chiweenie-breed information-the dachshund chihuahua mix

Chiweenie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. These pets are little dogs with enormous personalities.

We see Chihuahua Dachshund mixes in shelters frequently despite being regarded as a “designer breed” since many owners are unaware of the extra care they need. This is due to their propensity for degenerative disc disease (IVDD), which can be quite crippling if left untreated.

Although Chiweenies are known for being loud barkers, they are often lively and playful animals. This is because the Dachshund Chihuahua mixes acquire this trait from both parent breeds. After all, both Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are vocal creatures.

Chiweenie History

The Chihuahua

The little stature of the Chihuahua dog breed makes it a popular toy. The breed is the smallest known breed of dog and its origins are in Mexico. The Mexican state of Chihuahua is where Europeans first saw the breed, hence the origin of the breed’s name.

The dogs’ original purpose in breeding was to make them resilient to the harsh desert environment. The Aztecs also utilized them as sacrifice animals.

A Mexican envoy transported two Chihuahuas to France in 1884, which is when the breed was first known to exist in Europe. The breed sprang to popularity in the US in the 1950s and has stayed among the most well-liked toy breeds ever since.

The Dachshund

Because of their large bodies and short legs, dachshunds are a breed of dog that is easily recognized. Dachshunds come in two varieties: those bred specifically for hunting badgers, and those bred specifically for hunting bunnies, despite their apparent hunting heritage.

While the latter are smaller and more nimble, the former are bigger and have stronger jaws. Regardless of the breed, you can be certain that your Dachshund has a fascinating and lengthy past.

Germans were the first to breed dachshunds, and they were employed there to hunt badgers, hares, and foxes.

The Chiweenie

A Chihuahua and a Dachshund were crossed to create the Chiweenie, a hybrid dog breed. The goal of this cross was initially to produce a little dog with a Dachshund’s hunting prowess in the United States.

The resulting breed is well-liked as a companion animal since it is bright, feisty, and devoted. Though its exact beginnings are unknown, the Dachshund Chihuahua hybrid is believed to have gained popularity in the 1990s.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not accept the Dachshund Chihuahua mix.

Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Appearance

Since the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix is a relatively new breed, there aren’t many strict guidelines for how they should look.

That being said, the majority of Dachshund-Chihuahua mixes have tiny statures, with long bodies and short legs. They come in a range of hues, including black, brown, and white, and their coats can be short or long.

Chihuahua Dachshund Mixtures usually have large, dark eyes and floppy ears. A Chiweenie is a distinctive breed that is guaranteed to draw attention wherever they go, even if there is no one “standard” look for them.

A Chihuahua Dachshund mix’s size might change based on how big its parents are. However, their shoulder height and weight range from 9 to 12 inches and 6 to 12 pounds, respectively.

Chiweenie Temperament

Mixes of Chihuahua and Dachshund are incredibly lively and energetic, making them excellent companion dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and are extremely devoted and affectionate. Chihuahua Dachshund mixes, however, can be difficult to train, so they might not be the greatest option for inexperienced dog owners.

If you’re thinking about bringing a Dachshund/Chihuahua mix into your home, be ready to invest the time and energy necessary to properly educate them. You’ll have a happy and healthy companion for many years to come if you are patient and provide positive reinforcement.

Dachshund Chihuahua mixes love to bark, and once they get going, they can be very persistent. Although this tendency annoys some, it is one of the qualities that make the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix such an excellent watchdog. The tendency of this breed to bark can also be useful in warning its owners of any threats, including intruders approaching the house.

Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Health

A Chiweenie typically lives between 12 and 16 years.

Dachshund-Chihuahua mixes may inherit some health issues from their parents even though they often inherit the best traits from both breeds. For instance, Chihuahua Dachshund mixes are more likely to develop degenerative disc disease (IVDD), a disorder that results in the degeneration of the spine’s discs.

They are also more vulnerable to dental issues like crowding and tooth misalignment.

Furthermore, Chiweenies may develop a luxating patella, a disorder in which the kneecap dislocates.

To learn about potential health concerns for your pets, we suggest seeking advice from the breeder or veterinarian of your dog.

The breeder of your dog will be aware of any possible health issues that your puppy may be prone to, regardless of whether it is a mixed breed or not, by assessing the health of its parents.

If none of these solutions are feasible, a dog DNA test could be utilized. I have utilized the Embark dog DNA test on my two canine family members. I appreciate the dog DNA test’s ability to identify breeds and detect health issues.

Upon receiving the test results two weeks later, I was pleasantly impressed by the accuracy of the breed ID results.

The health detection feature helped me gain insight into the health conditions my two dogs are susceptible to and how I may improve their care.

Dental Issues

Overcrowding is one of the most frequent dental issues in mixtures of Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. When a dog’s mouth is too big for its teeth, the teeth cluster and overlap, which results in this condition. Gingivitis, dental decay, and ultimately tooth loss may result from this.

Dachshund dogs Additionally prone to periodontal disease, or inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, are mixtures of Chihuahuas. Periodontal disease can cause discomfort, infections, and eventually tooth loss if treatment is not received. It’s crucial to brush your Chihuahua Dachshund mixe’s teeth frequently and have them examined by a veterinarian at least once a year to help avoid these issues.

Patellar Luxation

This hurts and makes your dog limp when the knee joint moves out of position. In extreme circumstances, surgery can be necessary to fix the issue.

Because they are little dogs, Chihuahua Dachshund mixes are especially prone to luxation in the knees. As a result, it’s critical to recognize the symptoms of luxating patella and to get your dog checked out by a veterinarian if this happens.

Back Issues

A disorder known as degenerative disc disease, or IVDD, can afflict tiny breed dogs, including mixes of Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. The disease is brought on by the degeneration of the discs in the spine that support the vertebrae.

