History
In the 1990s, there was a great demand for designer breeds. In North America, professional breeders happily followed the trend of mixing breeds, mixing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Chihuahua breeds, and a hybrid breed came into existence. The breed was given a name called Chigi. The breed has many characteristics as mixed breeds originated by mixing two purebred dogs and have traits of two different breeds.
To understand the characteristics of this breed, the parent breed can also be referred to as most of the characteristics are inherited from the parent breed. It has a mix of traits from its parents’ breed, Chihuahua, a small, playful dog with a lively personality, whereas Corgi is known for its strong build and its usefulness for Herding. The purebred smallest dog, known as the Chihuahua, one of the parent dogs, is a tiny breed.
One of the names of the breed is Therapy Dog, as it helps to heal and bring joy to the family and owner due to its playful nature. The Corgi, another parent dog, has many stories associated with it, such as it being originated by Welsh Fairies and given to families who needed protection. The beautiful fairy-looking dog is quite useful as a herding dog. There are some other names for the breed, such as Chi-Corgi, Chi-gi, and Chorgie.
This designer breed has been gifted with the best characteristics from both of the parent breeds. The breed has been officially recognized by many institutes, such as
- 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)
Chigi Highlights
| Behaviour | Loyal, Friendly nature, Obedient, Alert |
| Shedding | Medium Shedding, ( Fall and Spring) |
| Health | No major issues and some common diseases like Joint Issues, Epilepsy, Hypoglycemia |
| Training | Easy to train |
| Home | Fit for different types of houses and can live in Apartments too. |
Physical Features
Chigi has a combination of physical features inherited from the parent breed. For better understanding, the physical features have been stated separately.
- Size
These are small to medium-sized dogs that are 7 to 12 inches tall.
- Body Shape
The body shape leans more towards the Corgi body style, and the facial features are like a chihuahua, with the exception of a long nose. However, the size might vary depending on the dominating genes of any parent.
- Built
Their well-proportioned build is like Corgi, and they have short legs.
- Coat
The coat colours of a dog could be white, black, silver, Fawn, brindle, or grey. The length of the coat is Medium. The density of the coat is normal, and it is straight in texture. The coat is shiny, and is close to the body, and has a thicker density near the neck. The most common colour combination of its coat is orange and white. Moreover, shades of bluish silver, sable, and brindle are also common in this breed.
- Ears
The ears of this breed are bat-shaped normally, but they might inherit ears from Chihuahuas, one of the parents’ breeds. In this case, the ears might look large, round, and upright. In the opposite case, if a puppy inherits Corgi ears, then the ears are pointed and folded.
- Tail
The tails of this mixed breed could vary in length and size. The tail could be curled slightly or straight, and the length could be short to long. In some cases, it also inherits bob-tails of Corgis that are straight and short in length. In cases when the tail is inherited from Chihuahua, the tail is curved at the back. Hence, they have a mixed tail, which can vary in length.
- Face
The shape of the head is normally round, as inherited from both parent breeds. There is no exact size of the head, and it can vary. The front part of the face or Muzzle can also vary; some can have a shorter muzzle, like a Chihuahua, and some might have a longer front part of the face.
- Eyes
The eyes are normally round, expressive, alert, and bright. The colour of the eyes depends on the coat colour.
- Nose
This breed has a small black nose.
- Legs
The legs are short, strong, and straight, which allows good mobility and support. They inherit the short legs from their parent breed.
- Paws
The Paws are compact and have an arch shape, which is best suited to the size of their legs.
- Weight
The weight could be between 3 and 31 pounds, which is appropriate for the height of this breed.
Temperament and Behaviour
This breed is known for its intelligence and playful and loving nature. Despite their playful nature, they have a quality of being independent, which makes it difficult to train them. They are gifted with the quality of being happy and being appreciated. Hence, a strategy of frequent appreciation could be fruitful during training sessions.
The designer breed goes well with kids and other pets like cats and dogs in the house. They are well-mannered, have a pleasing nature, and easily adjust to the family environment. They are comfortable with strangers as well. It can be said easily that Chigi proves to be a best friend for life.
Caution: If your dog is smaller in size and has inherited prominent physical and behavioural features, do not leave them alone with kids for a longer period. Their socialisation skills are quite impressive, and this would improve further if you keep this factor in mind while training them. They are not known for being a good watchdog. They do not bark much unless and until they come across anything suspicious. They bark only to alarm their owners.
They get attached to one person in the family in particular and are known to be one man dogs.
Grooming, Care, and Training of Chihuahua and Corgi Mix
Care
It is an active dog and a breed that needs regular exercise, care, and attention to keep it healthy. There must be training and walk sessions twice a day for the dog. It will keep them fit and strong. Play sessions would also be helpful. They can easily live in an apartment if they get enough space to run and play around. They also inherit the hunting attribute from Corgi. Therefore, long walk weekends would be needed to keep them happy.
