The Chiweenie is undeniably one of the most adorable dog mix breeds in existence. I guess it is to be expected when you breed two of the most adorable lapdogs.
I wonder if they are cuddly and loving like the Doxies? Or are they fearless and spunky like Chihuahuas? Let’s find out.
A Chiweenie is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. The result is a small dog with a typical Dachshund silhouette, marked by the long torso and short, stubby legs.
This mixed breed is known for being loud, playful, and sometimes aggressive, which is, for the most part, accredited to the Chihuahua bloodline contribution to the mix. The Chiweenie has been around since the 90s and, to date, is still one of the most popular mixed dog breeds available.
This is a small dog with a big personality, and if you want to invest in one you need to know exactly what you are getting into.
That is what we will expound on in the sections below from their personalities and health issues to what it takes to successfully raise a Chiweenie. Let’s get into it then.
What Does A Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Look Like?
As far as appearance is concerned, the Chiweenie typically takes after the Dachshund in terms of form and build.
However, a Chiweenie is closer in size to the Chihuahua.
As a result, the first impression that most people have of this mixed breed is that it is just a really small Doxie.
The Dachshund Chihuahua mixes don’t get very big.
Chiweenies typically weigh between 8 and 12 pounds and measure 8 inches in height.
However, it is important to appreciate the contribution of genetics in which case larger parents produce larger Chiweenies while smaller ones have smaller pups.
In terms of the build, this mixed dog breed has a sausage dog silhouette.
This is characterized by the long and narrow torso and the disproportionately short and stubby legs.
This is a result of the stronger and more dominant build genes from the Dachshund side.
The head and face are also quite similar to the sausage dog. This includes the classic long snout, round brown eyes, and long droopy ears.
However, it is not uncommon to find Chiweenies with perky ears and smaller facial features reminiscent of a Chihuahua’s form.
When it comes to the coat, there is no standard appearance for the Chiweenie. It all depends on the parent’s coat characteristics.
Some of the options include wire-haired, smooth and long, smooth and short, or long and shaggy. The short and smooth coat stands out as the most common variation in this case.
The coat colors also depend on the colors of the parent Chihuahua and Dachshund. The pup could come out with a single-color coat or with a mixed pattern.
Personality And Traits Of A Dachshund Chihuahua Mix
The Chiweenie may have the face and form of a Doxie, but its attitude is undeniably that of a Chihuahua. Here are some of the most common personality traits.
Laid-Back
Chiweenies are known for being pretty laid-back and calm when they want to be. In fact, they may even come off as standoffish as a result.
Fortunately, as they start to warm up, they get friendlier and more affectionate.
Fiercely Independent
Chiweenies are not particularly fond of cuddling due to their fiercely independent nature. They do like to bond and hang out but at their own convenience, not yours.
Mistrusting
Chiweenies are really aggressive towards strangers because of their major trust issues. It is therefore vital that you socialize them early and get them used to the idea of unfamiliar people and animals.
Loyal
While Chiweenies may have a hard time trusting strangers, their relationships with their families are incredibly heartwarming.
They are very loyal and will not hesitate to stand up for the ones they love.
Active And Energetic
Despite being laid-back, this mixed dog breed has quite a playful side.
They have bursts of energy where they want to do nothing other than play, after which they go back to their chill state.
Fearless
These doggies may be tiny, but they are pretty ballsy.
They are not afraid to confront larger opponents, including large breed dogs, which is something that often gets them into trouble.
Crave Attention
Finally, you will have to deal with their constant need for attention. Yes, they are independent.
But this does not mean that they do not like to be doted on and shown affection.
What Health Problems Do Chiweenies Have?
Chiweenies, for the most part, are pretty healthy dogs. This is actually one of the main reasons why they are so popular because owners do not have to spend too much on maintenance when it comes to health costs.
Chiweenies have a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.
However, this does not mean that they are completely illness-free. The good news is that the few conditions that affect them are usually non-fatal. Here are the most common of them:
Allergies
Despite the Dachshund Chihuahua mix not being hypoallergenic, it has several allergies of its own to deal with.
These include allergies to dust, pollen, some fabrics, and chemicals found in some grooming products.
Back Problems
Intervertebral disc disease is a really major issue with these dogs. It results in pain, reduced mobility, and in some cases may even cause paralysis.
