The Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a curious, intelligent and active mixed-breed dog created by combining the athletic and fearsome German Shepherd with the spunky and affectionate Chihuahua. Due to the size differences between the German Shepherd and Chihuahua, this mixed breed is created via artificial insemination, or IVF treatment.
The Chihuahua and German shepherd mix (German Shepherd Chihuahua mix) is a relatively rare mixed-breed dog with a short history. This ferocious little dog will combine the guardian nature of the German Shepherd with the spry, active Chihuahua.
Image credit: mochi_aka_momo
To learn more about the Shepherd Chihuahua mix, we’ll explore the histories, temperaments, suitability, and popularity of each parent breed to understand better whether the Shepherd Chihuahua mix could be your next family pet.
German shepherd Chihuahua mix – At a glance
| Weight: | 8–30 pounds |
| Height: | 7–26 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Coat colours: | Black, tan, or black and tan. |
| Temperament: | Loyal, loving, intelligent, distrusting of strangers, potentially aggressive. |
| Suitable for: | Apartment-dwelling individuals, active families. |
What does a German shepherd Chihuahua mix look like?
As with most designer dog breeds, your Shepherd Chihuahua mix will inherit different parts of it’sits physical appearance from each parent breed. Beginning with coat colors, it’s like your Chihuahua German Shepherd mix will inherit the black coat of the GSD, with a brown coat as a top layer. They tend to have a double coat. It is also possible that your Chihuahua Shepherd will inherit a tricolor coat – black and brown with white markings. When it comes to coat texture, your Shepherd Chihuahua mix will likely have a smooth coat,
In terms of size, there’s a large variation in the possible weight of your Chihuahua Shepherd mix, but it will still be a relatively small to medium-sized dog – standing between 7 and 26 inches tall. In terms of its facial features, you can expect it to inherit the Chihuahua’s wedge-shaped head, with the upright, triangular ears of the German Shepherd. It may also have a black muzzle, like the GSD, and the round eyes of the Chihuahua.
In general, the physical appearances of mixed-breed dogs is sometimes difficult to predict, as it depends on which parent breed has the dominant gene.
The History of the German shepherd Chihuahua mix
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As with most designer breeds, the history of the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix isn’t very long. They’ve likely been around since the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly as IVF treatments created this mix.
What we’re missing from the history of the Chihuahua German Shepherd, however, we can glean from the histories of each parent breed – the Mexican Chihuahua and the German (surprise, surprise) Shepherd different-sized breeds bred for very different purposes.
The History of the German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dog was bred in Germany in the late 19th century by German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz. von Stephanitz was an avid shepherd and farmer, who sought a herding dog that could double as a property guardian.
Max von Stephanitz attended a dog show in 1899 and spotted a dog by the name of Hektor Linkshrein, who was shortly renamed Horand von Grafath. Shortly thereafter, Max von Stephanitz set up the Society for German Shepherd Dogs and began breeding GSDs sired by Horand von Grafath. This became the focal point of GSDs in Europe, where they quickly gained popularity as hunting companions and herding dogs over the next century. They also had roles as guard dogs and war dogs during the Second World War and in police forces across Europe.
They were exported to the United States in 1906 and were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908.
How Popular Are German Shepherds?
The German Shepherd has been a popular family pet, police dog and had roles in the military seemingly ever since they arrived in the U.S. in the early parts of the 20th century.
In 2021, the German Shepherd ranked as the 4th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the AKC.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
Given their large size and extensive exercise requirements, German Shepherds don’t make great apartment-dwelling dogs, nor are they well-suited for the elderly. But for an active family, perhaps with little ones, the GSD is the perfect family pet!
Despite being from a historically well-trained dog lineage, many GSDs benefit from obedience training, including positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. German Shepherds need daily exercise to stay healthy and relieve conditions like hip dysplasia. Before adopting or purchasing a German Shepherd, please ensure you can provide for their daily exercise needs. A family home with a house and yard, or easy access to a dog park, would suit your GSD best.
How Did German Shepherds Come About?
