The Dalmatian Chihuahua Mix is an adorable, small to medium-sized pup full of love, a zest for life and a sense of loyalty to its owners. For those looking for a moderately active dog that is otherwise low-maintenance, the Chimatian may be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Image credit: tinkernoel
In this article, we’ll explore the history, temperaments, popularity and suitability of each parent breed to give you a better understanding of the Dalmatian Chihuahua mix and whether it has a place in your family home.
Dalmatian Chihuahua mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 10–15 pounds |
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Coat Colours: | Black, brown, golden, white with black spots. |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, active, protective, affectionate, loyal, obedient. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, experienced owners. |
What does a Dalmatian Chihuahua mix look like?
Like all designer dog breeds, your Chimatian is likely to inherit many different physical attributes from each parent breed! Although, as with many mixed-breed dogs, the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix may look more alike one parent than the other, depending on which breed is the predominant gene.
It’s likely that your Chihuahua Dalmatian mix will inherit the lengthy body of the Chihuahua, along with the short legs and wedge-shaped head, small snout and triangular ears that are either set high on it’s head, or folded over and flopping down. Chimatian’s eyes will likely resemble that of the Chihuahua.
It’s tail length will resemble that of it’s Dalmatian parent, and it could also inherit the traditional spotted coat of the Dalmatian. It may also have a slightly wider, stockier body thanks to the Dalmatian genes. It will likely have a single coat of short fur.
As with all designer dog breeds, it may be difficult to accurately predict the physical appearance, so our predictions are by no means hard science, just educated guesses.
The History of the Dalmatian Chihuahua mix
Unfortunately, not much written history is available regarding the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix. This breed is slightly less common among the Chihuahua mixes that are becoming more popular in the mixed-breed community, this is largely due to the size difference between the Chihuahua and Dalmatian. If the Chihuahua is the female of the mix, then she will have to be impregnated via IVF treatments.
It’s likely that the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix first came about during the 1990s and early 2000s, following the explosion in popularity of crossbreeding across the United States. To learn more about the mix, we’re going to take you through the history of each parent breed, starting with the humble, loving and loyal Dalmatian.
The History of the Dalmatian
The history of the Dalmatian is slightly mired in mystery. Many early accounts of the Dalmatian breed tell of a stout, tall dog with a muscular body that originated in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. It’s exact origins are shrouded in mystery, but it’s thought that the breed originated from a spotted Great Dane and a variation of a Pointers.
The breed first appeared in the 1375 writings of the Bishop of Davoko, Peter. He wrote of spotted hunting dogs located in the Dalmatia region of Croatia with white fur and rounded black spots, while the first paintings of the Dalmatian was first conducted in the early 17th century in Croatia. The general consensus among animal writers of the 17th and 18th centuries is that the dog first originated in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.
Fast-forward to the late 19th century and the Dalmatia was a popular guard dog among English and European nobility – used as guard dogs of nobleman’s coaches – they were named ‘the Spotted Coach Dog’. They were very much a status symbol in Europe during the early to mid 19th century.
The first breed standard was written in England in 1890 as the breed became more popular among common folk. The first Dalmatians were exported to the United States during the late 19th century, and were first recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1888.
How Popular Are Dalmatians?
Despite their current popularity as companion pets, Dalmatians were first used as fire mascots, messenger dogs and police dogs upon their arrival in the United States. This is why many firehouses still have Dalmatian mascots to this day!
In 2021, Dalmatians were the 49th most popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Dalmatians a Good Dog For?
Given their size and strength, Dalmatians aren’t typically owned by the elderly, or those who live in apartments. They require plenty of exercise and prefer a house & yard to run in. They are often protective and fiercely loyal to their owners, though not necessarily overtly aggressive. Around friends, they frolic and can be playful and eager to please.
They are an intelligent breed and need mental stimulation alongside physical exercise, but they respond well to commands and are relatively easy to train – making them a good bet for first-time dog owners.
How Did Dalmatians Come About?
While the Dalmatian’s exact origins are unknown, they first appeared in illustrations and writings during the 16th century in Europe, noted as a tall, muscular, spotted dog.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Dalmatian?
Beloved for their black spot coats and calm demeanors, Dalmatians have long been a popular dog breed when creating a hybrid breed. They were likely first crossbred during the 1990s and early 2000s, as the Dalmatian parent would often pass on their spotted coats to the Dalmatian mix puppies.
Several popular Dalmatian mixes include:
- Corgi Dalmatian Mix (Cormatian)
- German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix (German Shepmatian)
- Labrador Retriever Dalmatian Mix (Labmatian)
- Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix (Goldmatian)
- Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix (Blue Dalmatian)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua’s history stretches back centuries, to the time of the Aztecs during the 9th century and a small, mute dog called the Techichi. It was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name, and was first brought to the United States during the late-19th century, when Mexicans sold or traded their Chihuahuas to American tourists.
Since being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904, the Chihuahua has become a firm family pet, renowned for their energetic and protective nature – the ‘small-dog-big-bark’ characterization is fairly accurate!
