Chihuahua Poodle Mix (Chipoo): Breed Info & Pictures (2024)

Choosing between two of the most famous breeds, the Chihuahua and the Poodle, can be quite challenging.

But what if you can get the best of both breeds in one dog? Meet the Chipoo — the unique Chihuahua Poodle mix!

If you wish to know everything about this one-of-a-kind mixed-breed dog, stick around.We’ll talk about its history, growth, care and needs, temperament, and the costs of owning one.

Breed Overview

What Is a Chihuahua Poodle Mix?

The Chihuahua Poodle mix is a hybrid between a purebred Chihuahua and a purebred miniature or toy Poodle. It also goes by other names, such as Chipoo, Chi Poo, Choodle, Chipoodle, Poochi, or Poohuahua. This hybrid dog inherits its parents’ intelligence, high energy, and lovingness.

Chipoos are hybrid or designer dogs, which means they are intentionally bred to combine traits from two purebreds. Because of their hybrid nature, there are no two Chipoos that are exactly alike.

Even Chipoos from the same litter will have different-looking puppies. Watch this video and see just how unique each Chipoo is:

Unfortunately, hybrids are not recognized by major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), since only recognize purebred dogs are recognized by most kennel clubs.

That said, you can still register your Chipoo with designer dog clubs such as the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

The International Designer Canine Registry (ICDR) and Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) are other famous alternatives. Surely, you won’t run out of options.

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Origin and History

Chipoos are offspring of Chihuahuas and Miniature or Toy Poodles. Unfortunately, like most hybrids, the exact origin of the Chipoos is not well-documented. However, we do know where its parent breeds originated.

The Chihuahua is a purebred dog that was bred and developed in Mexico. These dogs are famous as the world’s smallest dog breeds, and they come in different types.

Meanwhile, the Poodle is considered the national dog of France, although the breed actually originated in Germany. Both Poodles and Chihuahuas were brought and recognized in the United States around the late 1800s.

Some claim that the Poodle Chihuahua mix was intentionally bred, while others say they existed naturally. Regardless, the Chipoo is bred intentionally nowadays.

In terms of the date or year the Chihuahua Poodle mix breed was discovered, nobody really knows. However, some records show breeders deliberately mating Chihuahuas with Poodles as early as the 1970s.

Initially, people bred Poodle Chihuahua mixes for their adorable looks, but eventually, more people started breeding them for their traits.

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Appearance

The Chihuahua Poodle mix is a small dog that is undeniably charming. This dog comes in several coat colors, such as blue, gray, white, black, brown, chocolate, gold, red, and yellow.

This wide range of coloration is special thanks to the Poodle’s color genetics. Interestingly, Poodles have more than 35 different coat colors and markings.

Occasionally, a Chipoo may also be bicolor, tricolor, or brindle. These adorable pups have a variety of coat textures as well. Your Chi Poo might come with a fluffy, wavy, wiry, or curly coat.

Usually, Chipoos have short fur, especially if they are born from a short-haired Chihuahua parent.

On rare occasions, you may also find a long-haired Chipoo. These rare hybrids have a long-haired Chihuahua as one of their parents.

Thanks to their Poodle parents, these small furries don’t have double coats. Instead, they have an undercoat, which makes Chipoos very light shedders.

Other standard features of the Chihuahua and Poodle mix are round eyes, slightly elongated muzzles, and dark-colored noses. Aside from these, the Chipoo may sport either floppy or pointed ears.

That said, it is important to remember that no two Chipoos are the same. One Chipoo may look completely different from another. This is actually a good thing as it means you have more options!

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Size and Weight

Since it is a relatively new mixed breed, the Chipoo does not come in standard sizes. However, the healthy weight of an average Chipoo is between 5 and 20 pounds, and it measures 5 to 15 inches in height.

For reference, a Miniature Poodle can also grow up to around 15 inches. Size-wise, this tiny pooch is within the ballpark of most toy dogs.

That said, keep in mind that individual Chipoos don’t always have the same size. The final size of a Chihuahua Poodle mix will depend on the size of its parent breeds.

As you would expect, a Chipoo born from a Toy Poodle will be much smaller than one born from a Miniature Poodle.

In very rare instances, it is also possible for a Standard Poodle to mate with a Chihuahua and have Chi Poo offspring. However, mixing breeds of different sizes is not always a good idea.

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Temperament and Personality

Just as the size and looks of Chipoodles are not standardized, so are their temperaments. It is common for designer breeds like Chipoos to have unpredictable behaviors.

However, there are some general traits common to all Chipoos. Firstly, you may notice that Chipoos enjoy snuggles and attention. These pups are even considered ‘velcro dogs’ as they love sticking to their families.

Like Poodles, they also have the tendency to attach to one person, most especially their owners.

Chipoos get along well with other dogs and animals as well, especially if they were raised together.

However, due to their high energy level, this dog breed may not be the best pet choice for very young children or other pets with short patience.

