Dog breeders believe the Chiweenie is an offspring of the Dachshund/Chihuahua hybrid. These pups were a perfect blend of their parents' best qualities: compactness, energy, and loyalty. You may have heard of Chiweenies as the German Taco or the Mexican Hot Dog.
It's hard not to fall in love with these cute pups, but they're best suited to tiny or single-person households because of their yappy temperament. As a "firecracker" breed, the Chiweenie is an excellent choice for someone looking for a dog that will keep them awake, alert them to any potential threats, and love them unconditionally. Chiweenies come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, as can be seen in the information provided below!
Highlights
- Tuna, a Chiweenie with almost 2 million Instagram followers, may be the most popular Chiweenie.
- Chiweenies are a type of dog that is a cross between two different purebreds. Unlike their Dachshund or Chihuahua parents, they are not "purebreds.
- Despite their little stature, Chiweenies have a lot of energy and love to play rather than sleep.
- Although they can have long coats, Chiweenie dogs typically have short coats, making them an excellent choice for those who have allergies.
- Chiweenies are often brown, black, or white in hue. It is possible for their coats to be either all one colour or a combination of many hues.
- Grooming is a breeze with the Chiweenie. However, the most important thing is to keep up with good dental hygiene.
- When it comes to house training, Chiweenies can be extremely recalcitrant.
- Despite their tendency to be "yappy," these dogs make excellent watchdogs.
- Chiweenies thrive in houses with a single person or fewer people, especially those with older children..
- If you're looking for a Chiweenie, you can locate them in shelters or through rescue groups that specialise in small dogs, Chihuahuas, or Dachshus.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
5 to 12 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Height
6 to 10 inches
History
It is possible that the Chiweenie dog breed has existed naturally for some time, although it is most likely the result of intentional breeding between Chihuahua and Dachshunds in the late 1990s.
Dachshunds have a tendency to suffer from back problems because of their long bodies, therefore breeders decided to combine the two parent breeds. As the popularity of these mixed-breed puppies grew, they continued to produce them.
Even though the Chiweenie breed began its beginnings as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adopting if you've made up your mind about this breed.
Look for Chiweenie rescues, Dachshund rescues, or Chihuahua rescues, which may take in mixed-breed dogs and help them find new homes.
Personality and Temperament
Chiweenies are affectionate and compassionate, always alert to their environment and sticking near to their owners as much as possible. As a rule, they form a strong attachment to one member of their family over the rest and are fiercely protective of that person. These canines are suitable for solitary people, as well as elders and families with children.
Children should avoid having Chiweenies as pets since they are easily irritated by too much activity or noise and may not withstand the turbulence that comes with toddlers. Because of their lengthy bodies and delicate paws, Chiweenies should be treated with caution when playing or engaging with other pets.
Chiweenies, despite their sensitivity, are generally laid-back and kind, despite their reputation. They love to play and run around, but also to snuggle and curl up on the couch, which makes them a desired pet with whom one can both interact in a lively and entertaining way, but also pet and comfortably have them on the lap. Chiweenies are prone to jealousy and prefer to be the focus of attention, hence they don't get along well with other animals. Raising a Chiweenie around other dogs (or cats) as a puppy will solve this issue, as they will get habituated to other animals from an early age.
Chiweenies make wonderful watch dogs because they are attentive and have a tendency to bark, just like their Dachshund father, a hound dog. Chihuahuas are also known for their high-pitched voice and loudness, making them ideal for a yappy dog who likes to talk.
In any case, they are friendly dogs who enjoy spending time with their human companions. They may have a hard time separating from their loved ones. In order to develop well-behaved dogs, socialisation and training must be a part of the process.
Care
The care of a Chiweenie is the same as caring for any other type of animal. The lifetime and personality of a dog you adopt, whether it is a puppy or an adult, will remain as fresh and exciting as the day you met them. Check out the advice below to learn more about how to care for a dog like this hybrid.
Health
All hybrid dogs are healthier than their purebred ancestors, and Chiweenies are no exception. The longer spine of the Dachshund can create lower back difficulties in certain dogs, although this is less of an issue in Chiweenie dogs. It's possible these canines could live up to 16 years! It's still possible that they'll be predisposed to certain diseases from their parents:
Allergies
It's not uncommon for Chihuahua’s to suffer from allergies. As a result, their Chiweenie pups may occasionally also be affected by this long-term condition. Clinical symptoms include excessive skin licking, scratching, or chewing.
Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system to normally harmless things such as pollen, dust, and food components. Allergy relief can be achieved through treatment, but eliminating the allergen from the dog's surroundings or diet is the only long-term option.
Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease
Chiweenies can get this ailment from their Dachshund father, which affects the neck and back of the dog. Dachshunds have a short back, which is a shortcoming. Herniated discs are more likely to occur because of the wear and tear on the vertebral discs and the pressure exerted by movement.
Dachshund-Chi mix puppies will have even shorter legs, adding to the stress on a dog's spinal column. Disc degeneration, including discomfort, shivering, and paralysis, will result as a result of this.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, an endocrine illness that may affect Chiweenies, is caused by a malfunction in the production of the hormones generated by the thyroid gland. Lethargy, weight gain, skin problems, and hair and muscle loss are all indicators of a decreased production of the thyroid hormones T4 and T3, which may be the cause of these hyperactive dogs' ailments. Hormone replacement therapy is frequently successful in restoring dogs' health.
Hypoglycemia
In the same way as Chihuahuas are prone to low blood sugar, Chiweenies have a low number of fat cells (a characteristic of dogs that originate from hot climates, where they have to regulate their temperatures to stay cool).
When the cells in the dog's body are depleted, the dog will turn to the sugar in its blood for energy. Hypoglycemia is characterised by shivering and tiredness as a result of the depletion of blood sugar.
Recommended Health Test
- Blood
- Knee
- Spine
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
Nutrition
Dogs called Chiweenies are little, rarely weighing more than ten pounds each. As a result, high-quality dry dog food formulated for smaller breeds is the ideal choice for them. You must exercise caution while feeding a dog of this size because they are prone to obesity. A Chiweenie can easily become overweight or obese with little effort.
Grooming
Chiweenies are known for their short, easy-to-care-for coats. Once a week, give it a good brushing to remove any loose or dead hairs. In order to prevent ear infections in Chiweenies who have droopy ears, you'll require particular attention. Once or twice a week, use a wet washcloth to remove any earwax that may have accumulated. Aside from that, all you have to do is trim your dog's nails and brush its teeth on a regular basis.
Exercise
Chiweenies are a breed of dog that is both active and enthusiastic. Fortunately, they're small enough to just use a minimal amount of energy. Playing vigorously for a few minutes a day can help release some of the surplus energy. Short walks throughout the day will also be beneficial. There is no requirement for a dog this little to have a yard; however, if you do, excellent!
Training
Chiweenies are more than simply nice companion pets; they are also extremely intelligent. However, their intransigence can make training them a challenge, so patience is required. If you want a happy Chiweenie, avoid punishment and harsh tones as much as possible. Even though Chiweenies are known for their stubbornness, the majority of them also have a deep desire to please their owners. Even so, the easiest way to get them to behave is to hire an expert dog trainer. These dogs may be handled by novices, although they require more maintenance than many other breeds.
Children and Other Pets
Having a small size, the Chiweenie can be easily hurt by a child's excessively enthusiastic play. Adults and older children who know how to play softly are preferred by Chiweenies. But for children who know how to appropriately approach and play with little dogs, the Chiweenie may be a wonderful, energetic friend.
This can be accomplished by slowly and calmly introducing Chiweenies to other animals, as well as through early socialisation. It's better if they're exposed to other animals as soon as possible. Chiweenies, on the other hand, may prefer to be the only pet in the household, as they aren't naturally fond of other animals.
But many Chiweenies are great with other dogs and cats, so it all comes down to proper training, socialisation, and a little good fortune.
Puppies
Although they grow to be full-grown puppies, the pups are still quite little and delicate. In order for this hybrid to grow, it must be fed proper food, even if it only requires a fraction of what it would require as an adult.
When this animal is a puppy, it is especially vulnerable to injury from falls from heights such as ledges and stairs.
Dogs similar to Chiweenie
Alternatives to the hybrid dog may be better suited to your lifestyle and needs if this one isn't your cup of tea. Take, for example, the dachshund, the Chihuahua, or the griffon of Brussels.
Dachshund
Dogs come in two varieties, the other being the Dachshund. It's a fantastic display dog and a great hunter.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the second breed from which the dog descended, and it is known for its exuberant demeanour and lively demeanour.
The Griffon Brussel
The Brussels Griffon is closely related to the pug and has a similar petite form to the dog.