Chiweenie
Quick Facts
- Not AKC Recognized
- Lifespan: 13-16 years
- Size: Small
- Energy: Medium
- Recommended Crate Size: 18" - 22" dog crate*
Table of Contents
Introduction
Although the Chiweenie is a wee little designer dog, you could never convince him of that. He thinks he’s ten feet tall and has a personality to match it. This cross between a Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua is mighty indeed.
Courageous, intelligent, and affectionate, the Chiweenie has earned his place in the hearts of many and rightly so...he’s an awesome dog.
Happy and energetic, this dog is a great fit for a small space, like an apartment, or for a large home as well. He is quite versatile as long as he is properly exercised. One thing is for sure when it comes to Chiweenies, like their parents, they love people and tend to get very, very attached.
Breed
The first cross with the Chihuahua and Dachshund mix took place in the 1990s. The mix of the two breeds was desired due to the small size, low maintenance, and easygoing friendly personalities of the two parent breeds. It was hoped that the outcome would possess the best of both. And...it certainly did!
Chiweenies are also called Mexican Hotdogs and German Tacos which are very appropriate names for them. Full of spunk and loaded with affection, these little dogs were quick to gain popularity.
It is most common for a Chihuahua to be bred with a Miniature Dachshund but a Standard Dachshund may also parent.
Due to the fact that they are not purebreds, Chiweenies as a breed are not in the American Kennel Club. They have found recognition of their own though through the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, Inc., the Designer Breed Registry, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
While with any mix, you can never be sure of the exact result and which parent the pup will favor the most, with this mix, breeders really could not go wrong.
The Chiweenie definitely carries over a good bit of the Dachshund look but other than that, it really doesn’t share the hunting instincts in the majority of the designer breeds. They tend to have more of their Chihuahua heritage.
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog in existence. Named after the Mexican state, his lineage dates back to pre-Columbian ancient kingdom days. Remains have been unearthed suggesting the breed of dog dates back to 300 BC and even before.
Graceful and friendly, the Chihuahua has been a beloved family member for centuries so it’s not a wonder that they were chosen for parenting half of the designer bred Chiweenie.
Chihuahuas can be entertaining and comical. Bursting with personality, they likely provided endless entertainment for the ancient people they walked among which very well may account for the reason they survived and thrived in the society.
But it’s not all fun and games with the Chihuahua, however. They vary greatly from one to the next. While some have energetic, friendly personalities, others are feisty and can be described as downright mean.
From lovers and performers to ankle biters, you just never know what a Chihuahua package will hold which is important to note when getting a Chiweenie since half of his genetics could be one way or the other, extremely social or snarling and naughty.
The Dachshund mix of this hybrid brings a lot to the table as well. They are expressive and alert, yet clever and stubborn, these dogs are super cute with short little legs and long, weenie-shaped bodies.
Hound dogs by design, they love to follow their noses and were originally bred to hunt small prey such as rabbits. Through the years they became a very popular companion dog.
Dachshund personalities, like Chihuahuas, can differ greatly. Some are playful people lovers and others have more obstinate, defensive, and independent characteristics.
When mixing a Dachshund and Chihuahua, it is hoped that the best of both breeds shines through. If so, you will have a near perfect designer dog. If now, however, you may have some work to do.
Both Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are highly trainable once you get past the independent and stubborn side but it will take time, energy, and patience. So, be sure you are prepared for the possibility and are up for the challenge.
Appearance
The Chiweenie is quite small, weighing in at only around 5-10 pounds. They typically measure around 8 inches at the shoulder.
Chihuahuas are usually 6 pounds or under and Miniature Dachshunds are 11 pounds or less so most Chiweenies are a balance in between.
In general, Chiweenies sport the long body of their Dachshund side and the small, but stout and sturdy, Chihuahua build. They tend to have floppy, long ears but may also have small Chihuahua ears.
The Chiweenie head is typically small and their feet are quite small as well. They may have a long tail. Their snouts are usually long if they resemble their Dachshund parent. If they take more after the Chihuahua side, their head may be dome-like.
Chiweenie coats range from short to medium and the texture is silky and glossy usually but, can be wiry. This breed comes in a variety of colors. These are typically solid or mixes of blonde, brown, tan, white or black. Their smooth coats are sometimes, but not always, hypoallergenic.
No matter which side the hybrid dog breed takes the most after and what features he ends up with, considering the parents’ appearances, you can bet the pup will be adorably cute.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide food that is specifically formulated to your Chiweenie’s individual needs. Chiweenies are small dogs so they will not require a lot of food.
It is super important to make sure the little they do eat is nutritious and tailored to their breed’s needs which your veterinarian can speak with you about.
