Chion

4-9 lbs
6-11"
United States
Chihuahua
Papillon
Pap-Chi, Chi-A-Pap, and Papihuahua, Pap-Wa, Chi-Pap

The Chion is a mix of two small and intelligent dogs, the Chihuahua and the Papillon. They are small dogs and average about 8 inches tall and weigh about 7 pounds on average. They may have medium or long hair, depending on whether the Chihuahua parent had long or short hair. The coat can be straight, wavy, or wiry and the color varies from white, gold, brown, tan, cream, black, and mixed. This breed is good with older children but is not good for a home with small children. They like other pets but must be socialized early. Although they are smart, they can be hard to train because they are stubborn.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
2001
ancestry Ancestry
Chihuahua, Papillon

Chion Health

Average Size
Male Chion size stats
Height: 7-11 inches Weight: 8-10 lbs
Female Chion size stats
Height: 6-11 inches Weight: 4-9 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Color Dilution Alopecia
Minor Concerns
  • Deafness
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Occasional Tests
  • Eye
  • Knee
  • Hearing
  • Blood Test
  • Physical Examination

Chion Breed History

The history of the Chihuahua is complicated by the many different theories. One such theory is that they were brought by Spanish traders to Mexico from China. It is said that they were then bred with the local native dogs and produced the Chihuahua of today. Another story indicates that they originated from the Techichi dog in the 9th century. The Techichi dogs were thought to be used as guides to the afterlife and were sacrificed and buried with the dead. Other stories say that the Chihuahua was used for food. However, the part of the story that everyone seems to agree on is that the Chihuahua was found in the late 1800s in a town called Chihuahua in Mexico. Soon after, they were brought to America where they were accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1904. The Papillion originated in France in the 1500s when they were called a Dwarf Spaniel and is thought to be a descendant of the European Toy Spaniels. This fluffy dog was popular with Louis XIV and other wealthy Europeans. The early Papillon had droopy ears but somewhere along the line, they ended up with erect ears. This change is depicted in paintings from the 13th through the 15th centuries during the Renaissance period. Now, there are two types but the erect eared Papillon is most popular. The droopy eared Papillon is called the phalene, which means moth in French. During the 20th century, the Papillon made their way to the United States, where they became popular in the dog shows. The American Kennel Club accepted the Papillon to their roster in 1915. The Chion is an adorable mix of these two popular pups.

Chion Breed Appearance

Your Chion will be a small dog between 6 and 11 inches tall and will weigh about 4 to 10 pounds depending on the sizes of the parents. They can have medium to long hair, depending on whether the Chihuahua was a short or long haired type. If the Chihuahua parent was a short-haired type, your Chion may also have wiry hair and it may be straight or wavy. This attractive dog comes in all different colors including white, gold, brown, tan, cream, black, and any combination of these. Your best buddy will likely have a small head, large ears, a long tail, and short legs.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Chion eyes
Brown
amber Chion eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Chion nose
Black
brown Chion nose
Brown
isabella Chion nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
white Chion coat
White
fawn Chion coat
Fawn
brown Chion coat
Brown
cream Chion coat
Cream
black Chion coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Chion wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Chion Breed Maintenance

You have to be prepared to brush your Chion often, at least three or four times per week. You may also find that daily brushing works the best against tangles. Use a stiff bristle brush and a metal comb and use your fingers to break up any mats. Your Chion can be bathed when necessary but do not shampoo them too often because it will cause the skin to dry out. It is also recommended that you brush your pup's teeth at least a few times a week to prevent periodontal disease. In addition, you should check the ears once a week to look for earwax buildup, mites, and redness because this hybrid is prone to ear infections.

Brushes for Chion
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Chion requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Chion Temperament

The Chion likes kids but is not good with small children under six years old. They do like other pets but must be socialized early to get along well with others. This breed is a bit stubborn so you will need to be patient when you train your dog. Be consistent and use positive reinforcement rather than yelling or physical punishment. They enjoy playing around and will make you laugh no matter what mood you are in. The Chion does not like to be left alone and wants to constantly be the center of attention so you should be prepared for spending a lot of time with your pet. When left alone, they will bark excessively and may become destructive.

Chion Activity Requirements

You should take your Chion out for exercise at least once a day for about 30 to 45 minutes. You can break it up into several times a day or do it all at once, but they need to work off their excess energy or they will become anxious and agitated. Some Chions may become lazy if you do not give them enough exercise and others become bored and develop behavior problems. Some of the best activities include walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, fetch, a trip to the dog park, and agility training. If you have a fenced yard, letting them run around outside for a few hours a day while you are out there doing yard work is also acceptable, but they do need frequent attention from you as well.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
45 minutes
activity minutes

Chion Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Chion Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Chion size stats at six months
Height: 6.0 inches Weight: 5.0 lbs
Female Chion size stats at six months
Height: 5.0 inches Weight: 3.0 lbs
12 Months
Male Chion size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.0 inches Weight: 8.0 lbs
Female Chion size stats at 12 months
Height: 7.0 inches Weight: 6.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Chion size stats at 18 months
Height: 11.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Chion size stats at 18 months
Height: 10.0 inches Weight: 9.0 lbs

