When breeding dogs, some pairings are obvious – and at this point in time, if the breeds make sense together – it will most likely exist. But this may not be the case with more unusual pairings, and the Chihuahua Labradoodle mix may be the cross you never knew you needed!
Sound Interesting? Then strap in as we help you to get to grips with this unusual new crossbreed on the block.
Table of Contents
The History of the Parent Breeds
Labradoodle
Combining the iconic style of the Poodle with the loveable charm that makes Labradors one of the most popular breeds in history, it’s no surprise that the Labradoodle has been such a standout breed among the variety of designer dogs available over the years.
They are usually low shedding, and incredibly personable due to their history as service animals. The intelligence and empathy of Labradors make them the ideal choice for guide dogs and other such service roles, Labradoodles – to nobody’s surprise – came about as a variation on this theme.
Not all dogs are made equal, however, and while some breed’s strengths lie in areas other than that of helping people with their day to day life, historically the work ethic and loyalty, as well as their large size and easy-going demeanor make Labradors the perfect fit whether it is guiding someone in the great outdoors, or aiding in keeping someone calm.
Chihuahua
One such dog that is destined for a different role in life is the Chihuahua. This tiny breed has become a huge hit historically, due to its small size and feisty yet affectionate charm.
Discovered in the 19th century, the Chihuahua descends from a once common (but now extinct) breed of dog that served as companions to the Toltec people. The Techichi was a Mexican breed that has been made reference to across the country and was said to greatly resemble their modern counterpart in both size and shape.
Nowadays Chihuahuas are known as one of the smallest breeds on the market, making them an ideal fit for life in living situations that err on the cramped side. They come in both a deer-head or, apple-head skull conformation, each with a distinctive look giving the breed some variety and prospective owners some additional breed-specific choice.
Is the Labradoodle Chihuahua an Ethical Cross?
One reason why this cross isn’t as popular as other crosses are the difficulty of breeding. While not impossible (as Labradors and Chihuahuas have been crossed previously), the insemination process is in questionable ethical territory.
This is due to the fact that the Labrador is so much bigger than the Chihuahua, making natural insemination impossible. The argument goes that this poses a risk to both parents and the resulting puppies, and if natural breeding isn’t possible in nature, then should breeders be at liberty to play God in this kind of way?
Of course – your opinion will depend on which way your moral compass sways – however, it is a fact that achieving this breed must be an act that is closely monitored, from artificial insemination through to pregnancy and whelping.
Due to an increased risk of complications arising from the physical incompatibility issues, it is crucial that a keen eye is placed on the puppies and the mother, to ensure both are happy and healthy throughout the process.
What Name is Given to the Labradoodle Chihuahua Cross?
As this is a rare breed, there is no official name. Therefore, we will be drawing direct inspiration from closely related breed names. The Poodle Chihuahua mix goes by the Chi-Poo, while the Labrador Chihuahua cross is known most commonly as the Labrahuahua.
In this instance, we feel the name best representing all three breeds is the Labra Chi-Poo!
The Benefits of the Labra Chi-Poo
As with all small dogs, Chihuahuas are at severe risk of physical injury. Luckily, the Labradoodle mix makes for a more rugged dog all in all. With a compromise made on a slightly larger dog (which may be a bonus for some!) the Labra Chi-Poo is somewhat sturdier than its purebred counterpart, making for a more durable dog with greater physical endurance.
Another pro on the resilience front is the health of the breed. It is commonly known that crossbreeds are typically very healthy dogs, as the mixing of DNA reduces the chance of inherited diseases and negates the impact of those who do still encounter the issues.
This vigor in the health department should come as a great relief to Chihuahua lovers all around, as they are prone to illnesses on top of the risk of physical injury – meaning vet bills can quickly start to pile up.
The Labra Chi-Poo can be a healthy and rugged dog, making it a great choice for those of you anticipating some rough and tumble with your new furry friend.
