The Chihuahua Papillon mix is a small mixed-breed dog created by breeding the world’s smallest dog: the Chihuahua, with the storied affection of French royalty, the Papillon. The result is a small, long-haired breed that’s moderately active, gentle and loving.
The “Chion,” as it is otherwise known, is sure to be intelligent, courageous and spry, like both of it’s parent breeds. To learn more about the Papillon Chihuahua mix, we’ll explore the histories, popularity and suitability of each parent breed.
Read on to see if the Chihuahua Papillon mix might be the best breed for you and your family.
Chihuahua Papillon Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 4 – 11 pounds |
| Height: | 5 – 11 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | White, fawn, cream, golden, dark brown, black |
| Temperament: | Stubborn, active, energetic, loving, loyal, protective |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals, active elderly singles or couples |
What Does a Chihuahua Papillon Mix Look Like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Chihuahua Papillon will inherit different parts of its physical appearance from each parent breed. From the Papillon, you can expect Chihuahua Papillon mixes to inherit the long hair of the Papillon, with a silky, smooth coat.
It will likely inherit the upright ears and wedge-shaped head of the Papillon, but will likely have shorter, thinner legs that your average Papillon, inheriting the more spindly legs of the Chihuahua instead.
Given that both parent breeds are toy breeds, you can expect your Chihuahua Papillon to grow to just below 12 inches tall. It will likely inherit the facial features and almond-shaped eyes of the Chihuahua.
Given that both parent dogs look alike, you can expect your Chion to closely resemble both parent breeds, though exact predictions are difficult to make, as physical appearance depends on predominant genetics when the Chihuahua and Papillon are bred together.
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The History of the Chihuahua Papillon Mix
As with many designer dogs, there’s little available history concerning the Chihuahua Papillon mix. The breed was likely developed sometime in the 1990s or early 2000s, as crossbreeding became popular throughout the United States.
The Chion has many attractive qualities to those looking for a mixed-breed pup. To learn more about how the Chion came to be, we’ll look at the history of each parent dog, the Papillon, and the Chihuahua.
The History of the Papillon
The Papillon originated in France, but much of it’s history is found in Italian paintings in the 16th century. Tiziano Vecelli is perhaps the most famous artist to include the Papillon in his painting, “Venus of Urbino.” (1542). Louis XIV of France (1643 – 1715) also kept a Papillon, as they are recognized in various portraits of him during his reign.
Another famous French owner of Papillons was Marie Antoinette, who is said to have carried her pet Papillon with her in her arms to the guillotine. Papillons were faithful companion dogs throughout French history and were exported throughout Europe before arriving in North America at the beginning of the 20th century.
How Popular Are Papillons in the United States?
The American Kennel Club first recognized Papillons as a toy breed in the United States in 1935. Since then, they have become popular family pets, renowned for their affectionate nature.
In 2021, Papillons were the 54th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Papillons a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, Papillons make excellent pets for the elderly population. They’re not aggressive and easy to control on daily walks. They have a gentle but playful nature and do well in many different types of living spaces. This also makes a good fit for families, with or without children.
How Did Papillons Come About?
The exact origin of the Papillon is unknown, but they first appeared in 16th century paintings in Italy, most famously: “Venus of Urbino” by Tiziano Vecelli. Despite their appearance in many Italian paintings, Papillons are long thought to have originated n France – the translation from French to English of “Papillon” is “butterfly.” It’s thought that they were called “Papillon” because of their ears, which can sometimes resemble butterfly wings.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Papillon?
Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, this loyal and doting French breed has been crossbred with many different breeds, as crossbreeding became popular in the United States. Among the most popular Papillon mixes are:
- Corgi Papillon Mix (Corgillon)
- Yorkie Papillon Mix (Yorkillon)
- Border Collie Papillon Mix (Colpapillon)
- Dachshund Papillon Mix (Papshund)
- Labrador Papillon Mix (Papilldor)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name. These notes described a small, high-energy dog with a smooth coat and a wedge-shaped head. Chihuahuas are thought to descend from the Techichi – a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe dating back to the 9th century.
They were came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when they were sold on the Mexican-American border to American tourists. The breed was first registered as a toy breed by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas in the United States?
Chihuahuas have long been a popular companion pet with many different types of family dynamics and are also popular among single individuals and the elderly. Their ‘Napoleon’ complex sometimes makes them difficult to own if you have smaller pets, or other dogs – as they will need lots of family attention.
