20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Chion

Every dog lover has their own preferences when choosing a dog breed. However, it is essential that your decision is not based solely on whether you find the appearance of a breed appealing, as it is a serious decision and not all breeds are suitable for all households. It is vital you research your preferred dog breeds carefully to make sure they have the right personality traits, physical characteristics, and needs to suit your family and your lifestyle. It is particularly important to do so if you are considering a designer breed, as these often have a combination of the characteristics and traits of two pedigrees. One designer breed is a Chion, and here are 20 things you might not know about the Chion to help you decide if it is the right designer breed for you.

1. One Parent is a Papillon

A Chion is a designer breed that is created by breeding two pedigree breed dogs. One parent is the Papillon. It is a breed that originates from France, and it was first identified in the 1500s. Originally, these dogs were called Dwarf Spaniels. Papillons were popular with European royalty and dignitaries. The breed was introduced to the United States in the 20th century, and they were accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1915.

2. The Other Parent is a Chihuahua

The other pedigree parent of a Chion is a Chihuahua. It is the smallest officially recognized dog breed, and it is named after the Mexican state from which it originates. The breed was first discovered in the 1800s and was then introduced to the United States. Chihuahuas were accepted as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1904. Although both parents are recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Chion cannot register with them because it is a mixed breed. Chihuahuas come in short and long-haired varieties of various colors, and they usually weigh between four and seven pounds. The popularity of Chihuahuas rose during the 1990s when it became fashionable to carry small dogs around in handbags. Although the Chihuahua and Papillon are from different continents, they are both toy breeds that share many physical characteristics.

3. They Are Known by Several Names

Although Chions is the most common name used for this dog breed, they are also known by several other names. Some of the other names by which they are known include the Chi-a-Pap, the Pap-Chi, and the Papihuahua.

4. Chions Are a Small Dog Breed

Chions are classed as a small dog breed, although they can vary slightly in size. The two factors that determine the height of a Chion are whether they inherit their height from their Paillon or Chihuahua parent and whether they are male or female. Generally, a male Chion will grow to a height of between seven and 11-inches. A female Chion is usually between six and 11-inches.

5. They Can Weigh Up to 10 Pounds

The weight of a healthy adult Chion is between seven and ten pounds. Usually, male Chions are slightly heavier than female Chions. According to Wag Walking, a female dog’s weight is typically six to nine pounds, while a male dog usually weighs between seven and ten pounds. The weight of a Chion also depends on several other factors, including whether they get enough exercise and if they eat a healthy and balanced diet. If a Chion does not get enough exercise and they eat too much food or have an unhealthy diet, then it is likely they will become obese. Obesity is dangerous for a dog as it significantly increases the risk of them developing serious health conditions, such as diabetes, joint problems, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is vital that you make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight.

6. Chions Have a Short to Medium Coat

The coat of a Chion is short to medium, and it is fine with a coarse texture. Although they do shed a little, they are not known to shed excessively. Therefore, it is unlikely that you will need to spend hours cleaning up dog hair from around your home. Chions often shed more in the summer months.

7. They Have Fringes of Hair at Various Points

The coat of a Chion is distinctive as they have fringes of hair at various points on their body where the hair is a little longer than the rest of the coat. These fringes are usually on the backs of their legs, necks, tail, ears, and throat.

8. They Are Easy to Groom

If you want a dog that is easy to groom, then a Chion is a good option. Due to the shorter length of their coat, they are not prone to tangling. Similarly, as they do not shed too much, you do not need to spend lots of time grooming them to get rid of excess hair. Giving their coat a quick brush twice a week is all they need. However, there are some other grooming tasks that you must also complete occasionally. For example, you will need to trim their nails, and you should check their ears for excess wax. They will also need a bath at least once a month to keep their coat and skin in good condition.

9. They Are Available in Various Colors

There are various colors available, with some Chions having a solid coat and others having a bicolor or tricolor coat. Some of the most common solid colors include black, cream, brown, golden, chocolate, and fawn. Dogs with two or more colors are usually black and brown, black and white, or black, brown, and white. It is also possible for them to have different nose colors. Most have either a black or brown nose. However, some have an Isabella nose, which is a lilac-gray color.