The German Shepherd was first bred from a dog named Hektor Linkshrein, bought at a dog by Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer who had been searching for a herding and guard dog for his property. Linkshrein was, to von Stephanitz, the perfect dog! He renamed him Horand von Grafath and began breeding him with other German hunting dogs to produce the modern-day German Shepherd.
When Did First Cross-Breed The German Shepherd?
Crossbreeding of the German Shepherd began in earnest in the late 1990s and early 2000s. They are most commonly crossbred with dogs that are of similar size to them, like the Labrador Retriever. Since that crossbreeding craze took hold in the 1990s, several popular GSD crosses have been created. These include:
- German Shepherd Labrador Retriever Mix (German Sheprador)
- German Shepherd Great Pyrenees Mix (Pyrenean Shepherd)
- German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Shepherd)
- Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix (German Shepmatian)
- Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix (Shepherd Inu)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a dog with an ancient history that stretches back to the time of the Aztecs. The Toltec Peoples kept a small, mute dog known as a Techichi that – according to hieroglyphs – bears striking physical resemblance to the modern-day Chihuahua.
The history of the Chihuahua, despite their lineage, is a bit of a mystery. They were next noted in the Mexican state of the same name in mid-19th century and were frequently traded and sold to American tourists along the Mexican-American border. These dogs were among the first to be introduced to the United States in the late-19th century.
The Chihuahua was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904 as a toy breed. They have long been a popular family pet, famous for their shrill bark, brown coat, and skinny, rat-like appearance, they’re fast-becoming unintentional guard dogs.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Given their small size and affectionate, loyal nature Chihuahuas are fast-becoming one of the most popular dogs in the United States.
In 2021, they ranked as the 37th most-popular canine companion in the country, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their size, Chihuahuas are often popular pets among the elderly population. Their shrill bark and ease of transport makes them a popular choice for those living alone. However, for those living in apartments, the Chihuahua might not make the best pet – they have a tendency to suffer from separation anxiety and exhibit destructive behaviors as a result.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
The Chihuahua’s precise history is difficult to come by. However, we do know that they have an ancient lineage stretching back to the 9th century, when the Aztecs ruled South America. Since then, the ancient history of the Chihuahua has been lost to the sands of time. It would re-emerge again in the mid-19th century, when the breed was first noted in the Mexican state of the same name.
Chihuahuas were sold and traded with American tourists on the Mexican-American border and quickly became popular in the United States, being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua’s crossbreeding history in the United States only begins at the end of the 20th century, but they were originally crossbred first in England following the end of the Second World War with the Jack Russell Terrier – this was in an attempt to re-popularize the JRT.
But in the United States, the Chihuahua was first crossbred with other dogs of similar size (naturally) at the end of the 20th century. For those who have crossed the Chihuahua with a larger breed, artificial insemination is the only way to ensure impregnation. Several popular Chihuahua crosses include:
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix (Cairn Chi)
- Beagle Chihuahua Mix (Cheagle)
- Chihuahua Pug Mix (Chug)
- Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix (Pom-Chi)
- Greyhound Chihuahua Mix (Grey Chi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of purchasing or adopting a new dog is how its temperament suits your new family unit. A dog’s temperament is usually determined by its genetics and lived experience, some more so than others.
For example, Great Danes are renowned for being gentle giants, despite the fact that they were originally guard dogs for property and nobleman’s coaches centuries ago. This has come from decades and centuries of socialization and a complete shift in roles for the Great Dane.
It all depends on what type of dog you’re searching for. Knowing ahead of time what you’re likely to be in for when it comes to your new pup’s temperament will only better prepare you for what’s to come. Ensure you do the appropriate research.
What is the Temperament of the German shepherd Chihuahua mix?
The Chihuahua Shepherd mix will inherit the temperamental tendencies of each parent breed. Chihuahuas are best known for their Napoleon complexes – a little dog with a big bark! To that end, they’ll express fierce loyalty to their owners with an aggressive streak towards strangers. This can be mitigated with obedience training. Chihuahuas are also notorious for their independent attitude, so don’t expect them to be hyper-obedient initially.
