The pint-sized Corgi Chihuahua mix is an increasingly popular designer hybrid. Created by crossing Corgi and Chihuahua dog breeds, these affectionate and friendly small dogs make superb family pets.
But how big will a Chihuahua Corgi mix get? Most Chigi’s are between seven and 12 inches tall and weigh from 10 to 20 pounds. Since the Corgi Chihuahua mix is a relatively new designer breed, there are no set standards when it comes to size. But as a mix between a Chihuahua and a Corgi you can expect this hybrid to be in a toy dog group.
Does the Corgi Chihuahua mix seem like the perfect dog for your family? In this article, we’ll tell you more about Chigi’s temperament, health, diet, and training to help you decide if this is the perfect dog for you!
What Is a Corgi Chihuahua Mix?
As the name says, the Corgi Chihuahua mix is a mixed breed created by crossing a purebred Chihuahua with a purebred Corgi. These adorable pooches go by several names including, Chigi, Chi-Corgi, Chorgie, and Chihuahua/Corgi.
As a designer breed, Chigi isn’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, they are acknowledged by:
- Dog Registry of America, Inc
- Designer Breed Registry
- International Designer Canine Registry
- Designer Dogs Kennel Club
- American Canine Hybrid Club
Brief History
The Chi-Corgi mix may have existed naturally over the years. However, designer breeders started intentionally crossing Corgis and Chihuahuas in the 1990s.
Corgi
Corgi is a type of cattle herding dog originating in Wales. The thing most people don’t know is that there are two types of Corgis, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
Chihuahua
Originally from Mexico, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Chihuahuas can either be short-haired or long-haired, and they are also sometimes classified as apple head and deer head Chihuahuas.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix
When you mix the two, you get a very energetic and playful small-sized dog. Loving, social, fun and sometimes stubborn Chigi gets along with children and makes a great pet to active people of all ages.
Characteristics of Corgi Chihuahua Mix
While it’s hard to predict the exact appearance of any mixed-breed, Chigi’s usually inherit the Corgi’s body shape and the longer back. They generally have erect, oversized ears, slender muzzles with dark noses and eyes.
Chigi Highlights:
| Size | Toy size dog |
| Weight | 10-20 pounds |
| Height | 7-12 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate shedding |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years |
Height
As a mix between a Corgi and a Chihuahua, most Chigis are between seven and 12 inches tall at the shoulders. With that being said, expect your mix to be in the toy dog group.
Weight
Most Chi-Corgis weigh from 10 to 20 pounds. Males tend to be slightly larger, but that’s not always the case.
Coat Color
These tiny dogs can inherit coat colors from both parent breeds. Usually, their coats come in a combination of two or more colors, but can sometimes be solid.
The most commonly seen coat colors are:
- Fawn
- Black
- White
- Cream
Shedding
Chigi’s typically have a short straight coat with a dense undercoat. As a result, these small dogs shed moderately all year long and also go through shedding season.
If you decide to get a Chihuahua Corgi mix, be prepared to groom your dog often and vacuum your home a few times a week to remove dog hairs. If cleaning dog hair isn’t how you want to spend your free time, the Chigi might not be the perfect dog for you.
Temperament
True to their parent breeds, Chi-Corgis are lively, fun, playful, and affectionate canines. These tiny pups are deeply devoted to their families and can even serve as watchdogs due to their protective and alert natures.
Like all other Corgi mixes, the Chigi can exhibit some herding tendencies and try to herd small children and other pets (source). If your pooch is anything like its Corgi parent, start training them from puppyhood to curb their herding instincts.
Outgoing and friendly Chigi’s like to spend time with their owners and be involved in all family activities. They also get along with everyone they meet, whether strangers, children, or other dogs.
Pet Friendly
When properly socialized from a young age Chigi tend to get along with other dogs.
Having said that, like any other Chihuahua mix, some Chi-Corgis prefer to be the sole pet in the household. If your mix takes more after its Chihuahua parent, introduce them to other pets slowly and calmly to help them get along.