Pain, nerve compression, and mobility issues may result from this. MRIs and X-rays are often used in conjunction to diagnose IVDD. Medication, physical therapy, and surgery are available forms of treatment.

Chiweenie Care

You must consider many things when taking care of a Dachshund-Chihuahua mix, such as food, exercise, shedding, grooming, and training.

Shedding Level

There are a few characteristics about the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix that we can be certain of when it comes to shedding.

To begin with, the Dachshund-Chihuahua mix breed is not hypoallergenic. They will therefore likely shed some fur, which may cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.

Second, the parent breeds that the dog resembles the most will determine how much shedding it does. They will shed less if they follow in the footsteps of the Chihuahua than the Dachshund.

Finally, by maintaining the coat healthy and tangle-free, frequent brushing might assist in preventing shedding.

Mixtures of Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic.

Grooming

The short, silky coats of Chihuahua Dachshund mixes are simple to maintain. To maintain healthy and tangle-free coats, they do need to conduct some basic grooming. Here are some pointers to help you maintain the coat on your Chiweenie:

Use a soft-bristled brush to frequently brush your Chiweenie’s coat. This will assist in clearing their coat of any dirt or debris that has become lodged there.
When needed, give your Dachshund/Chihuahua mix a bath. To prevent irritating your dog’s skin, use a gentle shampoo and make sure to rinse well.

Diet

The following advice can be given to your mixed-breed Chihuahua:

Portion size: Despite their small stature, Dachshund-Chihuahua mixes require a high caloric intake to maintain their vigorous energy levels. Feeding them half to one cup of food every day, split into two meals, is a decent general guideline.
Meal quality: Seek out a premium meal that is made especially for little breeds. It needs to be nutrient- and calorie-rich to support your Chiweenie in keeping a healthy weight.
Supplementing: You might want to add more protein and calories to your Dachshund-Chihuahua mix’s food if he is an active dog. Treats or the addition of dry food to their wet diet can do this.
Water: Always make sure there is an ample supply of fresh water accessible for your Dachshund/Chihuahua mix. Long-term health issues can be avoided and they will stay hydrated thanks to this.

Training

Being consistent is essential when teaching a Chihuahua Dachshund mix.

Chiweenies are creatures of habit, just like any other dogs, therefore if the rules are regularly enforced, they will soon pick up on them. Early training is crucial for the Chihuahua Dachshund mix to develop a strong bond and trustworthy relationship with its owner.

Positive reinforcement for good behavior should be a part of training, along with lots of praise and incentives. To ensure that the Dachshund-Chihuahua mix has a comprehensive awareness of expectations, a range of instructions should be taught to it. Any owner can successfully train a Chihuahua Dachshund mix with perseverance and consistency.

Exercise

Chihuahua Dachshund mixes need frequent exercise because they are energetic dogs despite their small stature. As a general guideline, they should exercise for at least half an hour, split into two or three sessions, each day.

This can involve any activity that gets them moving, such as running, walking, or playing fetch.

But because Dachshund-Chihuahua hybrids are prone to joint issues, it’s best to avoid over-exercising them. Chiweenies make happy, healthy dogs as long as they receive the proper amount of activity.

Is Chiweenie The Right Dog For Me?

Chiweenie And Other Pets

Chihuahua Dachshund mixes usually get along well with other pets, especially cats and small dogs, which is one of the advantages of owning one.

They are not much bigger than a cat, therefore their size is perhaps the reason why they don’t see them as prey.

On the other hand, because of their small stature, larger canines may easily intimidate them. Therefore, socializing Dachshund-Chihuahua hybrids with smaller animals is usually the best course of action.

Doesn’t Get Along With Small Kids

Small children should never be left alone with Chihuahua Dachshund hybrids due to their small stature and delicate bodies. A Chihuahua Dachshund mix can be accidentally injured by even the most well-behaved youngster, and the stress of being around kids can exacerbate the dog’s health issues.

It’s crucial to select a breed of Dachshund that is better adapted to living with children if you have small children and are thinking about acquiring a Chihuahua mix. You can pick a better-suited dog breed for your family by doing some study on the numerous amazing dog breeds available.

Perfect For Apartment Living

Small dogs like chihuahua Dachshund mixes are ideal for apartment living. They are perfect for people who live in small places because they require little upkeep and don’t require a lot of effort.

They are spoiled dogs, though, and they bark at everything. Although this might apply to certain specific dogs, it might not apply to the breed as a whole.

A lot of Dachshund-Chihuahua mixes may live in apartments without any issues. Giving the Chiweenie lots of exercise and socializing is the key to preventing excessive barking. A Dachshund Chihuahua mix will be far less prone to bark excessively if it receives adequate exercise and care.

Chiweenie Male vs Female

In terms of health, male Chiweenies are more likely to experience problems such as undescended testicles, whereas females are more likely to get urinary tract infections.

It depends on personal preference, though, thus neither gender is intrinsically superior to the other. While some find females’ more subdued demeanors more appealing, others prefer male’s more independent personalities.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Weight	6-12 pounds
Height	9 to 12 inches
Size	Small
Coat Type	Short or long-Coated
Coat Color	Various colors. It could also be a combination of the breed parents’ markings, fawn, brown / chocolate/liver, black, and white. Patterns: Brindle, bicolor, sable, and Merle
Amount of Shedding	low
Nose	Dark
Ears	Erect or Floppy
Temperament	Sassy, playful, energetic, and doesn’t get along with strangers and kids.
Life Expectancy	12 and 16 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Intelligence	Not very intelligent, they need time and effort
Kid-Friendly	No
New Owner Friendly	Yes, and No
Activity level	Very active
Breed Recognition	No