Chihuahua Dachshund Mix: The Weenie Chiweenie

Credit: berrythechiweenie

Whenever two dog breeds mix, the resulting pup can be a little bit of a surprise. You never know which parent it will take after more, or whether it will be a combination of the two in equal measure. If you’re mulling over giving a Chihuahua Dachshund mix a home, 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.

Chiweenie Characteristics

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Why and When Did Dachshunds and Chihuahuas Mix?

The adorable Chihuahua and Dachshund mix is one of the most popular small dog breeds in the world, 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 come up with a breed that won’t have as many back issues as the Dachshund, and we can say that they’ve actually (partially) done it.

In case you think that Chihuahua Dachshund mix is a bit of a mouthful, you’re not alone. 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
• Choxie
• The Mexican Hot Dog
• Dachuahua
• The German Taco
• Chihiweenie
• Doxihuahua
• Chiwee
• Chihuahua Doxie
• Doxiwawa

Three Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix

As much as you love puppies, some breeds may just not fit in with your lifestyle. That’s why you must take all their traits into consideration. Here are three that may not agree with you, your needs, or abilities:

1. They don’t get along with small children.
2. They need a lot of care and attention. (But check out our care tips for new dog owners)
3. 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:

1. They adapt quickly to new surroundings.
2. They are perfect for small apartments.
3. They are excellent guard dogs.

What Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Pup Look Like?

Credit: clairethechihuahua

Chiweenies are generally quite 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 they 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, as they also depend 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 Chiwee will likely have long and shaggy fur. As you can see, just 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 10 facts you should know about Dachshunds is that they were made to hunt badgers, which speaks volumes about their brave demeanor. Since they are a hunting dog, 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 devoted 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!

Chiwees also adapt quickly to new homes, which is excellent for people on the go or if you plan on moving house. Just make sure to 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 right down to barking and assume guard. They are no strangers to being aggressive at times, so it’s wise to be on alert when a new friend comes to your home. If you get your Chiweenie while still a puppy, start socializing it immediately, as it is known to reduce their aggressive streak.

Unfortunately, these furry balls of energy are not great with kids, as they are particularly short-tempered, feisty, 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 make sure to 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 pooch is hungry or needs to go out potty, trust us that you’ll know about it.

Is the Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Hard to Groom?

Chiweenie grooming depends on the coat. If your pup is short-haired, you’re in luck, as it needs minimal brushing. Give its coat some attention every week or so, 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 also 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 their 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 taken care of properly so that they could live a healthy life without serious health problems. This is an essential detail to consider before you adopt one of these pooches 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?

Credit: tobychiweenie

Chiweenies are generally healthy, but they can inherit some chronic conditions from either of their parents. There are also some health concerns that they may get with age or if they are not adequately taken care of.

The most common ailments among this canine cross-breed are:

1. Intervertebral disc disease
2. Teeth issues
3. Patellar luxation
4. Color dilution alopecia
5. 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 that they could get in pursuit of their prey with ease. They were targeted to hunt for badgers, in particular, 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 well. As they move, the pressure is put to 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 their 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 is likely to 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

The small dogs are at high risk of suffering from 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 up while they walk. Usually, the vet can put the bones back in place easily. 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, and it affects 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 pooch 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 of the conditions don’t show clear early signs, or you may not know how to recognize them, such as mild seizures. Having a professional take a look at your dog is always a sound decision! This is particularly true for the sneaky Dachshund skin conditions that you may not even notice from their fur.

What Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Like to Eat?

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Chiwee is a small dog with a predisposition to back problems, so you should make sure 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 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 pooch’s nutritional requirements.

Check out our suggestions for top-notch dry food for Chiweenies:

1. Wellness Core Dog Food —this is a grain-free, organic dry dog food that is easy on your pup’s digestive system.
2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley—another great dry food option that is 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.
3. Dog For Dog Food — this dry food option allows you to introduce raw meat into your pooch’s diet that adds protein, fat, and calories to their food regime.

In their senior years, the need for nutrients shift. Reducing fat and adding fiber is general advice when it comes to 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 is the dog’s body is disturbed, there are products that can help them restore it. Read our in-depth review of Nutra Thrive dog food supplement and learn more on how to achieve the balance of macro- and micronutrients so that 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.

Best Dog Food for Chihuahua Dachshund Mix

For a Chihuahua Dachshund mix, choose a dog food with small kibble sizes to accommodate their tiny mouths, and prioritize a formula that includes high-quality protein and essential nutrients. Look for reputable brands with ingredients that cater to their energy levels and potential joint concerns, ensuring a well-balanced diet that suits the unique needs of this small yet spirited breed combination.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice 30-lb

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9.8

• REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit
• FOR ADULT DOGS: BLUE Life Protection Formula adult dog food contains essential proteins and carbohydrates to help meet the energy needs of adult dogs, and features omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin
• ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
• A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Lamb and Oatmeal 5-lb Trial Size Ba

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9.5

• Essential, high-quality protein for healthy muscle development, and carbs for energy for an active life.
• Calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth.
• Glucosamine is added for joint health and mobility support.
• Vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants contribute to your pup's immune system health.
• No corn, wheat, soy or chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.

Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, Beef and Rice Formula, 40 Pound Bag (074198608331)

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9.6

• Made in the USA by a family-owned company using quality ingredients from trusted domestic and global sources.
• With real pasture-raised beef protein as the #1 ingredient, this recipe helps support bones, joints, and lean, strong muscles.
• Beef protein provides energy and muscle building blocks, omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health, and superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges offer vitamins and minerals.
• Each serving includes species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics, plus antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health, and overall wellness.
• Made without corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors.

How Much Exercise Does the Dachshund Chihuahua Puppy Need?

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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, so as not to 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—it should last no more than half an hour two times a day.

Dachshund Chihuahuas’s 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—an average-sized apartment will have just enough space for them to run about, which is precious when the weather outside is terrible. Larger breed owners don’t have that luxury!

Here is what you should pay attention to if you do 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 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 fence and injure their back in the process, so make sure to Chiwee-proof your yard.

In case your pooch 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 just 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, there are no dog treats in the world that can put them off course! Incidentally, we have a rundown of the worst dog treat brands that you should steer clear of. In any case, make sure not to fall victim to these common training mistakes.

All things considered, if you are a first-time owner, a Dachshund Chihuahua is not the best choice for you.

How Well Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Fit In With Families?

Chiweenies are social puppies, and they love to play around and have fun with their owners. Until they change their minds and go 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. They 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!

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chihuahua_(dog)
3. Jensen, V. F., and K. A. Christensen. “Inheritance of Disc Calcification in the Dachshund.” Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A, vol. 47, no. 6, 2000, pp. 331–340., doi:10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00297.x.
4. Rodrigues, Adriana. The Complete Guide to Chiweenies: Finding, Training, Caring for and Loving your Chihuahua Dachshund Mix. Independently published, 2019.