Child Friendly
Due to their small size, Chi-Corgis can easily get injured by clumsy small children, so they aren’t really suitable for families with toddlers. However, these pooches love older kids and will enjoy playing with someone who can match their energy levels.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix Care
Like all other dogs, the Chihuahua Corgi mix needs a dedicated and financially stable owner to care for them and keep them healthy. When it comes to caring, here are a few things you need to remember:
Health Risks
The Corgi Chihuahua mix is a relatively healthy crossbreed. But, like any other designer hybrid, Chigis can inherit certain health issues from their parent breeds. Commonly seen health problems are:
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Epilepsy
- Joint issues
- Hypoglycemia
Chi-Corgis have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Still, with the proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinary checkups, these pint-sized pooches can live longer.
Grooming and Maintenance
Most Chigi’s have short and straight double coats. Some may have longer coats if one of the parents is a long-haired Chihuahua.
Either way, their coats are relatively easy to maintain and need to be brushed three times a week. During spring and fall, you may need to brush your mix more often to control the shedding and keep its coat clean.
Bathe your mix every two to three months or as necessary, using a mild hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Try not to bathe them too often though, as this will strip essential oils from their skin and coat.
Since small breeds are at a higher risk of developing dental problems, you should brush your Chigi’s teeth regularly, starting from a young age (source). Also, wipe your dog’s eyes daily, clean their ears, and trim their nails as necessary.
Food or Diet
An ideal diet for a Chihuahua Corgi mix should be formulated for a toy-sized breed with high energy. When choosing the food for your pooch make sure that it features named meat as the main ingredient and has adequate levels of all-important nutrients.
Chigi’s can easily gain weight when overfed so stick to a regular feeding schedule of two meals a day for an adult dog, and discourage free feeding. When doling out treats to your pooch, make sure that they don’t make more than 10% of your daily calorie intake.
Training and Exercise
These tiny and lively dogs need around 60 minutes of exercise every day to stay healthy and in good shape. A few longer walks combined with several short playing sessions will keep your mix physically challenged.
While Chigis are intelligent dogs that like to learn new tricks and commands, training can prove a challenge. Some Chi-Corgis are somewhat stubborn, just like their Chihuahua parents.
For best results, keep training sessions short and use reward-based training techniques to get your mix to obey your commands. Also, don’t forget about early socialization as it will help your mix grow into a friendly and well-mannered dog.
Housing
The Corgi Chihuahua mix can live in an apartment, though they may prefer larger homes with access to a fenced backyard where they can play and explore. However, if you can properly exercise your mix every day, they will happily live in an apartment too.
Where to Get a Corgi Chihuahua Mix?
Are you certain that the Chihuahua Corgi mix is the best dog for you? There are only two things you can do – adopt or shop!
Corgi Chihuahua Mix Breeders
The Chigi is still a fairly rare designer hybrid, so finding a reputable breeder that makes puppies available may take some time.
When you find a breeder, though, schedule an appointment to inspect their facilities, and ask to see health clearances for both parents and puppies. If the breeder is unwilling to provide documentation, look for another breeder.
Corgi Chihuahua Mix Price
Chihuahua Corgi mix puppies on average cost from $300 to $1000. The exact price will depend on a lot of factors, including the breeder, supply and demand, lineage, and location.
Adoption
Despite their designer status, many Chigi’s ends up abandoned and in the care of shelters and rescue organizations. Consider adoption if this tiny pooch seems like a perfect fit for your family.
Contact your local shelter and rescue organizations to see if they have any Corgi Chihuahua mixes for adoption. You can also check out Chihuahua and Corgi breed-specific rescue groups as they often take in mixes as well.
Conclusion
The lively, playful, and funny Chihuahua Corgi mix is a great choice if you are looking for a small and affectionate family dog. These tiny pooches get along with everyone and are best suited to active people and families with older children who know how to play and interact with a dog.
While they prefer to have some outdoor space to play, Chigi’s can be just as happy in an apartment, but only if properly exercised. However, if you suffer from allergies or hate vacuuming, don’t get this mix-breed.
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