Chipoo | Dog Breed Information and Pictures

The Chipoo is a small pup, the result of a cross between a Chihuahua and a Toy or Teacup Poodle. While they may be small, these dogs are positively bursting at the seams with energy. They are playful and affectionate, with a hypoallergenic coat that they inherit from the Poodle parent. Also known as Choodle, Poochi, Poohuahua, and Chipoodle, the Chipoo is equal parts loving, energetic and adorable. These pups make great watchdogs and will be a great addition to any loving home.

Origin & History of Chipoos

The Chipoo was first intentionally bred around the same time as the Cockapoo in the 1970s in the United States. Breeders crossed the Poodle and the Chihuahua to get a small, independent, high energy and intelligent pup with the coveted hypoallergenic coat of the Poodle parent. It is possible that the Chipoo may have existed in nature through accidental breeding long before any intentional efforts to bring the Chihuahua and the Poodle began.

Personality and Temperament

This pup is equal parts smart and adorable! The Chipoo is an intelligent dog that is high in energy and loves playtime. They are affectionate dogs and are usually the size of your average lap dog. The Poodle and the Chihuahua are known to get incredibly attached to their owners and develop some level of anxiety if left alone for too long, but the Chipoo doesn’t take after either parent when it comes to this. This is an independent breed and will do just fine if left alone in a safe and protected environment. Just make sure you leave them with a lot of toys and trinkets to keep the boredom at bay by ensuring they stay mentally stimulated. They will enjoy following you around the house and do best with moderately active owners that spend the day getting various things done. If you want a strong and independent pup that is loving and intelligent, all that in a compact package, look no further. The Chipoo is all set to be your new best friend.

Chipoo Size

Chipoos are generally small dogs, although there may be some variation in size due to a lack of set standards. An average Chipoo will grow up to be anywhere between 5 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 5 to 20 pounds.

Chipoo Health

When compared to both parent breeds, the Chipoo is a relatively healthy pup due to the hybrid vigor that they have as a result of mixed breeding. However, it is important to understand that a Chipoo puppy bred from a healthy Poodle and Chihuahua has a significantly lower risk of developing genetic illnesses. For this reason, it is necessary that the breeder you get your Chipoo puppy from provides you with health clearances of both parent dogs. It is also important to not buy a puppy from a breeder that mates dogs that are younger than 2 years old since that is the age when most genetic illnesses begin showing symptoms. Schedule regular appointments at your local veterinarian to ensure that your dog is happy and healthy. Some issues that your Chipoo may be predisposed to include overactive tear glands, hypoglycemia, glaucoma, and luxating patellas.

Chipoo Care and Training

Do not be fooled by their small size. These pups are full of energy. They work best with equally active owners, and while they love playtime, they work best with moderate exercise. The Chipoo won’t be running any marathons but will be happy with a few short walks and ample potty breaks! They are also incredibly smart, so to keep their boredom (and destructive behavior) at bay, provide them with toys and trinkets to keep them engaged. Chipoos are also incredibly easy to train, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please nature. They are great dogs for novice owners who do not have much experience with dog training.

Feeding

Chipoos are known to develop digestive issues, so high-quality protein food is best for them. Every Chipoo’s nutritional needs are different, so it is a good idea to speak to your local veterinarian when coming up with a meal plan for your pup. Their dietary needs depend on a host of factors that change with age, so your Chipoos diet will need to be altered slightly as they grow.

Coat Color, Types, Shedding

A Chipoos’s coat may be one solid color or a mix of various colors found in the Poodle and the Chihuahua. Their coats can vary in length and degree of curliness, but on average is relatively low-shedding.

Chipoo Grooming

Chipoos have coats that are fairly easy to groom. All they require are weekly brushings to keep their coats free of matted fur and tangles. Chipoos are predisposed to overactive tear glands, and you may notice tear stains quite frequently. Keep a tissue handy to wipe their eyes regularly. Make sure you are brushing your Chipoo’s teeth regularly to avoid any buildup. Keep their ears clean and free of any first and debris.

Deciding on a Chipoo

The Chipoo is a right fit for you if:

You want a dog that is easy to groom
You have allergies and want a pup with a low-shedding coat
You want a dog that does not require constant attention

The Chipoo is not a right fit for you if:

You live in an area with noise restrictions
You want a guard dog
You live in an area with an extreme climate

Getting a Chipoo

How Much is a Chipoo Puppy?

A Chipoo can cost anywhere between $500 to $950.

Chipoo Breeders

Rescue and Adoption

Here is a list of rescue organizations that shelter Chipoos (among other breeds):