Chi-Poo
Find Chi-Poo Breeders Near You
Connect with certified breeders who have Chi-Poo puppies available.
Find Chi-Poo BreedersGet to Know Chi-Poos
- Highly Variable Coats: Chi-Poos can inherit coat traits from either parent, meaning their fur may be curly like a Poodle, smooth like a Chihuahua, or somewhere in between and shedding levels can vary widely.
- Compact Yet Energetic: Despite their small size, Chi-Poos are often surprisingly energetic and playful, requiring regular mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
- Smart & Sassy Combo: The Chi-Poo blends the Poodle’s intelligence with the Chihuahua’s bold personality, often resulting in a clever, alert dog with a big-dog attitude in a tiny frame.
- Adaptable Apartment Dogs: Thanks to their size and adaptability, Chi-Poos make excellent apartment or city pets, as long as they receive daily walks and engagement to curb boredom and barking.
- Not a One-Look Breed: Because they are a hybrid, Chi-Poos don’t have a standardized appearance—some look more like Chihuahuas, others like mini Poodles, making each one truly unique in look and temperament.
Breed History
The Chi-Poo, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Toy Poodle, is a modern designer breed that likely originated in the United States in the late 20th or early 21st century. Created to combine the spunky, loyal personality of the Chihuahua with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the Toy Poodle, the Chi-Poo was bred primarily as a compact, affectionate companion dog. While not officially recognized by major kennel clubs, this hybrid has gained popularity for its small size, lively temperament, and suitability for apartment living. The Chi-Poo reflects a growing trend of intentional crossbreeding aimed at blending desirable traits from two beloved toy breeds.
Personality and Behaviour
- Affectionate & Social: Chi-Poos are known for their loving nature and enjoy being close to their family members. They often form strong bonds and thrive on attention and companionship.
- Energetic & Playful: Despite their small size, Chi-Poos have a lively and playful spirit. They enjoy interactive play and mental stimulation to keep them happy and prevent boredom.
- Alert & Intelligent: With the combined smarts of both parent breeds, Chi-Poos are quick learners and often alert watchdogs, making them responsive to training and protective of their home.
Care
- Exercise: Chi-Poos need moderate daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Short walks and play sessions are usually enough to burn off their energy and keep them mentally stimulated.
- Grooming: Grooming needs can vary, but many Chi-Poos require regular brushing to prevent mats, especially if they have a curlier coat like the Poodle. Occasional baths and routine care like nail trimming are also important.
- Training: Chi-Poos are intelligent and respond well to consistent, positive training methods. Early socialization and patience are key, as they can sometimes be a little stubborn but are eager to please.
Chi-Poo Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Chihuahua Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Evaluation | One of the following: Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Results registered with OFA. Advanced Cardiac Exam Basic Cardiac Exam |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
Toy Poodle Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | DNA-based prcd-PRA (Progressive Rod-Cone Degeneration) test from an approved laboratory; results registered with OFA |
| ACVO Eye Exam | ACVO Eye Examination. Results registered with OFA. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation. Results registered with OFA. Minimum age 1 year. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Chi-Poo Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Chi-Poo is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Chi-Poo
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Chi-Poo puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Chi-Poo, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Chi-Poo is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
