The Chihuahua Dachshund mix (Chiweenie) is a designer dog breed aimed at fusing all the desirable traits of the German Dachshund and the popular Chihuahua dog breed. Loved for their small size and perky attitude, this Chihuahua mix breed is quite entertaining.
The Chihuahua Dachshund mix is also called by the following names: Chiweenie, Choxie, German Taco, Weeniehuahua, and Mexican Hot Dog.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Specifications
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 – 10 inches |
| Weight | 5 – 12 pounds |
| Coat color | Black, brown, white. Solid or mixture |
| Eye color | Brown, hazel |
| Coat type | Can vary Long or Short hairs |
| Temperament | Playful, intelligent, mouthy, family-loving |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Appearance
As is the case with most designer dog breeds, it could be hard to guess the looks. This is mainly because the ratio of parent genes may vary. He will be more similar to the one who has more dominant genes.
Though, there are some distinct features that you would likely notice in a Chiweenie.
The first one that you can easily notice is the big eyes of the Chihuahua. If you love these big eyes, you can check out other dogs with big eyes as well.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix is a small size dog as you can easily expect looking at his parent. The ears are perked up or floppy with a moderate muzzle. The limbs are in proportion with the body that suits his body well.
The coat can feature a solid or mixed color like Black, brown, and white.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Size
This new breed does not have any set breed standards. Still, you can easily expect the Chihuahua and Dachshund mix to be small.
Their weight usually falls between 5 to 12 pounds, and they can reach up to a height of 6 to 10 inches at the withers.
If you love the Dachshund but want a medium-sized Dachshund mix, check out the Dachshund Lab mix.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Lifespan
This Chihuahua mix breed can live for an impressive 12 to 16 years.
Chiweenie Personality
Everything is not as it looks with the Chiweenie!
You might think of him as a lap dog that would love to cuddle in your lap. But this is not the case as he prefers to be active.
Other notable traits of this dog include prey-drive which may or may not be present, a trait he may inherit from the Dachshund.
Chiweenie also loves to vocalize with barking. This is why many owners call them “yappy”. This makes them suitable as watchdogs.
He will mix well with family members, but do not expect him to warm up fast to strangers! It will take some time, training, and socializing before he can start accepting guests.
Although this hybrid inherits his parent’s intelligence, he will not be the easiest dog to train. You can expect some stubbornness and a high tendency to bark.
Having said all this, your biggest problem will be to make sure he does not get injured by over-excited children. With their small size, they are prone to injuries by young children who don’t know how to play with them.
You might prefer adults and older children handling your Chihuahua Dachshund mix.
When it comes to other household pets, if socialized early, there will be no issues. They can gel well with other dogs and cats! In the end, it is training, socializing, and genetics that contribute towards Chiweenie temperament.
These fun-loving dogs are a great addition to any family. This is especially true for families who only want one small pet. He enjoys the privilege of being the only one who gets the attention!
Coat Color and Characteristics
Both the Chihuahua and the Dachshund are known for their short coats, but both the Chihuahua and Dachshund do exist in long coats as well. So, the Chihuahua Dachshund mix can also have a short coat or a long coat.
A short coat Chiweenie is an option for allergy-sufferers, while the long coat dog is not the best option for allergy-prone individuals. Shedding is observed in both variants and typical maintenance should be expected.
Coat length depends on the coat of the parent Chihuahua and Dachshund. Their coats usually feature a singular solid coat or a mixture of colors. Common colors seen include brown, black, and white.
Maintaining the coat of both variants of these dogs will not be an issue since they are both easy to maintain. This Chihuahua mix coat is suitable for regular weather but not for extreme conditions.
Winter will require you to buy a coat for your dog. In hot summers, you should keep your dog indoors or use pet sunscreen to protect the ears, nose, and other sensitive areas from the sun.
Chiweenie Grooming
As mentioned, the Chihuahua Dachshund mix could be short-coated or long-coated depending on the parents. The great news is that both coats are relatively easy to maintain and no special grooming tactics are required.
A weekly brushing for short coats is the best solution to all shedding woes. Longer coats have potential to require brushing twice a week. This is because an untidy long coat is easier to spot than an untidy short coat.
The Chiweenie is best suited to warmer climates. But make sure he stays out of the direct sunlight and remains indoors.
