The Chihuahua Greyhound mix is one of the strangest mixed-breed dogs that you’re likely to come across. Combining the lightening-fast Greyhound with the small-but-mighty Chihuahua, you’re likely to get a sociable, intelligent, protective companion pet that’s suitable for almost any household.
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The combination of the Italian Greyhound and the Chihuahua produces a small dog with a bit of a Napoleon complex. One thing is sure, though your Greyhound Chihuahua mix will be a devoted companion.
Chihuahua Greyhound Mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 8–15 pounds |
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–20 years |
| Coat Colours: | Black, grey, brown, red, cream, white, blue, fawn, silver, brindle, sable. |
| Temperament: | Protective, intelligent, stubborn, energetic, loyal, loving. |
| Suitable for: | Families, single individuals and the elderly. |
What Does a Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Look Like?
The Chihuahua Greyhound mix will likely inherit the best of both parent breeds in terms of physical appearance, though it will undoubtedly be tiny, like the Chihuahua. You can expect the Greyhound Chihuahua mix to be only 10 to 13 inches tall.
Your Chihuahua and the Greyhound mix will likely have long limbs and be slightly more slender than your average Chihuahua. It may also adopt the Greyhound’s folded ears or the Chihuahua’s upright ears. Don’t worry, though. Your dog can hear you just fine!
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Your Greyhound Chihuahua mix will have a short, smooth coat, wedge-shaped face, and a black nose. Though not hypoallergenic, the Chihuahua Greyhound mix is one of the lesser-shedding dogs out there. Don’t try to anticipate what coat color your Greyhound Chihuahua mix will be – they’re known to come in almost every coat color known among dogs!
The History of the Chihuahua Greyhound Mix
As a designer dog, the Greyhound Chihuahua’s history is greatly lacking. We know that the breed first appeared sometime in the 2000s, but when and by whom they were first bred is a mystery.
However, both parent breeds – the Chihuahua and the Italian Greyhound have a long and storied history on opposite ends of the world. So, we’ll dive into that history to help us understand where the Chihuahua and the Greyhound mix came from.
The History of the Greyhound
The Italian Greyhound, or simply “Greyhound,” is the oldest domesticated dog breed – with some evidence that they date back to Ancient Egypt, where they were a part of the Pharaoh’s household and revered as Gods. Beyond Ancient Egypt, Greyhounds were kept by priests in the Dark Ages, who bred them for noblemen of England. Until 1700, owning a Greyhound was an exclusive right of a noble Lord in England.
Queen Elizabeth and Christopher Columbus owned Greyhounds. The Greyhound also appears in William Shakespeare’s writings of Henry V.
The Greyhound’s entire lineage – that is, every purebred Italian Greyhound alive today – can be traced back to one dog, King Cob, a Greyhound that was bred in England in 1839. Since their popularity in England, Greyhounds have been used as racing dogs and can reach speeds of up to 70km/hour in short bursts. This makes them the world’s fastest dogs!
As the dog racing circuit became less popular, Greyhounds and their owners adapted and became healthy family pets. Though active people throughout the world still own Greyhounds.
How Popular Are Greyhounds?
From their popularity in England, the Italian Greyhound has yet to enjoy such popularity in the United States. They ranked 73rd in the American Kennel Club’s rankings of most-popular dogs in 2021.
Who Are Greyhounds a Good Dog For?
Greyhounds are tall, skinny animals that are incredibly energetic. Their owners are usually active pet owners with either plenty of space to let the Greyhound run or easy access to fields and off-leash dog parks. Greyhounds aren’t suitable for the elderly, nor those who live in apartment-style dwellings, due to their need for regular exercise and sheer size.
Greyhounds sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. The Greyhound is also not well-suited to first-time dog owners.
How Did Greyhounds Come About?
Greyhounds’ exact origin story is a mystery. Still, the breed is said to have lineage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt when dogs that resembled their physical appearance were the dogs of the Pharaoh. Greyhounds were initially used as companion pets of royal households and then became racing dogs as civilizations advanced.
They were popular pets of Queen Elizabeth I and Christopher Columbus, even getting a mention in Shakespeare’s “Henry V.”
When Did First Cross-Breed The Greyhound?
Being a regal dog – a top-rated purebred dog among pet owners, Greyhounds are not often crossbred with other dogs – to keep the lineage pure. Designer breeds are usually less popular among those who run in Greyhound circles.
However, like most mixed dogs, they likely began to be crossbred in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua’s history is very different from the Greyhound’s. This beloved canine companion began life as a companion pet for people in the Mexican state of the same name. They were first noted there in the mid-19th century.
