The canine world is full of unique crosses between different dog breeds. It’s not unusual to see a puppy resembling two completely different dogs. That’s the deal with Chigis, the cool Chihuahua Corgi mix puppies that have become quite a hit lately.
No wonder; Chigis are adorable and quirky dogs that make excellent pets! Who wouldn’t like a compact-sized dog that shows love all the time? But, does the Chigi have any negative sides? Are they really that good with families? Is this the right crossbreed for you?
Let’s hop on the Chigi-Chigi train together!
History Of The Chihuahua/Corgi Mix
The Chigi is a fairly new designer dog, a cross between the Chihuahua and the Corgi. The parent breeds are so different; they even come from distant parts of the world. Chihuahuas are originally from Mexico, while the Corgi is a herding dog from the far cattle farms of Wales.
It’s absolutely natural to assume that Chigis have existed over the years. However, this designer breed intentionally started back in the 1990s, most likely in North America.
The Corgi parent dates back to medieval times. Corgis can be traced back to Wales, where they were used in the workforce and as beloved sidekicks too! Did you know that Corgis used to be bred as herding dogs on UK farms? No wonder this dog breed is still popular on the Island.
We recognize two types of Corgis, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Queen Elizabeth II is widely known for her love for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi.
The other parent, the Chihuahua, comes from a land across the Atlantic Ocean. Chihuahuas are Mexico’s national dogs but also the world’s smallest dog breed. They were named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua back in the 1850s. It is believed the breed is a descendant of the extinct dog breed, the Techichi.
Years of breeding with smaller dogs brought us this ultimate dinky fellow.
We distinguish two unofficial Chihuahua types according to their head size. We have Apple head Chihuahuas with small and rounded heads and Deer head Chihuahuas with elongated faces.
Chihuahua And Corgi Mix Size
The Chigi is a relatively new crossbreed, so we can’t expect to see many breed standards when it comes to size or appearance. As a mixed breed, you can expect this puppy to resemble both the Chihuahua and Corgi puppy, but the size will be in the toy family.
Most of the Chigis weigh from 10 to 20 pounds and range from 7 to 12 inches in height. Still, many Chigi puppies can be either small size or larger, depending on which parent the puppy takes after.
As a rule, males are slightly bigger than females.
Chihuahua Corgi Mix Temperament & Personality
Chigi dog lovers describe this cross as affectionate and alert. They’re the size of an average toy pup with a lively personality. Chigis are fun, playful, and devoted pets.
Many Chigi parents inherit herding tendencies from the Corgi parent. They may consider small kids and other pets as part of their flock and try to get them in order. Here’s where early socialization plays an important role.
Chigis enjoy long walks and active play sessions. They’re excellent companions on your daily exercise sessions. They just love being included in daily activities.
As for their living conditions, apartments will be just fine, but a Chigi will thrive if you give him a spacious home with an even bigger yard to run freely.
Corgi Mix With Chihuahua Health Problems
The Chigi mixed breed is prone to the same health conditions as the Chihuahua and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Generally speaking, this crossbreed is fairly healthy, but it still needs good care and regular vet checkups.
Some of the most common health issues Chigis face are:
• Eye problems
• Patellar luxation
• Joint issues
• Hypoglycemia
• Epilepsy
• Von Willebrand disease
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
Taking Care Of Your Chigi
All dogs need regular vet checkups. It’s the only way to stop disease development at an early stage. Your vet can help you establish a daily care routine that will keep your Chigi healthy.
Chigis are toy-sized dogs with lots of energy to waste. So, make sure he gets plenty of walks a day along with active playtime.
Daily care requirements mean checking the Chigi’s ears, eyes, and mouth for signs of problems.
Ears should be checked for debris and pests daily. Clean them the way your vet recommends to you. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month. If you hear a clicking sound against the floor, it’s time for a trim. Eyes are supposed to be cleaned daily, or your dog will do it himself, using your couch. Clean with a damp cloth and a mild cleaner.
Lastly, teeth are also supposed to be brushed daily. Small breeds are known for many health issues.
Chihuahua Corgi Mix Training
The Corgi Chihuahua is a compliant, dutiful, and brilliant dog. However, this pup needs training to allow the adult dog to achieve its best behavior. When training the Chigi, there are three important tips you should be aware of.
First and foremost, early socialization is the key to a thriving pup. The puppy will grow to become a confident dog, especially when dealing with other people and situations. Dogs that have been through early socialization have higher chances of becoming therapy dogs.
Socialization should start as early as 2 and a half weeks of age. This means interaction with their owners through gentle touches and lifting. The process progresses to the next stage that happens around 4 weeks of age and lasts to 16 weeks. This stage means introducing the puppy to different textures, smells, people, and situations.
