Chi-Chon -- Chihuahua X Bichon frise

		Chi-Chon
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			Mexico <> France / Belgium -> U.S.A.
Translation			Francis Vandersteen

A brief presentation of the Chi-Chon

Developed over the last few decades, the Chi-Chon is a new breed of specific crossbreed composed of Chihuahua and Bichon Frise that is gaining in popularity due to its small size and affectionate personality. Rarely exceeding 5 kilos, this small dog has a compact body covered with soft, fluffy fur. With its dangling ears and dark brown eyes, Chi-Chon is not so different from a real teddy bear. Some toys and a few walks in the park will keep Chi-Chon in top form. On top of that, they thrive when in the company of their families, so should be allowed to spend as much time with them as possible. When left alone, the Chi-Chon can become restless and is therefore not a good choice of pet for those who work full-time.

History of the Chi-Chon

The energetic Chihuahua was crossed with the affectionate Bichon Frise to create the Chi-Chon, a little hybrid that is fast gaining a reputation as a great little pet. Although the Chi-Chon has only been developed in the last 20 years or so, its two parents have a much more impressive history.

	A little of the Chihuahua
	The Chihuahua is considered the world's smallest dog and is thought to have descended from ancient dogs domesticated by the Toltec empire in Mexico. It wasn't until the 1800s that the breed gained national recognition in Mexico and was subsequently standardized. Owned by Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, the Chihuahua has become a very popular breed internationally in recent times. Kept purely as a pet, the Chihuahua has never been bred for any specific role.

	Standard of the Chihuahua
	A little of the Bichon frise
	The Bichon à poil frisé translates roughly as curly-haired dog, and is a breed known for its gentle temperament and frizzy white coat. Despite their French name, the breed actually originated in Spain in the 14th century, possibly on the island of Tenerife. This breed with its colorful past was once used as a circus dog, a symbol of prestige among the upper classes and the muse of many famous paintings. Today, this adorable dog is a popular pet and is commonly seen at dog shows.

	Standard of the Bichon frise

Appearance of the Chi-Chon

Newly developed, specific crossbreed dogs will not have a uniform appearance until many generations have been bred, and there are many variations in the Chi-Chon population. Most dogs will have a small, rounded skull, large dark eyes and small triangular ears that hang perfectly to the side of their face. Their muzzle is fairly short and abrupt. Their body is small and compact, supported by short limbs. Their tail is slender and of medium length, often covered with dense fur and curling moderately over the back. The Chi-Chon's fur is more like that of their curly-haired relative, the Bichon, and is very soft. Despite the abundance of soft fur, this dog sheds very little. Some individuals are hypoallergenic, but not all. While many will have a completely white coat, some will have black and brown patches and others will have predominantly brown or fawn coats. Reaching a height of just 20 to 25 centimeters and a weight of 3 to 4.5 kilos, this is a pocket-sized dog.

Temperament of the Chi-Chon

As the Chihuahua is playful and spirited, while the Bichon Frise is sociable and affectionate, most Chi-Chons will have a lovely disposition and a mischievous look. Although sometimes very brave and confident, most Chi-Chons have a heart of gold and are very gentle. A dog that lives life to the full, you'll rarely find this breed moody. Happiest in the company of other dogs and people, the Chi-Chon doesn't particularly like to be left alone. In some dogs, separation anxiety can become a real problem, so this breed is not suitable for those who spend a lot of time away from home. Similarly, constant barking can become a problem when dogs are left alone for too long. This is a breed that really benefits from being with someone at all times. Attention-seeking and always happy to play, the Chi-Chon is a charming pet for families with children. Although sturdier than the slim-bodied Chihuahua, this breed still needs supervision when in the company of young children, as their small size can make them prone to injury if dropped or trampled.

Needs and activities of the Chi-Chon

A really small dog, while the Chi-Chon is energetic and fun-loving, its exercise needs can be met by a few short walks a day. In addition to this, they like to be able to take part in canine activities, such as fetch and agility, and should have the opportunity to exercise in many ways. This breed does well in small homes and urban environments and doesn't necessarily need access to a garden. However, owners should do their best to give these guys plenty of outdoor access and socialization. Dog parks and crèches are great places for Chi-Chons to have fun.

Maintenance of the Chi-Chon

As well as brushing its muzzle and tail a few times a week, the Chi-Chon looks its best if professionally groomed several times a year. They shouldn't be bathed too much, as this can dry out their skin. Dry dog shampoos can be used between baths to keep their fur fresh. While Chi-Chon ears hang down and canals may contain fur, they should be checked regularly for signs of infection. Dogs prone to infection can benefit from regular ear cleaning, and all dogs should have their ears cleaned once or twice a month to remove wax and any other accumulated debris.