If you’re considering adopting a Chipoo, you might wonder how big they are fully grown.
There’s not much better than a new puppy in the house. The cuddling, the wagging tail, the little yaps, and sneezes — it’s all so adorable. The Chipoo is one such breed sure to put a happy smile on your face.
Their small size and friendly demeanor make them perfect family pets. Named after their parent breeds, the Chihuahua and Poodle, these dogs are intelligent and obedient.
In this post, we’ll give you a Chipoo growth chart to keep track of your puppy’s progress. We’ll also go through some factors that may impact your dog’s development and offer tips for mitigating them.
Beforereading this guide, “When Is a Chipoo Fully Grown,” check out:and 7 Best Types of Chipoo Haircuts – With Pictures! (2023).
What Is a Chipoo?
Chipoo is a cross between two of the world’s most popular dogs, the Chihuahua and the Poodle. They’re often referred to as designer dogs since they have the best of two worlds.
Like their parents, these dogs crave attention and love being in the spotlight. They’re also intelligent and obedient (taking after Poodles), which makes training and housebreaking a breeze.
And if you live in a limited space, don’t fret. Chipoos’ tiny size makes them great apartment dogs, but of course, they still need plenty of exercise.
Unfortunately, Chipoos are not yet recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. They have, however, made their way into several dog registries, including International Designer Canine, American Canine Hybrid Club, and Designer Dogs Kennel Club.
Why Should You Know Your Chipoo’s Adult Size?
Here are some of the benefits of predicting your Chipoo‘s adult size:
- You can plan for their future needs, especially when buying accessories such as dog crates, harnesses, and beds.
- Full-grown Chipoo adults wander more often than younger ones, so you’ll want to fence in your yard beforehand.
- As the dog matures, so does the need for more food and exercise. You want to get prepared for any special care your Chipoo may require.
- If your Chipoo is over or underweight, you can adjust their diet accordingly or take them to the vet if it’s an issue.
- It helps you decide whether they’re a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
For example, if you have small children or other pets, a larger Chipoo might pose too much of a safety risk. On the other hand, smaller breeds require less space — perfect for apartment living.
At What Age Is a Chipoo Full-Grown?
A Chipoo attains their full adult size (weight) between 7.5 and 11 months.
However, half of this weight is gained when they’re around 3.5 months old and gradually increases over the remaining months.
Although age, genetics, and diet all influence a dog’s growth rate, smaller Chipoos reach adulthood sooner than larger ones. But, generally, they all follow the same growth pattern, as explained above.
How Big Do Chipoos Get?
A full-grown Chipoo dog usually weighs between five and 20 pounds and stands anywhere from five to 15 inches tall.
But as a hybrid dog, there is always room for surprises. Genetics is one factor that highly impacts a Chipoo‘s weight and height. Some dogs may grow bigger than others, depending on their parents’ sizes. So, by looking at your Chipoo‘s parent, you should be able to estimate their full-grown size.
As previously stated, when breeding Chipoo, two dog breeds are involved: the Chihuahua and the Poodle. Both dogs have distinct physical attributes, such as height and weight.
- For instance, Chihuahuas are five to eight inches and weigh under six pounds.
- On the other hand, Toy Poodles stand approximately 10 inches tall and average four to 12 pounds.
- However, Miniature Poodles stand about 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 10 to 20 pounds, a slight difference in size.
So, when a Miniature Poodle and a Chihuahua mate, you can assume their litter will fall between their parents’ size ranges. The same goes for a Toy Poodle with a Chihuahua.
Chipoo Growth Chart
The growth chart below gives you a general idea of what to expect from the size of your full-grown Chipoo.
Size/Sex | Male | Female |
Weight | 10 to 20 pounds | 3 to 20 pounds |
Height | 9 to 13 inches | 5 to 15 inches |
Fully Grown Age | 7 to 11 months |
However, take note of the following:
- The Chipoo’s growth rate is not constant. It will be steady at first, approximately 3.5 months old, and gradually slow down as they approach adulthood.
- To avoid being bitten, weigh your Chipoo puppy while the mother is away from the nest.
- Use a digital kitchen scale for the most accurate readings.
How Does Generational Breeding Affect Chipoo Size?
The genetic makeup of any living organism determines its physical characteristics. If one or both of the parents’ physical traits are dominant, then that trait will likely be passed on to the offspring.
In our case, breeding a large Chihuahua (sire) with a large Poodle (dam) increases the probability of having large Chipoo puppies, and vice versa.
Below is a table showing different generations of Chipoo and their percentage in the breed mix.
1st Parent (Sire) | 1st Parent (Dam) | Chihuahua (%) | Poodle (%) | |
First-Generation | Chihuahua | Poodle | 50 | 50 |
First-Generation Backcross
(1st G-Chipoo) | 1st G-Chipoo | Poodle | 25 | 75 |
First-Generation Backcross Backcross
(1st GB-Chipoo) | 1st GB-Chipoo | Poodle | 15.5 | 84.5 |
Second-Generation (2nd G-Chipoo) | 1st G-Chipoo | 1st G-Chipoo | 50 | 50 |
Second-Generation Backcross
(2nd GB-Chipoo) | 1st G-Chipoo | 1st GB-Chipoo | 34.5 | 65.5 |
Alternate Cross | 2nd G-Chipoo | Poodle | 25 | 75 |
Multigen Chipoo
(3rd G) | 1st GB-Chipoo or Higher | 1st GB-Chipoo or Higher | Varies | Varies |
*(The figures in the table are only estimates.)
