When two dog breeds mix, the resulting pup can be a little surprise. You never know which parent it will take after more or whether it will be a combination of the two in equal measure. Suppose you're mulling over giving a Chihuahua Dachshund mix a home. In that case, you should get familiar with their most common traits, especially in terms of their temperament, appearance, maintenance requirements, and any variations of the same. To do that, you should also know a thing or two about the parent breeds that, too, can give you a hint about what you can expect from your new buddy. The good news is that you're in luck, as this article is a perfect place to learn the ropes about this puppy mix.
Why and When Did Dachshunds and Chihuahuas Mix?
The adorable Chihuahua and Dachshund mix is one of the world's most popular small dog breeds, so let's take a quick look at their history.
Opinions about the origin of the Chihuahua breed are divided, with some thinking that it is over 3,000 years old and others saying it comes from 16th-century China. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially dates back to 1904. The Dachshund breed originated in Germany in the 16th century, and it was made to be a small game hunting dog, particularly apt at chasing badgers. This breed has been registered with AKC since 1885. Both are widely loved as lapdogs, and the same is true for the Dachshund and Chihuahua mix!
Breed designers started mixing Chihuahua and Dachshund in the 1990s in North America. The goal was to develop a breed that won't have as many back issues as the Dachshund, and we can say that they've actually (partially) done it.
You're not alone if you think that the Chihuahua Dachshund mix is a bit of a mouthful. This could be one of the breeds with the most pet names. The most adorable and widely used one is Chiweenie, but it also goes by these nicknames:
- Weeniehuahua
- Choccie
- The Mexican Hot Dog
- Chihuahua
- The German Taco
- Chiweenie
- Chihuahua
- Chinese
- Chihuahua Doxie
- Doxiwawa
Three Reasons Why You Shouldn't Get the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix
As much as you love puppies, some breeds may not fit in with your lifestyle. That's why you must consider all their traits. Here are three that may not agree with you, your needs, or your abilities:
- They don't get along with small children.
- They need a lot of care and attention. (But check out our care tips for new dog owners)
- They are temperamental and hard to train. (Or find out the best ways to train your puppy)
Three Reasons Why You Should Get the Chihuahua and Dachshund Mixed Breed
Now that you've been warned why getting a Chiweenie may be a bad idea, let's see what makes them a pup you will want to get to know better:
- They adapt quickly to new surroundings.
- They are perfect for small apartments.
- They are excellent guard dogs.
What Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Pup Look Like?
Chiweenies are generally relatively small, but there are still variations in their sizes, depending on the size of their parents:
- Mini Chiweenies come from the standard-sized Chihuahua breeding with a Miniature Dachshund and can weigh 3–11 pounds.
- Teacup Chiweenies are Teacup Chihuahuas mixed with standard Dachshund, and they can have anywhere from eight to 32 pounds.
In terms of coat color, they can have solid, brindle, or bi-colored fur. The color combinations are endless, depending on the parents' coat hues. The same applies to coat types, which can be short or long, smooth, coarse, or wirehaired. For example, if the parents are a Long Hair Chihuahua and a Wirehaired Dachshund, the Chinese will likely have long and shaggy fur. As you can see, like with their personality, anything is possible with their coat, too!
What Should I Know About the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Temperament?
What they lack in stature, these pups certainly make up for in personality. When Chihuahuas mix with Dachshunds, you know that the offspring will have loads of confidence!
If you already know something about the parent breeds, you can probably guess the character of the Choxie mix. One of the ten facts you should know about Dachshunds is that they were made to hunt badgers, which speaks volumes about their brave demeanor. Since they are hunting dogs, even their mixed offspring can take after them and chase any other small animals they lay eyes on, which may be an issue if you have other pets, especially non-canine ones.
The Chihuahua mix dogs are some of the most loving pups in the world. These dogs are generally social and love hanging around (slightly bigger) humans. Once you grow on them, and they see you as one of their pack, count that you're in it for the long run. They love spending time with their owners, so once you adopt this adorable pup, you'll have a loyal and slightly overprotective companion for life! They tend to live long lives, so you're in it for the long haul!
Chinese:
They also adapt quickly to new homes, which is excellent for people on the go or if you plan on moving house. Just show your pup that although their home is different, their owner is still the same.
When they see an unknown person approaching their human, they will get down to barking and assume guard. They are no strangers to being aggressive at times, so it's wise to be alert when a new friend comes to your home. If you get your Chiweenie while still a puppy, start socializing it immediately, as it reduces its aggressive streak.
