Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Mar 21, 2022

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chihuahua Versus Chi-Poo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chihuahua and for the Chi-Poo. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chihuahua or the Chi-Poo.

Read on.

Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo: Overview

A very important difference between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chihuahua is a tiny-sized dog while the Chi-Poo is a small-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Chihuahua belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Chi-Poo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chihuahua to the Chi-Poo based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo

FactorChihuahuaChi-Poo
Tolerates Being Alone1/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather1/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Minimal Exercise Needs5/54/5
Life Span10 to 18 years12 to 15 years
Tolerates Hot Weather2/53/5
Dog Friendly2/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
General Health2/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander4/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor4/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/53/5
Low Prey Drive3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
NOT Rambunctious3/53/5
Weight3 to 6 pounds5 to 20 pounds
Good For Novice Owners4/55/5
Easy To Train4/55/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Potential For Playfulness4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/55/5
Easygoing1/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/53/5
Height6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder5 to 15 inches
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$1820$1040
Price Range$850 – $2500$600 – $1500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chihuahua in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Chi-Poo. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chihuahua is 84 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Chi-Poo is 90 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Chi-Poo, we still believe that the Chihuahua is a better pet than the Chi-Poo.

    This is because Chihuahuas are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the Chihuahua will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the Chihuahua :-). We are for the Chihuahua. So get a Chihuahua!

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo

    Below is a list of where the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are most different:

  • Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone. However, Chi-Poos can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • The Similarities Between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo

    The Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are most similar:

  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo have low exercise needs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo do not get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are very playful.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo.

    Chihuahuas weigh 3 to 6 pounds when fully grown. Chihuahuas are 6 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Chi-Poos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Chi-Poos are 5 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo

    The lifespan of Chihuahuas is between 10 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Chihuahuas is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Chi-Poos is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Chi-Poos is 13.5 years.

    Chihuahuas live longer than Chi-Poos.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua lifespan and how long Chihuahua live.

    Price of Chihuahua versus Price of Chi-Poo

    The average price of the Chihuahua puppy is $1820. The price of the Chihuahua typically ranges from $850 – $2500. However, the price of a Chihuahua can be as low as $100 and as high as $15500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1980 Chihuahua puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Chi-Poo puppy is $1040. The price of the Chi-Poo typically ranges from $600 – $1500. However, the price of the Chi-Poo can be as low as $200 and as high as $3000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 177 Chi-Poo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Chihuahua is more expensive than the Chi-Poo.

    `
    Chihuahua Chi-Poo
    Average Price $1820 $1040
    Price Range $850 to $2500 $600 to $1500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chihuahua and Chi-Poo. For different price points, the charts show how many Chihuahua puppies or how many Chi-Poo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chihuahuas. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chihuahua puppy or the Chi-Poo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Go to this article to learn more about Chihuahua cost and price.

    Check out our list of best Chihuahua breeders here

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo

    Chihuahuas do not like to be left alone.

    Chi-Poos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Chihuahuas shed more than Chi-Poos?

    Chihuahuas do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Chihuahuas, and on how to groom a Chihuahua

    Chi-Poos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chihuahua or the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Chihuahua, check out our article on how to groom a Chihuahua.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Chihuahua here.

    Chi-Poos are moderately easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chihuahua or the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas do not get along well with other dogs.

    Chi-Poos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Chihuahuas good family dogs? What about Chi-Poos?

    Chihuahuas are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Chihuahua make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Chihuahua temperament here.

    Chi-Poos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Chihuahua Easier to Train than the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas are very easy to train.

    Chi-Poos are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Chihuahua or the Chi-Poo

    Chihuahuas do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Chi-Poos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are Chihuahuas and Chi-Poos?

    Chihuahuas get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Chi-Poos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Chihuahua Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Chi-Poos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Chihuahuas Bark and Howl? What about Chi-Poos?

    Chihuahuas bark and howl, but not very much.

    Chi-Poos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chi-Poos Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Chi-Poos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chihuahua vs. Chi-Poo

    Chihuahuas do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Chi-Poos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chihuahuas Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chi-Poos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chihuahuas cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Chi-Poos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the Chihuahua Better for Apartment Owners than the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas adapt very well to apartment living.

    Chi-Poos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chihuahua or the Chi-Poo?

    Chihuahuas are very good for new dog owners.

    Chi-Poos are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Chihuahua versus Chi-Poo. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chihuahua and the Chi-Poo better suits you and your family.