Moreover, Chipoos also tend to be protective. This is a trait they adopt from their Chihuahua parents. At first, these pups won’t be very friendly to strangers and may be suspicious of anyone new.

Chihuahua Poodle mixes also tend to be scared easily. They will let you know that through barking — lots and lots of it.

On the plus side, the Chipoo is a highly trainable and intelligent dog. Just like their Poodle parents, these hybrids enjoy getting praise from their owners. Chipoos are also loyal, clingy, and affectionate dogs.

Chihuahua Poodle Mix Lifespan and Health Issues

In general, the Chihuahua Poodle mix is a healthy dog. If properly taken care of, these hybrids can enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

These mixed-breed dogs can outlive other dogs and pets easily, especially if their health is kept in tip-top condition!

That said, it is crucial that you know some of the common health problems affecting the Chi Poo:

• Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the rapid depletion of glucose concentration. This condition causes low blood sugar levels in dogs. When left untreated, this may lead to nausea or, worse, sudden death.
• Patellar Luxation: This disease is a skeletal condition in which a dog’s kneecap is dislocated. Patellar luxation is highly common among small dogs like Chipoodles, so it’s always good to observe your dog’s movements to spot the early signs.
• Digestive Problems: Poodle hybrids, such as Chipoos, are at high risk for various digestive problems. This includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloat, diarrhea, and constipation. To prevent these, give your dog the proper food portioning and stick to a healthy diet.

These are just some health issues that are common in Chipoos. Unfortunately, this is not a complete list of all their possible health problems.

As always, take this information with a grain of salt. This guide is only meant to give you general insight into your dog’s health and is not a substitute for a veterinarian’s advice.

How to Take Care of Your Poodle Chihuahua Mix

Taking care of a Chihuahua Poodle mix might be a bit difficult at first, as they have specific needs. Because of this, these adorable hybrids are often labeled as medium-maintenance dogs.

Read along to find out how you can give your little Chipoodle the proper diet, grooming care, and types of training it needs!

Food and Diet

The Chihuahua Poodle mixes are usually picky eaters and have sensitive digestive systems like their Poodle parents. Thus, it’s imperative that you watch what your dog eats.

Generic dry dog food will mess with your Chipoo’s stomach and lead to an infection or disease if fed for long periods. It’s best to provide your Chipoo with high-quality protein-rich food specially formulated for small dogs.

It is also very important to consider both the frequency and portions of food for your Chipoo, just like how you prepare food for its Chihuahua parent.

Since these dogs are prone to hypoglycemia, you should give them small portions of meals throughout the day. This will prevent the sudden fall and rise of blood sugar levels.

Remember that Chipoos have different traits and preferences, so what works for one may not work for the other. Usually, you will need to experiment with different foods before finding the perfect diet for your dog.

Cleaning and Grooming

One of my observations with Chipoos is that they only sport an undercoat rather than a double coat. This means its fur is firmly attached to the skin and causes only slight shedding. Usually, this means grooming a Chipoo won’t be a tough job!

Asking a friend who owns a Chipoo, she mentioned that she is able to maintain her dog’s fur even with a twice or thrice per week brushing. However, if your Chipoo has curly hair, you should brush it more often to prevent tangling and matting.

It is also recommended to trim your Chipoo’s coat once every few months. You can take your dog to professional groomers or groom them at home if you want to.

In terms of bathing, Chipoos don’t need a lot, mainly because they are prone to dry skin. You should bathe them every two to three months unless they get visibly dirty or smelly.

Training and Exercise

The ideal time to train your Chihuahua Poodle is during its puppy years. Positive reinforcement or reward-based training is one the most effective training methods for Chipoos.

Never use negative reinforcement, like yelling, hitting, or scolding. These won’t work on your Chipoos and might even result in negative behaviors like increased stubbornness and aggression.

Chipoos are quite anxious dogs. They quickly get scared, especially of new things and people. To help with this, socialize your Chipoo early on.

In terms of exercise, it’s important to remember that Chipoos are highly energetic. They require loads of physical and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they will misbehave.

Chipoos enjoy leash-free runs, so a large yard would be fantastic for them. If you live in a small space, a trip to the dog park is an awesome alternative.

How Much Does a Chihuahua Poodle Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Chipoodles are a bit pricier than Chihuahuas and Poodles, but if you’ve got the budget, then you can definitely get one. Buying a Chi Poo puppy from a reputable breeder can cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.

Unfortunately, many Chi Poos also end up in shelters and rescues. This is sad news, but this also means you have a good chance of finding one that is up for adoption. Usually, adoption fees for these dogs cost $100 to $500.

However, expenses don’t end there. You’ll also need some supplies for your pooch. This includes a dog crate, bed, food bowls, toys, and more.

