle Mix Eat?
Chihuahua poodle mixes are prone to digestive problems, which means you have to be careful when you’re feeding them. Look for food that’s formulated for small dog breeds and avoid feeding adults more than one cup of kibble per day. Be patient with their diet and see how they react to what you feed them to see if you need to make a change.
Also, take the same approach with puppies but make sure you feed them four small meals instead of two larger meals. In fact, it’s better to feed Chi-poos three or four tiny meals each day to avoid any digestive health problems.
When looking at the nutrition label, look for foods that contain healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. This will help them maintain their energy levels and grow strong.
Is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix the Right Dog for Me?
Do you like poodles and Chihuahuas? Or even one or the other? If so, you’ll love this breed because you only get the best traits from both breeds. Plus, if you have experience caring for a poodle or Chihuahua you’re off to a head start with the Chihuahua poodle mix.
Chihuahua poodle mixes are also a great choice for dog owners who have a lot of time on their hands. Regardless of where you live, whether it be a small apartment or a large mansion, time is the most important thing you can provide for your Chihuahua poodle mix. Focus on playing with them for at least an hour a day, and don’t be afraid to take them on long walks.
That said, you might not be a fan of the Chihuahua poodle mix if you don’t like small dogs. These dogs are tiny, and their bark may pierce your ears if you’re not used to small dogs.