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If you’re lucky enough to have met a Chiweenie before, you likely already know why the breed is so popular with dog lovers. This Chihuahua-Dachshund mix is well known for its petite size, silly antics, and big heart! These pint-sized cuties have won the hearts of humans all over the country (and world!) and are a highly desirable breed for many pet owners.
What makes a Chiweenie puppy stand out from other dogs? Their Chihuahua heritage makes them prone to energetic sprints while their Dachshund lineage gives them an adorable and highly distinctive hotdog shape.
Before you adopt a Chiweenie, you’ll need to do your research to make sure the breed is a good match for your lifestyle, or you risk having one unhappy pup. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history and characteristics of this special canine crossbreed.
Quick Chiweenie Facts
Name: Chiweenie, Choxie, Weeniehuahua
Origin: Central America and Germany
Size: Approximately 5-10 pounds and 5-9 inches high at the shoulders
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Appearance: Coat varies but can include black, brown, white, and fawn sections with short or long hair
Temperament: Playful, energetic, stubborn
Compatibility: Better suited for homes without children and other dogs
Intelligence: Smart but willful
Exercise & Energy: Need moderate exercise and are prone to digging
Grooming Needs: Moderate shedding; need periodic brushing
Training: Need consistent training
Health: Can develop back, ear, and dental problems
Highlights: Energetic, protective, mischievous, quick learners
Who Should Consider Adopting a Chiweenie?
Families without children: A Chiweenie dog is rarely a good fit for little ones, but they can make wonderful companions for adults.
People with small living spaces: This Dachshund-Chihuahua mix won’t get much bigger than ten pounds, so it doesn’t require tons of space.
Adults with long-term love to give: The Chiweenie lifespan can be up to 16 years. Pet owners should be prepared to care for their pup for well over a decade.
Patient individuals: The breed needs an owner that’s willing to invest in firm, consistent training to prevent dangerous behaviors.
Active people: Chiweenies need plenty of exercise that doesn’t strain their back.
What Do Chiweenies Look Like?
Like other mixed breeds, Chiweenies have the possibility of inheriting a number of traits. This means your little guy can look much different than your neighbor’s Chiweenie! Generally speaking, the most distinctive feature of this breed is their long torso, passed down to them from their Dachshund side. Their ears are typically floppy. can have the round, bulging eyes of a Chihuahua or the less prominent eyes of a Dachshund.
How Big Do Chiweenies Get?
A full-grown Chihuahua-Dachshund mix isn’t likely to get much taller than a foot or so. That’s because both Chihuahuas and miniature Dachshunds are known for being quite short. This means your little pup will stay tiny throughout its life. Owners of small dogs should remember that extra weight can add more pressure to joints, causing them to degenerate more quickly than normal. While it’s tempting to feed your pooch lots of treats since it makes them happy, they’ll also be excited to go on walks and play in the backyard. These are much healthier choices that keep your dog’s waistline down!
What Are Chiweenie Coats Like?
Chiweenie dogs have coats of fur that can vary greatly, depending on their parents' genetics. Some Chiweenies have short fur while others have long fur. Regarding texture, many have fur that’s soft to the touch, but wiry coats aren’t uncommon either! Their coats come in a range of colors, including black, brown, white, and fawn. Your Chiweenie will likely show off two off these colors at once, such as light brown and white or black with a chocolate brown chest.
What Are Chiweenies Temperaments Like?
There are plenty of sweet Chiweenies out there, but their Dachshund background can make them prone to aggression. While their goofy appearance doesn’t suggest it, Dachshunds were even designated the most aggressive breed by scientists.
Both Chihuahuas and Dachshunds can be strong-willed, which means breaking bad habits can take some time and devotion. This combination of feisty temperaments means Chiweenies are best left to more experienced dog owners.
What’s a Chiweenie’s Personality Like?
Chiweenies like to protect their owners and will let everyone know this by barking at every opportunity. Often, they’ll guard their favorite place in the world: your lap. These guys often make expert cozy companions. Just keep in mind that if your Chiweenie will be snuggling on the couch or bed with you, the jump up can strain their long backs. Installing dog ramps around the house can minimize the risk of injury.
Are Chiweenies Good for Families with Kids?
In short, no. Unfortunately, small dogs and children don’t always mix. This can be for several reasons. Well-meaning kids can accidentally trample a little dog when they’re roughhousing around the yard. Additionally, smaller dogs like Chiweenies can be more apt to nip or bite in defense since their size makes them more vulnerable.
The good news is that these little fur babies are usually great around adults who have the patience to train them. Professional training is always an option for pet owners who need some help managing their Chiweenie’s negative behaviors.
How Are Chiweenies With Other Animals?
Like many small dogs, Chiweenies don’t always realize they’re not the biggest kids on the block. This means they might pick fights with bigger dogs who could hurt them in defense. The risk is elevated in those certain Chiweenies who are prone to acting aggressive toward any other dog in the vicinity.
Do Chiweenies Need Special Care?
Chiweenies can inherit the best (and worst) traits of both their parents’ breeds. There’s no way to know for certain which ones your dog will display as they get older, but following some general Chiweenie care tips can help your dog stay happy and healthy.
What Are a Chiweenie’s Grooming Needs?
