The Papillon and the Chihuahua are two easily recognizable dog breeds. Breed them together, and the result is the Papillon Chihuahua Mix, also known as the Chion.
Since both parent dogs are small in size, the Papillon Chihuahua Mix makes a very small companion dog.
But what this designer dog lacks in size is more than made up for in personality. This is particularly true when this dog is properly trained and socialized as a puppy.
He takes after his parent breeds in being brave, and opinionated, but can also be an affectionate and devoted companion.
So let’s find out more facts and information about the Papillon Chihuahua Mix to help you determine if this is the right pet for you.
Table of Contents
Few Facts About the Papillon Chihuahua Mix
| Other names: | Chion, Pap-Chi, Chi-a-Pap, Papihuahua |
| Weight: | 4 to 10 pounds |
| Height: | 6 -11 inches long |
| Good watchdog: | Yes |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 15 years |
| Apartment living: | Yes, but barking may be an issue if not trained from early age |
| Tolerate being alone: | No |
| Coat: | The length of the coat will depend on the chihuahua parent |
| Level of shedding: | Moderate, brushing at least twice a week is recommended |
| Temperament: | Charming, intelligent, affectionate, brave, devoted, cheerful, loyal, loving, energetic, playful, alert, curious |
| Exercise needs: | At least 30 to 45 minutes of exercise a day is required. |
| Dog and Cat friendly: | Moderately, Known for being jealous, may not be good with cats and other dogs, early socialization is required |
| Kids friendly: | Suitable for families with older kids, socialization is required |
| Price: | $600 to $800 |
What is a Papillon Chihuahua Mix?
The Papillon Chihuahua Mix is a cross between the Papillon and the Chihuahua. These are tiny pooches with pretty big personalities.
For those looking for a small dog, the Chion is a wonderful choice, due to their cute features and their , nature.
These companion dogs have a playful personality and a well-balanced temperament. They are ideal for a home with older people and small space living is also suitable for them.
They are also commonly known as the Pap-Chi, Chi-a-Pap or Papihuahua. These cutesy nicknames are all derived from the two intelligent breeds that combine to produce this adorable designer dog: the Papillon and the Chihuahua.
Both parent breeds are excellent family companions and their best traits are evident in their offspring as well.
The Origin of the Chion
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the Chion is a hybrid or designer dog with some of the best traits of both the Chihuahua and the Papillon.
Unfortunately, the history of the Chion dog is somewhat vague considering the fact that this designer dog is still quite rare. Therefore, the best thing we can do is to study the origins of both parent breeds to better understand where this crossbreed came from.
So let’s start with the Papillon.
The Origin of the Papillon Breed
To start with, “Papillon” means butterfly in French. This explains why the Papillon is known as the Butterfly Dog. And it’s all about this dog’s ears.
The Papillon has large, flaring ears that look like butterfly wings. However, there’s also a Papillon variety with drooping ears, known as the Phalene Papillon. Both the Phalene Papillon Dog and the butterfly ears are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Papillon was originally developed as a companion dog for European royalty. This breed belongs to the spaniel family and is, in fact, one of the oldest.
Ancient Papillons have been depicted in a variety of artistic works. Based on this well-documented and detailed evidence, experts tend to agree that the first toy spaniels were discovered in Italy. The earliest depictions of these spaniels in artistic works date to the early 1500’s.
The Papillon was first registered with the AKC in 1915 and is known to be alert, happy and friendly.
So, what about the Chihuahua breed? Is its history as interesting? Let’s find out below:
The Origin of the Chihuahua Breed
On the other side of the Papillon Chihuahua Mix parentage is the Chihuahua.
There are many different theories that try to explain the origin of the Chihuahua. One such theory is that Chihuahuas originated from China and were brought to Mexico by Spanish merchants.
It is believed that they were eventually crossed with the early native dogs to produce the Chihuahua dogs as we know them today.
Another theory suggests that Chihuahuas descended from the Techichi dog in the ninth century. Techichi dogs were believed to be sacred and would be sacrificed and often buried with the deceased.
Other stories claim that Chihuahuas were commonly used for food. Nonetheless, one thing that most people agree on is that the Chihuahua was discovered in a town called Chihuahua in northern Mexico in the late 1800’s.
The Chihuahua was officially recognized by the AKC in 1904, and is known to be charming, graceful and sassy.
The Chion is a wonderful mix of these two highly popular dog breeds.
But what does a Papillon Chihuahua Mix look like? Let’s find out more!
The General Appearance of the Papillon and Chihuahua Mix
Most Chion dogs have small heads, rounded eyes and erect, triangular-shaped ears.
Some Chihuahua Papillon Mix puppies will inherit the butterfly ears that are typical of their Papillon parent.
As the Papillon Chihuahua Mix pictures attest, this little dog is elegant with a lean, streamlined body; short, thin legs; and a long, fluffy tail.
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The Size, Height & Weight of the Chion Dog
The Papillon and Chihuahua Mix dog is a popular choice among people who love small-sized dogs. Both parent breeds belong to the toy group of dogs and are among the smallest of the bunch.