This is especially blatant if your Chiweenies are overweight.
Ketona Low Carb High Protein Dry Dog Food is a fantastic option in this case. The high protein content promotes muscle mass and reduces strain on the back.
It is also low in carbs and therefore fantastic for preventing obesity due to immobility.
Hypoglycemia
Chiweenies have their moments when they want nothing more than to play. If they haven’t eaten enough before these sessions, they may suffer from hypoglycemic attacks.
These manifest as fatigue, vomiting, and even fainting.
Diabetes
On the other end of the spectrum, poor eating habits with these dogs have been associated with insulin resistance which causes diabetes mellitus. This type is not inherited and is usually accompanied by obesity.
Why Does My Chiweenie Stink? Grooming Needs Of A Chiweenie
More often than not, the grooming needs of the Chihuahua Dachshund mix depend on the coat. If you have one with a thick coat of long smooth hair or the wire-haired variety, then you will have to put a lot more effort into grooming.
If, on the other hand, you are dealing with a short-haired Chiweenie, then life will be easy for you.
These dogs range from mild to heavy shedders. Whatever the case, brushing their fur on a regular basis definitely goes a long way toward easing the load of care.
Aim for 2 to 3 times a week depending on the length of the dog’s hair with longer-haired pooches needing more tender loving care.
With regular brushing and deshedding, your dog should not stink too much.
You can therefore get away with bathing them once every month. If they are starting to smell funky, you could do it twice a month.
In this case, deodorizing shampoo is also going to be your best friend and make a world of difference.
Another point of concern when it comes to grooming Chiweenies is the question of how often trimming should be done.
Something interesting about these dogs is the fact that with most of them, a Chiweenie’s hair stops growing at some point. So you may not even have to schedule trimmings.
However, if they have long and fast-growing hair, you may have to do it once to 3 times a year, depending on the specific Dachshund Chihuahua mix’s needs.
Taming A Chiweenies
Chiweenies have a reputation for being quite destructive. They love to chew on things and leave toys lying around everywhere.
Chiweenies are also known to bark a lot both at night and during the day, which can be annoying for everyone, including you, your guests, and your neighbors.
Taming these wild, little weenies should therefore be high on your list of first priorities when you get them.
Chiweenies are not easy to train. This is due to their stubborn temperament and their tendency to get easily bored.
You will therefore have to truly think outside the box in order to make the training sessions successful.
The good news is that Chiweenies are considered smart falling in the above-average intelligence category. This means that with the right techniques and just a bit of patience, you should tame your cute little beast in no time.
Start Training Early
The earlier you start the training, the higher your chances of success. This is because Chiweenies are more impressionable at a younger age.
They are also more eager to please you and will thus actually listen and try their best.
Assert Your Dominance
Chiweenies, like Chihuahuas, love to play boss. They think they are in charge and will not do anything unless they feel they have to.
The best way around this is to be firm during the training. This helps you assert your dominance, in which case they are more likely to toe the line.
Kill Them With Kindness
These pooches may be stuck up, but even they cannot resist treats and some praise. So instead of being harsh, just go all out on rewards for when they actually get things right.
Make Training Fun
Chiweenies get bored very easily which can make training a bit of a nightmare.
If you want to keep their attention, find ways to make things fun, including turning simple training sessions into games.
That way, you will have their interest for longer.
Related Questions
At What Age Is A Chiweenie Full-Grown? Chiweenies reach full maturity when they are between 12-18 months. This depends mainly on genetics as well as nutrition and level of activity. At this point, they are no longer considered puppies and, for the most part, do not grow any further. However, some increases in size and weight may be noted in cases like obesity and pregnancy.
How Much Is A Chiweenie Dog Worth? Chiweenies are quite cheap when it comes to popular mixed-breed dogs. A Chiweenie’s price ranges from $200 to $550. This depends mainly on where you get them, and you can even take one home for free from rescue shelters. This is because they are quite common and, therefore, easily satisfy the demand on the market.
How Much Do Chiweenies Sleep? Chiweenies sleep a lot and can snooze for up to 12-15 hours a day. This is mainly due to their highly active lifestyles. They may sleep longer as pups as they are more energetic and playful in this age group. They also sleep a lot more in their late adult years as they start to get fatigued associated with old age.