Unfortunately, these furry balls of energy are not great with kids, as they are particularly short-tempered, aggressive, and snappy. They won't take your little ones fussing with their ears for long! They will act out, so it's best to keep them away from young children. That personality trait is one of the most unfavorable characteristics of this otherwise lovable pup.
They are also pretty loud and yippy, and they'll vocalize their every observation and need. Be it a random window passer-by or a distracting fly buzzing around, they won't let it go unnoticed! If your puppy is hungry or needs to go out to potty, trust us that you'll know about it.
Is the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Hard to Groom?
Chiweenie grooming depends on the coat. You're lucky if your pup is short-haired and needs minimal brushing. Give its skin some attention every week, and you're golden. Medium- and long-haired dogs need to be brushed more often and may even need professional grooming from time to time. If you want to learn how to take care of your Doxie yourself, refer to our dog grooming tips.
Seasonal shedding is expected, as it is common for both parent breeds. You should clip their nails when needed and clean their ears about once a week.
You'll have to devote a lot of attention to finding the perfect way to clean your teeth. These feisty pups are not going to give in easily when you try to brush their pearly whites. On the contrary, they'll put up quite a fight! You are more likely to give their teeth some love by tricking them into using one of the top 10 best dog dental chews or toys designed specifically for small dogs.
The Chihuahua Dachshund dog needs to be cared for properly to live a healthy life without serious health problems. This is an essential detail to consider before you adopt one of these puppies into your family. You will need to take it to regular checkups with the vet, take proper care of their health, and mind their exercise routine and weight to curb back issues for as long as possible.
What Chiweenie Health Issues Should I Be Aware Of?
Chiweenies are generally healthy, but they can inherit some chronic conditions from either of their parents. There are also some health concerns they may get with age or if they are not adequately taken care of.
The most common ailments among this canine cross-breed are:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Teeth issues
- Patellar luxation
- Color dilution alopecia
- Hip dysplasia
Intervertebral Disc Disease
This is a hereditary condition that Chiweenies can get from Dachshunds. The latter was bred to have wiener-like elongated bodies and short legs so they could quickly pursue their prey. They were targeted to hunt for badgers, so they needed to get inside narrow crevices and holes. However, that left these crafty pooches vulnerable to spinal degeneration, and their mixes tend to be prone to it. As they move, pressure is put on the spinal discs, which may rupture and herniate, thus causing intervertebral disc disease. If the problem persists or worsens, the dog may be reluctant or unable to move its hind legs. If rest and temporary restriction from exercise doesn't help and the condition progresses, the only option may be surgery.
Teeth Issues
If your Chiweenie resembles its Chihuahua parent and has a small head, it will likely develop teeth issues early on. This is a common problem with miniature dogs that grow to be lighter than 20 pounds, as their small skulls need to accommodate the same number of teeth as a much larger dog. That leads to teeth that are squeezed close together and are often crooked. That makes them harder to clean and is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and plaque. If you neglect your dog's teeth, they may develop gingivitis, severe tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Patellar Luxation
Small dogs are at high risk of kneecap dislocation, also known as patellar luxation. The condition can be caused by genetic malformation or trauma. What happens is that the kneecap dislodges from its normal position at the end of the thigh bone, making the dog lift their leg while they walk. Usually, the vet can put the bones back in place quickly. If it gets more severe, the condition can lead to lameness.
Color Dilution Alopecia
Color dilution alopecia is common in dogs with a fawn or blue coat, affecting both the Dachshund and the Chihuahua. It is no surprise that we can often see it in Chiweenies, too. You can recognize it by the thinning or patchy loss of hair. The condition is not curable, but it can be managed with topical products that the vet suggests.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia happens when the socket and ball of your pup's hip are malformed. Instead of gliding smoothly together, they grind and cause further hip damage. Although it is more common in large dogs because of their weight, Dachshund Chihuahuas are also affected because they have tiny hips and legs that need to support a much bigger and longer torso. To prevent things from reaching extreme proportions and causing your puppy a lot of pain, do your best to keep their joints healthy.
Even if your pup seems to be the spitting image of health, you should still take it to regular checkups with the vet. Some conditions, such as mild seizures, don't show clear early signs, or you may not know how to recognize them. Having a professional look at your dog is always a sound decision! This is particularly true for the sneaky Dachshund skin conditions you may not even notice from their fur.
What Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Like to Eat?
Chinese is a small dog predisposed to back problems, so you should ensure your pup doesn't overeat. As a cub, it needs food rich in fat, protein, and fiber and more frequent meals as provided by best puppy food brands, but a grown-up dog shouldn't have more than a one-and-a-half cup of kibble divided into three meals a day. Your best bet is to go for the best dry dog food for small dogs; although the best large breed dry dog food brands are all high-quality kibbles, they may not meet your pup's nutritional requirements.