Diet
The Chiweenie is a dog breed that can put on extra weight if his owner provides the opportunity. Avoid leaving extra food during the day. Cut back on the snacks as well!
A regulated diet should be drawn out and avoid fatty low quality dog foods. Exercise plays an important role in influencing weight. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity. Proportional amounts of food are the best option for a healthy dog.
The dietary requirements will change from puppyhood to adulthood and eventually to senior dog years.
We would recommend 1 to 1.5 cup of good quality dry dog food spilt into two meals.
You can consult a vet to guide you and should consider his weight, energy, illnesses, and age to provide the right food amount.
Exercise
Lack of exercise can cause more than unwanted weight gain. Weak muscles, depression, or destructive behavior are all a cause of no exercise.
To make your Chiweenie do some exercise should not be a problem since they have high to medium energy levels.
Along with play sessions and short walks, make sure your dog is getting a thorough 30 minute or hour-long walk. This should be a daily chore.
Common Health Problems
Being a designer breed, Chiweenie is at the risk of inheriting a range of diseases that are common in the Chihuahua or Dachshund. Here is a list of diseases that he may be prone to:
- Diabetes
- Dental issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Knee and joint issues
- Degenerative disc disease
Care
The Chiweenie is not the biggest dog out there and could be more vulnerable to smaller issues regarding hygiene. For this reason, constant visits to the vet are advised. A vet will be able to pick up health concerns that you could miss.
Apart from vet visits the owner will have to be vigilant and carry out their end of caring for their Chiweenie.
Bathing
Bathing your dog regularly might sound like a good idea but it is not. A bath should only be given once a month or when really needed. Baths remove dirt, but they also leach out the essential oils from the skin.
Choice of Shampoo can also affect the skin and can even create more problems if it has too many chemicals in it. We would recommend natural oatmeal-based shampoo.
Eyes
Just like humans, dogs will be subject to eye secretions. These eye secretions harden and could cause difficulty in opening the eye.
These secretions stick to the eyelashes and the corner of the eyes. You can easily clean them using a damp cloth and wiping the eye.
Teeth
One area that requires extra care is the dental health of your Chihuahua Dachshund mix. Small dogs like these are more likely to suffer from a dental illness. These conditions not only affect the teeth but also the gums.
Dental conditions can result in foul breath, loose teeth, pain, reduced appetite. The good news is that you can avoid causing your pooch all this pain. Brushing their teeth daily with the right toothpaste will delay the onset of such conditions.
Nails
Nail clipping is a common dog care activity that can be done by the owner. Trimming nails is done once or twice a month.
Long nails harbours dirt and possible bacteria. Keeping nails short can help to eliminate the need to clean the nails.
Ears
Daily ear cleaning is essential to keep the ear canal clean and healthy. Debris and pests are prone to settle in this sensitive area. The fact that the ears are so small does not make matters easier. A groomer or vet will not mind looking.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Pro’s and Con’s
Pro’s
- Small size
- Intelligent and loving dog
- Suits most families/individuals
- Perfect for apartment living
Con’s
- Delicate and easy to injure
- Very “vocal”
- Tough to train (sometimes)
About Parent Breeds
Let us have a quick look at the parent breeds.
Dachshund
The Dachshund or as it is normally known as the “Sausage dog” has short limbs and an elongated body. They have long droopy ears and a long snout since they are scent hounds.
Originating in Germany, the Dachshunds were used for chasing down and expelling small animals from their burrows. Today the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the Dachshund as one of the most popular dog breeds in the USA.
Chihuahua
Size is no indication of character here; the Chihuahua is a small dog that has a big character. These feisty animals originate from Mexico. The Chihuahua has an apple or deer-shaped head with large eyes and a moderate-sized muzzle.
A Chihuahua is a confident small dog that does not see his small size as a disadvantage. They are feisty but intelligent when given the right amount of training and support. This breed is officially recognized as the world’s smallest dog breed.
Finding a Chihuahua Dachshund mix puppy for sale could be tough and we advise you to adopt. It is unfortunate to know that most Chiweenie puppies end up at dog shelters or abandoned since many people cannot care for this delicate pooch.
If you are an individual or a family with older children, the Chiweenie is just the dog for you. Energetic, playful, and intelligent, you will enjoy every moment with him!