Chipoo

Poodle Mix (Photo: Adobe Stock)

By helloBARK!
Updated on 17 August 2021

Chipoo are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature or Toy Poodle.

They’re a small mix that can make excellent companion pets for families and senior dog owners.

Chipoo are a relatively energetic little dogs that can do well with children given their playful nature.

This designer breed will usually have some hypoallergenic qualities thanks to the influence of the Poodle parent.

These hybrids dogs can often be found at a rescue shelter requiring a forever home.

Chipoos have low-to-moderate exercise needs given their small size, making them an excellent choice for dog lovers who live in an apartment.

We spoke to a number of Chipoo owners to learn more about the cross breed. These include Presley (@presleythechipoo), Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) and Pippin (@pipnfriends).

What is a Chipoo?

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

Chipoo are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature or Toy Poodle. In some cases, a Teacup Poodle could be crossed with the Mexican breed.

They can go by a variety of different names, including Choodle, Chipoodle, Poochi, and Poohuahua.

While the American Kennel Club recognise the Chihuahua and the Poodle, the Chipoo hasn’t been granted status by the organization.

Chipoo are recognised by the following organizations: American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America and International Designer Canine Registry.

Wag Walking write that the Chipoo started to be bred in the 1970s.

What size is a Chipoo?

Benji and Bisou the Chipoodles (Photo: chipoo_brothers / Instagram)

Chipoo tend to be small dogs that can make great companion-sized pets. They’re easily portable so you can bring your Chipoodle most places with you.

The Chipoo can grow to a heigh between 7 and 13 inches, while they can weigh between 8 and 20 pounds. As you can see, this designer breed will remain petite.

Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) have varying weights.

Bijou is 6 pounds and takes more after a Chihuahuas body type and Bisou is 10 pounds and takes more after a Poodles body type.

Pippin (@pipnfriends) writes:

Pippin is 5.3 lbs – very lithe and not really muscular.

Chipoo appearance

Pippin the Chipoo (Photo: pipnfriends / Instagram)

The Chipoodle can vary in appearance depending on whether they take after their Chihuahua or Poodle parent. In spite of claims that breeders might make on their website, there’s no guarantee a Chipoodle will inherit certain desired traits. They can have a rough coat or a smooth coat. Their hair can be different in texture.

Chipoo can come in a variety of different colors, ranging from brown, black, cream, silver, gray, fawn, white and brindle. This mix tend to have brown eyes and a black nose. Chipoodles will usually have a plumed tail and feathering on their feet. This hybrid dog can have alert, erect ears.

Presley’s mom Amy (@presleythechipoo) gave us an insight into her Chipoo’s appearance.

A small bodied dog usually the size of a Chihuahua depending on their cross and genes. They can vary in head shape (deer-headed, apple-headed, poodle). The distinctive curly Chihuahua tail and large standing ears! The coat length and colouring will also vary dependant on the mix.

Chipoo temperament

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

We need to reiterate that a Chipoo could inherit characteristics from both parents. So it’s impossible to predict ahead of time a Chipoodle’s temperament. We can take a look at both parents to get an idea about the type of personality they may have.

Chipoodles are relatively friendly and playful little dogs that like to meet new people. Having said that, Chipoo can make excellent lap dogs given their small size and affectionate nature.

Sometimes dubbed a velcro dog, Chipoo are likely to follow their pet parents around the home. They’ve got low to moderate exercise needs.

Let’s hear from Pippin (@pipnfriends).

He is slightly aloof, rather independent and likes his alone time, but he’s very attached to his pack leader (aka me, his mom). He’s wary of people when he first meets them and barks at them, but quickly warms up and loves to give kisses. He’s unpredictable when it comes to encountering other dogs – some set him off, others he’s still not into, but doesn’t try to attack them.

Do Chipoos suffer from separation anxiety?

Benji and Bisou the Chipoodles (Photo: chipoo_brothers / Instagram)

Separation anxiety is a chronic canine disorder that can affect any dog irrespective of breed or mix. Dog owners can witness separation anxiety in their canine companion when they prepare to leave the home. The symptoms of this chronic condition include barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging, as well as defecating or urinating in the home. Chihuahuas and Poodles can be prone to separation anxiety but you may find Chipoodles who don’t suffer with this canine disorder. It depends on each individual Chipoo.

Here’s how Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) do when they’re alone.

You can leave them on their own with training. But not for extremely long periods of time. They do get anxiety and depression.

Pippin (@pipnfriends) doesn’t have separation anxiety.

Pippin has separation “needs” but not anxiety. He will be waiting for me at the door when get home when I leave, but when he’s home alone, he’s perfectly fine and naps and barks out the window at neighbors.

Do Chipoos make great family pets?