Grooming
Grooming sessions right from puppyhood will develop a habit in them for these sessions. They need moderate grooming as they shed less. Proper brushing once a week and oral care will keep them healthy and clean. Their ears must also be checked and cleaned once a week to avoid any ear infections.
Training
As it is an intelligent breed, it makes it easy to train them. They respond to the commands very accurately. They are loyal to their owners and have a receptive nature. The training strategy must be wisely improvised. Positive reinforcement, constant appreciation, and instruction must be used to train effectively. They should be rewarded with toys and candies as it will motivate them. Careful observation of their facial expressions can yield better results during training.
Suitable Climate for a Corgi Chihuahua Mix
They are mostly comfortable in warm climates, but they also tend to bear different temperatures for a short period. Hence, they are more comfortable in sunny and warm climates.
Nutritional Information
It must be given a diet that is specifically formulated for small dogs (Toy Dogs). There is a tendency to get fat in this breed, so they must not be overfed. They must be given according to a schedule. There should be no food lying in their feed pot during the whole day as they will eat it.
During different stages of their life their diet needs to change. Therefore, it is important to know the dietary demands of each stage, and local veterinarians should be asked. There is also a variation of dietary needs of individual dogs depending upon the weight, health, and energy of the dog.
Growing dogs and puppies need more food as they go through the development phase. Active dogs need more food; similarly, large dogs have more consumption of food.
One or one and a half cups of food daily is enough for an Adult dog, and a puppy needs half a cup of food twice a day. It is also recommended to make a routine for them. This will reduce the chances of being overfed and will make it easy for the owner to keep track of activities.
Before taking your puppy home, it is better to know about the brand of feed and the quantity it is being fed. The best strategy is to keep using the same brand for the next six months, as it would assist in maintaining good health and adjustment at the new home. The feed for the small dogs would be most appropriate.
Tip: To prevent periodontal disease in Canines, it is important to use kibble as it helps clean the bacteria from the dog’s teeth. The kibble should be small so the puppy can eat without any struggle.
Health Of A Corgi Chihuahua Mix
These dogs are mostly healthy, especially in cases where they are being bought from good breeders. Hybrid Vigor can benefit them and make them fit and healthy as compared to their purebred cousins.
However, the diseases in their parents’ breed can transfer into them, such as IVDD and Degenerative myelopathy, which can affect the Dog’s health. Their long backs affect dogs and result in various levels of pain and neurological issues. There are some other medical issues this breed might face, and these have been categorized on the basis of their severity.
Severe Health Problems of Chigi
Tracheal Collapse
The strange coughing noise similar to the honking cough is associated with the tracheal Collapse. It seems quite alarming to hear, and one might think that the Dog has caught Kennel’s cough or some bone obstructing the Dog’s airway.
An X-ray will show a narrow Trachea. To cure this disease, stents are put in the airway of the Dog, and further medications for cough are prescribed.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
It is a disease that affects the spine, and it bulges the cushioning discs located between the vertebrae of the spine. It may rupture the space in the spinal cord, compressing the nerves and spinal cord.
Symptoms of IVDD
There are multiple signs, such as back pain and difficulty in moving, climbing, and jumping. Dogs may drag the hind limb. They might lose bladder or bowel control in severe cases of this disease.
Diagnosis
A veterinarian might physically check or perform an X-ray or MRI to diagnose the disease completely. The disease could range from mild to severe.
Treatment Options
There are conventional methods of treatment available, such as rest, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory medicines. In severe cases, a doctor might suggest surgery to treat the spinal cord and affected discs.
Prevention and Management
In order to minimize the risk of IVDD or control the condition, some measures can be taken. First and foremost, a healthy weight should be maintained to make the spine stress-free. Dogs must not perform activities that can cause stress on the spine, such as jumping. Proper support should be provided to the spine in this breed. Regular exercise can also address this issue as it will keep the back muscles strong.
Dysplasia Elbow and Hip
It is an orthopedic condition that is most common in the parent breed of Chigi. The details are below:
Hip Dysplasia leads to malformation, joint pain, and arthritis.
The symptoms could be lameness, difficulty in rising, climbing, jumping, and unusual walking style. It could be prevented by a healthy diet, proper exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. In severe pain, surgery might also be the option.
Elbow dysplasia is a disease in which the elbow joints are not fitted properly, and it leads to joint disability and arthritic pain. Symptoms include reluctance to use the affected joint, lameness, and swelling. It can be prevented with proper care, healthy weight, proper exercise, and a balanced diet.
General Precautions
Certain points must considered to take good care of your Dog. It will be a guiding path toward the good health of your dog.
Responsible breeding can avoid these problems.
Regular checkups and physical examinations of your dog will help diagnose the issues at an early stage.