The Chihuahua is considered part of the Techichi ancestry. The Techichi was a small, mute dog bred as a canine companion by the Toltec People, dating back to the times of the Aztecs in Mexico. The Techichi and the Chihuahua bear strong physical resemblances.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
The Chihuahua is a prevalent dog breed despite only being registered as a dog breed in the United States in 1904. This is primarily due to the size and low-maintenance nature. According to the American Kennel Club, they ranked 37th most popular dog in the U.S. in 2021.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their low-maintenance nature and size, Chihuahuas are favored by owners who prefer smaller dogs, which will not cause them much grief. This makes Chihuahuas popular among the elderly and those who live in apartments.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
Chihuahuas’ exact breeding history is unclear. However, they were first noted living in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the mid-19th century. They bear significant resemblance to the Techichi – a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples during the time of the Aztecs.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Given the Chihuahua’s long and storied history of being kept as a companion pet for the people of the state of Chihuahua, MX, it’s highly likely that the Chihuahua was crossbred during their history before crossbreeding became popular in the United States in the 1990s and early 2000s.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of owning any animal is ensuring it’s a temperamental match for your family. To do this, you’ll need to research the possible temperaments that your chosen dog may inherit from both parent breeds.
If you’re a family that gets regular exercise – hiking, walking, whatever, you’re going to want a dog that does the same. Similarly, if you’re a person that likes to stay indoors, then a more laid-back, laissez-faire dog might be more to your liking.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Greyhound Mix?
As with almost any mixed-breed dog, the temperament of the Chihuahua Greyhound mix might be a bit of both animal. Luckily, the Chihuahua tends to be slightly more subdued than the ever-energetic Greyhound.
The Greyhuahua mix will likely have an energetic personality, although its Chihuahua genes will make it protective and loyal to its owners. However, Chihuahuas can have demanding characters, so if your Greyhound Chihuahua mix is exhibiting demanding behavior, you may need to consider extra training.
Is The Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Friendly?
Despite the Napoleon complex, the Greyhound Chihuahua mix can be pretty friendly, likely inheriting the eventually-charming personality of the Greyhound.
Is The Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Easy to Train?
The Chihuahua Greyhound mix can be somewhat challenging to train. Greyhound mixes tend to listen well, but Chihuahuas have a stubborn streak that may shine through.
You may also expect your Greyhound Chihuahua mix to be spritely and have more energy than the average Chihuahua – like a Mini Greyhound!
How Much Can A Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Greyhound Chihuahua mix is between 8 and 15 pounds. This Greyhound mix inherited the size genes from the Chihuahua.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Get?
The average height of the Chihuahua Greyhound mix is between 10 and 14 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Chihuahua Greyhound mix. These include the Boston Terrier, the Jack Russell Terrier and the Miniature Schanuzer.
Does the Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Shed?
Despite its short coat, you can expect your Chihuahua Greyhound mix to be a moderate shedder. Please prepare to brush your Greyhuahua mix at least once each week.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Require?
Given that they have Greyhound genes, you can expect your Chihuahua Greyhound mix to need the regular exercise of at least thirty to forty-five minutes per day. Their energetic personality demands it!
How Long Can a Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Live?
The Greyhound Chihuahua mix has an average lifespan of 12-20 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Have?
Dental health is one of the most common health issues in any Chihuahua mix. Given that they have short teeth, they are predisposed to dental disease. Other common health issues of the Greyhound Chihuahua mix include:
- Patellar Luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Molera (soft skull spots)
- Tracheal Collapse (progressive respiratory condition)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (congenital heart disease)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before searching for a Chihuahua Greyhound mix puppy to purchase, we highly recommend you start by searching for a Greyhound Chihuahua mix to adopt. Adopting a Greyhound Chihuahua mix can save it from the shelter.
Check with your local vet office and animal shelter before venturing online. However, you can also search for a Greyhound Chihuahua mix online at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Greyhound Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Greyhound mix puppy is around $500.00. Another reason to adopt!
If you strike out in adopting a Greyhound Chihuahua mix and are dead set on purchasing a puppy, we highly recommend you read our guide to finding a reputable breeder!
Is the Chihuahua Greyhound Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Chihuahua Greyhound mix is a small dog with a lot of heart! If you think you could give a great home to a Chihuahua and the Greyhound mix, including having the time and the energy to keep up with the energetic little bugger, be sure to look online or in-person for one to adopt or keep an eye out for a reputable breeder with Greyhound Chihuahuas to sell.