The Chihuahua Dachshund mix is an energetic, affectionate, spunky pup, created by mixing the Mexican Chihuahua and German Dachshund, this delightful mixed dog breed could well be your next family pet. The “Chiweenie,” as they are otherwise known are a loving and loyal companion pet, small enough to occupy an apartment space – standing at under ten inches tall – but also active enough to become a key member of any active family unit. While they won’t be climbing mountains, they’re down for long-ish walks and off-leash play!
Images credit: theastrolojess
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 5–12 pounds |
| Height: | 6–10 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
| Coat colours: | Mixture of brown, black or white or a solid colour. |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, loyal, protective, intelligent, stubborn |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active retired couples, apartment dwellers |
What does a Chihuahua Dachshund mix look like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Chihuahua Dachshund mix will adopt different parts of its physical appearance from each parent breed. Chiweenies primarily have short coats, like their Chihuahua parents – although some could have longer coats – like Dachshunds. Although neither the short nor long coat type is hypoallergenic, it does cut down on the brushing! Regarding coat colors, your Chiweenie will likely be a mixture of black, brown, and white or a solid color of one of those three. It could also have a blue coat, though this is a rarity. It will likely have a single coat, as do both parent breeds.
To learn more about the Dachshund Chihuahua mix, we’re going to take you through the history, temperaments, exercise requirements, popularity and suitability of each parent breed. Read on to discover why the Chiweenie may be your next family pet!
The History of the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix
Unfortunately, little is known about the Chihuahua Dachshund mix – but is likely that the breed was created in the late 1990s or early 2000s. As these two breeds are of relatively similar size, it is possible to breed them together naturally, rather than having to resort to IVF treatments.
Luckily, each parent breed has an established history in the United States, with the Dachshund arriving slightly before the Chihuahua – we will draw upon this history to better understand why anyone would mix the spunky, brave Chihuahua with the affable, loyal Dachshund to create the Chiweenie.
The History of the Dachshund
Originally bred as badger hunting dogs, the Dachshund is one of Germany’s most popular dogs – both in Europe and North America. The written history of Dachshund is kind of confusing – some early 18th century descriptions refer to “badger dogs” (the translation of “Dach shund”), and are famous mostly for exterminating badgers from the German wildlife population during the 18th and 19th centuries.
There’s a large debate as to precisely when Dachshunds were bred – although they were most certainly bred from German, English and French hounds and terriers – hence their strong prey drive. Their small size made them ideal hunting companions for those hunting foxes or badgers. They would be used to ‘fetch’ their hunter’s kill.
Dachshunds have gained huge popularity in Europe and have featured prominently in many royal courts, including the late Queen Elizabeth II, who is credited with creating the Dorgi – a Dachshund Corgi mix – by breeding her sister’s Dachshund with her own Corgi!
Nowadays, the primary use of the Dachshund is as a beloved family pet, they can come with their fair share of challenges, including chronic conditions such as diabetes, and intervertebral disc disease.
How Popular Are Dachshunds?
Since their arrival in the United States between 1879 and 1885, Dachshunds quickly became popular family pets! Otherwise known as wiener or sausage dogs, thanks to their slender, elongated bodies. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.
In 2021, Dachshunds ranked as the 10th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club’s rankings.
Who Are Dachshunds a Good Dog For?
Because of their small size, Dachshunds are popular pets among the elderly and among those living in apartments. They are also popular family pets, but because they have a tendency to dig and burrow, a fenced-in yard is the ideal outdoor space for the Dachshund.
In a Dachshund, you’ll have a faithful companion for life!
How Did Dachshunds Come About?
There is some disagreement among cynologists about when, exactly, the Dachshund was bred – the American Kennel Club is of the opinion that the Dachshund was bred in the 15th century, although illustrations from the late 18th century place the Dachshund during this time period.
In any case, the Dachshund was bred for badger hunting from various German, French and English terriers and hounds.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Dachshund?
The adorable Dachshund is one of the world’s most-loved pups, renowned for their protective nature and affectionate loyalty to their owners. For this reason, they’ve found themselves as a popular mixed breed parent for folks looking to inject some Dachshund temperament into their dogs!
Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Dachshund has been a popular parent breed for many designer breeds. Here are a few popular Dachshund crossbreeds:
- Pitbull Dachshund Mix (Pitshund)
- Corgi Dachshund Mix (Dorgi)
- Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix (Doxie Spaniel)
- German Shepherd Dachshund Mix (Shepshund)
- Dachshund Husky Mix (Dachusky)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a breed with an ancient history, stretching back to the earliest days of Aztec settlement in South America. They herald from an ancient breed known as the Techichi – this small, barkless breed was kept by the Toltec Peoples. The Techichi is thought to be the primary descendant of the Chihuahua.
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the Chihuahua was first noted in the Mexican state of the same – but where it came from precisely is a bit of a mystery. They were kept as pets by the Mexican people and were first traded or sold to American tourists in the late-19th and early 20th centuries.
The Chihuahua was – and remains – hugely popular in the United States since it’s introduction and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 in the Toy Breed category.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
The Chihuahua has long been a popular companion pet in the United States, their small size makes them ideal for apartment dwellers, though they’re little balls of energy and will need regular exercise – also making them ideal for families with a house and yard.
In 2021, Chihuahuas ranked as the 37th most-popular pet in the United States.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
As mentioned, given their small size, Chihuahuas are wonderful dogs for families who are looking for a small breed that’s fiercely loyal and tenacious to make a good guard dog – even if only to alert to the presence of an intruder. Their size also makes them a good fit for an active elderly couple who can keep up with their daily exercise requirements.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
While the exact history of the Chihuahua has been largely lost to the sands of time, their ancestor includes the Techichi – a small, barkless breed of dog that was kept by the Toltec Peoples in the 9th century.