The Cons of the Labra Chi-Poo
However, it is not all sunshine. The Labra Chi-Poo is not without faults of its own, and it is important you know these when considering investing.
One of the first issues is barking. Chihuahuas are loud by nature. Partly due to their size, and partly due to their aggressive demeanor – you would be shocked at the racket these little dogs can make. While the mixed temperament of the Labradoodle should quell any incessant barking otherwise present, you should still expect your dog to be making a bit of noise from time to time.
While not a disadvantage for some, the higher endurance of this dog does mean it will have much more energy than your typical lap dog. The Labradoodle loves to explore and play, and it is a dead guarantee that this active lifestyle will be translated to your new pup.
This of course means you will need to factor in more time than usual to ensure this little dog is sufficiently sated in the exercise department – a dealbreaker for those looking for a low-maintenance pet to come home to.
What Can be Expected from the Labradoodle Chihuahua Mix?
But what can you expect from the Labra Chi-Poo? Because of the disparity of the mixed breeds physically, a lot of this information is guesswork, however, what we can do is give you an informed estimate of the sort of dog you will be buying should you decide this breed is the perfect choice for you!
Height & Weight
At around 10″-20″ tall, this dog sits right in the middle of the size of its parent breeds. Neither are huge dogs, to begin with, however, so this dog is bound to be on the smaller side when compared to other breeds.
A good approximate weight is 10lbs-20lbs. Again – a good middle ground mediating between the Chihuahua and Labradoodles.
Colour & Coat
Hair-wise, you can expect a short coat with either straight or wavy hair. You have two heavy shedding breeds in this mix – and while the Poodle is very common among designer dog breeders for their low-shedding coat, you may find that this dog still leaves its fair share of residual hair.
Colouring will be your basic single color white, cream, fawn, chocolate, or gold. These are again typical colorations of both Labradors and Chihuahuas, so you are all but guaranteed a monochromatic dog.
Maintenance
With a shorter coat, it is matting and tangles that will pose the most problems when it comes to maintenance. The advantage of a shorter coat is that the Labra Chi-Poo will not be at risk of fast-growing hair and the hazards that it may pose – however hygiene is still key.
While resilient, these little dogs are not immune to the wear and tear of everyday life, and as such you should be brushing a couple of times a week and taking your four-legged friend to the groomers every 8-10 weeks to ensure there is no grime build-up or other maintenance-related issues that can cause problems down the line.
Health
Health problems include common issues such as luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. These are present in this breed despite that cross-breeding vigor, and as such any limping, or movement impairments should be seen to post-haste.
As well as this, if you have a mix with an apple-head Chihuahua, the eyes are at an increased risk of infection. Dry eye and Entropion, as well as cataracts and glaucoma in old age, are all worth keeping tabs on down the line.
Temperament
Highly intelligent, extremely loyal, sassy, and feisty is the sort of personality traits you can expect from your Labra Chi-Poo. While more laid back than other small dogs, they are always looking for things to do and engage with, and so they should be kept stimulated with toys and activities to play with.
Their intelligence makes training rather easy, and if socialized early they can be very friendly and happy dogs, however with both children and other dogs you will need to keep an eye on your pup – as their hot-headedness can get them into all sorts of mischief!
Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements
This breed will require 45-60 minutes of exercise a day, and if you are planning on achieving this through walks, it would be advised you take frequent breaks, or split the walk into morning and evening to give your dog time to rest its body.
Food-wise 1 cup of dry food will suffice in keeping your dog on a healthy and balanced diet. Again, this may need to be split into two to allow time to digest properly.
Conclusion
As far as crosses go – this one is pretty out there. Crossing the crown jewel of companion dogs with the most notorious hothead seems like an odd pairing whatever way you cut it, however, the resulting pup will have the lovability and eccentric energy to will keep you entertained all day long!
But for some, the Labra may be a sticking point. They aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and as it makes up ¼ of your dog, this might be a deal-breaker. If this is the case – fear not, as the Goldendoodle Chihuahua mix might just be the perfect dog for you!