Chiweenie is a small designer breed of dog. It is the cross between the Dachshund and Chihuahua. Chiweenie is today’s one of the cutest and popular designer dog breed. The dog is suitable for the people living in the apartments due to its tiny size. Chiweenie is also good for old people and also for the people that want to travel. They can be carried anywhere due to their small size. It can be your best travel buddy in the future. Chiweenie is the adorable dog that is easy to handle and care. Due to their tiny size, they are the best lap dogs. They love their owner and want his attention. The physical characteristics vary from breed to breed depending on what characteristics they inherited from their parents?
ORIGIN AND HISTORY
The adorable Chiweenie is a quite new breed. It was bred around the 1990s in North America. Chiweenie is not recognized by the AKC, because it is not a purebred dog. The primary purpose of the Chiweenie was to get a lap dog. Due to its portable size and cuteness, its popularity increased quickly, and the breed became famous all around the world. People loved them due to their comparatively less maintenance and easy personalities. These little babies can do anything to gain your attention. They inherit the characteristics from their parents that are, Chihuahua and Dachshund. Chihuahua is a companion dog, and the Dachshund is a hunting dog. So, you can see both parents’ characteristics in the Chiweenies.
Chiweenies are known as the most controversial breeds as these dogs were bred and sold just for making more and more money in the mills by the greedy breeders in the past. The main purpose of them was to make money, and they didn’t care much for their health. So, if you are planning to buy the Chiweenie make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who can give you all the documentation of the puppy’s and his parent’s health and vaccination record.
To know more about the expected temperament and characteristics of the Chiweenie, let’s have a look at his parents:
CHIHUAHUA
Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds. They are portable dogs, and you can take them anywhere because of their size. The breed was named after the state Chihuahua in Mexico. There are many stories about the history of Chihuahua. Some people believe that the Chihuahua was first bred in Mexico while others say that it was originated in Asia. The Chihuahua became popular in the USA in the 1800s. Their popularity increased day by day and they became one of the most popular dog breeds. Chihuahua was recognized by the AKC in 1904, and it is the 30th most popular breed in the world.
DACHSHUND
Dachshund is the adorable dog breed with short but strong legs and long bodies. They are clever and courageous but can be stubborn sometimes. It is one of the oldest dogs with historical records from the 15th century. The Dachshund was bred in Germany as a hunting dog with short legs to dig into prey’s tunnel. They are known as the hunting dog to hunt the badger. Dachshunds were recognized by the AKC in 1935. They were bred as the hunting dogs, but now they are the companion dogs, and people love to have them.
Personality and Temperament of Chiweenie
Chiweenies are loyal, playful, energetic and friendly dogs. They inherited the temperament of Chihuahua more than the Dachshund. They like to be with you all the time and want to cuddle and play. Chiweenie dog breed wants to be the center of the owner’s attention. They can be very friendly to the people they see on a regular basis. Chiweenie dogs can sometimes develop a strong bond with a family member. They can be stubborn sometimes, and if they are left alone for a long time, it can develop separation anxiety.
Despite their small size, they tend to be an excellent watchdog. They are alert and notice everything happening around them. They have a tendency to bark, and they have a loud voice. Chiweenies are best for the apartment living and singles and the families with older children. They are not ideal for families with small children because they get annoyed when there is too much noise and when someone teases them. They are intelligent dogs and learn very quickly.
Other names
The Chiweenie is also known as Chihiweenie, Chawinnie, Chiwee, Doxiwawa, Dachuahua, German Taco and Mexican Hot Dog in different parts of the world.
RECOGNITION
Chiweenie is recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, American Canine Hybrid Club, the International Designer Canine Registry, and Designer Breed Registry. Chiweenie is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as it is not a purebred dog.
Physical Appearance of Chiweenie
Chiweenies are one of the smallest dogs in the world. They are the small dogs with a long body and short legs and tiny paws. Due to Chiweenie dog’s small body and cuteness, these dogs are becoming famous. They inherit physical characteristics from the Dachshund parents, and they look like them. They have short legs and long bodies like Dachshund dogs. The head is typically small, but it can have a thin and small snout like a Dachshund or short like the Chihuahua.
Coat
Chiweenie’s coat comes in different varieties. It can be long and short, silky or rough and with different colors and combinations. The colors can be brown, red, black and white or their combinations.
SIZE
Chiweenie dogs are small dogs with small feet. They are around 8 inches tall, and weight of the dog can be between 7 to 11 pounds. The Chiweenie dog inherited the physical appearance from the Dachshund parent. The size depends on the factor that whether the Standard or Miniature Dachshund was used in breeding.