Leash training is an important part of obedience training, especially if you go for walks in a busy neighborhood. The initial step involves allowing the dog to roam freely. Then you should direct the dog in a certain direction with a gentle tug on the leash.
Positive reinforcement or a reward-based training system is an integral part of training. Using this method ensures success with all dog breeds, not only Chigis. It’s simple: dogs love getting rewards like belly rubs or treats for a task well done.
Along with encouraging words and signs of affection, positive reinforcement ensures building a strong bond between a dog and its owner. The dog will see its owner as an affectionate figure of authority.
Obedience training for this crossbreed involves using simple, monosyllabic words for easier understanding. Include sit, stay, no, and stop to your commands. Good thing these pups are highly intelligent, so the training process should run smoothly.
Feeding A Chihuahua/Corgi Mix
Chigis should eat high-quality dog food or kibble designed for toy-sized breeds with high energy. These dogs have a tendency to become overweight, so make sure you stick to a regular feeding schedule and don’t leave food out in the bowl all the time.
Like all dog breeds, their dietary needs change from puppyhood into adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years.
Because of their risk of obesity, treats should be limited to only 10% of their daily food intake. Sure, pet stores offer a variety of dog treats, but have you considered giving them something organic for a change?
Did you know that some human foods can actually benefit your dog? Consider adding the following items to your dog’s treat list: edamame, plantains, basil, tuna, papaya, guava, cilantro, chestnuts, sour cream, whipped cream, artichokes, Brussels sprouts, etc.
Coat Color And Grooming
photo from: @missmochimo
Chigi coats are usually a mix of their parents’ coats and colors. Most Chigis have fawn, black, white, or cream coats. The coat is sometimes solid, but they’re usually a combination of two or more colors.
Chigis usually have short, straight coats with a thick undercoat. But, long-haired and medium-haired Chigis are also standard. They’re generally quite easy to groom.
Brushing them a few times a week would be enough. However, bath time shouldn’t happen that often as products and water dry out their skin and mess with the proper natural oil distribution in the coat.
Because of their small size, Chigis aren’t really suitable for extreme weather conditions. But, their Corgi blood makes them somewhat suited to cold weather. Depending on how many Corgi genes they inherit, puppies may have a type of built-in winter coat.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix Shedding & Grooming
Corgis crossed with Chihuahua dogs require moderate to average grooming. These dogs shed lightly, depending on the inherited genes. However, they’re not hypoallergenic pups, just like the Corgi and the Chi.
When grooming their coats, use a metal, medium-toothed comb once or twice a week. Good grooming supplies can be found online on Amazon.
When grooming, make sure you go through knots and tangles to get rid of them. You must also remove the dog’s collar to smooth out the coat at the neck area and brush their long tail to make it nice and soft.
Spring is when shedding is heavier. During this period, you will need to start brushing daily to ensure a shiny and smooth coat. Brushing comes first, combing after.
If you’re in doubt whether to bathe your Chigi or not, wait until the dog is visibly dirty or smells. They don’t need excessive bathing and should be bathed with pH-neutral products.
You can either contact a professional groomer to help you maintain an effective grooming schedule, or you can learn how to do it yourself. Either way, a well-groomed dog is a healthy dog.
How Are Chigis With Children And Other Pets?
Chigis are little dogs, and little dogs must be handled with care. Small children often get too excited around puppies and can unintentionally hurt them.
Generally speaking, Chigis enjoy family life and prefer older kids who know how to play. They have a high activity level and appear to be quite affectionate towards all family members.
When it comes to living with other pets, Chigis can get along with them if they’re introduced early, slowly, and calmly. Once again, here’s where early socialization proves its efficacy.
Because of their strong herding genes, Chigis shouldn’t be left to roam freely in the dog park. No one wants their dog to be chased.
Are Corgi Chihuahua Mixes Good Pets?
Yes, they are. Chigis are affectionate, playful, and smart pups. These are well-mannered dogs, eager to please and receive affection.
This crossbreed is friendly and loves to socialize with everyone, even strangers!
Much like the Chihuahua parent, the Chigi is fiercely protective and vocal. They can be jealous from time to time and express signs of aggression if triggered. It has a lot to do with the Chihuahua genes.
Training a Chigi requires a firm but gentle hand.
Since these dogs love their humans and spending time together, leaving them alone for an extended period is not such a good idea since they’re prone to developing separation anxiety and depression.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Chigi
Every dog is great, but every dog has its flaws too. Let’s talk about the top three reasons why Chigis aren’t the greatest pets ever.
1. Not a Suitable Watchdog
The Chihuahua Corgi mix dog is not a suitable watchdog or the best option for a house guard. Yes, they are alert and aware of the situation, but they’re unable to distinguish friendly strangers from possible intruders. Many of them become affectionate toward potential robbers.
