It’s a fact—the Papillon Chihuahua mix is one of the cutest little dogs around! While it’s easy to fall in love with such a cute pup, it’s a good idea for potential owners to learn about this popular mixed breed dog before getting one.
What kind of personality does the Papillon Chihuahua mix have? Will your dog need professional grooming? What health problems are common to the Papillon and Chihuahua, and will your mix inherit any?
We’ll take a close look at the Papillon Chihuahua dog, so you can make sure that the adorable “Pap Chi” (or “Chion”) is the right pet for you!
But first, what is a designer mixed breed dog?
Papillon Cross Chihuahua
Mixed breed dogs are different than both purebred dogs and mutts. A purebred dog is born to parents of the same breed that have a known ancestry (pedigree).
Mutts are the offspring of different dog breeds, and the parents often have unknown ancestry. Designer mixed breeds like the Chihuahua Papillon are the offspring of two different purebred dog breeds.
The idea of designer mixed breeds is to combine the best characteristics of both parent breeds, but it’s important to remember that the outcome of cross breeding can be unpredictable.
Is it true that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs?
Some purebred dogs can suffer from health problems caused by inbreeding.
While outcrossing to another breed can lead to healthier offspring (called hybrid vigor in genetics), it’s still important for a breeder to start out with healthy breeding stock for both parent breeds.
You might also enjoy:
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Let’s look at the Papillon and Chihuahua breeds—and the Pap Chi mix—next!
Chihuahua Mixed with Papillon
A Papillon Chihuahua mix is a cross between two of the smallest toy breeds—the Papillon and the long or short haired Chihuahua.
The French word for butterfly is “papillon”—the perfect name for this dainty little dog with large butterfly ears!
The Papillon was bred as a companion animal for European nobility. The breed has a good amount of spaniel in its background and was even called the “dwarf spaniel” in its early years.
The Papillon is known for its long silky coat and friendly, outgoing personality.
The Chihuahua (Chi for short) is the other breed in the Papillon Chihuahua mix
The tiny but feisty little Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds of the Americas, descended from an ancient dog of the Toltecs called the Techichi.
The Chihuahua can have either a long or short coat. Either type can be crossed with the Papillon to create a small dog with a medium to long length coat.
Just how tiny is the Papillon Chi mix? Let’s find out!
Papillon Chihuahua Mix Size
The Papillon Chihuahua dog is a favorite of people who like their dogs on the small side. Both parent breeds are among the smallest in the toy group.
Papillons weigh between 5 and 10 pounds when fully grown. They stand between 8 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder. The breed standard calls for an overall appearance that is elegant and fine boned.
Even smaller than the Papillon, the average adult Chihuahua weighs around 6 pounds and stands between 5 and 8 inches tall at the shoulder.
How big is the mix?
The size of your Papillon Chihuahua mix will be small but remember that a cross can range anywhere in between the smallest and largest sizes of the parent breeds.
Generally, a full grown Chion weighs between 4 and 10 pounds and stands between 6 and 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
Beware of advertisements for mini or teacup Pap Chi puppies. Dogs bred for unusually small size can be prone to many chronic health conditions.
A dog on the lower end of the normal size range will still be quite small, but it will be healthier than a so-called teacup sized dog.
Chihuahua Papillon Mix Coat and Grooming
What will your dog’s coat look like? Let’s check out the parent breeds first.
The Papillon has a long silky coat, with feathering on the ears, chest, and legs. The tail has long fur like a plume.
The coat is parti colored, which means that it is white combined with patches of color. Any color is possible, and the amount and placement of color can vary from dog to dog.
The long flowing hair is relatively easy to maintain because the Papillon does not have an undercoat.
A once monthly overall grooming is usually enough, combined with some occasional combing of the areas that have longer hair to prevent mats.
Chihuahuas can be either short or long haired. Smooth coat Chihuahuas have short glossy coats. Long coat Chihuahuas have long soft hair. The fur is like the Papillon’s except that long haired Chihuahuas can have undercoats.
Short haired Chihuahuas are low maintenance in terms of grooming. Long haired Chihuahuas require weekly brushing to keep the fur in good condition.
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Both long and short haired Chihuahuas can be any solid color or any combination of color markings.
What about the Papillon Chihuahua mix?
A long-haired Chihuahua Papillon mix is likely to have medium to long fur with a silky texture. It may or may not have an undercoat.
A Papillon mixed with a smooth coat Chihuahua could have a coat of any length, although it will probably not be as short as the Chihuahua parent’s.