Check out our suggestions for top-notch dry food for Chiweenies:
- Wellness Core Dog Food is a grain-free, organic dry dog food that is easy on your pup's digestive system.
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley is another excellent dry food option rich in protein from venison, lamb, egg, and fish. It also contains prebiotics and probiotics, and it is packed in tiny kibble, so it is ideal for small dog breeds.
- Dog For Dog Food this dry food option allows you to introduce raw meat into your pup's diet, adding protein, fat, and calories to their food regime.
In their senior years, the need for nutrients shifts. Reducing fat and adding fiber is general advice regarding older doggos nutrition. Check out our selection of the best senior dry dog food and pick the one that suits your furball.
When the balance of nutrients in the dog's body is disturbed, some products can help them restore it. Read our in-depth review of Nutra Thrive dog food supplements and learn how to balance macro- and micronutrients so your Chihuahua Dachshund can lead a healthy life.
For starters, we suggest you consult our extensive research into the worst dry dog food and the best dry dog food we found on the market.
How Much Exercise Does the Dachshund Chihuahua Puppy Need?
Chihuahua Dachshunds are bright little fireballs, and their owners should be aware of that fact. Not only are they always on alert mentally, but they like breaking a sweat, too!
In terms of exercise, you should still stick to moderate activities to not overwork Chiweenies' tiny bodies. Their miniature stature puts them at risk of developing specific health problems, so the smaller they are, the lighter the activities should be. The same applies to the duration of the exercise, and it should last no more than half an hour two times a day.
Dachshund Chihuahuas' bones break more easily the smaller they are, especially if there is some underlying condition. This is not to say that you should encourage a sedentary lifestyle (although you couldn't even if you wanted to, in such a lively little pup), but moderation in physical exercise is elementary.
Light jumping, short walks around the block, and gentle play are the best options for a doggy of this size. Because of their size and minimum daily exercise requirements, this mixed dog breed won't be a problem to take care of in an average-sized apartment with just enough space to run about, which is precious when the weather outside is terrible. More prominent breed owners don't have that luxury!
Here is what you should pay attention to if you decide to take your Chiweenie out in cold weather.
The Best Environment for the Chihuahua and Dachshund Cross-Breed
Although Chiweenies adapt to small apartments perfectly, there should be as few stairs as possible to prevent disc dislocation and other skeletal problems. A good idea would be to get a PawRamp to help your little pup climb on furniture. It is an ideal Dachshund gift! Trust us that your tiny furry friend will love you all the more for it!
If you have a yard, make sure that the pickets on your fence are dense enough to stop the dog from running off to the street and getting hurt. They could also get stuck in the wall and injure their back, so make sure to Chiwee-proof your yard.
If your puppy inherits the inquisitive nose of its Dachshund parent, you can say goodbye to your flower beds. These dogs are always ready for mischief and will dig up your garden in no time!
Is the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Puppy Easy to Train?
Early training is of the essence with these little cuties. Start obedience training them from a young age, and you may get somewhere by the time they are fully grown up.
These little fellows are so stubborn that they can give a headache even to the most composed and experienced trainers. They inherit these mannerisms from the Dachshund parent, but the Chihuahua one is also quite strong-minded. They can get quite bold, and when they set their mind on something, no dog treats in the world can put them off course! Incidentally, we have a rundown of the worst dog treat brands you should steer clear of. In any case, make sure not to fall victim to these common training mistakes.
A Dachshund Chihuahua is not your best choice if you are a first-time owner.
How Well Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Fit In With Families?
Chiweenies are social puppies who love to play around and have fun with their owners. Until they change their minds, they tend to more pressing matters, like barking at … nearly everything.
They also have a short fuse, so these mighty half-Dachshunds, half-Chihuahuas, are not the best dogs for families with small kids. Chihuahuas have a low tolerance threshold and won't put up with toddlers pulling on their tails or tugging their ears.
They can be socialized up to a point, but you can never be too careful with small children and these doggies. To be on the safe side, don't leave them unsupervised together. That is one of the vital Dachshund facts to keep in mind.
Want to Compare the Chiweenie With Other Dachshund Mixed Breeds?
Dachshunds are one of the best dog breeds to adopt — the famous Picasso even fell for their charms. If you know that you want a Dixie (could it be because of all the adorable Dachshund memes?) but are unsure whether a Dachshund mixed with Chihuahua is the right choice for you, we've got you covered!
Check out our other Wiener mix crushes!