2. Prefers Being Indoors
Some people might not consider this a flaw, but Chigis are dogs that love staying indoors. They’re not really suitable pets for people who enjoy time outdoors, getting their fresh air and daily dose of exercise. They prefer snoozing on the couch over roaming through the wild.
3. Prone to Express Obsession
Chihuahua Corgis are dogs that sometimes crave attention. This can mean your dog might demand lots of your time, and it’s quite an effort to satisfy its needs. Chigis are clingy and get attached easily. If you want some time for yourself, you might have a pair of googly eyes following you everywhere.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Chigi
Everything’s not that bad. Chigis are cool dogs, and here are some pros why you should adopt them.
1. Size Suitable for Apartment Living
Some dog owners prefer smaller dogs for obvious reasons. It’s their size that makes Chigis desirable apartment dogs.
They don’t take up much space and make excellent travel companions. It’s so much easier to carry around a Chi-Corgi than some bigger dogs like the Retriever, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, or Bulldogs. Besides, these big dogs often appear intimidating, especially for new people around your home.
2. Great Family Companion
Chi-Corgis are so amazing with the entire family. These are loyal dogs and consider themselves members of your family. Make sure you treat them with respect.
3. Intelligent and Eager to Learn
When it comes to training, Corgi Chihuahua mix puppies are A students. Why? Well, it’s their high intelligence that makes them so desirable. The Chigi loves learning new things because they love pleasing their humans. This makes them more trainable than other dogs. They’re almost as smart as a Poodle!
Chihuahua Corgi Mix Life Expectancy
Thanks to the Chihuahua’s tremendous health status, the Chihuahua Corgi mix puppy can live from 12 to 20 years.
Such a long lifespan means they’re not prone to severe health conditions and generally lead a normal, healthy life.
You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the company of this adorable crossbreed.
Chihuahua Corgi Mix For Sale
The cost of a Chigi ranges drastically. The price of these puppies starts from $300 up to $1,000 – the more expensive the puppy, the more Corgi genes it has.
Purebred Corgi dogs range from $600 to $1,000, while purebred Chihuahuas are cheaper and range from $300 to $600.
This little mixed breed dog doesn’t come in teacup size. Don’t trust breeders that claim the parents were a teacup Corgi or a teacup Chihuahua. Such breeders are unethical and only care to make a profit. Dogs categorized as teacup are usually runts of the litter with many health problems.
If you’re looking for a Chigi breeder, you might have a hard time finding one. These mixed breed puppies can usually be found in purebred Corgi or Chihuahua kennels or in your local shelters.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix Breeders & Rescues
FInding a Chihuahua Corgi mix in the USA can be tricky, but it gets easier if you know where to look. If adopting over shopping is your plan, then you should be aware that the following places offer Chorgi pups from time to time.
Check out these marketplaces for Chorgis:
• Greenfield Puppies
• Puppy Finder
• Lancaster Puppies
Adopting from your local shelter is another great option, but you just need to be patient and wait for a Chorgi to appear on the radar.
The good thing about adopting is that you’d be giving an adult dog with zero hope a chance at a forever home full of happiness and love.
Consider taking a look at some other popular shelters for Chihuahuas and Corgis:
• No Paw Left Behind Animal Rescue (Union Beach, NJ)
• Southeast Corgi Rescue (Pooler, GA)
• Sunshine Corgi Rescue (Sarasota, FL)
• Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue (Colorado Springs, CO)
• Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue, Ltd. (Albuquerque, NM)
Other Popular Corgi & Chihuahua Mixes
If the Chigi is your favorite, but you’re having trouble finding one in your area, you might want to consider adopting another Corgi or Chihuahua mix. These are the most popular Corgi and Chihuahua crosses:
• Horgi (Husky & Corgi)
• Cojack (Jack Russell Terrier & Corgi)
• Beagi (Beagle & Corgi)
• Corgipoo (Poodle & Corgi)
• Porgi (Corgi & Pug)
• Golden Retriever Corgi Mix (the Golgi)
• Chizer (Chihuahua & Miniature Schnauzer)
• French Bullhuahua (Chihuahua & French Bulldog)
• Chiweenie (Chihuahua & Dachshund)
• Chi Chi (Chihuahua & Chinese Crested)
• Chug (Chihuahua & Pug)
Should You Get A Corgi Chihuahua Mix?
The Chihuahua Corgi mix has many endearing qualities that make it an excellent fit for any home and experienced owner. The Chigi will offer you unconditional love and loyalty. You just need to be sure you do the same for your dog.
Mixed breed dogs are equally valuable as purebred puppies. In fact, they can only be more awesome for carrying traits from two amazing parents.
There are many pros and cons of this designer breed. All that’s left to do is decide whether the Chorgi is the right pup for a dog lover like you.
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