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chigi mixed dog breed pictures 1 scaled - Chigi

Chigi

The Chigi is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Chihuahua and Corgi dog breeds. While they may be small, they’re very alert, affectionate, and playful. These pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.

Chigis go by a few names, including Chi-Corgi, Chorgie, and Chihuahua/Corgi. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed breed dogs, along with many more, in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!

The Chigi makes for a wonderful addition to almost any family; although, they’re not recommended for small, excitable children, as they could injure this little pup. This tiny dog is considered to be toy sized, so extra care may be required. They’re playful and affectionate and would fit right in to a big family with older kids or in an active single-person home.

With proper exercise a Chigi could live in an apartment, though they prefer a big home with an open yard to run around in. If you are looking for a small pup with a big personality, this could be your next fur baby.

Breed Characteristics:

Adaptability

Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.

If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!

Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.

Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.

Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.

Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.

All Around Friendliness

Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.

See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family

Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.

**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.

Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.

Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!

Health And Grooming Needs

If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!

Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.

Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.

Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.

If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.

Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.

Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.

Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!

Trainability

Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.

Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.

Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.

Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.

Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.

Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.

Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.

Physical Needs

High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.

Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.

A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.

Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.

Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.

Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.

Vital Stats:

Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:7 to 12 inchesWeight:10 to 20 poundsLife Span:12 to 14 years

More About This Breed

Highlights

  • Chigis are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Chihuahua or Corgi parents.
  • The main colors of the Chigi’s coats are fawn, black, white, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, but usually they’re a combination of colors.
  • They typically have short, straight coats, with a thick undercoat, and they’re generally pretty easy to groom. A few brushes per week should suffice.
  • Because the Chigi is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. They’re more suited for a family with older kids who know how to play gently.
  • Chigis have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets a few walks per day with several good, active play sessions mixed in.
  • Chigis can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly. They’re not recommended for dog parks because they could roam and try to herd other dogs.
  • When it comes to training, positive reinforcement is the way to go with these pups. They can be willful but are highly trainable, so make sure they feel inclined to be so!

History

The Chigi mixed dog breed is much newer than their Chihuahua and Corgi parents. While Chihuahuas are believed to have originated in Mexico, the Corgi, in contrast, was a herding dog all the way from cattle farms in Wales.

While Chigis may have existed naturally over the years, designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Corgis in the 1990s, likely in North America.

Even though the Chigi mixed breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the mixed breed for you.

Check your local shelters, look up Chigi rescues, or check with breed specific Corgi or Chihuahua rescues, as they often will take in mixed breed dogs.

For more information about the parent breed history read more about the Chihuahua history and Pembroke Welsh Corgi history.

The Chigi has been recognized by:

  • Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
  • American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
  • Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
  • Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
  • International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)

Size

The Chigi is a relatively new mixed breed, so there are few standards when it comes to size. As a mix between Chihuahua and Corgi parents, you can expect Chigis to be in the Toy family.

Most weigh in at ten to 20 pounds and range in height from seven to twelve inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger depending on which parent’s genes are more dominant.

Males run slightly larger than females.

Personality

Many Chigi lovers describe these dogs’ personalities as affectionate and alert. They’re the size of your average toy pup with lively personalities. They are fun, playful, and devoted to their humans.

Chigis may have herding tendencies from their Corgi parent, and they may consider small children as part of their flock. So make sure that you train and socialize your dog early.

When it comes to training, positive reinforcement is the way to go with these pups. They can be willful but are highly trainable, so make sure they feel inclined to be so!

Chigis enjoy walks and thrive on active play sessions. If you like walking, you’d better not leave this one behind. The Chigi will love being included in daily activities.

Apartments are just fine for these tiny pups as long as they get adequate exercise; though, they prefer a home with a big yard to run free.

Health

The Chigi mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chihuahua and Pembroke Welsh Corgi also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.

Some of the more common health problems Chigis suffer from include:

  • Eye problems
  • Patellar luxation
  • Joint issues
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Epilepsy
  • Von Willebrands

Care

As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Chigi’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Chigis are a toy sized dogs with high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets a few walks per day with several good, active play sessions mixed in.

Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.

Their eyes should be cleaned daily. If you don’t clean them, they may do it, themselves, on your furniture. To avoid this, use a clean damp cloth and wipe them every morning.

A main concern will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly, and YouTube can help with teeth brushing and nail trimming tutorials.

If you find your dog dragging their bottom or “scooting,” they may need their anal glands expressed. This is a task for your groomer or vet and worth every penny to have it done professionally.

Feeding

An ideal Chigi diet should be formulated for a toy sized breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day.

As with all dogs, the Chigi’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chigi’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.

Coat Color And Grooming

Chigi coats are often a mix of their Corgi and Chihuahua parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of the Chigi’s coats are fawn, black, white, and cream. Sometimes their coats are solid, but usually they’re a combination of colors.

They typically have short, straight coats, with a thick undercoat, and they’re generally pretty easy to groom. A few brushes per week should suffice. Baths should be sparse as their fur tends to dry out, and they need their natural oils for optimum radiance.

Due to their toy sized status, Chigis may not be particularly suited for extreme weather. However their Corgi parentage does make them somewhat suited for cold weather. Depending on your Chigi, they may have a nice, built-in winter coat.

Children And Other Pets

Because the Chigi is a small dog, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Chigis enjoy family life and would be nicely suited for a family with older kids who know how to play gently. The Chigi makes a great, active companion and loves kids.

When it comes to other pets, Chigis can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly. Early socialization to other dogs and pets will be key.

The Chigi is not recommended for dog parks because they could roam and try to herd other dogs.

Learn more about Chigis by reading up on their parent breeds the Chihuahua and Corgi.

Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Chi Chi because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chihuahua or Chinese Crested breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:

  • Chihuahua Rescue & Transport
  • Southeast Corgi Rescue
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