Small, sweet, cute and still a whole dog – is there such a thing?
Sure, of course!
With the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix you will now get to know a small dog with a big character.
The most important facts about the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix:
Size: 15 to 25 cm
Life expectancy: 12 to 18 years
Character: intelligent, lively, docile, cuddly, self-confident, stubborn
Distinctive feature: tends to want to get his own way
Look
Since there is no breed standard for the Chiweenie, as the Dachshund Chihuahua mix is often called, the appearance of the animals can vary greatly.
However, when it comes to physique, the long backs and the short legs of the dachshund stronger through.
The ears can stand up or hang down, some dogs of this crossbreed also have a standing ear and a hanging ear.
What is certain is that these dogs – corresponding to the parents – will remain quite small.
Height Weight
The weight of the Chiweenie can vary.
Depending on whether the cross was made with a standard, miniature or rabbit dachshund, both females and males can breed 15 to 25 cm tall and weigh between 2 and 5 kilos.
Colors & coat texture
The coat can be solid white, black or brown, also bi- and tri-colored as well multicolored dogs are possible.
The coat of a short-haired dachshund Chihuahua mix is rather short. If long-haired dachshunds and long-haired Chihuahuas are crossed, the fur will also be slightly longer.
Usually this is smooth.
Character & nature of the Chiweenie
This «dog breed» is still quite new, so it is difficult to make precise statements about the character traits.
The nature of the parents however, is a good guide.
The rather nervous behavior of the Chihuahua can occur with Chiweenies, as can the strong distrust of the Dachshund towards strangers.
In addition, Chihuahuas often tend to Overestimating your own greatness and dachshunds can sometimes behave more aggressively towards other dogs.
The mixed breed of both breeds could also tend to overestimate themselves and therefore like to mess with larger dogs.
However, the Chiweenie should be well suited as an alarm system, as both parent breeds are very alert and tend to bark quickly.
It should also be certain that the mating of the hunting dog dachshund and the spirited Chihuahua is about not a couch potato acts.
So that this dog does not come up with stupid ideas, it should be kept sufficiently busy.
Also small dogs can be sportybut the size and individual disposition of the dog should never be ignored.
Exercise is just as important as mental exercise. Chiweenies tend to be quite docile, open to new tricks and lots of affection.
This crossbreed is not averse to extensive stroking.
attitude & upbringing
attitude
Due to its mostly short fur, the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix prefers to be indoors, especially in winter.
Depending on the temperature, a dog coat might be needed that covers the usually covers the bare stomach and protects against frostbite.
Even in heavy rain, he will prefer his own four walls to a long walk.
The Chiweenie is therefore suitable as an apartment dogbut often he barks with joy.
There are various training methods to ensure that barking does not become a problem with the neighbourhood.
Keeping this mixed breed dog lends itself to individuals and families who enjoy outdoor exercise.
If small children live in the household, it must be clear that even a very small dog is not a toy.
Danger:
Don’t be fooled by the «lap dog appearance» because, despite its small size, the Chiweenie is a dog with great courage and loves to move.
Upbringing
Since the stubbornness of the dachshund can definitely prevail with the Chiweenie, is a good education is important.
Because even a rather small dog can become a problem if it dances on its owner’s nose.
In addition, you should not underestimate the disposition of the dachshund as a hunting dog, this can also occur in mixed breed offspring.
Although these dogs are short on physical size, they are strong-willed.
Especially with somewhat stubborn breeds, it is good if your position as pack leader is solid and your dog trusts you.
It is therefore best to start with the education right from the start. In this way, «bad habits» cannot creep in so easily.
One consistent and loving upbringing strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Of course, you should always pay attention to an age-appropriate education and not overwhelm your dog.
Despite being a bit stubborn, a Dachshund Chihuahua mix is usually a docile and intelligent dog that can bring a lot of joy to its owners.
Good to know:
With good upbringing and regular training, dogs are less likely to develop bad habits. Because they know what they are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do.
Breeding & Health
cute chiweenie mix at a local park
breed
Even if he enjoys increasing popularity, the Chiweenie is not a recognized pedigree dog and there is no breed standard.
Appearance and nature can therefore differ greatly from dog to dog.
The little Dachshund Chihuahua Milchling has its origin in the USA. It was bred here in the 1990s to counteract the dachshund’s back problems
You don’t have to go to a breeder to buy a Chiweenie, older and young animals of this cross can also be found in animal shelters.
Health
Unfortunately, Chiweenies cannot only inherit good qualities from their parents. Sometimes certain health problems also prevail.
Breed-typical diseases do not have to occur in every dog. Some dogs will never have problems with these diseases, others will.
hypoglycaemia
One of them can hypoglycaemia that occurs through the Chihuahua’s small stomachs. It can also promote diabetes.
A severe hypo can deadly within hours be.
It can be recognized by the fact that the dog is shaking and twitching, is very hungry, appears restless or is very exhausted after a short play session or a walk.
Dogs that are prone to hypoglycaemia need a lot of attention in this regard. They should be of normal weight and eat a healthy diet.
tooth loss
Many small dog breeds also have dental problemsas the skull may be too small for the teeth.
Because some dogs were bred smaller and smaller according to the trend or use. In proportion, however, the teeth have not reduced in size equally.
This leads to problems like:
- toothache
- bad chew
- tooth loss
This makes it difficult to eat and, as a result, often makes digestion difficult.
herniated discs
From the dachshund, these dogs know the typical Intervertebral disc diseases have.
The dachshund paralysis or teckel paralysis is particularly well known here.
This is a severe herniated disc that causes signs of paralysis.
Therefore, the back and spine should not be loaded.
knee problems
Also those typical of the Chihuahua knee problems can occur in mix puppies.
Patellar luxation, which is more common in small dog breeds, is a disease of the knee joint that can be congenital or caused by a movement accident.
This is a displacement of the kneecap. As a result, the affected dog can often no longer put weight on one leg.
Important:
Diseases typical of the breed can also be inherited by mixed-breed dogs, depending on their disposition. So that you can quickly identify and treat these in your dog, you should deal with the topic.
Life expectancy
The life expectancy of the parent breeds, as well as reports of the lives of their mixed breed offspring, provide a good indication of how old a Chiweenie can live.
Smaller dog breeds in particular, such as the Dachshund and Chihuahua, usually have a longer life expectancy than large dogs.
A Dachshund usually lives between 12 and 16 years, a Chihuahua between 12 and 20 years.
If you decide to get a Chiweenie, you will have an animal companion for the next 12 to 18 years if you take care of it and keep it well.
What is there to consider with Chihuahua Dachshund Mix puppies?
Before you buy or adopt a Chiweenie from an animal shelter, you should get to know the personality and behavior of these dogs well.
The Chihuahua Dachshund Mix is already a puppy when it is a puppy compact dog full of energy.
For purchase you should have one Price from 600 to 800 euros plan on.
It is important that you buy your Chiweenie from a trustworthy breeder.
You can at least do that there Get to know the mother and the puppiessee where they live, find out more about the breeder’s experience and get information about the puppies’ parents.
If one of these criteria does not apply, it is likely that it is not a reputable kennel.
You should too the health certificates of the parents be allowed to see and find out when the puppies will be presented to the veterinarian.
A reputable breeder will also be interested in the dog’s new home and will ask you questions.