Moreover, if you find any difference in the mobility of the Dog or any reluctance in moving or jumping, immediately take the pet to the veterinarian.
A good diet and exercise will contribute to a healthy and comfortable life for your pet.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is a condition in which dogs have a sore mouth and face a lot of difficulty chewing. There is difficulty in eating, and it can lead to an increase in bacteria load and eventually lead to infection in major organs of the body.
Prevention and Cure: However fortunately, this can be prevented and cured with the help of good dental care. Regular dental care from a very early age in puppies can prevent this disease forever.
Hypoglycemia
It is a common health issue, Hypoglycemia. It is the low blood sugar of the Dog. It becomes weak and lethargic. This can lead to seizures and Coma.
Prevention and Cure: The disease can be cured and managed with the provision of snacks and meals at regular intervals during the day.
Eye problems
The most common eye infections are Cataracts, Corneal Dystrophy, Retinal Atrophy, and Glaucoma. These infections lead to Blindness and vision loss.
Prevention and Cure: It is important to go for regular checkups, and the owner must not ignore visible symptoms. If any signs like cloudy eyes or excessive tearing in one or both eyes occur, it is important to visit the Veterinary Clinic immediately.
Patellar luxation
It is when dogs have weak ligaments or cartilage is damaged. It leads to the displacement of the knee cap. It is very painful and causes problems in walking and eventually lameness if not treated properly on time.
Prevention and Cure: Regular monitoring of dogs is vital in this regard.
Epilepsy
This is another common disease in these dogs. It can cause seizures and is caused by minimal and imbalanced brain activity. There are Mild to severe seizures in this disease. There is no cure for this disease, and it can only be controlled through medicines.
Von Willebrand disease
It is also a common disease among this specific breed. It is a bleeding disorder and is curable by medications and supplements.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a condition with swollen or enlarged glands in the body. It is one kind of cancer that develops in the Lymphatic system. If you find any ulcerated dog, it is advisable to consult a vet immediately
.
Allergies
Allergies are mostly common in Dogs, and they can manifest in the Dog through many sources. Dogs can be allergic to food, substances, or environmental factors. It could be anything they might come across.
Some types of Allergies, along with examples, are stated below:
Food Allergy
Dogs can be allergic to dairy products, beef, grains, and chicken, and these can cause Redness, rash, itching, and diarrhoea.
Environment Allergy
Pollen, dust mites, and certain plants can trigger allergic symptoms in dogs. There could be itching in the ears, face, and the skin around dog paws.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis
Some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. They cannot bear the flea bite and could develop discomfort in dogs.
Contact Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to any substance they might come across, such as any fabric, Grooming, or cleaning product. Redness, hives, or itching could be symptoms of Allergy.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of Allergy could indicate that your Dog is sick. These symptoms include
- Continuous itching and scratching around the belly, paws, face, and ears.
- The Redness of skin or inflammation
- Continuous thinning of the coat
- Persistent chewing or licking of paws
- Infections repeatedly occurring in the ears
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea
The allergies can be treated with the help of allergy medicines, shampoos,
(Hypoallergenic), Allergy shots and, in some severe cases, immunotherapy could also be applied.
Price
The price of Chigi is around 300$ to 500$. The price may vary and depends mainly on the breeder and your location.
Adoption
Adoption is also one of the options, and the cost of this option would be around 50$ to 300$.
There are various Rescue Centres for dogs and Shelters that have dogs available for adoption. These centers are located in various states across the US, and you might find the right Dog in these centers.
It is, however, recommended that you acquire complete information about the Dog you decide to adopt. The history of the dog will help avoid adjustment problems. The Dog may have some adjustment issues due to past experiences, so it is advisable to request a trial period. In case there is any problem, you could return the Dog.
How to find a good Chigi Puppy
Mixed dogs are usually cheaper than purebred dogs. The price range differs and depends upon many factors, such as the location of the breeder, quality, and records of both puppy parents.
If someone is offering a price lower than this, it is important to remember that it must be from a puppy farm or a brand of backyard breeder. Local Veterinary Clinic is the best source to obtain information about local breeders. Social media is another good source to get genuine reviews.
Ask for a Health and Screening Certificate before buying a puppy.
Red Flags of Backyard Breeders
While looking for a dog, you might come across various online advertisements; there are a few dos and don’ts in this regard. If you find any of these statements or promises by the online seller, it is a good idea to move on and not buy puppies from these sellers.
- The puppies are available all around the year, and there is no one specific season for them.
- The payment could be made online without looking at the puppy physically before buying.
- The promise is to deliver the puppy to your doorstep instead of inviting you to the premises and see its parents.
If any of these red flags appear during your online search for a puppy, it is a good idea to walk away from such deals.