They were first noted in the Mexican state of the name in the mid-19th century and first came to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Despite their history in the United States, having been recognized by the AKC since 1904, the Chihuahua has been a popular crossbreed throughout it’s history. However, crossbreeding peaked in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. It’s likely that this is when crossbreeding of the Chihuahua took place in earnest.
Several popular Chihuahua crossbreeds, created during this time, include:
- Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel Mix (Cocker Chi)
- Chihuahua Papillon Mix (Chion)
- Chihuahua Pug Mix (Chug)
- Chihuahua Poodle Mix (Chi-Poo)
- Corgi Chihuahua Mix (Chigi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of preparing to welcome a new puppy into your life is properly and thoroughly research the temperament of your new dog. Will you new dog be good with other animals or small children? Are they more likely to be active, or not so much? Will they be playful and excitable, or laid back? Are they particularly independent, or are you buying or adopting a lap dog in disguise?
All of the answers to these important questions will help you to decide if your desired dog breed will fit in well with your family unit. While certain parts of a dog’s temperament are biological, other parts come from lived experience – positive reinforcement training is a great option if you find that there’s a significant temperamental clash.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix?
You will likely find that your Chiweenie is an extremely loyal and devoted dog, with a fierce protective streak. This makes them great family dogs! They’re quite active, so will need exercise on a regular basis. As a terrier-type breed, you may notice some digging (this is common with Dachshunds) – try to find a way to Chiwee-proof your yard!
Is The Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Friendly?
The Dachshund Chihuahua mix is a friendly pup toward those it knows but could be standoffish and suspicious of those it doesn’t. However, following a warming-up period, your friends and visiting family will quickly become firm favorites of your Chiweenie.
Is The Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Easy to Train?
Initially, your Chihuahua Dachshund mix will likely be stubborn and resistant to training. Positive reinforcement is a great option, as is reward-based training. Persistence is key. As the Chiweenie is a very intelligent mixed-breed dog, it will likely catch on fast once you’ve overcome the initial stubborn attitude.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chiweenie is between 5 and 12 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Get?
The average height of a Dachshund Chihuahua mix is between 6 and 10 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few dogs that are of similar size to the Dachshund Chihuahua mix, but most are in the Toy Breed category. These include:
- Maltese
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Shih Tzu
- Italian Greyhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
Does the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Shed?
Unfortunately, not Dachshund Chihuahua mixed dog breed is a non-shedder. Whether or not your Chihuahua Dachshund will be a moderate or light shedding dog depends on whether it inherits the short, smooth coat of a Chihuahua, or a slightly longer coat, like certain Dachshund breeds.
In order to keep shedding to a minimum, you’ll need to brush your Chihuahua Dachshund regularly. If they have a long coat, making brushing a part of your daily routine. If they have a short coat, be sure to keep your Chihuahua Dachshund mixed dog breed dry, as they tend to shiver during colder months of the year.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Require?
As both the Dachshund and Chihuahua have high energy levels, expect your Chihuahua Dachshund mix to be similarly active! It would be best if you prepared to walk your Chihuahua Dachshund for at least 45 minutes daily. Exercising your Chiweenie well will also help ward off musculoskeletal issues such as intervertebral disc disease, myelopathy (issues with their hind legs), obesity and more.
Alongside physical exercise, it’s important that you give your Chihuahua Dachshund mental stimulation. This can be done through brain games, or (if you’re going to leave Chiweenie alone for an extended period of time), through a toy like a KONG.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua Dachshund mix is between 12 and 16 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Have?
- Degenerative Disc Disease (Spinal Degeneration)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Periodontal Disease (Dental Issues)
- Hypoglycemia (Diabetes)
- Skin Allergies
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Puppy For Sale?
If you’ve been searching for a Chihuahua Dachshund mix puppy for sale, you’ve probably been searching on Craiglist or other online locations and coming up empty – or coming across ads that give you bad vibes. These ads are likely for puppy mills and should be avoided at all costs. We highly recommend that you search for a reputable breeder of Dachshund Chihuahua mix puppies! We’ve written this article to help you in your search.
While purchasing a dog through a reputable breeder is fine – we recommend that you consider adopting a Chiweenie first! Thousands of dogs lie in animal shelters and vet clinics across the country, just waiting to be adopted. Be sure to check these places before hunting for a breeder!
How much does a Dachshund and Chihuahua mix puppy cost?
The average cost of a Chiweenie is usually between $500 and $1000! This puts the average cost at roughly double that of adopting a Chihuahua Dachshund mix.
Image credit: life.of.piny
If you’re considering adopting a Chiweenie pup – check out AdoptAPet.com to see if one is available in your local area.
Is the Chihuahua Dachshund Mix the Right Breed For You?
We hope that after reading this article you’re considering welcoming a Chiweenie into your home and heart! This adorable little pup deserves a place to call home long-term and they could be your next family pet.
However, if you’re considering another dog breed, but aren’t certain what you want yet, we’ve written dozens of other breed guides to help you in your search! Read those for more information different mixed-breed combinations.
Sources:
- https://www.modestovethospital.com/site/blog/2021/12/01/skin-allergy-in-dogs
- https://www.kingsdale.com/hypoglycemia-in-dogs
- https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/periodontal-disease-in-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia
- https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/pet-health-blog/2020/08/14/ivdd-intervertebral-disc-disease-in-dogs