Grooming requirements for the mix will depend on the length of the coat, and whether there is an undercoat. A once or twice weekly brushing should be plenty. You can also use a steel comb to groom your Pap Chi.
Chihuahua Papillon Mix Temperament and Training
Both parent breeds of the Chion have long histories as companion animals. They were bred to be affectionate lap dogs, and both combine small size with lively and perky personalities.
As with physical appearance, your mixed breed pup can inherit the personality traits of either parent breed, or any combination of the two.
Generally, Pap Chis are playful, active, and loving and loyal towards their human family members. As small dogs with big personalities, they may show some attitude with larger dogs and unfamiliar people.
Good training and socialization are musts for these outgoing and feisty little dogs. While smart, they can also be stubborn, so be sure to seek out professional training advice and always use only positive reinforcement training methods.
Are Chions good with children?
Many dog experts will not recommend extremely small sized dogs for families with very young children.
Tiny dogs can be injured from rough play or handling.
Pap Chis do best in households with adults and older children. Be sure to teach children how to safely interact with dogs to avoid biting and barking.
Papillon Chihuahua Mix Health
What are some of the common health problems of the Papillon and Chihuahua, and will your dog inherit them?
The Chihuahua suffers from some genetic health conditions often found in small breed dogs.
Chihuahuas can suffer from a heart condition called degenerative mitral valve disease, which causes valve leakage and enlargement of the heart.
Chihuahuas can also be prone to certain eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).
Another common health problem in Chihuahuas is patellar luxation, which is a dislocation of the kneecap caused by bone abnormalities.
The Papillon shares some of the same inherited health conditions as Chihuahuas and other small dogs. Like the Chihuahua, they can be prone to patellar luxation and eye problems.
The Perfect Companion For Life With A New Puppy
Papillons can be prone to progressive retinal atrophy, a degenerative eye disease. They can also suffer from other hereditary problems like liver shunts and a serious neurological disease called neuroaxonal dystrophy.
What can you do to ensure that your Papillon Chihuahua mix puppy is as healthy as possible? Let’s find out!
Chihuahua Papillon Mix Puppies
The most important thing that you can do to make sure your Pap Chi puppy will grow up healthy is to get your dog from a responsible breeder who tests their breeding stock for inherited health conditions.
This means that you should avoid buying a puppy from a retail pet store or an online advertisement, as these dogs often come from large-scale breeding operations called puppy mills.
Choose a small-scale breeder who welcomes clients into their home and shares all health testing information for both parents.
DNA tests are available for many genetic health conditions, and your breeder can also have specialty veterinarians perform eye, heart, and joint exams.
The results should be registered with a reputable breed health organization like the Canine Health Information Center.
Is a Papillon Chihuahua Mix the Right Dog for Me?
The adorable Pap Chi can make a great companion for people looking for a small dog with a big personality.
The tiny size makes this dog better suited to life in a home without very small children, as injuries can happen.
The Pap Chi is a lively dog but can do well in small spaces like city apartments, if it has plenty of opportunities for walks and play sessions.
As toy companion animals, both parent breeds thrive on human contact, so your dog can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time.
Remember to choose a responsible breeder who health tests their breeding stock for inherited health conditions common to both parent breeds.
Already share your life with a Papillon Chihuahua mix? Tell us about your little friend in the comments below!
References and Further Reading
- Beuchat, C., 2014, The Myth of Hybrid Vigor in Dogs…Is a Myth, The Institute of Canine Biology.
- Papillon, American Kennel Club.
- Chihuahua, American Kennel Club.
- Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs, North Carolina State Veterinary Hospital.
- Chihuahua, Northwood Animal Hospital.
- Nilsson, K., Zanders, S., Malm, S., 2018, Heritability of Patellar Luxation in the Chihuahua and Bichon Frise Breeds of Dogs and Effectiveness of a Swedish Screening Programme. Veterinary Journal.
- Ahonen, S.J., Arumilli, M., Lohi, H., 2013, A CNGB1 Frameshift Mutation in Papillon and Phalène Dogs with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, PLoS ONE.
- Nibe, K., Kita, C., Morozumi, M., et al., 2007, Clinicopathological Features of Canine Neuroaxonal Dystrophy and Cerebellar Cortical Abiotrophy in Papillon and Papillon-Related Dogs, The Journal of Veterinary Medical Science.