Here is a detailed list of other expenses associated with owning a Chi Poo puppy:

A Chipoo can surely cost an arm and a leg, so it’s crucial to assess whether you are capable of giving this pup a comfortable life. If not, it might be time to look for a more affordable pet.

Taking care of several mixed breed dogs in my lifetime, one of the tips I can share is to check references on how much it costs to take care of one of the hybrid’s parents.

In this case, you can check our article on the Chihuahua costs and use it as a guide for making yourself financially ready to own a Chipoo.

Places to Find Chihuahua Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption

Are you dying to know where you can get a Chipoo puppy? Don’t worry; we have a list of Chipoo breeders for you.

In this section, we’ll provide you with some of the most trusted Chipoodle breeders and rescues. Be sure to check these places out, as some may be located near you.

Below are some reputable breeders where you might find a Chipoo for sale:

• Petland Dunwoody – Petland Dunwoody is a family-owned breeding business in Georgia established in 2000. This breeder is well-versed in the pet industry. They offer other kinds of pets aside from dogs, and they have Chipoos available at the moment.
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an online platform that acts as an intermediary between breeders and people looking for pets. They have listings of various dog breeds and designer breed dogs, such as Chipoos. Their breeders are mostly located around Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
• NextDayPets – Next Day Pets, established in 2003, is a reliable platform for both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, including the Chipoo. This site also educates potential owners about what they need to understand about the breed. Each of the dogs advertised also comes with detailed information and photos, allowing you to make an informed decision.

It can be challenging to find Chipoo mix breeders. That said, a good alternative to buying a Chipoo would be adopting one.

Below are some rescues where you might find a Chihuahua Poodle mix for adoption:

• Carolina Poodle Rescue – This non-profit organization rescues unwanted and abandoned Poodles and Poodle mixes. They also spay and neuter them before putting them up for adoption. Give them a call and see if they have available Chipoos.
• Chihuahua Rescue and Transport – This organization was established in 1996, and it is solely run by volunteers. They aim to educate people about issues surrounding Chihuahuas, such as abuse, neglect, etc. They cater to Chihuahua mix-breeds such as Chipoos, and they serve midwestern, southwestern, and southeastern states.
• Poodle and Pooch Rescue – This institution in Florida is dedicated to rescuing dogs from animal control. They cater to all dog breeds, especially Poodles and Poodle mixed breeds.

You can also reach out to Poodle owners or Chihuahua owners online. Luckily, there are tons of online communities for pet lovers nowadays!

Pros and Cons of Owning a Chihuahua Poodle Mix

Raising a pet will always have ups and downs. As expected, this is also true for the Chihuahua Poodle mix. That said, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of owning a Chipoo before getting one.

To start with, here are some of the advantages of owning a Chipoo:

• Small and portable: Thanks to their size, Chipoos are easy to bring anywhere. Aside from that, they can thrive in smaller environments, like apartments or tiny houses.
• Light-shedder: People with allergies will be safe around Chipoodles because these dogs don’t shed much. If you don’t enjoy finding fur strands all over your home, Chipoos are great dogs for you.
• Smart and independent: You won’t have to worry about leaving the house because your little Chipoo will do just fine! People who are always on the go will enjoy the freedom that comes from having a Chipoodle.

On the flip side, owning this hybrid dog is not always a walk in the park. Here’s a list of a few disadvantages of owning a Chihuahua Poodle mix:

• Not recognized by the AKC: If a dog is not recognized by a kennel club, it means there are no set breed standards for them. Thus, it could be difficult to get to know your Chipoodles or find reputable breeders for them.
• Unpredictable temperament: Chipoos are not purebred, so there are many things that are not uniform with them. That said, Chipoos can have an unpredictable temperament. For example, some Chipoos have intense separation anxiety, while others don’t.
• Small dog syndrome: This occurs when small dogs are allowed to mess around and misbehave because they are small and seemingly harmless. Small dog syndrome is common in small breeds, such as Chipoos. Fortunately, this can be corrected through training.

It is imperative that you consider all these factors before buying or adopting a Chihuahua Poodle mix. Failing to do so may force you to put your dog up for adoption somewhere down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chipoos Bark a Lot?

Yes, the Chipoo is quite the yapper. They like to bark when happy, excited, scared, or feeling protective. They bark at new people or animals because this breed isn’t very welcoming of new things.

Are Chihuahua Poodle Mixes Hypoallergenic?

To set the record straight, no dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, people with allergies are safe from Chipoos’ fur! This is because Chihuahua Poodle mixes are light-shedders, no matter how long their coats may be.

Do Poodle Chihuahua Mixes Shed a Lot?

No. Thanks to their Poodle genes, Chihuahua Poodle mixes have a single undercoat instead of a double coat. This single coat sits firmly on the skin and will rarely shed. Hence, minimal brushing is required for Chipoos.

So, what are your thoughts about the adorable and unique Chihuahua Poodle mix? Let us know in the comments below! If you have questions about this unique hybrid, don’t hesitate to ask, too!