Chimo

He is not recognized by the F.C.I.

Origin
Mexico <> U.S.A. -> U.S.A.
Translation
Francis Vandersteen
This breed is also known as
Eskimo Chi

A brief presentation of the Chimo

The Chimo is a specific cross between the Chihuahua and the American Eskimo Dog. The size of a Chimo will vary according to the size of the parent American Eskimo Dog, but the hybrid is generally a toy or small dog with long, fluffy hair and a happy, loving personality. Not much is known about the Chimo, which may also be called the Eskimo Chi, but the two parent breeds have a long history. Chimo owners should examine the characteristics and health issues of the parent breeds to better understand their designer dog's potential temperament and health problems.

History of the Chimo

The Chimo is a new hybrid mix for the 21st century that is smaller than a standard American Eskimo Dog but not as fragile as a Chihuahua. The Chimo is currently recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of American and the International Designer Canine Registry. Little is known about the current hybrid, but the Chihuahua and American Eskimo Dog have colorful stories to share with the new mix.
        

A little of the Chihuahua

        
Two main theories abound as to the history of the living Chihuahua. Said to have come from China to Mexico aboard trading ships, or to have descended from the Techichi dog of South or Central America, this little dog was treated like a king because it was thought to have healing powers of a magical nature. Placed on the pillows of those who were ill, it was also cremated and buried with its owners when they died. The Aztecs, who involved the Chihuahua in their medical and spiritual rituals, depicted these events on ancient works. This breed was added to the list of the American Kennel Club in 1904.
Standard of the Chihuahua

A little of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo Dog is neither American nor Eskimo, and is thought to be of the Northern Spitz family, living in Germany as the German Spitz before coming to America in the 20th century. The Eskie's close relative, the German Spitz, was originally bred as a guard dog for farmers. The Spitz was chosen not for its aggressiveness, but for its vocalization and ability to alert people to potential threats. American Eskimo Dogs, like their German cousin, are vocal and competent watchdogs, but the Eskie was bred for entertainment. Many American Eskimo Dogs first won the hearts of Americans and Europeans with their tricks and abilities, and were featured in many traveling circuses as walking dogs on the tightrope. Anti-German sentiment after World War I and throughout World War II forced a name change on the German Spitz, which became affectionately known as the American Eskimo Dog, or Eskie. It is thought that the kennel that most raised the American Eskimo gave it its name: the American Eskimo Kennel.
Presentation of the American Eskimo Dog

Appearance of the Chimo

The Chimo may lean towards either of the parent breeds in appearance, but it is generally a small, even toy-sized brand dog, no bigger than 25.5 centimeters and weighing around 4.5 kilos. However, Chimo can be larger and weigh more if the parent breed is a standard American Eskimo Dog. The head is round with a fine, long muzzle in proportion to the head. The eyes can vary in color from light to dark brown and are round to slightly oval, expressive and cheerful. The coat can vary in color but is generally light, with white or cream in variations of two or three colors. A Chimo's hair is always soft and fluffy, but may lie flatter against the body in the hybrid than in the parent American Eskimo Dog.

Temperament of the Chimo

The Chimo is a friendly, intelligent hybrid that's eager to please, thanks to the American Eskimo Dog parent. Any stubbornness you find in your Chimo is sure to come from the Chihuahua parent, but the Chimo is considered an outgoing, loving and trainable hybrid. As far as children are concerned, the Chimo is a remarkably patient and loving companion, but may not be suitable for small children. The American Eskimo Dog parent makes the Chimo more resilient, and teaching children how to interact with dogs will help with good socialization. The Chimo gets along very well with other dogs and cats with good socialization, but the Chihuahua parent can interfere with true harmonization if not well socialized. Chimo can be slightly wary of strangers, but early socialization will help them develop friendliness towards unfamiliar, non-threatening people. Energy levels in the Chimo are high with moderate intensity, but they are small enough to get daily exercise indoors, which will keep their minds sharp and their bodies healthy.

Needs and activities of the Chimo

The Chimo is a hybrid of two high-energy breeds. The Chihuahua needs less intense activity, while the American Eskimo Dog can be high-energy and require slightly more daily activity. Your Chimo will love to run and jump, and will require between 1 and 2 hours of regular exercise. However, the small size of this mix means that the Chimo can get some of its exercise needs indoors. The Chimo is remarkably well adapted to apartment and city living, and both parent breeds strike a perfect balance in climate tolerance. The Chimo is capable of living in both hot and cold climates, and is ideally suited to temperate environments. However, during the warmer months, watch out for any signs of overheating, as your Chimo inherits the coat of its American Eskimo Dog parent.

Maintenance of the Chimo

Descended from two non-hypoallergenic breeds, the Chimo is not hypoallergenic and is considered a medium to high excretor. The Chimo's long, soft hair should be brushed daily to prevent matting and tangling, and to keep the coat looking its best. Frequent brushing will also help evenly distribute the natural oils that keep the skin and coat healthy. These dogs aren't known for developing a doggy odor, but regular brushing will help keep the coat clean and prevent odors from developing. While brushing your Chimo's coat, also check the ears and remove any build-up of wax, dirt or debris with a vet-approved cleaning solution.

No comments