Pippin the Chipoo (Photo: pipnfriends / Instagram)

Chipoodles can make excellent family pets given their small size but playful personalities. They’ll usually be game for some playtime in the garden or yard. Given their size, it’s important that Chipoodles are treated with care and respect. They may not be suited to a family home with young children who don’t understand how to be gentle with their Chipoodle. We don’t recommend ever leaving a child alone unsupervised with a dog.

We put this question to Pippin (@pipnfriends).

Our family does not have small children. I would say due to his size, he’s better in a home with older kids who are gentle and respectful of personal space. He’s great in groups of adults and very social. He’s timid with children, but I think mainly because he’s not around them enough to get to know them. If there was a kid who let him lick their face nonstop, he would be in heaven!

Are Chipoos smart?

Chipoodles are likely to be relatively smart dogs. The Poodle is considered the second smartest dog in the world behind the Border Collie. So the odds are that your Chipoo will have a moderate to high intelligence level.

Are Chipoo easy to train?

While Poodles are usually quick to learn new commands and tricks, Chihuahuas can have a stubborn streak. It’s a good idea to bring your Chipoo puppy to puppy training to lay down the basic obedience and ground rules. Remember to be consistent and persistent with your training.

Are Chipoodles hyper?

Benji and Bisou the Chipoodles (Photo: chipoo_brothers / Instagram)

Chihuahua and Poodles are sometimes stereotyped as hyper dogs. Chihuahuas are small little dogs that like to bounce around the home with an alert disposition. The Poodle, on the other hand, is a dog breed that traditionally has high energy levels.

Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) can be quite bouncy.

Our Chipoodles have the poodle hair so yes they are hyper. And it seems most are hyper. But there are Chipoodles that have more Chihuahua fur with some Poodle frizz. I can’t tell you if they are hyper or not.

How much exercise do Chipoos need?

Chipoodles won’t have high exercise needs but they’ll benefit from a couple of daily walks, even if they’re a short adventure around the block. Dog walking website Wag Walking suggest 45 minutes of exercise a day for a Chipoodle. You may prefer to take your Chipoo for a couple of short walks, a trip to the dog park or some playtime in the garden.

Are Chipoodles aggressive?

Chihuahuas can sometimes be stereotyped as yappy dogs that can be aggressive towards new people or strangers who enter the home. However, different members of this hybrid breed can be more relaxed and more socialized. It’s a good idea to bring your dog to socialization classes from a young age as well as expose them to meeting new people.

Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) don’t show aggression, although they’re not big fans of getting their nails trimmed.

Our boys are not aggressive. Bijou only shows aggression when we are trying to groom his nails or more delicate areas because he is afraid. But even then he feels bad and gives lots of kisses after.

Do Chipoos big chewers?

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

If you’re worried about your furniture being destroyed if you’re getting a Chipoodle, you’re probably wondering if this Chihuahua Poodle mix are big chewers. This can vary between each member of the designer breed.

Presley (@presleythechipoo) isn’t a destructive chewer.

They love a good chew on a toy, and a throw around of an old sock, but rarely find anything they want or can destroy. However, they are lickers! They love delicately licking a hand or a surface if they find a smell.

Do Chipoos get along with other dogs?

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

If you’re getting a Chipoo pup, you should think about taking your new addition to socialization classes and puppy manners classes to help improve their social skills.

Presley (@presleythechipoo) likes to meet other dogs.

They are very sociable with other dogs and love a game of chase. Can be cautious of other animals such as cats and foxes due to their protective and security instincts.

Do Chipoodles do better in pairs?

We put this question to Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers).

Our boys love their play dates together. But are also happy when they go their separate ways and have their space back. I think they would do well either way.

Are Chipoodles sociable?

Chipoodles will usually be friendly towards new people and new dogs. As we’ve already emphasised, you can help your Chipoo improve their social skills by going to regular socialization classes. You may want to expose your Chipoodle to different people, dogs and situations in a responsible manner to reduce any shyness.

Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers) love meeting new people.

Yes very much so. Bijou thrives on people interaction and loves peoples attention. While Bisou thrives on interaction with other dogs. Bisou is shy with people at first and takes a while to warm up to new people. But once he is friends he is a snuggle bug.

Are Chipoos hypoallergenic?

Pippin the Chipoo (Photo: pipnfriends / Instagram)

Chipoodles are considered a mixed breed with hypoallergenic qualities. They’ve got the influence of the Poodle parent to thank for being considered hypoallergenic. The American Kennel Club remind dog lovers that there’s no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog breed in spite of what you may read online or hear breeders say. Having said that, the AKC do recommend some breeds as having more hypoallergenic qualities, such as the Poodle.

Given the Chipoodle is 50 per cent Poodle, there’s a good chance that they’ll have some hypoallergenic qualities.

Here’s what Pippin (@pipnfriends) told hellobark.com.

Pippin is hypoallergenic and does not shed! He gets groomed twice a year and we do little trims in between.

Do Chipoos shed?

