Chigi Dog Breed

The Chigi is a relatively recent hybrid that serves as a companion dog. Although the Corgi has herding background, the Chihuahua is a longstanding companion dog. This breed is best suited for those that can give plenty of attention and keep them indoors. Families with pets are fine but this is a breed better suited to older kids. The following quick facts can be supplemented by visiting our pages for both parent breeds:

PROS

• sized well for apartments and other small living spaces
• yard not necessary
• relatively quiet
• affectionate and will bond especially closely with one person
• friendly with visitors if well socialized
• friendly with other pets
• low maintenance grooming
• easily exercised
• fairly easy to train
• playful, affectionate and cuddly

CONS

• not an outdoor dog
• not an exercise partner
• not appropriate for protection
• not hypoallergenic
• not for families with young children that may handle him/her roughly
• may be prone to Small Dog Syndrome if treated like a child

Chihuahua Corgi mixes are small dogs that usually weigh in the 10-20 pound range. They retain a Chihuahua like face and are not as rotund as the Corgi, however, they do often inherit the Corgis large bat-like ears. Some say the Chigi looks similar to a fox since many times they are tan or reddish; due to the plethora of color possibilities that can be inherited from the Chihuahua, their coats often include black, brown, white, and sometimes grey.

These are smart little dogs and, if treated like a baby, will take full advantage of it. To avoid small Small Dog Syndrome, start training early and set boundaries. They will train pretty easily is you are consistent and patient (and have a pocket full of treats).

Perhaps older children are a better match for this breed if you are considering them for a family setting. They would certainly need supervision around small children that may roughly handle a pet. Chigis are typically friendly with other pets and visitors, only barking if they consider the situation worthy (such as an approaching stranger). They will probably have a favorite family member but will love attention from all.

This is not an exercise buddy and a few walks per day should fulfill their exercise needs. A yard is a plus but not required. This breed will likely enjoy trips to the dog park and a nice snuggly toy.

Chigis, as hybrids, will inherit traits from both breeds but not always equally; some may act more Chihuahua like while others will display more Corgi temperament, and still there will be those that seem an equal mix. In general, the Corgi Chihuahua personality is described best as attention-loving, affectionate, alert, playful and friendly.

Members of this breed are okay as family dogs but do better with older children that understand how to appropriately handle a small pet; those that are more Chihuahua like will need supervision around small children. Chigis are often friendly towards other pets and visitors if they have been well socialized. They are, however, alert and may bark at the approach of a stranger or suspicious activity but this should cease after the moment has passed.

She may be likely to bond more with one person in particular but will adore attention from anyone willing to give it. This is not an outdoor dog and she will not appreciate being left outdoors frequently. Also, the Chigi is one of those dogs that should NOT be treated like a baby since most Chihuahua mixes are prone to small dog syndrome. Training will be fairly easy but they may retain some Chihuahua stubbornness as well as the Corgi's herding behaviors; early instruction for this breed is necessary if you don't want to deal with an overbearing dog.

Chigis puppies should live a life with fewer health issues than their purebred parents. Dog experts refer to this as "hybrid vigor" which basically just means that they are less likely to have as many defects in their genes due to more genetic diversity than a purebred would have. Pembroke Welsh Corgis often live 12-14 years while Chihuahua have been known to reach 18, so you can expect your Chigi to live somewhere along this timeline.

These hybrids have the possibility to inherit conditions from either parent so we recommend visiting our Chihuahua and Corgi pages to read up on common health issues for those breeds. A brief list of common ailments is as follows but keep in mind, this is not an all inclusive list:

• Skin allergies
• Hip Dysplasia
• Patellar Luxation
• Heart disorders
• Low blood sugar
• Eye disease