Dachshunds tend to love to eat and some Chiweenies are mirrored images of that side of the family. They sniff out food wherever they can and can easily become obese, risking a world of medical problems.
Be sure to watch that you don’t give too many treats to your Chiweenie or encourage his Dachshund love for food side to take over.
Do be sure to keep plenty of fresh water readily available to your Chiweenie at all times and if you travel or go anywhere outside the house with him, bring some water and a bowl along with you.
In fact, this breed prefers to travel with you and suffers from separation anxiety when you leave them at home too long. Either way, they require a lot of love.
Grooming
Chiweenie dogs are relatively maintenance-free in the way of grooming because they have fairly short coats that do not need to be brushed much, but some, especially if they have longer coats.
They don’t shed much and some don’t shed at all. Those who shed do so seasonally and are apt to shed less if you keep them brushed on a regular basis.
Chiweenies do, however, require regular bathing to keep their coats clean and smelling fresh. Be sure to use gentle soap so they don’t have an allergic reaction as their skin can be sensitive.
Chiweenies, as a rule, don’t have an unpleasant odor to them which is nice. But don’t neglect bathing him just because he doesn’t stink.
Be vigilant about keeping his ears clean. Keep them dry too. If your Chiweenie has long ears, he will require more care for them as they may tend to get infected.
Chiweenies can be diggers. You will want to keep his nails clipped and clean. If he goes outside and especially if he digs, he may wear down his nails and will, therefore, need less trimming but will require more nail cleaning instead.
Keeping up with his dental hygiene is a must. This designer breed tends to have issues with their teeth and gums.
Severe teeth deterioration is a real possibility if you don’t brush their teeth regularly, at least once a week. Take him in for routine dental check-ups at the vet clinic too.
Exercise
As a rule, Chiweenies do not require a lot of exercise, in their opinion at least. If given to himself, he might lounge on the sofa all day with his pet parent and only exhibit nervous energy at the sound of someone knocking at the door or the mailman bringing a package.
Regardless of his side of the story, it is still important for you, the pet parent, to initiate exercise in order to keep him healthy and fit and also to release pent-up energy that might otherwise be released in a negative manner.
Thirty minutes or less of walking is good for this breed. Do remember that his legs are short and that it takes more effort for him to make strides that many other breeds make with ease.
Chiweenies are intelligent dogs who can get mentally bored in no time. Playing brain games with him is highly recommended and will keep him stimulated.
When challenging your Chiweenie, both physically and mentally, try to encourage him to engage by remembering where he came from.
With Chihuahua roots, he will love to run and fetching will likely be a favorite game too. His energy level is sometimes through the roof so finding fun ways to channel it is a must.
The Dachshund side of your Chiweenie will love a good hunt. Hide-and-go-Seek is a game he’ll love. Whether it’s you he’s seeking or a ball or toy, this fun game will help satisfy his innate desire to hunt.
When a Chiweenie’s needs are met through physical and mental exercise requirements, it is only natural that more of the pleasant side of his personality will shine through.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends an 18" - 22" dog crate* for most adult Chiweenies. Being designer breeds who may take more after one parent or the other, they can vary slightly in size but most will take this size of crate.
More Information
Personality
Chiweenies love with all their hearts and expect to be loved back wholeheartedly as well. In fact, they will insist upon it. They are hams for attention and will get it no matter what. The more freely you give it, the less trouble they will get into.
Chiweenies are quite social creatures and live to spend time with their human families. They do have some energy, ranging from high to medium, especially as puppies, and also from low to medium.
The energy level usually depends on which parent they most take after. No matter their energy though, they love to be lap dogs and love to snuggle as well. They are highly affectionate.
Chiweenies are known as being sweet and easy-going. They can have a stubborn streak though, especially when they favor the Dachshund parent who can be quite bull-headed at times and independent too.
Oddly enough, a Chiweenie may be a barker or may have a tendency to be very quiet. Barkers should be trained to refrain from excessive barking when they are young pups.
This crossbreed is smart, sometimes too much so for their own good just as both sides of their heritage. They can be clever and sneaky which can be cute at times and obnoxious at other times.
In general, Chiweenies do very well with young children but only if they get plenty of attention and are not jealous. They do have the nature to be envious and can react accordingly. So small children need to be supervised around this breed.
For that reason, they are not universally great with other household pets although they certainly can be worked with to become loving and tolerant, the jealousy will have to be thoroughly addressed.
They can be a good match for the handicapped and elderly if their owner has a good deal of time to spend with them and a mode to release some of their energy such as someone who can take them on a daily walk.
The main downfall of the Chiweenie is also their best feature. They are devoted lovers with huge hearts and a huge need to be loved in return.