Full grown Papillons stand around 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh around 5 to 10 pounds.
The average mature Chihuahua is even smaller. Full-grown, the Chihuahua stands anywhere between 5 and 8 inches tall and weighs around 6 pounds.
But how big does the Papillon Chihuahua Mix get?
As you’d expect, the size of any mixed breed dog will depend on the trait of the predominant parent.
A cross between two of the smallest toy dogs in the world, the Chihuahua mixed with Papillon has a tiny body even at maturity.
Fully grown, the Chion stands between 6 and 11 inches tall and weighs around 4 to 10 pounds. Due to their small size (and temperament), Pap-Chi dogs are popular with people who don’t have much living space.
A word of caution though! Beware of ads or websites offering miniature or teacup Papillon Chihuahua Mix puppies for sale. Pups bred for abnormally small size are often prone to many serious health problems.
A Papillon Chihuahua Mix dog on the smaller end of their usual size range should still be relatively small, but he will be much healthier than the so-called mini or teacup dogs.
ALSO READ: All About the Sweet and Sassy Chorkie (Chihuahua Yorkie mix)
Chion Coat and coat Colors
The length of your Papillon Chihuahua Mix puppy’s coat will normally depend on his Chihuahua parent dog.
A Papillon dog and a longhaired Chihuahua will often produce a medium to longhaired Chihuahua Papillon Mix. Others tend to have smooth, shorter hair with a silky feel to it.
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No matter the coat length, the Chihuahua x Papillon Mix comes in a wide range of colors, including:
- White
- Black
- Black and white
- Black and brown
- Cream
- Golden
- Fawn
- Dark brown
Papillon Chihuahua Mix Behavior and Temperament
The Chihuahua Papillon Mix has inherited the liveliness and enthusiasm of the Chihuahua and the friendly nature of the Papillon.
These dogs are little bundles of energy that will always keep you on your toes.
Pap-Chi dogs are very loyal, loving and affectionate dogs that are always eager to please their owners.
If you want a dog that loves to curl up snugly in your lap and stare lovingly into your eyes, then the Chion can be a great choice for you. They also get along well with children, and other household pets, as long as playtime isn’t too physical for this tiny dog.
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Despite his size, the Papillon Chihuahua Mix makes a good watchdog. Your Pap Chi won’t hesitate to bark to alert you of strangers.
These dogs are alert and curious by nature. They have a strong instinct to alert their masters to the presence of unfamiliar people, sounds or even strange smells.
However, it is important to point out here that this desire can reach extreme levels. This means that the Papillon Chihuahua Mix will do much better in a small living space rather than living in an apartment where persistent barking can be a nuisance to neighbors.
Is the Papillon Chihuahua Mix a Good Family Pet?
The Chion can make an excellent family dog, but he is definitely not the best choice for everyone.
The ideal owner of this hybrid dog is someone who loves small breeds; can tolerate the yapping; and shower their pup with the love and attention they crave.
Families with small kids should be careful about their choice of a dog breed. Fortunately, the Chion gets along well with children and makes friends easily with cats and other household pets.
However, they are best suited to families with older children who know how to handle them with love and care. Small kids sometimes tend to play rough and your Pap-Chi may not tolerate it, which might ultimately lead to aggression.
While naturally friendly, the Pap-Chi will try to defend himself if treated harshly, so caution is of the utmost importance. Make sure to teach your children how to interact with your dog to avoid barking and biting.
If you work throughout the day and will have to leave your pup alone for long periods of time, then the Chion is not a good choice for you. This is a dependent dog breed that will require plenty of attention and human interaction.
Also, keep in mind that the Chion can sometimes be noisy. They will often bark at any movement or unfamiliar noise. The good news is that, with proper training and socialization, you can control your Chion’s barking.
As with other dog breeds, the Chion’s personality can vary considerably. A dog’s temperament when fully grown depends on factors such as genetics, training, socialization and the environment. Therefore, early training and socialization is a must for this mixed breed dog.
Training
The Papillon mixed with Chihuahua is an energetic and playful dog and these traits can make them somewhat challenging to train.
Although they are naturally intelligent dogs that tend to learn fast, they can be yappy and prove difficult to handle when it comes to housetraining.
Chions also tend to be strong-minded so they will need a firm and consistent trainer who can offer fair and consistent guidance that involves a lot of praise words for a job well done.
Also, don’t forget to use treats and other positive reinforcement methods to keep your pup interested.
Moreover, the Chion will make up for his small size with a quick bite if he feels threatened. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want to prevent this tendency from getting out of control.
However, the Papillon Chihuahua thrives on human interaction and truly wants to establish a strong bond with their owners. With consistent efforts and a patient hand, your Chion puppy will certainly respond appropriately.
If you combine your training methods with praise and treats for acceptable behaviors, this dog will be eager and happy to obey.
ALSO READ: Chihuahua Training – Is It Really That Difficult?