The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is sure to have high activity levels that will need to be satiated with a daily dose of physical exercise and mental stimulation through variety of activities. If left alone for an extended period, your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix may become bored, leading to other destructive behaviors.
Is The German shepherd Chihuahua mix friendly?
In general, you can expect your Shepherd Chihuahua mix to be a very friendly animal towards it’s friends and those it recognizes – but thanks to the Chihuahua and German Shepherd’s guardian-type nature, your GSD-Chi might not be so forthcoming with strangers.
However, once your GSD-Chi gets to know them, expect love and affection in spades.
Is The German shepherd Chihuahua mix Easy to Train?
Initially, you will likely experience some resistance to training and stubbornness from your Chihuahua Shepherd mix puppy. But, with minimal patience, persistence, and a special approach to training, your Shepherd Chihuahua mix will soon become receptive to commands.
How Much Can A German shepherd Chihuahua mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is between 8 and 30 pounds.
How Tall Can A German shepherd Chihuahua mix Get?
The average height of a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is between 7 and 26 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Shepherd Chihuahua mix. Given that there’s a wide variation of size possibilities because of the creation method of this breed, you may see some similar-sized breeds that are unexpected. These include:
- Labrador Retriever
- Golden Retriever
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Chow Chow
- French Bulldog
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
Does the Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix Shed?
Given that the Shepherd Chihuahua mix is likely to inherit the double coat of the German Shepherd, you can expect your Shepherd Chi to shed moderately year-round. In order to mitigate the shedding of the Chihuahua Shepherd mix, weekly brushing is required. You should also oil the Chihuahua German Shepherd mix’s coat to keep their coat shiny.
Furthermore, your Chihuahua Shepherd mix should see a professional groomer once every quarter, or as necessary.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix Require?
The Chihuahua German Shepherd mix, like both parent breeds, is sure to be an incredibly spry and active family pet. On average, you should expect give your Chihuahua Shepherd about 45 minutes to an hour of exercise for this active dog breed.
Alongside their physical exercise requirements, mental stimulation and various activities that are associated with it are an important part of your dog’s mental health.
How Long Can a German shepherd Chihuahua mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Shepherd Chihuahua mix is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip Joint Inflammation)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Congenital Heart Defects (Heart Conditions)
- Mitral Valve Dysplasia (Congenital Heart Defect)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow Joint Inflammation)
How Can You Find a German shepherd Chihuahua mix Puppies For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix puppy for sale, consider beginning your search by looking for those up for adoption instead! Many Chihuahua Shepherd mixes find themselves languishing in animal shelters and vet clinics, just waiting to be adopted. Not only is adoption cheaper than purchasing a mixed-breed dog, you’re also saving an animal that would otherwise be stuck in a shelter.
If your in-person search for a Shepherd Chihuahua mix fails, consider looking at AdoptAPet.com, for dogs up for adoption in your local area.
How Much Does a German shepherd Chihuahua mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix puppy is between $500 and $1000! For those looking for a more cost-effective option, consider adoption, which costs between $200 and $300.
However, those still considering purchasing a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix puppy must do so through a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders can sometimes be hard to distinguish from puppy mills. To help you ensure you’re getting your Chihuahua German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, we’ve put together this article.
We encourage you to read it before venturing forward with purchasing a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix.
Is the German shepherd Chihuahua mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for a smaller dog that’s perfectly suited for apartment living, or to be a smaller guardian-type dog for your elderly relative’s home. Or, to become a member of your own family, the Chihuahua German Shepherd might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
However, if you’re unsure, or would like to consider other mixed-breed dogs first, we’ve compiled dozens of other breed guides to give you more insight into other dogs that might be a better fit.
Sources:
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/luxating-patella-in-dogs
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders-of-dogs/congenital-and-inherited-disorders-of-the-cardiovascular-system-in-dogs
- https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/canine-elbow-dysplasia
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/