It's not that a sick Chi's vet bills are more than any other breed of dog. Chis have a tendency to develop a very strong bond with the mom (You) quickly unlike other breeds. This bond becomes so strong that you want to care for them like your own children. Any breed of dog can have health issues. You have to be careful, know the signs to look for & ask lots of questions. The reason I suggested a shelter or local papers is because you might be able to get the dog for free or cheaper & at the same time save a little life. If you would rather get one from a breeder you need to research the breeder's history, ask lots of questions, visit more than a few times, see how the other animals, look & act. There are some very good breeders, but there are some that you have to beware of.
I know how stressful it can be when you have an idea of what you want but you're not sure where to find it. When I move to Tennessee, I decided that I didn't want an outside dog, something small, easy to feed & something to keep me company. I decided I wanted a White Female Chi. It had been a year since I put a mixed breed dog to sleep because of arthritis & I think I was really scared to look. My dad & brother went to a local pet shop & found this beautiful bright white chi with a pink little nose. I melted & ever since the day she (Kasper) I got her I've been crazy about Chis. These are the smallest dogs in the world with the BIGGEST hearts you'll ever find. Kasper ran into problems after she gave birth to 5 pups & died 10 months later. I had given the pups away & thankfully my mom who wanted one gave my the pup back reluctantly. So now I have Midgie (Kasper's baby who just turned 5).
I love this forum. There's a lot of really great people here who can guide & help you in every aspect of info regarding Chi's.

I didn't mean that I think it costs more money for a small dog rather than a big dog. I was more curious as to how quickly things can go bad for a small dog as opposed to a big dog. I am way past large breed dogs BTW. Its why I want something small. I am the biggest softy and always bond with animals. I had a cockatiel years ago. I had her for 10 years and it killed me when she died.

I know several people who have a Chi, dress them up and so on. Pretty funny actually. I guess its going to be a longer road now to figure out what I want and then be able to find it. I am thinking of a short hair Chi. that much for sure. One step done. LOL