History
The Chion is a crossbreed between the Papillon and the Chihuahua originating in the 2001 and most of them are first generation crossbreed. Due to its new development, not many details are mentioned about its past.
Temperament and Personality
The dog is loving and very social and can grab everyone’s attention with their charming personality. They go well with children but might not be safe at times and can be aggressive towards other dogs. It is known for its caring and sweet nature as it bond very well with the owners as well as other family members. Some of them tend to bark excessively which might make them not suitable for apartment life.
Exercise
Their small size usually gets exercise at home, but they should be taken out for daily walks as a routine to burn their calories. They remain active and energetic throughout the day and also love to spend time outdoors. Let them play in an enclosed area and visit dog parks so that it can socialize.
Grooming
The dog requires moderate grooming with a gentle brushing two to three times a week to maintain its hygiene and shine. Bathe them when necessary with dog shampoo and trim its nails if it grows too long. Keep a check and wipe clean its ears to avoid infection and brush its teeth regularly to prevent dental overcrowding and tooth loosening.
Health Problems
Chions do not have any significant health issues but can suffer from fontanel (a soft spot on t5he skull) and injuries in the sensitive areas. Other dog breed problems include hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy, collapsed trachea, hydrocephalus, heart problems and shivering.
Training
Since they are intelligent and smart, they pick up training and tricks quickly, but if they are headstrong, teaching might be difficult for the trainer and they are not even suitable for first-time owners. It requires firm, consistent and experienced trainer with positive reinforcement and they should be rewarded with treats and praise if they learn something. Train them from puppyhood to socialize because they are wary of strangers and can be snappy and defensive.
Feeding
The dog should have a balanced diet according to its size, age and activity level. However, they can eat ½ to 1 cups of high-quality dry kibbles a day split into two meals. Introduction of poultry in their diet will also thrive best for them.