Chipoo are usually low-shedding dogs thanks to their Poodle genes. The Poodle has tight curls that don’t shed much and catch any dander secreted. Having said that, Chihuahuas are moderate-to-high shedders. Each Chipoo could shed do differing degrees.

Do Chipoos need regular grooming?

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

While you won’t need to worry about Chipoodles shedding much, they do need regular grooming. Whether you’ve got a smooth-coated or long-haired Chipoo, you’ll still need to brush your Chihuahua Poodle cross multiple times a week. In doing so, you can ensure their hair doesn’t become matted or tangled. It’s important to stick to a grooming routine to promote a healthy coat.

Amy kindly gave us an insight into Presley (@presleythechipoo)‘s grooming routine.

As coat length can vary, Chipoodles can come with short, medium or long hair. It is advised at least once a year to be trimmed for the summer weather. This can be done with a local dog groomer, or at home with your own dog clippers. It also helps when it comes to bath time to ensure the coat is clean and conditioned.

Are Chipoodles fussy eaters?

Pippin the Chipoo (Photo: pipnfriends / Instagram)

Some dogs can be fussy eaters, something which I’ve experienced with my Alaskan Klee Kai. Your Chipoo could be fussy due to a sensitive tummy, food intolerance or a behavioral problem. If you’ve encountered this problem, you may find it useful to check out some of the best dog food delivery options in the USA available right now (click here for the UK options).

We asked Pippin (@pipnfriends) about this potential issue.

He IS a fussy eater! He’s very picky about wet food, and if he suddenly decides he’s no longer into a certain brand, he will turn his nose up at his bowl and be done with it. He likes gravy in his food, he doesn’t have a lot of teeth, so it helps him get it down. We’ve gone through a number of food brands because he is no longer interested and we have to switch!

Do Chipoos have any health problems?

There’s a consensus that mixed breeds are healthier dogs. This can be the case but Chipoodles are still prone to some health issues.

Here’s some health conditions to be aware of:

• Patellar Luxation
• Glaucoma
• Hypoglycemia
• Overactive Tear Glands

Chipoo Price

If you’ve got your heart set on a Chipoo, we recommend contacting your local rescue shelter to see if they’ve got a member of this Doodle family that needs a forever home. Alternatively, you may be able to find a breeder. Chipoodle usually cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to buy.

Are Chipoos expensive?

Chipoo are one of the rarer members of the Doodle family. If you’re interested in this particular mix, you should first contact your local rescue shelter to learn more. They may have a member of the cross breed who needs to be rescued. Alternatively, you may find a breeder but it’s probably unlikely. Aside from the initial cost of adopting a Chipoo, there are monthly costs such as dog food, pet insurance, vet costs to consider.

Would you recommend Chipoos to first-time owners?

Presley the Chipoo (Photo: presleythechipoo / Instagram)

If you’re thinking about getting a Chipoo and you haven’t previously owned a dog, you’re probably wondering if they’re a good fit for you. Let’s see what our Chipoodle owners had to say when we put this question to them.

Here’s what advice Amy provided to hellobark.com readers based upon her experience with Presley (@presleythechipoo).

Absolutely. What they lack in size they make up for in character in abundance and always put a smile on the face of others in the park or walking down the street. They are super keen to learn and please making them easy to train and live with.

Let’s hear from Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers).

They are easygoing, very good personalities, and gentle dogs. Fairly easy to train. For example we had no issues training Bisou to bark on command only, which is perfect for living in a condo.

Chipoos to follow on Instagram

We often find that the best way to learn more about a cross breed is to speak to current owners on Instagram. They’re usually more than forthcoming with information to help potential owners of the designer breed. Here are some Chipoodle accounts to check out.

• Presley (@presleythechipoo)

• Bijou and Bisou (@chipoo_brothers)

• Pippin (@pipnfriends)

What are the pros and cons of Chipoo?

Pros

Amy/Presley: Huge personality; So funny; Keen learners; Beautiful Looking ; Love cuddles and curling up on lap like a cat.

Kylie/Bijou/Bisou: They are loyal dogs, they are lap dogs, they are agile, they are very good with people and children. When they are on the smaller size you would have to watch not to step on them.

Kelly/Pippin: He’s my lap dog, he provides endless love, and he’s not a straight chihuahua, so he doesn’t shake a lot (as they tend to do). He’s loyal, not always the most obedient.

Cons

Amy/Presley: Loud bark.

Kylie/Bijou/Bisou: They do need constant grooming as their hair matts quickly and their hair grows fast. We have small dog teeth issues as well. If the personality does take after a Chihuahua they can tend to bark more.

Kelly/Pippin: Down side, he’s small, and he can run through my legs, out the door and try to attack the UPS guy (big eye roll, face palm moment). He’s also just delicate and sensitive so I worry about people being rough with him. Honestly, no big downsides at all. They’re great dogs, particularly for women like myself who are seeking a tiny companion that provides endless love.