Development Milestones
The development milestone of the Corgi Chihuahua Mix is similar to the timeline of other dogs. However, it is not recommended to expect the same pace of development in every puppy as each Dog is different and might develop at a different rate.
However, there are some vital growth signs and major milestones that one can expect in the different stages of Chigi.
Birth to Two weeks
When puppies are born, they are deaf and blind and completely reliant on their mother. They gain weight at a rapid rate during this phase.
Two to Four week
They start opening their eyes, and their listening ability also improves. They can hear voices and become alert to their surroundings. They also start standing and try to walk. They do not have proper coordination at this stage, and it is in the development phase. The teeth also start to appear, and this leads to the weaning stage.
Three to Twelve
Socialisation is critical during this week, and most of the learning is through interaction with other dogs and Humans. The puppies are interested in exploring the outside world. They play more, and their motor skills develop during these activities. The basic instructions and commands can be introduced, as training can commence at this stage.
Three to Six Months
This stage is all about teething and puppy chewing the food. It is an ideal time to provide chewing toys to the puppies. Structured training can be introduced as it is a time when puppies can learn the commands. Permanent teeth replace baby teeth.
Six to Twelve Months
It is the time of Adolescence and a time when puppies test their limits. Sexual development and maturity occur, and at this stage, spaying and neutering can be considered. The Adult coat replaces the puppy coat.
One to Two Years
It is fully grown and an adult dog at this stage. The Dog is fully mature in all aspects, such as behavioural and physical. A regular dog care routine is recommended, including vaccination, a balanced diet, and regular checkups. This is the right time for all this as the Dog is fully grown and developed and has its own needs and demands.
Two Years Old Dog and Stage Beyond
The Dog continues to socialise. Training must continue in order to stabilise the mental stimulation of the Dog. Regular Checkups are vital at this stage to monitor any rising health issues and behavioural changes. Ageing signs also start to appear; therefore, regular veterinary checkups are necessary to address any problem at an early stage.
Is a Corgi Chihuahua Mix the Right Dog for Me?
In order to decide whether it is the right Dog for you, various factors must be kept in mind. Proper consideration of all these factors would help to make the right choice. There are some questions an owner needs to ask himself before deciding to own it as a pet. These questions are
- Can I spare 20 minutes of my day for my Dog’s exercise?
- Do I have enough space in my house to move around freely with fewer restrictions?
- Do I have the resources and consistency to maintain the grooming and care of my dog and keep it in good health?
- Do I have the patience to deal with the demands and temperament of my Dog?
Lifespan of Chigi
The average lifespan is 12 to 14 years; however, if the puppy is taken good care of and given a good diet, it can lead to a good, healthy life.
Suitable Dwelling
This breed can live comfortably in different kinds of houses, including Apartments. They go well with the owners having a moderate lifestyle. As they need attention, nurses with flexible schedules are ideal as they can spend time with the Dog. There should be supervision of adults in the house in case of babies in the house.
Quick Facts about Chigi as a Pet
| Adjustability | Good |
| Maintenance | High Grooming due to Shedding |
| Barking | Medium |
| Size | Small Perfect for Apartment |
| Health | No serious illnesses only Inherited diseases from Parent Breed |
| Exercise | Daily walk for half an hour, active in nature |
| Suitability | Not Suitable for people with Allergies due to shedding |
| Attachment | Bonding with one member of the family in particular |
Summary
Chigi is an active breed among Branded dogs. It has some health issues that are inherited from the parent breed, but overall, the breed is a healthy one. Its health can be maintained following some simple rules.The breed needs some physical exercise daily, so the Dog must have regular exercise sessions.Two walks daily would keep them active, and play sessions would have a positive impact on the overall wellness of the Dog.
It is important to trim the nails and keep the ears clean in order to avoid any infections. Oral health care is also needed, and it is recommended to clean the teeth regularly by applying different techniques, as small-breed dogs tend to develop oral infections quickly.
The eyes must also be washed with a damp cloth every morning. It is recommended to visit a professional Dog grooming centre on a regular basis.
All these measures will yield long-term results and will keep the Dog healthy for a longer period. It is important to remember that above stated guidelines are to give an idea, and that each Dog is different and development may vary as well.Factors like environment, care, diet, training, love, and affection have an impact on the development of each Dog.
In order to raise a healthy, active, and well-mannered Chigi, a balanced diet, proper exercise routine, and veterinary care play a vital role.
FAQ’s
- How big will a Chihuahua Corgi mix get?
Their weight is 10 and 20 pounds, and their lifespan is 12 to 14 years.
- What is the personality of a Chigi dog?
Chigis are happy, loving, independent, and intelligent dogs.
- How much does a Chihuahua Corgi mix cost?
The price is $300 to $1000. The price also depends on the price of their parent’s breed.
- What is the behaviour of a corgi-chihuahua mix?
They are affectionate and loving dogs. They love to play and are devoted to their owners.