Pauline Newman says
I got my lil st chi Yoshi from a petshop that was closing down, he looked so poorly.I. bought him took him to the vet & he was dehydrated, once he was rehydrated and given a few days rest and a whole lotta lovin, Yoshi was a completely different pup. I gave him to my mum as she had fallen for him & I was about to move out (this is 3 years later) I had another chi Heidi who had a litter with Yoshi, so cute 2 girls and a boy, very happy healthy puppies! 2 years after Heidi had another litter and was then at 4 yrs old desexed. Then about 6 months later Yoshi was going to be desexed, we took him to the vets, & then gave him seeya later smooches! About 2 hours later the vet rang to say he had died under anaesthetic. Heidi died not long after, from mammary cancer. It stinks when your pets die.
Betty edgemon says
I am 81. I live alone. I had a papchi for 7 years after I moved to an apt. My neighbor stole her. It has broken my heart. The people won’t give her back. I call the police and they hid her and then took her away to some else. I want another one. They are a perfect breed for me. I want a papchi only.
Debra Matheson says
Sweet Betty I was so upset to read your post thg hat your baby was stolen and the fact at your age your not able to really try to catch the low lifes. Not sure where you live but if I can help you find one and your close by I’ll help you find another. I know it will not really replace your other baby but but maybe you’ll be able to start new ones! Debra from Belews Creek, NC USA
Betty Edgemon says
I am wanting a chion first bread. Brown or black. Mine was 7 yrs old and had green eyes. She was Brown. My neighbor stole her. My heart is broken. Let me know. Thank you
Helen says
I got my baby 12 yrs ago last April, he was 5 weeks old. I was told he was a long hair chi. But I don’t believe that- he has to be at least a mix with a papillon. Snoopy is almost all white with the black face, a black spot by his tail on his back, long silky coat that doesn’t mat, 3.5 – 4 lbs he has the ears that stand up with all the hair ,. face, and nose of a papillon. Besides next to a long hair chi – he is gorgeous and makes them look a little less than
So tiny, he is small boned, tiny little feet and definitely is a possessive lap dog. My female yorkie is 4-5 lbs but there is a tremendous difference in the actual bone size. The yorkie (Penny-pop) looks huge in comparison.
I have been trying to find another one like snoopy but they are difficult to find and VERY expensive esp for someone on disability.
I just LOVE the mix of the 2 breeds.
Tracy says
Please check your local shelters. There are plenty of purebred and mixes avail.
I just adopted my chion in AZ. Good luck to you.
Cat says
My boy Binky is the smartest and most loving creature in the world. He’s 9 years old and the joy and love of my life!
Cheri L Jones says
We just lost our Chion to heart failure 2 days ago. It’s too soon to get another, but was looking around to see where to get one. I was shocked at the prices!!! Granted we got our precious dog from our son who found her on the street starving, so I had no idea a mixed breed could cost $500!!!. I would like another Chion but not if I have to take out a second mortgage!
Tracy says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I lost my beloved Yorki/Chihuahua mix 3 months ago. He was 16. I know your pain. Try your local Shelters. Plenty there. I’ve seen purebred and mixes. I just adopted a sweet little girl. A 3 year old Chion. Good luck to you.
Kitty Martini says
I had a wonderful Chion for 12 years…and he passed away last May also of heart failure. He was never sick a day in his life, and one day while having fun playing at the dog park he fell over and died instantly. This article talks about the mitral valve heart problem. I miss him and wish I had another Chion buddy .
Mary McCamant says
I just found Bijou who is a mix Papillion/Chihuahua mix from adopt a pet . A foster parent rehomes them advertising on the site. I paid 250.00 for him that was to cover his normal vet bills. He is a little Gem, my jewel which I named “Bijou”. Also I tried Petfinder they are just as helpful as adopt a pet.
Tim says
What a Smart dog they are Molly my papchih is a wonderful loving dog I live in a studio apartment and she fits right in
Jackie Barrett says
We adopted our chion 3 mos ago from an animal shelter. We love her. She is a lap dog. She’s 3 yrs old & weighs 4.5 lbs. Her hair is so easy to keep. Just brush every wk. She has black hair with brown on legs, feet & belly. She has coloring like a yorkie. She does have a loud yelping bark & does need some obedience training since we did not have her as a pup .
Rob says
What shelter?
Joni says
I rescued a “long hair chihuahua” but Julio is really a Long Hair Chihuahua/Papillion mix. I was always anti small dog, but let me tell you, he is just amazing! I am very active (outdoors) camping, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, etc, and Julio does everything with me! We walk alot on trails where I am able to allow him to off leash, (watchful eye for predators) and I have him climbing fallen trees over ditches, canals, etc. He thinks he is a huge adventurer! When he tires on long hikes (6+ miles) he lets me know and I put him in my pack! He loves to be on my lap or bow of my kayak with his life vest on adventuring on the water. He loves being inside my tent where I have his fav blankie and bed for him. He doesn’t bite or yap, but will give a little bark at people he doesn’t like or the bobcat we saw in the woods (on leash). I feed him good dog food, (he was very underweight when I adopted him and gained 3+ pounds in 5 months) he has a companion cat and loves riding shotgun in my car. He wears lots of outdoor sweaters and coats since he is easily chilled and he just loves to love. I have had Julio now for 5 months and he just turned 1. I wish us many, many happy years and adventures together. He is quite a sensation on my social media accounts!
