Chi Apso
12-15 yrs
13-15 lbs
10-11"
Unknown

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Chi Apso

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Dog Breeds
Chi Apso

13-15 lbs

10-11"

Unknown

Chihuahua

Lhasa Apso

Lhasa Chi

Almost resembling a teddy bear, the Chi Apso is a sweet, loyal playful companion dog that would make the ideal pet for first time owners or busy families. The Chi Apso is a hybrid mix of a Chihuahua and a Lhasa Apso, two very friendly and spunky companion dog breeds. These lovely, long haired beauties may fall on the heavier side in the small dog category and often weigh around 10 to 20 pounds. Since these dogs have long, dense double coats it is often recommended that cooler and temperate environments would be the best fit for a Chi Apso.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
Chihuahua and Lhasa Apso

Chi Apso Health

Average Size

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 13-15 lbs

Height: 10-11 inches Weight: 13-15 lbs

Major Concerns

Hypoglycemia
Collapsed Trachea
Kidney Disease

Minor Concerns

Cherry Eye

Occasional Diagnoses

Allergies

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Blood Count
Blood Chemistry
Full Body Physical Examination

Chi Apso Breed History

The Lhasa Apso originates from a holy city in Tibet known as Lhasa. They were originally bred as companion dogs for the monks in monasteries as well as sentinels for the temples. Their ancestry is unclear; there are theories ranging from them being descendants of Northern breeds, Tibetan Terriers or even a type of mountain wolf. and today can still be considered quite popular in monasteries. Carefully kept by the monks, they were never sold to others but the Dalai Lama did gift them on occasion. Gifted to Suydam Cutting and his wife by the 13th Dalai Lama in 1933, the Lhasa Apso made its entry into the United States, where he was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1935. The Chihuahua is of uncertain lineage as well. Known to be a ceremonial dog as well as a companion, the Chihuahua was considered a healer and was highly prized by the ancient Toltec people. This canine was called the Techichi and was thought to be able to guide a person to the other side after death. He ranks 30th on the list of popular dogs on the American Kennel Club roster, which this canine joined in 1904. The Chi Apso is recognized by the Designer Breed Registry as well as several other hybrid clubs and organizations.

Chi Apso Breed Appearance

The Chi Apso tends to have deep set eyes that are dark and large. The ears may be pendant in shape and are typically flopped downwards. His muzzle is medium in length and is adorned with a round black nose. This petite breed has well defined small teeth, and the jaw may present with a slight under bite (a trait common in the Lhasa Apso parent). Despite their small size the Chi Apso tends to have a long and sturdy body, making them one of the more well built small hybrids. His legs are short but sturdy. His coat is often dense, straight and soft to the touch. Coat colors can vary from golden, brown, tan, black and white.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Cream

Brown

Black

White

Pied

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Chi Apso Breed Maintenance

This hybrid requires a moderate amount of maintenance. Their coat needs to brushed once a week in order to detangle knots and mats; using the pin brush and gently brushing should do the trick and if needed, use a comb to get the last few tangles out. Often, owners take their Chi Apso to the groomer every 4 to 7 weeks in order to tidy up the coat and shape it into a nice style. Bathing should be kept to a minimum and only when needed. It is advised that you brush the teeth of your Chi Apso on a daily basis - small dogs are prone to tooth decay. Trim his nails every other week and it is also a good idea to take a look inside the ears each week to endure that they are clean and free of moisture.

Brushes for Chi Apso

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Chi Apso Temperament

The Chi Apso can be quite a friendly and easily trainable dog. They are well suited to families with young children and other pets if socialized well. In regards to strangers, a Chi Apso can either be very cautious and quiet, or very dominating or protective. This is because, as with many small dogs, negative behavior is often reinforced as a result of owner mistakes. Too much coddling can result in separation anxiety, nippy mouths, and excessive barking. Give the Chi Apso a chance to be social and experimental with his place in the home and in his surroundings (such as parks and when on walks). The Chi Apso can sometimes be uncooperative when it comes to listening, especially if they are feeling stubborn but consistent encouragement and a firm but gentle style of ownership will let the Chi Apso shine.

Chi Apso Activity Requirements

The activity requirements for the Chi Apso are relatively low and they are not a demanding canine. They will, however be eager to go for a walk whenever you suggest it. Short brisk walks a few times a day are ideal outings for the Chi Apso; he'll love to go for a meet and greet session in order to practise what he has learned in obedience class. He likes toys and he likes to explore. If you have a fenced yard, do not leave him unattended as his small size may permit an unplanned escape under the fence. He can adapt well to an apartment provided his curious nature is satisfied with fresh air breaks, park visits and interaction with the family.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Chi Apso

Similarly Sized Breeds to Chi Apso

Chi Apso Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.70 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00

Written by Loreziel Ortega

Published: 12/14/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

More articles by Loreziel Ortega

Chi Apso Owner Experiences

Hope

10 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Play

Hope is very affectionate and loving, and I couldn't ask for a better best friend♡ she's so energetic and loves to play, but is also the best cuddler!

2 months, 3 weeks ago

Maggie

4 Months

4 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Walks - playing with snake

Wonderful - loving and very energetic

3 years, 11 months ago

Oliver

4 Months

3 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Play

Walk

Easily trained. Consistently urinates on pads. Trained to sit on command at 3 months. Very loving companion. Little bit of a bully with his older 3 year old brother.

3 years, 10 months ago

Marshall

3 Months

5 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

My Chi Apso is very energetic. He likes to eat fruits and veggies. He's also smart, you can train him easily. He's also sweet and caring. He doesn't want to be alone and he always wants attention

3 years ago

Question - New pet

Question

My current fog is a Chihuahua Lhasa Apso mix and I want to get another dog of the same breed in the future but I cannot find any breeders for this. Do you know of any? Anywhere?

Answer

Question - My pet

Question

I have a chi apso and his ear just flops it won't stand up like it was. I dont know if hes in pain but he's only 4 months. What can or do I need to do ?

Answer

Book me a walkiee?

Pweeeze!

Sketch of smiling australian shepherd