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
In 2021, the Chihuahua was ranked as the 37th most-popular breed in the United States.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Their small size makes the Chihuahua a great pet for those looking for an easy-to-handle dog that’s good on a leash. They have a moderate energy level that will require daily walks, but are otherwise relatively low-maintenance.
They do have a habit of excessive barking and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period. This can lead to destructive behaviors, which aren’t always ideal in shared-living situations.
However, Chihuahuas are well-loved and popular across populations.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
Chihuahuas’ precise origins are largely unknown, but they are thought to descend from the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples in the 9th century. First noted in the Mexican state of the same name, Chihuahuas were sold across the Mexican-American border to American tourists and were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Given the size of the Chihuahua, many are crossbred by artificial insemination – including the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix – however, many Chihuahuas are crossbred with dogs that are of similar size to the Chi. Although, this is not always the case. Since the 1990s and early 2000s, Chihuahuas have been a popular parent dog of many crossbreeds. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Chihuahua Beagle Mix (Cheagle)
- Chihuahua Pit Bull Terrier Mix (Pit Chi)
- French Bulldog Chihuahua Mix (French Bullhuahua)
- Chihuahua Border Collie Mix (Border Chi)
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix (Toxirn)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of preparing for dog ownership is understanding the temperament that your new dog is likely to bring with it and how that temperament will interact with your family’s temperament.
For example, if you are an active, outdoorsy family, you’re going to want a dog that’s able to partake in those activities and feel like they’re a part of the family unit. Whereas if you’re a more home-based family, you’ll likely want a dog that’s OK with being inside most of the time and has a more relaxed nature.
Conducting thorough research beforehand will save time and money in training your new dog beyond what’s necessary and reduce the risk of having to re-home the animal before you’ve given it a fair shot.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix?
The Chihuahua Dalmatian mix will inherit different parts of it’s temperament from each parent breed. It will likely be excitable and energetic, like the Chihuahua – but reserved and guarded with strangers – like the Dalmatian. Expect it to affectionate and loyal, as well as remarkably intelligent and very receptive to training.
Is The Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Friendly?
You can expect your Chihuahua Dalmatian mix to be a very friendly and affable breed, but guarded around strangers. Once it warms up to those people, however, it will be as loving to them as it is to you! It is not an aggressive breed, so you won’t have to worry about it biting or growling.
Is The Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Easy to Train?
One of the best parts of the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix’s temperament is it’s obedience. While positive reinforcement training can sometimes work wonders, don’t expect to need to use it often! Similarly, reward-based training is effective, but won’t be necessary as often as with other breeds.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Dalmatian Chihuahua mix is between 10 and 15 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Get?
The average height of a Dalmatian Chihuahua mix is 10 to 14 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to Dalmatian Chihuahua mix. These include:
- Corgi
- Boston Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Does the Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Shed?
The Chihuahua Dalmatian mix has a short, soft coat – meaning you won’t need than a quick pass with a slicker brush to properly groom it’s dirt-repellent coat. This makes it unusually low-maintenance! It will be a light shedding breed year-round.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Require?
The Chihuahua Dalmatian is a very active pup! It will likely require about 45 minutes of daily exercise, including walks and off-leash running. Another important part of exercising your Dalmatian Chihuahua will be mental stimulation through brain exercises. Alternatively, be sure to leave your Chimatian something to do if you’re leaving it at home alone, such as a KONG toy filled with it’s favorite treats.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Live?
The average life expectancy of a Chihuahua Dalmatian mix is between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Have?
- Corneal Dystrophy (Eye Disease)
- Bladder Stone (Intestinal Issues)
- Hydrocephalus (Swelling of the brain)
- Hypothyroidism (Thyroid Disease)
- Urinary Tract Disorders (Urinary Problems)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Legg-Calve Perthes Disease (Painful hip condition causing lameness)
- Periodontal Disease (Tooth problems)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Puppy For Sale?
One of the best avenues to find a Dalmatian Chihuahua mix puppy is to initially explore the possibility of adoption. Unfortunately, many Chimatian puppies wind up in animal shelters or vet clinic across the country and are put up for adoption.
However, you can save lives and give a Chimatian it’s forever home by adopting one of them! Adoption is often a fraction of the cost of purchasing a Chihuahua Dalmatian puppy. If you strike out in person, consider checking out AdoptAPet.com to find a Chimatian in your local area.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Dalmatian mix is between $500 and $1000! In contrast, adopting a Chihuahua Dalmatian mix roughly costs between $100 and $150.
If you’re considering purchasing a Dalmatian Chihuahua mix, be sure to purchase one through a reputable breeder. To help you with this, we’ve created a guide on finding a reputable breeder, and avoiding puppy mills.
Is the Chihuahua Dalmatian Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for a small to medium-sized pup that’s low-maintenance in almost every way, but fiercely loyal and wonderfully loving, then the Chihuahua Dalmatian mix might be the breed for you!
However, if you’re not convinced, we’ve created dozens of other breed guides to help you find the perfect mutt match for your family.