Exercise Needs
The Papillon and Chihuahua Mix is a lively and energetic breed that requires a fair amount of exercises each day.
You should take your pup out for exercises for around 30 to 45 minutes at least once per day. You can do it all at once or break it up into a number of sessions each day.
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Chions need exercises to expend any exercise energy or else, they will become bored and anxious. Some pups may become agitated if they don’t get enough exercise while others may develop behavioral issues due to boredom.
Recommended activities include walking, running, jogging, playing fetch, agility training and trips to a nearby dog park.
If you have a fenced-in yard, letting your Chion to run around inside is also a good idea. Remember, your Chion also requires regular attention from you and those close to him as well.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Grooming
The Papillon and Chihuahua Mix has average shedding tendencies. Their coat is generally a bit longer than that of their Chihuahua parent.
They have a fine coat that is generally thin with curled fringes. This fine coat requires minimal grooming and maintenance.
Brushing at least twice a week is recommended to help prevent it from matting and to get rid of any loose hair.
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Being a breed that prefers the indoors most, your Chion requires bathing only occasionally. Washing them once every 4 to 8 weeks should be enough, depending on your pup’s coat and the amount of time he spends outside.
When bathing them, be sure to protect your Chion’s ears and eyes from soap and water. Like the Papillon parent, your Chion may have sensitive eyes and their ears can be infected quite easily due to excess moisture.
Remember to brush the hair on your Papillon x Chihuahua’s distinctive butterfly ears. Groom the ears regularly to prevent matting and tangling. Removing any dirt from the ears can also help prevent infections.
Since the Chion is vulnerable to tooth loosening and dental overcrowding, you should brush his teeth every day.
You should also trim their nails regularly, around two to three times each month.
ALSO READ: 9 Tips To Clean A Dog Without A Bath
Feeding Information
The Papillon and the Chihuahua are both used to a poultry-based diet and the Chion should thrive on the same.
These dogs need 1/2 to 1 cup of high quality dry dog food each day, divided into two meals. However, puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times per day since smaller meals are much easier for them to digest.
Since smaller breeds are prone to dental issues, high quality dry dog food and treats should form a major part of his diet from a young age.
If you’re unsure of the best dog food for your Papillon Chihuahua mix, please contact your vet.
Chion Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of the Chihuahua Papillon Mix is around 10 to 15 years.
Papillon Chihuahua Mix Health Issues
The Chion is a mixed breed dog, so he will most likely inherit common health problems from his parents.
If you are considering adopting a Papillon Chihuahua Mix dog or buying a puppy, then you should familiarize yourself with these health concerns.
Deafness:
A Chion puppy may inherit this condition from either of his parents.
While deafness might make life difficult for your pup, it should not harm his overall health. Fortunately, there are many quality hearing aids available on the market that can help improve your dog’s hearing ability.
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Patellar Luxation:
this condition occurs when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated from its usual position. This can lead to lameness, severe pain and discomfort. Take your pup to a vet for a thorough check-up.
Eye problems:
both parent breeds are also prone to various eye disorders, including glaucoma, cataracts and dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
To lower the risk of these and other health problems, make sure to buy your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Reliable breeders will carry out health tests on the parent dogs or the breeding stock to lower the risk of various health conditions in their puppies.
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Finding a Papillon Chihuahua Mix for Adoption
Since Chions have such a long life expectancy, it might be a good idea to adopt an adult dog in need of a loving home.
There are several benefits of rescuing a Chihuahua Papillon Mix.
To start with, it is normally cheaper than purchasing a puppy from a breeder.
Secondly, rescue dogs normally undergo a thorough check-up and are usually neutered and spayed before they are put up for adoption.
Lastly, there’s the joy and satisfaction that comes with giving a home to a pup in need of care and love!
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Finding a Healthy Papillon Chihuahua Mix for Sale
The Papillon Chihuahua Mix dog price will vary depending on a number of factors, including the breed characteristics, geographical location and the quality of breeding.
At a minimum, you should expect to pay around $600 to $800, with some breeders charging even more.
If you are considering buying a Papillon Chihuahua Mix puppy, it’s extremely important to find a reputable breeder near you. It is equally important to choose a breeder that performs proper health tests.
This means that you should avoid backyard breeders, puppy mills and pet stores at all costs. Ask to check any health certifications your breeder has before buying your puppy.
ALSO READ: All About The Chihuahua Poodle Mix (Chipoo)
Conclusion
The adorable Chion can make an excellent companion for anyone who loves small dogs with a huge personality.
The diminutive size makes the Chion best suited to living in a house without very small kids.
The Pap-Chi is a fun and lively dog that thrives in small living spaces, if he has ample opportunities for exercise and play.
As a toy dog, the Chion thrives on human interaction, so be sure to give your dog plenty of attention.
Always entertaining and virtually impossible not to fall in love with, the Papillon Chihuahua Mix is the best companion dog you could ever hope for. So, add some joy to your household with this wonderful pet!