It’s worth noting that you can never accurately predict the size of an individual puppy since other factors are involved (more on this later). However, you can control generational breeding to produce the desired result.
So, the next time you adopt a Chipoo from a shelter, find out about your puppy’s generation first. You might be pleasantly surprised at what kind of dog you’ll get.
What Affects Chipoo’s Growth?
Apart from genetics and generational breeding, some other factors affect a Chipoo‘s growth:
Nutrition
Feeding your full-grown Chipoo puppies the wrong food or feeding them too little can stunt their growth.
The first and most important source of nutrition is their mother’s milk. It is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antibodies, all of which aid in disease resistance.
After weaning, introduce them to a dog-specific diet consisting of high-quality ingredients such as meat, grains, fats, and oils. This will spur their development, help maintain muscle mass and strength, and optimize the absorption of nutrients.
Remember to consult with your veterinarian for any dietary adjustments.
Exercise
Unlike full-grown Chipoo, a puppy’s bones are still soft and undeveloped. While physical activity is necessary for healthy, strong bone and muscle development, too much can lead to overuse injuries like strains, broken bones, and torn muscles.
Unfortunately, this can stunt your pup’s growth or cause permanent damage.
Take regular breaks during playtime and monitor their exercise schedule closely to ensure they don’t overexert themselves. Start by gradually increasing playing time until it matches their body weight.
Health
Good health plays a significant role in your Chipoo growth. Diseases or parasites such as worms, fleas, ticks, or heartworms can interrupt the normal development of your puppy.
For instance, a sickly puppy may not eat properly due to reduced appetite or lose interest in playtime because of fatigue or pain. Keep an eye out for such unusual symptoms, and promptly visit your vet.
Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate mood, energy levels, metabolism, and other bodily functions. They also impact your Chipoo puppy’s growth precisely at the onset of puberty.
The pituitary gland, situated at the base of the dog’s brain, produces hormones responsible for reproduction and metabolism. If not enough of these hormones are produced, your Chipoo may suffer stunted growth and delayed sexual maturation.
What Should You Do if Your Chipoo Puppy Is Underweight?
It is not a hard and fast rule that your Chipoo must follow the growth curve depicted in the chart above. It’s okay if your puppy grows more slowly than others.
However, if they are considered underweight for their age or grow at an exceptionally sluggish rate, this may be a cause for alarm or a signal of underlying health conditions.
Here are a few pointers to help your underweight Chipoo puppy gain weight.
Consult Your Vet
Ask your veterinarian to examine your Chipoo puppy for underlying medical issues.
Parasites and infections can cause your pet to lose weight even when given ample food and water. Once satisfied, you can move forward with the other mitigation strategies.
Create a Diet Plan
Formulate a diet plan that focuses on high-quality food. Avoid pumping your puppy with too many calories, as this only leads to digestive upset such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Instead, incorporate meat, eggs, fruits, and vegetables to give your Chipoo the nutrients they need to bulk up.
Check Your Feeding Schedule
Instead of one large meal, feed your Chipoo puppy in smaller portions throughout the day.
Smaller meals are easier to digest and metabolize, meaning your Chipoo puppy absorbs maximum nutrients from each serving. Try feeding your puppy after every six hours, three times per day.
Try Supplements
Try weight gain treats to supplement your Chipoos’s diet. They’re formulated specifically for dogs trying to gain more pounds. Just make sure you do not go overboard.
Weight gain treats should never exceed five percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
The Weigh-In Program
Enroll your puppy in the weigh-in program to track progress. Like humans, progression on the right path can provide peace of mind and boost morale. However, weighing your Chipoo puppy too often may discourage you if there is no noticeable progress. Weighing in once a week is enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like their Chihuahua parents, Chipoos are prone to excessive barking and vocalizations.
Typically, a Chipoo will have four to five puppies in a litter.
Like its parents, the Chipoo is an affectionate, intelligent, owner-pleasing companion dog.
Conclusion for “When Is a Chipoo Fully Grown”
Chipoos are adorable, fun-loving dogs that make excellent pets for people of all ages. They typically weigh between five and 20 pounds at the age of 7.5 to 11 months and stand five to 15 inches tall at the shoulder. This physical attribute makes them easy to care for, even in an apartment.
However, like any other animal, their growth can be stunted due to various factors. Although not always easy, predicting your full-grown Chipoo size helps you avoid complications later.
Remember to consult a veterinarian before making decisions concerning your pet’s well-being.
If you find this guide, “When Is a Chipoo Fully Grown,” helpful, check out:
- Chipoo Puppies in the US – Top 4 Breeders! (2023)
- Chihuahua Poodle Mix Information, Facts, Images! (2023)
- 8 Best Mini Doodle Breeds! (2023)
Learn more by watching “Chipoo Dog Breed Information – Are They Kid Friendly | Chipoo Dogs 101” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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