They can be easily offended which sets off some negative traits. When they fear they are not accepted, they react by leeching on and being needy or completely the opposite - being naughty and nasty.
Chiweenies with less than pleasant personalities often have a root reason for their bad behavior. Sometimes, it’s the parent’s fault to an extent.
If they inherited the stubborn genes in above average amounts or got a double dose of fearfulness, you can only expect the outcome to render a dog that needs a good bit of guidance. It is totally possible to retrain your Chiweenie’s brain to be kind and loving though.
It is vital that you realize not all designer breeds come into the world with the best of both parents. Sometimes it works the opposite way.
Many Chiweenies, like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, are abandoned at shelters due to their owner’s lack of knowledge or lack of willingness to work with them.
Know before you go! If you are getting a Chiweenie, you must be committed to him “for better or for worse”. With lots of love and tons of patience, you’ll bring out the best in him regardless of if his genetics did or not.
Training
Although the Chiweenie puppy is plenty smart enough to train, he very well may have a stubborn nature that comes out when trying to train him. It is best to get his willing cooperation early on by making him want to do what you ask of him.
Treats are always an attention grabber for this breed but can quickly lead to chubbiness so praise is the best way to go for the most part.
Dog training sessions should be kept short so neither you nor your pup gets frustrated. He will require patience and it is imperative that you never lose your cool and use a harsh tone with him, only positive reinforcement.
If you do, you’ll have a horrible student on your hand. He will totally resist training if he notes frustration. He aims to please but has a short fuse. Keep this is mind when potty training.
If you can get him to be willing, you’ll have an all-star in training. He is agile enough to do cute tricks and will eat up the attention he will get from performing.
Do be careful not to ask him to do anything that compromises his back or joints though.
Don’t forget his brain training. This guy is smart and needs to be challenged in his training just like in his exercise time.
He will love showing off his newfound smart skills - so milk that for all you can.
Health
The health problems of each individual Chiweenie greatly depends on which genetics he inherits. Being a crossbreed he will, unfortunately, be at risk for getting the defective genes from both sides.
The lifespan expectancy is 12-15 years which is not bad for any breed. There are medical woes you will want to keep a watchful eye out for though.
Although part of the reason Chiweenies were “invented” was to create a breed that bore the Dachshund traits minus the back problems that often accompany the breed, the mission is sometimes a success, and sometimes not.
Keep a watchful eye on his back and prevent him from putting any undue pressure on it. Other dogs should not be allowed to jump on his back or apply pressure to it, even in play.
Also be careful not to allow him to jump from extreme heights as doing so can injure his back.
Ear infections are prominent health issues, especially in Chiweenies who inherit the long, floppy ears. Keeping his ears clean and dry will help but if he begins to paw at them, it is best to take him in to see his veterinarian. Ear conditions that are not promptly attended to can be so severe they require surgery.
As with many other small dog breeds, bone and joint problems can be an issue due to his short legs that aren’t always quite equipped to carry is the long, sometimes pudgy body. Back problems can also be an issue.
Knee complications can also turn up. If your dog is limping or having trouble getting around or getting comfortable, it is a good idea to have him checked.
Don’t be surprised if you Chiweenie has allergies to dust and pollen. Unfortunately, he may inherit that condition from one or both sides of his heritage.
Keeping an air purifier going can be helpful and keep him out of extremely dusty areas.
Hypoglycemia is another medical woe common to this crossbreed. If your dog seems lethargic or irritable, especially in between meals, have him seen by his vet.
If he does have the condition, you will most likely need to feed him smaller meals more frequently and may be advised to change his diet.
Diabetes is not unusual in Chiweenies. It is usually preceded by hypoglycemia but not always.
In the event that your dog does have Diabetes, your vet will recommend a treatment suitable for his type and severity. Some dogs require insulin shots but that is reserved for extreme cases.
The better eye you keep on your Chiweenie, the more likely you are to catch any ailment he may have and the better chance you have of nipping any problem in the bud.
Is a Chiweenie Right for You?
Chiweenies are characters. They have personalities all their own. Some may sway to the Chihuahua side while others navigate to the Dachshund side. Either way, they are simply adorable in looks and in their bounding personality.
This designer breed will get attached to you should you bring him into your life. It would break his heart if you ever left him so be sure you are ready to take him on before you even consider it.
As with any breed, Chiweenies are not perfect. They can be stubborn. They are affectionate and sometimes, too much so. They can be jealous, attention seeking rascals.
And, as with designer breeds, they can be a mix of all the good traits from both parents, or, all the negative.
Or, they can be a blend of both. Some take more work than others to properly train and socialize but most catch on in time and make excellent companions.
As long as you are willing to give him what he requires though, it could very well be a match made in heaven.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