Tina says
I adopted the cutest 1 year old Chion {Emmie} who is now 3 years old. It took some time to figure out what the chi mix was. But now I know. She weighs 10 pounds and is not overweight, just long with small apple head. She has a beautiful tail that is strong, curled, very long flowing cream colored hair. Her hair is long, but not really long. The hair around her head and ears is very curly, while the rest is smoother. Her nose is longer and her ears are huge (one ear stays up and the other flops down) with hair coming down the ears. Her hair is mainly cream in color with brown patches and very soft. Her eyes are not huge for her face (nicely proportioned) and very clean. Her personality is amazing. She is so loving. She wants to constantly lick me and please me. She is so smart. Sometimes it seems like she understands English when I ask her to do something complicated for the first time and she does it. She loves, loves her sister dog. They spend long periods of time licking each others ears and eyes. She is very friendly on walks, and wants to meet everyone she sees. I am so lucky that she doesn’t bark at others and is not over protective. Her 8 year old sister dog is very calm, balanced, and patient. My vet thinks that my Chion has adopted a little of my other dog’s personality. She is very, very playful. She gets all her toys out of her toy box, and places them all over the room. She loves to play catch inside, and laps my large yard over and over with lightning speed. She loves to chase rabbits, squirrels, and roaming cats. I back up to a creek trail system so, I have to keep an eye on her during the day. When she goes potty at night, I always stay outside with her and turn on all the spot lights. Just the other week, I saw a very large owl sitting on my gate to the back creek when I went outside. My Chion ran under the owl, but didn’t see it. I ran over to the gate, and the monster owl flew away. The owls in my area pick up rabbits, squirrels and small cats. The Cyotes in my area eat all small animals. The only 2 problems I have with her is first, she just won’t listen to me when I tell her it’s time to come in from the yard. She gets so obsessed in what she’s doing that she just does not hear me. The other issue has to do with car sickness. She gets violently sick in the car. I give her meds from my vet that helps, plus thunder shirt, soft sided kennel in veh, etc. It is a challenge. But, she is an absolute blessing. I wanted to get a small dog for my other disabled dog, and my Chion has been the perfect fit. She makes me laugh constantly!!
Lisa says
Have you ever tried Baby Benadryl to lessen her anxiety when in the car? My purebred Pap gets very anxious during rainy wweather and just about 1cc or less of Baby Benadryl calms her right down and makes her sleepy! Wish you the best wth your Chion! She sounds adorable!!!
Pauline Newman says
Unless advised by the vet, you should never,ever give your pet any human medication or pet medication not intended for them. That is so dangerous & not to mention stupid! Like I said that is unless it was advised by the vet, if it was then obviously it was ok!
Lori D Bianchini says
I also have a 2 year old Chion! She fell down the stairs and broke her leg. Then she was playing with her big brother and broke her jaw!! Also had anal glands removed. With all injuries getting her spayed and medications we have 15,000 dollars invested in her. I now have pet insurance. She is very feisty!! My husband cant even touch me and she can be mean. But I love her so very much!!!!!!!!!
Lisa says
I just lost my buddy of 11 years, Louie my beloved Shih Tsu. My husband and I scoured the shelters yesterday looking for a small dog that wasn’t a Chihuahua! We met this little guy who is s pap chi mix. As we sat in the play room with him, I found this site, which helped me with the decision to adopt him. He’s one and the biggest cuddle bug!
Gloria says
Adopted Sable site unseen in 2008 as a Pom from a puppy mill. Knew immediately she wasn’t a Pom. We have since determined she is chion. She is now 16 to 18 years old and still going strong. We would love to adopt another….but not a puppy. Sable is 5 lbs. Perfect size for us. My first love has always been poms but I am unable to keep up the grooming as I prefer to do myself. We are in Dallas Tx area so if anyone has information on a rescue etc please advise. Prefer female dog…sprayed, thanks
Brent says
Recycled Poms is a great rescue for Poms and occasionally other small dogs like chi’s, papillon, and yorkies. One of their volunteers/fosters brings his babies into the clinic I work at.