Chion Dog Breed

Chions are a new designer hybrid resulting from the cross of a Chihuahua with a Papillon. These tiny dogs are excellent companions with the versatility to accompany you to most of your activities, including travel! Both AKC recognized parent breeds are alert, intelligent and attention loving, meaning yours will probably be fairly easy to train and make a great little watch dog. This indoor breed is perfectly sized for small dwelling (although any type is fine) and their ease of exercising makes them prime choices for almost any owner. The following Chion information can help you decide if this breed suits your lifestyle:

PROS

• Perfectly sized for any type of home
• Versatile travel companion
• Affectionate and attention loving lapdog
• Good with well behaved, gentle children
• Friendly with other pets
• Pretty easy to train
• Exercise needs modest
• Not quite as needy as the Chihuahua
• Excels in agility training

CONS

• Not to be left alone frequently (other than work, school, etc.)
• Prone to sassiness and Small Dog Syndrome
• May be jealous of other pets if not given enough attention
• Is too fragile for rambunctious young children
• Regular grooming will be needed, especially brushing several times per week

Chihuahua x Papillon crosses are very small dogs that usually fall into the 5-10 pound range and are unlikely to be more than 11 inches tall at the shoulder. It's difficult to generalize the appearance of a hybrid breed since even puppies from the same litter can differ from one to the next. They usually have lively round eyes and large triangular ears with wispy hair like the Papi. The coat is most often straight, medium-long and bi-or multi-colored; color possibilities are numerous due to the multitude of Chihuahua coat colors.

1. Intelligence- Chions are actually pretty smart and eager to learn, so training shouldn't be difficult for a first time owner. They are naturally agile and can benefit from agility toys and training. They may need extra training not to become overly excited every time someone approaches. Training your Chion to understand their place as a pet and you as the leader of the home will help prevent the dreaded Small Dog Syndrome.

2. Kids, Pets, Strangers- This is not the breed for you if you plan on being away from home frequently--this doesn't include normal work, school, etc. Chions are very versatile and can accompany you on many of your daily activities and even occasional traveling! They are good with older, careful kids, most other pets and usually strangers too...once they warm up.

3. Exercise- Members of this breed are very easy to exercise. A few short walks and some playtime with toys will be good for them. Agility training is also recommended and a good way to keep their minds and bodies stimulated.

The Papillion Chihuahua mix temperament won't be as predictable as either purebred parent. What we do know is that the happy, friendly Papillon should somewhat temper the Chihuahuas sassy, needy personality. To be sure, this breed will still desire plenty of attention and will be a versatile-go anywhere, do anything-companion. Members of this breed will be very alert little watchdogs that will not hesitate to bark, however, they should quiet down once they realize the stranger is a friend. In fact, many thrive on attention and will be outgoing and charming with your guests.

Chions are smart, eager to please and, therefore, pretty trainable. They can spend normal amounts of time alone while you're at work, school, etc. but may develop anxiety if left alone and bored.

This breed can be great with families if they include children that are of age to be taught how to properly and gently handle a small dog; they don't put up with rough play. These dogs also do well with other pets, although they may get a little jealous if they don't get enough attention. One thing to remember is to never treat a small dog like a baby instead of a pet-- if the sass of the Chihuahua is present in your Chion you may get a case of Small Dog Syndrome (and the bad behavior that comes with it)!

The Chion is likely to be your best friend for a very long time. Both Chihuahuas and Papillons are long lived-- Chihuahuas 15-20 years, Papillons up to 17 years. You can expect your hybrid to live somewhere along this range and, perhaps, longer. He/she will probably be healthier too! Crossbreeding dogs results in greater genetic diversity and, usually, fewer health concerns for the Chion puppies.

While Chihuahuas have a host of potential health concerns such as hypoglycemia, eye infections, tracheal collapse, joint disorders and heart problems, Papillons are relatively healthy in comparison (mostly afflicted by dental, eye and joint problems). Chion puppies, themselves, may inherit parental health issues (especially the ones they have in common). A few health tips for your puppy include:

• Joint disorders are prominent in both parent breeds. Choose a reputable breeder that offers proof of the health of the sire and dam. Hip, elbow, knee testing of the parents is the most common certification breeders offer.
• Both the Chihuahua and Papillon have rather small heads with large eyes (comparatively) so keep the eye area wiped clean to prevent infections.
• Keep an eye on your pet's teeth. Dental issues are common and brushing at least weekly can help prevent major problems as well as alert you to any abnormalities.
• Familiarize yourself with the list of all possible health conditions for both parent breeds.