Despite this, Chihuahuas were the 37th most-popular dog in the United States in 2021.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their small size and energy levels, Chihuahuas are often favored by the elderly who are looking for a relatively active companion, but not one that will exhaust them.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
The exact origin of the Chihuahua has been lost to the sands of time. However, we do know that their lineage stretches back to the 9th century in Aztec Mexico. They’re descendants of the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept as a companion pet by the Toltec Peoples.
The Chihuahua was first imported to the United States in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, as American tourists in Mexico purchased several Chihuahuas and imported them to the United States.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Like many designer dog breeds, the Chihuahua was likely first crossbred in the United States in the late 1990s or early 2000s, when the crossbreeding craze swept the nation.
This resulted in several popular Chihuahua mixes that continue to be popular today. These include:
- Pitbull Chihuahua Mix (Pit Chi)
- Chihuahua Greyhound Mix (Grey Chi)
- Corgi Chihuahua Mix (Chigi)
- Border Collie Chihuauhua Mix (Border Chi)
- Doberman Chihuahua Mix (Doberchi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of your research for any prospective new dog should be its temperament. You want to ensure that your new pup is going to fit in well with your family unit. That is, if you’re an active family, you’ll want to make sure that your new pup can join in on your family adventures.
If you’re looking for a docile dog – one that’s not going to be too much hassle – then you’ll want to ensure that you find a dog with a low-energy nature, like a Pug!
Adopting or purchasing a dog that’s a temperamental mismatch for you and your family could result in you spending time, money and energy on training for a dog that’s just not a good fit for you and your family. It could also lead to you needing to re-home the animal, which brings more trauma for you, your family and the dog.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Papillon Mix?
The Chihuahua Papillon mix is a spry, spunky little dog with a lot of personality. They have a sweet demeanor, with a soft spot for their family units. Thus, they can be quite protective pets for people who live alone.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartment living, although they can also suffer from separation anxiety and are prone to excessive barking – which could become annoying for everyone around them.
Is The Chihuahua Papillon Mix Friendly?
The Chihuahua Papillon mix is sure to be a very friendly mixed-breed pup! Known for their love of people, they will generally be friendly and affectionate towards those they know. They may be suspicious of strangers, but will eventually warm to them.
Is The Chihuahua Papillon Mix Easy to Train?
You might encounter some difficulties around attention span and focus when it comes to training your Chion. The Chihuahua is known for their stubbornness, so you may need to employ positive reinforcement training techniques to get their attention and then reward-based training to hold their attention.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Papillon Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua Papillon mix is between 4 and 11 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Papillon Mix Get?
The average height of a Chihuahua Papillon is between 5 and 11 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Papillon Chihuahua. These include:
- Bichon Frise
- Maltese
- Cocker Spaniel
- Shih Tzu
- Yorkshire Terrier
Does the Chihuahua Papillon Mix Shed?
Depending on whether or not your Chion inherits the single coat of the Chihuahua, or double coat of the Papillon, you may experience light to moderate shedding year-round. Weekly brushing and regular groomer visits will keep their coat clean.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Papillon Mix Require?
Your Chihuahua Papillon will likely be a moderately active dog that will require around 45 minutes of exercise daily. You should also encourage mental stimulation as often as possible, by using toys or games.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Papillon Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua Papillon mix is 10 to 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Papillon Mix Have?
- Tracheal Collapse
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Mitral Valve Disease (Heart Disease)
- Periodontal Disease (Dental Issues)
- Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (Nerve condition)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Papillon Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Chihuahua Papillon mix puppy to buy, you should consider adopting one first! There are plenty of these dogs searching for the perfect human family, but have been languishing in kennels for far too long.
Try searching at your local vet clinic or animal shelter to see if anyone has dropped off a Chihuahua Papillon mix to be adopted, or look online at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Papillon Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Papillon mix is between $600 and $750. This is double the cost of adoption on the lower and almost triple it on the upper end of the price scale.
However, if you decide to purchase a Chihuahua Papillon mix, you want to ensure that you go to a reputable breeder. Reputable Chion breeders can be hard to find, so we’ve created this guide to help you sort the wheat from the chaff, and help you avoid puppy mills!
Is the Chihuahua Papillon Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Chihuahua Papillon mix is the perfect small companion pet for an elderly person, or a family looking for a low-maintenance pet! Comfortable with shorter walks or longer walks and just generally happy to be around you, the Chion is fiercely loyal to it’s owners.
However, if you’re sure that the Chihuahua Papillon mix isn’t the right breed for you, that’s okay! We have compiled dozens of other breed guides, so one of those might be better suited for you and your family.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