10. Most Get Along with Other Pets

It is always important to think carefully before introducing a new dog into your home if you already have other pets. You need both your existing pets and a new dog to live in harmony together. In most cases, Chions will get along with most other animals, so you should not experience too many problems. If you have your Chion from when they are a puppy, early socialization can help them to become a well-rounded dog that is accustomed to being around other animals.

11. They Are Not a Good Option for Young Children

Although Chions are good companions and can make a great family pet, they are not necessarily the best option for those who have younger children. There is the possibility that younger children could unintentionally harm a Chion, as this breed is so small and delicate. It is also possible that the Chion could harm the child, as they have a tendency to nip if they feel irritated.

12. They Are Attention-Seekers

Chions love being at the center of attention says Pet Guide. They enjoy spending time with their family and getting involved in activities with everyone else. Due to their need for constant attention, most Chions do not like to spend prolonged periods in the house alone. Therefore, they are better suited to households where there is at least one person at home most of the time. If you work long hours and intend to leave a dog alone, then a Chion is not a great option for you.

13. Barking is Potentially an Issue

One of the negative behaviors that Chions display is a tendency to bark a lot. It is almost as though they are unaware of their small size and use their bark to show their dominance. While many people may find the constant barking annoying, there is also a positive side to this behavior. They can make excellent guard dogs because they will bark when someone approaches the house. Although good training can reduce the amount your dog barks, it is unlikely that you will stop this behavior altogether.

14. They Are Suitable for Apartment Living

While some dogs need to live in a large house with a big garden, so they have plenty of room to run around. However, that is not the case with Chions. It is perfectly acceptable for Chions to live in apartments, as they are a small dog that does not need excessive amounts of exercise. On the other hand, your Chion still needs daily exercise. Therefore, if you live in an apartment, you must make an effort to take your dog on a short walk each day.

15. You Should Walk Them Daily

Regardless of the size of your home and garden, you must walk your Chion every day to make sure they stay fit and healthy and to prevent them from becoming obese. A walk of between 20 and 30 minutes each day is enough exercise for a Chion. Remember, they only have small legs, so covering long distances is an effort for them.

16. They Love Swimming

In addition to walking your dog, you can also make sure they get enough exercise by enjoying many other activities with them. They love to interact with their family, so you can enjoy ball games and agility exercises with them. Also, Chions are keen swimmers, and you will find they are keen to get in the water if you take them near a lake or stream. Always keep a close eye on your Chion if it decides to go for a swim, and do not allow them in water with a strong current.

17. Chions Are Often Difficult to Train

Although they are not unintelligent, Chions are notoriously difficult to train. It is because of the negative elements of their personalities, such as stubbornness and disinterest, says Dog Zone. However, many respond well to reward-based training. Even if you find it difficult to train your Chion, you should persevere. Without discipline, your Chion will become domineering with its owners and potentially aggressive towards strangers. Therefore, perseverance and patience during training are essential to achieve the best results. If you are inexperienced in training a dog, then consider attending puppy training classes for support and advice.

18. Chions Are Prone to Injuries

Chions are an energetic, playful, and fun-loving dog breed. However, you should take when playing with your dog as they are prone to injuries. Their small size and tiny bones mean that it is easy to accidentally damage your Chion if you play with it too roughly. Strained joints and broken bones are some of the most common injuries. Therefore, you should avoid playing anything too rough with your Chion to reduce the risk of them suffering an injury.

19. They Have an Increased Risk of Suffering from Many Health Conditions

Some breeds are more prone to certain health conditions than others. One of the most common conditions in this breed I Addison’s Disease. According to VCA Animal Hospital, this is a potentially serious condition, but it is treatable once diagnosed. As the symptoms are similar to many other disorders, diagnosis can take time. Another potential issue is a collapsed trachea, which is something that can affect many toy breeds. Other health conditions linked to Chions include corneal ulceration, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease.If your Chion shows symptoms of any of these conditions, it is vital that you take them to the vet immediately.

20. They Have a Life Expectancy of Up to 14 Years

Chions have a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years. There are several factors that can impact the life expectancy of a Chion. For example, a Chions lifespan is potentially shortened by eating a poor diet, not getting enough exercise, or developing health conditions. Therefore, you should feed your Chion a healthy diet, make sure they get enough exercise and take them to the vet for check-ups regularly.

You can also read:

• 20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Hamiltonstovare
• 20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bullador
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Chipin
• 10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Deutscher Wachtelhund
• Are Red Poodles Safe to Have?