Appearance of the Chi-Chi
|
| Chi-Chi appearance can vary. A small dog, the Chi-Chi will generally weigh between 1.8 and 4.5 kilos. The Chi-Chi can come in any variety of colors and can have a short, smooth coat, long fluffy hair or be hairless with patches of fur on its body. Most of these hybrids will have white hair on their belly, legs or chest. This hybrid will usually have a high forehead and a nose the same color as its body. Its eyes will be round or almond-shaped, and although most hybrids' eyes don't bulge like the Chihuahua's, some do. The Chi-Chi's neck is long and its body somewhat rectangular in shape. Its tail is generally long and curved, and if it's glabrous, the tail will have a patch of hair at the top. |
Temperament of the Chi-Chi
|
| The Chi-Chi is a bright, energetic dog, friendly and playful. A loyal dog, it will get on well with family members and may find a special bond with one or more of them. Generally easy to live with, Chi-Chi have a great personality and can act boldly towards new animals and people, a quality that makes the breed a good watchdog. Although the Chi-Chi can be left alone, if left for too long it can become stressed, leading to shedding, self-aggression in the form of biting or scratching, rude behavior or efforts to escape. Chi-Chi will get on well with children, but it's important that children learn to be kind to him. Training your Chi-Chi will require you to be firm and patient, while providing positive reinforcement in the form of rewards and praise. |
Needs and activities of the Chi-Chi
|
| Chi-Chi will need regular exercise, which may include walks, trips to the dog park and indoor and outdoor play. It's a good idea to keep an eye on its hind legs when jumping or climbing stairs. Some Chi-Chi will inherit the Chihuahua's fragile legs, and since the Chi-Chi is naturally curious and wants to explore, it may jump to a place from which it shouldn't jump. The Chi-Chi is not made for extreme temperatures, so if it's cold, make sure he has a sweater and in hot weather, don't allow him to exercise. |
Maintenance of the Chi-Chi
|
| Your Chi-Chi's grooming needs will depend on the coat he inherits. For long-haired dogs, daily brushing is important. Short-haired dogs need brushing only once a week. A hairless dog should be wiped with a damp cloth several times a week, and lotion and sunscreen should be applied daily to prevent sunburn. Your Chi-Chi's eyes should be cleaned regularly to prevent infections from developing. This is particularly important for those who inherit the Chihuahua's large eyes. Regular dental care is important because these hybrid dogs are prone to dental problems, and their teeth need to be brushed three times a week. Your Chi-Chi's nails should be trimmed regularly and he should be bathed as needed. |
English (United Kingdom)