All dogs need some level of grooming. In the Chiweenie’s case, the type and amount of grooming really depends on your pup’s unique look. For instance, if your Chiweenie boasts a coat of long locks, you’ll need to brush them every day. Frequent brushing not only prevents tangles but makes it easier to spot early signs of skin infections or wounds. Short-haired pups should be brushed once or twice a week. While Chiweenies don’t shed as much as, say, a Golden Retriever, you’ll still have a good coating of fur on your clothes when you leave the house.
Depending on how active your Chiweenie is, you’ll need to have their nails trimmed every few weeks or so.
Do Chiweenies Require a Lot of Training?
Absolutely! Although lovable, these stubborn fellows need consistent training. Start training as soon as possible, even if your dog is still a puppy. The earlier you address unwanted behaviors, the less likely they are to continue.
Some dog owners make the mistake of thinking a dog as tiny as a Chiweenie doesn’t need firm training like a bigger dog, such as a German Shepherd or Husky. Don’t buy into this myth! Otherwise, you risk raising a tiny terror that wants to nip at everything (and everyone) that comes into their space.
Do Chiweenies Need a Lot of Living Space?
These pint-sized pups don’t need a ton of space, but they do need a home that’s big enough for them to get their energy out. While they can take walks and run around outdoors, they shouldn’t be left outside for long. Your Chiweenie’s Dachshund side will likely come out in the form of digging holes around the yard, so be sure to watch them closely!
What Should Chiweenies Eat?
Chiweenies’ mouths are just as tiny as the rest of them. This means they need kibble that’s easy for them to chew. Make sure you give them food specially formulated for small breeds to prevent choking. While your dog may have a tremendous appetite, make sure you’re feeding them only the amount recommended by their veterinarian! It’s easy to overfeed dogs who love to eat, so make sure to keep treats (including when training), to a minimum.
Are Chiweenies Healthy Dogs?
There are many Chiweenies who live long, healthy lives. Sadly, there are some health issues you’ll need to be aware of. Both Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are prone to certain diseases and conditions.
What Health Issues Typically Affect Chiweenies?
Many of the problems Chiweenies face are related to their size and were inherited from their parents’ breeds. For example, Chihuahuas can exhibit dental problems due to their compact jaws. On the other hand, Dachshunds can suffer herniated intervertebral discs because of those sausage-shaped backs.
Cushing’s Disease
This disease often results from tumors in the pituitary or adrenal glands, although some medications can cause the disease to develop over time. Affected dogs may begin to drink and eat more than usual and urinate more frequently. Treatment is usually successful, but your dog may need to be on medication for the rest of their life.
Patellar Luxation
This condition is found in many smaller dog breeds and may affect your Chiweenie’s knees. Their knees essentially become dislocated over time, causing arthritis, and making it difficult for your dog to hold themselves up. Medications, weight management, and surgery may be necessary depending on the severity.
Should You Get Pet Insurance for Your Chiweenie?
We all hope for the best when it comes to our dog’s health, but sometimes, hoping isn’t enough. Investing in dog pet insurance early on will likely save you time and money down the road, especially when it comes to unexpected surgeries and medications.
Because Chiweenies can be prone to certain health conditions, enrolling them in pet insurance early in their lives can be a smart financial decision for many pet parents. Not sure how pet insurance and preexisting conditions work? You can always get more information from Embrace as well as a free quote.
Where Do Chiweenies Come From?
Chihuahuas originated in what is now Mexico and likely descended from the Techichi, a now-extinct canine that were raised by the Toltecs in the 800s CE. Dachshunds have roots on the other side of the world, in Germany. There, they were bred to hunt badgers, which explains their tunneling tendencies today!
In the 1990s, people in the United States began breeding Chiweenies, and they’ve quickly become a much-loved breed!
How Can You Get a Chiweenie?
You probably won’t find a Chiweenie puppy in a shelter, but it’s always a good idea to check your local one or a rescue first. You can also purchase a Chiweenie from a breeder, but you’ll need to make sure the breeder is reputable. Look at the breeder’s site yourself and check for signs of overcrowding, malnourishment, and sickly dogs.
Also take the time to look at reviews, as you never want to mistakenly get a dog from a puppy mill. That said, you’ll want to avoid pet stores, since most of them are notorious for getting their dogs exclusively from breeding mills.
Chiweenie Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the price of a Chiweenie?
The cost varies greatly depending on the breeder. You can expect to pay anywhere between a couple hundred dollars to over a thousand.
Why do Chiweenies bark so much?
You can thank their parents for that! Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are both known to bark excessively. Keeping your dog entertained with toys and exercise can keep barking down.
How do you exercise a Chiweenie?
Chiweenies are energetic but require special care during exercise due to their long backs. Instead of long walks, opt for shorter, more frequent outings to avoid strain. Swimming is a fantastic option as the water supports their weight. Indoors, keep them active with playtime using lightweight toys or obstacle courses that don't require jumping. Mental stimulation is equally important - puzzle toys and scent games can tire them out just as effectively as physical exercise.
Are Chiweenies lap dogs?
For the most part, yes! No two dogs have the same personality, but generally, Chiweenies love to cuddle!
How much should Chiweenies weigh?
Your dog’s ideal weight will depend on their overall size, but most Chiweenies weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.