The Doberman Chihuahua mix is a curious mix between two small dog breeds, producing an energetic, excitable dog with a fervently loyal and protective streak. This dog can only be created via IVF treatment due to the physical impracticality of traditional breeding, but the result is a huge variety of physical and temperamental characteristics.
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Doberman Chihuahua Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 6–60 pounds |
| Height: | 9–16 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Coat colours: | Cream, Black, Brown, Fawn, or a combination of each of these individually. |
| Temperament: | Clingy, loyal, aggressive (barking), loving, energetic. |
| Suitable For: | Families with or without children, couples or single individuals. |
What Does a Doberman Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
The History of the Doberman Chihuahua Mix
As a designer dog, the Doberman Chihuahua mix doesn’t have much of a history to speak of, though given the increase in popularity of designer breeds in the 1990s and early 2000s, it’s highly likely that this is when the Doberman Chihuahua mix first appeared. The Chihuahua Doberman mix was likely bred by people who liked the look of the Chihuahua-Pinscher, which is the miniature cousin of the Chihuahua Doberman mix.
Always bred as a companion dog, the Doberman Chihuahua mix makes the perfect lap dog.
The History of the Doberman
The Doberman is a creation of Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector in the 19th century, who needed an imposing figure to help ward off thieves and intimidate those from whom he would collect taxes in the small town of Apolda, Germany. Louis Dobermann created the breed by mixing a variety of German terriers and hunting dogs at his dog pound in Apolda.
Initially bred to be a guard dog, the Doberman has migrated to become a service dog for police and military functions, as well as an adept companion dog.
How Popular Are Dobermans?
Though there is no recorded history of when the Doberman came to the United States, the breed was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908. Since then, it has become incredibly popular in the US, even being a mascot for the United States Marine Corps during the Second World War.
In 2021, it ranked 16th in the American Kennel Club’s yearly rankings.
Who Are Dobermans a Good Dog For?
As a medium-sized dog with plenty of power and a get-up-and-go personality, Dobermans are best suited for those with larger dwellings and plenty of land to allow the Doberman to roam. Dobermans aren’t good dogs for the elderly or those who cannot give them the exercise it needs.
How Did Dobermans Come About?
The Doberman was first created by Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector in Apolda, Germany, in the late 19th century. Dobermann needed an intimidating and tall dog to aid him in his tax-collecting duties and ward off any potential attackers.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Doberman?
The history of crossbreeding the Doberman is unknown, though the breed was likely kept purebred throughout its time in Europe. It may have been crossbred first upon its arrival in the United States, though it was probably caught up in the crossbreeding craze of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the world’s oldest dog breeds, as its lineage dates back centuries to the Aztecs of Mexico. It’s said to descend from the Toltec People, who owned a small, mute dog known as the Techichi, smaller than a modern Chihuahua.
Chihuahuas were first noted in the Mexican state of the same name in the 19th century, where it was kept as companion dogs.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
From its beginning in Mexico, the Chihuahua has become an equally popular companion dog in the United States, likely due to its size, weight, friendliness and overall good health.
Chihuahuas ranked 37th overall in the list of most popular dog breeds in the U.S., curated by the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their overall size, friendly temperaments, good health and a laidback lifestyle, the Chihuahua will make a wonderful pet for just about anyone. They’re preferred among the elderly due to their size and aren’t too energetic to be off-putting for the family with kids.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
Chihuahuas exact breeding history is difficult to pin down, however, we do know that they were first noted as a small Mexican companion dog in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Even more elusive is the cross-breeding history of the Chihuahua, mostly due to the physical impracticalities of crossbreeding Chihuahuas, thus, most of the crossbreeding that involves Chihuahuas needed to be conducted via IVF treatments. Though, like most of the other modern crossbreeds, it’s highly likely that Chihuahuas were crossbred via IVF in the 1990s and 2000s.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important things to do before you buy or adopt a dog is to research their possible temperaments. One of the reasons for this is to ensure that you’re picking a temperamental match for your family unit.
Any new dog is bound to upset the applecart a little, and there will surely be an adjustment period for you and the dog. However, choosing a dog with a different temperament to your family could mean that you’ll have to spend lots of extra time and money training the dog to fit in, or you could have to re-home the dog or return it from whence it came.
All of these outcomes are incredibly traumatic to you, your family, and the dog.
What is the Temperament of the Doberman and Chihuahua Mix dog?
The Doberman Chihuahua mix tends to have quite a feisty temperament, though not necessarily hugely energetic, it appreciates a good walk and is a loving and loyal companion.
Is the Doberman Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
The Doberman Chihuahua mix is quite a friendly animal, though it may be standoffish towards other people and pets until they’ve warmed to this defensive little lapdog.
Is the Doberman Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
In general, you may find that the Doberman Chihuahua mix is a stubborn little bugger, to begin with, though with time and patience, they warm to training.
How Much Can Doberman Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The Doberman Chihuahua mix can weigh anywhere from 6 to 60 pounds, depending on the predominant genes.
How Tall Can The Doberman Chihuahua Mix Get?
Likewise, the Doberman Chihuahua mix will reach heights of between 9 and 16 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Doberman Chihuahua mix. These include the Boston Terrier, the Miniature Schnauzer, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, the English Bulldog and the Chow Chow.
Does the Doberman Chihuahua Mix Shed?
You’ll find that the Doberman Chihuahua mix is a moderate shedder, though it will have a short coat, so it only requires a thin-bristled brush.
How Much Exercise Does A Doberman Chihuahua Mix Require?
While not the most energetic of dogs, the Doberman Chihuahua mix will require moderate exercise. Between 45 minutes and an hour every day or every other day should suffice.
How Long Can a Doberman Chihuahua Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Doberman Chihuahua mix is between 10 and 12 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Doberman Chihuahua Mix Have?
- Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation)
- Color Dilution Alopecia (fur loss & irritated skin)
- Spina bifida (spinal issue)
How Can You Find a Doberman Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you try to find a Doberman Chihuahua mix puppy for sale, we highly recommend that you check your local veterinary office or animal shelter. Sometimes, this breed is bred accidentally, and the puppies are often dropped off for adoption as unwanted pets.
Alternatively, you can try https://www.petfinder.com/ to search your local area online for a Doberman Chihuahua mix puppy.
How Much Does a Doberman Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
If you strike out online and in-person, you can still pursue purchasing a Doberman Chihuahua mix puppy, although it’s going to be a costly endeavor. It will likely cost you between $600 and $1500 for a Doberman Chihuahua mix puppy – another reason to exhaust all adoption options first.
Please read and follow the American Kennel Club’s guidelines on finding and working with reputable breeders.
Is the Doberman Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Doberman Chihuahua mix is a fantastic do-everything pet. It can be a lapdog one minute and an excitable, energetic bundle the next. Despite their aggressive tendencies towards strangers, the Doberman Chihuahua mix is a wonderful family pet and fits into almost any household. Maybe they could soon fit into yours!