Mini Dachshund x Chihuahua = Small Chiweenie
Standard Dachshund x Chihuahua = Standard sized Chiweenie
Pros:
- These dogs have a long life so that you will spend more time with your dog.
- These dogs are small and energetic and playful, and they do not need a lot of exercises, they demand only your attention.
- Chiweenies are perfect for small apartments due to their small size.
- Chiweenies are a portable dog and are great companions while you are traveling. You can take them with yourself anywhere.
- The Chiweenies are good watchdogs and are aware of the surrounding and what is happening around them. They are alert and can warn you by barking if there is something unusual around them.
- The Chiweenies do not shed much. So they are a great choice for the people that suffer from allergies
- Chiweenie dogs are easily trainable, and they want to learn from you.
Cons:
- Chiweenie dogs are not ideal for small kids. These dogs can become irritated by unusual activities and noise.
- They require regular grooming.
- The dog can be barky if proper training is not given at an early age.
- Chiweenies suffer from some allergies and other hereditary diseases. So buy from the responsible and reputable breeders only.
Chiweenie puppies
The Chiweenie is a cross between the two small dog breeds, so the resulting puppies will also be a small dog breed. The weight of a Chiweenie puppy is just 2.5 ounces. The little puppies need a lot of care especially when children are around. Chiweenie puppies need early socialization so that they experience the strangers and other pets and do not make problems in the future. Try to train them from an early age, so that they learn better.
Read more about Chiweenie puppies
Taking Care of Chiweenies
Ideal living Conditions
The owner does not need a big yard for the little Chiweenie dog. This pooch can live both in apartments and large homes. Chiweenies may not be perfect for the houses with small children, as they are tiny and cannot bear pulls and pushes.
Suitable Weather
If your Chiweenie is not comfortable (feeling hot or cold), he may bark to tell you. The Chiweenies do not have a very thick coat, so put a coat on your pooch in the winter and keep them in a warm place. They must have a doghouse suitable for all weather conditions.
Exercise needs
Chiweenie dogs are small in size, but full of energy. They have a high level of energy, and they are playful. Like other dogs, they do not need a lot of exercises and long walks to burn the extra energy due to their small size. Chiweenie dogs may have a risk of developing the back problems, so the training must be short and limited to run and play with toys inside the house. They just need an outside walk and some exercise along with some play sessions, inside or outside the house. Your Chiweenie must have some toys at home to play with when you are not around.
Chiweenie’s diet
As this dog breed suffers from dental diseases, it is recommended to feed them with the dry kibble. They are active dogs, so they need high-quality dog food. The health of the Chiweenie and every dog also depends on the diet too. If your dog is getting a healthy and balanced diet, then he will have better health. So, feed your Chiweenie with healthy dog food and care about hygiene.
Training a Chiweenie
No doubt, that the Chiweenie dogs are loyal, affectionate and perfect companions, but these little dogs can be stubborn and aggressive sometimes if the owner does not know how to manage the pup. Training can be a bit difficult and challenging in this case, so the owner must show patience. You should start training the Chiweenie from the first day in the house. Early socialization will be fruitful because the puppy will learn to face and deal with strangers and other pets. Unpleasant methods will not work and can be more trouble making. So, keep the training sessions short and if the puppy does well praise him with sweet rewards. It will increase the Chiweenie’s interest in training.
Grooming needs
Chiweenies low-shedding dogs and are easy to groom. They shed less, and this will make them low-maintenance dogs. Depending on the breeding and what characteristics, Chiweenies inherit from the parents, and their coat can be long or short, fluffy or short. Brushing their coat once or twice per week is sufficient for a short coat. You have to care more if the coat is longer. Otherwise, you are going to see hairs all around the house.
They may have some dental problems, so you should be careful about brushing their teeth. Brushing their teeth three times per week will be good practice.
Chiweenie dog’s coat is usually clean, and it is enough to give them a monthly bath. Their coat does not tend to get dirty and smelly that often. Bath them only when necessary, when they are dirty. As, if you bath your Chiweenie or any other dog breed too often, the coat can lose the coat-oil.
Their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis like all other dog breeds. Cutting their nails once or twice a month will be enough. If the nails grow too long, you Chiweenie can destroy the things around him and also can injure himself and you too.
Health Concerns of Chiweenie dog
Chiweenie dogs have a long lifespan, and they can live up to 16 years but, like all other dogs, they can also have some hereditary diseases. However, Chiweenies are healthier than their parent breeds. In the case of designer dogs, they may inherit any disease from their parents, like intervertebral disc disease and dental diseases. The common diseases from which the Chiweenies may suffer are the Hip dysplasia, allergies, eye diseases, and dental problems. The other common health issue in the Chiweenie dogs is allergies.
Allergies
Allergies to dust and pollen are the most common issues in the Chiweenie dogs. Allergy is a damaging response by dog’s body to a particular substance. They inherit the allergies from the Chihuahua parents. The signs include licking, scratching and chewing on the skin the eyes may water regularly.
Intervertebral disc disease
This disease is inherited by the Chiweenies from the Dachshund parents. This disease affects the back and pain of the Chiweenie dogs. Intervertebral disc disease is a condition characterized by the degeneration of one or more of the discs that separate the bones from the spine. It causes the pain in the neck, back, legs and arms. Dachshund dogs have the long back; when they are crossed with the Chihuahua, the resulting Chiweenies will have shorter legs. It means that there will be more pressure on the dog’s spine and make them more prone to herniated. The symptoms include shivering, pain, and paralysis. The affected dog needs rest and maybe surgery to recover from this painful disease.
Dental diseases in Chiweenie
If Chiweenie inherits the facial appearance from the Chihuahua parents, then they may have the issues of the overcrowded teeth. This disease is common in the Chihuahua dogs. If the disease left untreated, the teeth might become closer. This can be the place for the growth of the bacteria that result in the tooth decay and loss.
It is recommended to buy the Chiweenie puppy from a reputable breeder that gives you the guarantee that the puppy does not have the breed specific diseases. After purchasing the Chiweenie puppy, the owner must be careful about dental hygiene and regularly brush the dog’s teeth. Take your dog for the annual dental check-up to ensure that their teeth and gums are healthy.
Miniature Problems
Chiweenie dogs are crossed between two small breeds. The dachshund has small legs as compared to his body. When the short-legged Dachshund is crossed with another small breed, the resulting Chiweenie puppy will also have the short legs. These short legs are not able to fully support the dog’s body, and it can put extra stress on the spine and create disc herniation.
Buying a Chiweenie puppy
If you have decided to purchase the Chiweenie and want to buy a healthy and best possible Chiweenie puppy, then we will recommend you the following steps;
- Search on the internet and also use other resources to search for a reputable breeder.
- The best breeders are those who are registered with the American Canine Hybrid Club.
- Before buying the puppy, ask for the health of both the parents as well as the puppy.
- Ask for all the documentation from vaccination to all other vet reports.
- You may see a lot of ads displaying, Chiweenie for sale or Chiweenie puppies for sale, with lots of benefits, but do not trust them and do your homework before going to buy.
Also, read about the Shih Poo Puppies
Adopt the Chiweenie
The other option to bring your Chiweenie pooch to bring your home is to adopt from the dog shelters and rescue centers. It is a better option if you do not trust the greedy dog breeders.
FAQS
How much is Chiweenie’s lifespan?
This little lap dog has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. The Chiweenies live more than other dogs, but they may have some health concerns in the young as well as old age. However, the health and lifespan of any dog also depend on regular vet care, diet, and shelter.
How much Chiweenie puppies cost (Chiweenie puppy price)?
The price of the Chiweenie dog depends on its health, energy level, and color. The popularity of the breed is increasing, but the price of Chiweenie pup is not much. The average price of a Chiweenie puppy ranges from 200$ to 1000$.
What is the size of full-grown Chiweenie?
They are around 8 inches tall, and weight of the Chiweenies can be between 3 to 5 Kgs.
Are Chiweenies good watchdogs?
Chiweenies are good watchdogs because they are alert and notice everything happening around them. They have the tendency to bark and also they have a loud voice.
Are Chihuahuas lap dogs?
Chiweenie dog is one of the smallest dog breeds. They are the perfect lapdog for the people who love to cuddle and spend time with their dogs. They are also known as portable dogs, and the owner can carry them everywhere.
Is it the right dog for you?
If your home does not have small children, you do not worry if the Chiweenie is stubborn sometimes, and you can care him in extreme weathers and when the Chiweenie is ill, then yes! This is the right dog for you. Also, you have learned more in this article, and now you can decide whether Chiweenie is the right dog for you or not?
Conclusion
Every dog is beautiful and adorable in his way. But the Chiweenie is being loved by the people because it is small breed and can be carried everywhere. It can be adjusted in all living conditions, whether it is a small apartment or a big house. Just be careful about Chiweenie’s health concerns and get ready to bring your next family member to home.
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Photo Credits: Jenny, ..miller family.. ,
