Is a Chihuahua–Corgi Mix Right for You?

The Chihuahua and Pembroke Welsh Corgi mix, often called a Chigi, is a mixed-breed dog who combines two big personalities in a compact package. They’re often alert, affectionate, and confident, with a strong attachment to their people and a surprisingly bold streak for a smaller dog. Chigis can inherit the Corgi’s sturdy build and the Chihuahua’s expressive features, though size, coat, and ear shape vary quite a bit from dog to dog. Here’s what you might want to consider before adopting a Corgi or Chihuahua mix.

TL;DR: A Chigi is a mixed dog breed created by crossing a Chihuahua with a Corgi. Their appearance can vary, but they’re typically small to medium-sized dogs who combine traits from both parent breeds.

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Why people love the Chigi

There’s something undeniably charming about the Chihuahua–Corgi mix. While a “pure” Chigi is a relatively uncommon designer breed, there are plenty of mixes out there with Corgis and Chihuahuas as their primary breeds waiting in shelters and rescues for someone to notice them. People love them for their combo of herding smarts, loyal companionship, and compact size that fits into all kinds of lifestyles.

• They have a unique look: The exact look of a Corgi–Chihuahua varies depending on which parent’s traits dominate; some Chigis inherit the longer body and shorter legs of the Corgi, others might not. They tend to have a sturdy frame, though smaller Chigis might lean toward the petite build of a Chihuahua. Either way, large, upright ears and an expressive smile are a guarantee.

• They’re small to medium-sized dogs: Although size can vary considerably, they tend to fall somewhere between seven and 12 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 10 to 20 pounds. But there’s a lot of variability with mixes, so they might be smaller or larger than these averages.

• They’re good family dogs: Chigis are friendly, playful, and energetic. And they’re especially for families looking for a small-to-medium-sized companion with a lively, affectionate personality. They are affectionate and enjoy being close to their people, making them excellent companions for both adults and children.

• They’re very smart dogs: This is not surprising because Chihuahuas and Corgis are known for their intelligence; both tend to be quick learners, are highly intelligent, and eager to work. If Chigis inherit these traits, they can pick up commands and tricks fairly quickly. 

• They’re long-lived: Expect to enjoy the companionship of these pups for 12 to 16 years on average.

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Considerations before adopting a Chihuahua–Corgi mix

Whether you’re looking for a dog who’ll curl up on the couch with you or keep an eye on the yard, a Chigi might be the perfect blend of brains, personality, and heart. Still, there are some things you might want to consider before adopting one of these mixes.

Energy-level

Depending on which parent breed they take after more, Chigis may have moderate energy, needing around 30 to 40 minutes (more or less) of exercise each day. They’re playful and thrive on interactive activities, making them a lively addition to a family. Whether it’s playing fetch, running around in the yard, or enjoying games that challenge their minds, Chigis love staying engaged — perfect for families who want a dog who’s fun, affectionate, and active.

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Vocal

Chigis can be quite vocal. Both parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Corgi, are alert and protective, so it’s common for a Chigi to bark. Chigis might bark during playtime, when excited or happy, or when they want to engage with their people. Although barking is part of a Chigi’s personality, with the right training and attention, it can be managed to avoid it becoming excessive.

Children

Chigis are usually good with kids because their playful and affectionate nature makes them a fun companion. That said, individual dogs have different personalities and Chigis vary widely in terms of size. Some might be a bit more reserved or sensitive with kids, especially if they have a strong Chihuahua influence or they may potentially have an instinct to herd, taking after the Corgi.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

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Training

Chigis can be moderately easy to train thanks to their intelligence and desire to please. However, they might exhibit some stubbornness or a short attention span, which can require extra patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement works best with Chigis, as they respond well to encouragement and rewards. Also, keep in mind that training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Socialization

Both parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Corgi, are loving and friendly with their family, and many Chigis are sociable and eager to interact with unfamiliar people and animals. But some Chigis might be more reserved with strangers or other animals.

As with any dog, it largely depends on their individual temperament, early socialization, and training. The more positive exposure a Chigi has from a young age, the better they will be at interacting with and coexisting peacefully.

Health

While mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, they can still inherit health issues from either of their parent breeds. Potential Corgi and Chihuahua health problems in Chigis include:

• Hip dysplasia: A condition where the hip joint doesn’t form properly, which can lead to pain and mobility issues. This is more common in larger Corgis but can occasionally affect Chigis.

• Patellar luxation: Common in small breeds like Chihuahuas, this occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. It can cause limping or difficulty walking.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): If a Chigi inherits the long body of a Corgi, they might be at risk for back problems like IVDD, which can cause pain or difficulty moving.

• Heart conditions: Both Chihuahuas and Corgis can be prone to certain heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease or other congenital heart defects. Regular checkups can help catch these issues early.

• Eye problems: Chigis may be prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a genetic condition that causes gradual vision loss. Cataracts and other eye conditions can also occur, especially as the dog ages.

• Epilepsy: Seizures can occur in some dogs, and both Chihuahuas and Corgis are known to be prone to epilepsy. If this condition is present, it usually appears in young adulthood.

Ready to adopt?

Adopting a Chigi is a wonderful choice if you’re eager to give a loving home to a dog in need. Many local animal shelters and rescue organizations often have a delightful range of mixed-breed dogs, including Chigis (they might be listed as a Chihuahua or Corgi mix). 

You can create a search on Adopt a Pet and filter by breed mix, location, and other factors to check for Chigis or similar mixes near you.

Commonly asked questions

Do Chigis need grooming?

Chigis require regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat and skin. How often you groom your dog depends on their coat type. If your Chigi has a short, smooth coat like a Chihuahua, brush one to two times a week using a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair and maintain shine. If your Chigi has a medium-length, double coat like a Corgi, brush two to three times a week (or daily during shedding season) using a slicker brush or undercoat rake to manage shedding.

Are Chigis hypoallergenic dogs?

No, Chigis are not hypoallergenic. Like most dogs, they produce allergens in their saliva, dander, and urine, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Chigis often shed moderately to heavily, especially if they inherit the Corgi’s double coat.

What colors do Chigis come in?

These pups come in several coat colors and patterns, reflecting the diversity of their parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Corgi. Some common colors and patterns include solid fawn, white, or black; black and tan; brown and white; tricolor; brindle; and merle. 

Do Chigies shed?

A Chigi might have a short and smooth coat like their Chihuahua parent that will shed minimally to moderately throughout the year. But if the Chigi inherits a thicker, double coat from their Corgi parent, they will shed more heavily, especially during seasonal shedding periods in spring and fall.