Chion Owner Experiences

Lesi
1 Year
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a good boy but he is aggresive with babies.He likes to play and sometimes he is aggressive with all.
2 years, 4 months ago
Dergeitz
12 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Hiking
My little guy is so precious. He is very intelligent and emotionally in tune with me and anyone he spends time with. He sticks by my side and I could walk him off leash if I wanted to. He never strays off and always listens. He loves playing keep-a-way, and is bouncy and fully of life despite patellar luxation. I got him when he was about two years old from a family that couldn’t keep him. He had breeding papers and only recently I discovered he has no dew claws. The paperwork said he was from a local puppy mill that is now closed. He bonds with certain other dogs at the dog park, usually other small older male dogs. He takes an authoritative role around puppies of any breed, and easily and amazingly diffuses tension with other dogs if it looks like a scuffle is about to happen. It’s really kind of amazing. I could talk forever about my little guy, but he has truly given me the love and companionship I didn’t know I would come to need over the years. I think of him as my little angel. He is a truly remarkable dog, my best friend. How lucky I am.
2 years, 7 months ago
Baby
14 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My chion has been with me for almost half of my life (14 years). She is now old and enjoys sleeping a lot, carrots, and barking at dogs from the deck. When she was younger she loved chasing bunnies in the backyard. She would escape and run up and down our street which is only funny looking back. She is a very old lady now and enjoys her thunder coat and CBD treats to keep her calm. Anything from thunder to opening a can of soda will spook her. I’ve noticed moving things around the house or placing a bag down where it shouldn’t be is an issue for her. She’s still very lovable and likes her routine. If we aren’t in bed by 9, she will let me know she’s unhappy! I’m getting sad since I know I won’t have her forever, but the vet said she could possibly live until 18. I hope she’s around for another few years as she’s been my little companion since high school and now I am 31.
2 years, 8 months ago
Pi
8 years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is such a lovable dog and I am so afraid of losing him. He brought me such happiness. He was abandoned in Petsmart in a carriage. I can't imagine.
6 years, 6 months ago
Saban
5 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Saban was supposed to have been a purebred pappion but we really think he has long hair chihuahua mix. He learns tricks easily. He always has to sit in your lap or lay touching you.
6 years, 3 months ago
Stella
1 Year
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Stella is the friendliest puppy and can always put us in a good mood!!
6 years, 1 month ago
Bunnie
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Napping
Cuddling
Playing with toys
Bunnie was rescued with a broken front leg and the back leg on the same side had a grade 4 luxation of the patella. She’s had surgery but it’s still an issue for her. She is fiercely protective of me and barks and growls at strangers, birds, squirrels, falling leaves, her shadow, and pretty much everything. But when she warms up to people she is so sweet and loving. Not to mention hilarious and playful. She had a rough start, we do not know how she was injured or where she came from, but we are hoping that over the years we will break her of her initial rudeness and show her that we will never let anyone hurt her ever again.
6 years ago
Harrity or Harry for short
4 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
The rescue people told me he was 2 years old and a spaniel/Pomeranian mix. I had some DNA testing done and was told he is a Chihuahua/Papillon mix with a little Rat Terrier thrown in to give him his size. Harry is on the large side for a Chion, he weighs 25lbs. Harry is loyal and playful and does make me smile and laugh all the time, even when I may not want to.
5 years, 6 months ago
Willyjohn
2 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Naps and he works at my shop as a greeter. I need
Omg what wonderful pup. I m a veteran chi owner and he is even better than that. A really zen spirit. Need 5 stars on the friendliness it wouldn’t let me do it.
5 years, 6 months ago
Boomer
3 Years
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Loves the kids and taking them to meet the bus. Keeps cats out of the yard.
5 years, 5 months ago
Emily
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Cuddling
Hide & Seek
wrestling
Emily is just a big, excitable bundle of doggie cuteness! We've had her for a year now and she's gotten so well adjusted to the routines of the family and such. She has her moments where she's still learning to socialize with other dogs but she's such a good dog overall. Plus she's so fluffy and cute, especially during winter time!
5 years, 4 months ago
Luna
2 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I wouldn't change her for the world
5 years ago
Brodie
9 Weeks
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Bonding extremely well and already toileting outside
3 years, 11 months ago
Koda Noelle Beightol
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Koda is utterly amazing! Learns a command after being taught it once or sometimes just by seeing what the older dogs do and surprising us by knowing the command without even being taught it!! She is SUCH a good girl, always wants to please. Very affectionate and loving. Loves playtime with me or her canine Uncle Jack! So innocent and sweet. Loves grooming us and her older dachshund sister’s face. It’s very sweet. She’ll play with herself by throwing herself about on the bed, kicking her legs, diving under blankets and pillows! It’s the cutest, funniest thing! She also has the most interesting and surprising noises too! She does this yawn into trilling noise that is just precious and funny! We love her so much!!!
3 years, 11 months ago
Boliver
2 Years
1 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Boliver is the absolute best. He’s a spunky little guy who sings with excitement whenever our friends come over. He hikes for miles. We ride to the dog park with him strapped to my chest and he pedals the entire time. He also sings whenever music with harmonica and high-pitched strings come. He sleeps cuddled up to me, and makes me laugh daily. The light of my life:)
3 years, 7 months ago
Max
8 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Tug of war
Belly rubs
He was my first pet, and I was 7, he was destructive, and had a nervous bladder, now hes a energetic little thing, he absolutely devours all food in sight, and is kinda chunky, but he's been with me through everything and I wouldn't change it for a thing, he does get jealous over our other pets at times though
3 years, 2 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd