Chiweenie Dog: Guide to Owning a Chihuahua Dachshund Mix

Last Updated on April 26, 2023

Ever heard someone mention their love for a German taco or a Mexican hotdog? No, this isn’t the latest foodie craze to sink your teeth into.

These are just popular nicknames for a fairly new designer dog called the Chiweenie, or Dachshund and Chihuahua mix.

If you’re a fan of small dogs and you’re interested in a low-maintenance companion that will melt your heart, look no further than this adorable hybrid.

We’ll provide all of the information you need to know about this crossbreed. Read on, dog lovers!

What in the world is a Chiweenie?

Chiweenie dog wagging its tail

Also called a Chiwee or a Doxiehuahua, the Chiweenie is a cross between two popular small-sized purebreds, the Dachshund and the Chihuahua.

New crossbreeds, also called designer dogs, have been introduced over recent decades.

Breeders with a flair for creativity strive to create new super dogs that stray from the purebred standard.

This has resulted in hybrids with unpredictable appearances and temperaments.

You just can’t guarantee how a dog with a mix of diverse genes will turn out.

Sometimes, it is difficult to pinpoint the origin or history of a designer dog. For the Dachshund Chihuahua mix, we know that it was first bred in North America in the 1990s.

What else can we learn about the origin of this crossbreed? Let’s take an in-depth look at her parents to get a better understanding.

Dachshund: little dog on a mission

Don’t let the small size and odd shape of the Dachshund fool you. This dog was not bred to sit in a lap and look pretty.

Highly intelligent and keen to please, this purebred is a hunting dog, bred to track down badgers, rabbits, foxes and even wild boar.

Also called a Doxie, the Dachshund hails from Germany, with historical references dating as far back as the 15th century. This dog was prized for its talents as a hunter and show dog and its temperament as a family pet.

A Dachshund looks alert
Dachshund

She is loyal, loving, and easy around children. She loves to play and will take on challenges with determination, which also lends to her success in dog shows.

This breed is known to harbor a stubborn streak, which needs to be softened with early training and socialization.

The Dachshund is also a natural hunter with a desire to dig (it would hunt burrowing animals), so no garden is safe from its tireless paws.

The appearance of the Dachshund can be quite diverse, further adding to the mystery of what its offspring can possibly look like.

The Doxie may have one of these 3 coat types:

  • Short haired: Low shedding, minimal grooming
  • Long haired: Moderate shedding, needs brushing 1 to 2 times a week to avoid matting
  • Wired: Moderate to high shedding twice a year, needs weekly brushing

This dog’s non-hypoallergenic coat comes in a wide variety of colors, including red and cream, black, merle, gray, fawn or wild boar. They can be single or parti-colored.

Chihuahua: one spicy pup

A Chihuahua close up
Chihuahua

The history of this little hot tamale of a dog is a bit spotty.

Some records suggest the Chihuahua is the descendant of a dog from South or Central America known as the Techichi.

Nonetheless, the Chihuahua as we know it today was first discovered in Mexico in the 1850s.

This is another little dog with one heck of a personality. Believe it or not, the small Chihuahua is an excellent guard dog.

She is alert and skeptical of strangers, erupting in loud barks to warn loved ones. She is also bold and daring, charging up to dogs much larger in size.

This dog isn’t all tough, though. The Chihuahua loves family and makes a devoted and doting companion dog. Sensitive by nature, this breed craves attention and cuddling.

The Chihuahua is not hypoallergenic and sheds moderately year round. Weekly brushing will keep all that fur under control.

The coat can be long or short and comes in a diverse range of solid or tri-color markings, including black, fawn, chocolate, gray, white, brindle, or spotted.

As a crossbreed, the Chihuahua Dachshund mix is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but it is recognized by the following organizations:

  • American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
  • Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
  • Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA)
  • International Designer Canine Registry® (IDCR)
  • Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
Tuna the Chiweenie lying in a blanket
Tuna the Chihuahua Dachshund mix – Source: @tunameltsmyheart / IG

Three interesting Chiweenie facts

  1. Tuna the Chiweenie is an Internet celebrity known for his charming looks, specifically an adorable overbite. Tuna has garnered global fame with an Instagram account that has captivated millions of hearts.
  1. These crossbreeds love all family members, but will sometimes become extra attached to one person in particular, showing more devotion and affection towards this special individual.
  1. The Doxiehuahua is one of the most portable dogs because of her small size. They can easily fly on planes, be carried in a crate or even sit snugly in a purse.

The Dachshund Chihuahua Mix: the perfect little sidekick

The number 1 rule when it comes to crossbreeds is that there is no way to know for sure what it will look like.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, there are possibilities we can consider by studying the backgrounds of the purebred parents.

What does a Chihuahua Dachshund mix look like?

In the case of this hybrid, you can expect a dog that grows up to 8 inches tall (20 cm) and weighs between 8 and 12 lbs (3.5 to 5.5 kg).

A full grown Chiweenie long with short legs like the Dachshund or have a proportionately small body like the Chihuahua. This crossbreed will either inherit the Doxie’s long, narrow face or the dome-like head of the Chi.

Chihuahua Dachshund Mix sitting down

The Chiweenie’s non-hypoallergenic coat can be short and dense or long and may come in black, brown, red, white or tan. (If the hair is short, brush your dog once or twice a week. A long-haired Chihuahua Dachshund mix will need to be brushed 3 to 5 times a week.)

If you live in a cold region, it’s a good idea to buy or knit a cute little doggie sweater for your dog, because her short coat may not cut it in frigid temperatures.

What lap dog dreams are made of

The Chihuahua Dachshund hybrid’s temperament is perfect for you if you’re more of the laid-back type. She will be content to sit on your warm lap, never tiring of licking your hands and face with her tiny tongue or snuggling into your belly.

This crossbreed is highly adaptable, thriving in an apartment setting or house with a yard.

Chiweenie in a blanket

Confident and bold, the Doxiehuahua will go anywhere you go, whether she’s tucked inside your hand bag or on a leash.

She loves spending time with her family, which can result in separation anxiety if she’s left alone for more than 4 hours at a time. This can bring out the destructive behavior such as digging.

When they’re not sitting pretty in your lap, they’re on high alert.

Chihuahua-Dachshund hybrids get serious when it comes to protecting the household. They are territorial and highly protective.

They’re top-notch guard dogs and are always on the lookout. When they notice some unusual activity, they won’t hesitate to let out a high-pitched yap to let the family know that a stranger is on their turf.

Some dog owners don’t mind this, but others may not like excessive barking. This can be kept in check with training and socialization.

Training them can be a challenge.

Once you embark down the road of training your Chihuahua-Dachshund mix, know that you need to take it seriously and stay consistent.

Though these crossbreeds are smart, they can also be stubborn. You need to be firm and patient, use positive reinforcement and stick to short lessons to keep her interested.

If you find that it’s too difficult to stay on track, hire a professional dog trainer to nip bad behavior in the bud.

Check out how well this Chiweenie has learned her commands.

The 101 on Dachshund-Chi mixes and toddlers

You can expect this breed to do well around older children, but the Doxiehuahua must be supervised when around kids under 8 years old or other small pets. This is why:

She gets jealous.

It’s nice to have a dog that is all about you and ONLY you, but that can come at a price. Expect jealousy flare-ups when you spend time with your children or other pets.

Nothing makes this hybrid happier than being the center of attention. When the spotlight is taken off her, though, some aggression towards her “competition” should be expected.

She is tiny.

Toddlers are curious about everything around them, especially the teeny little animal they share a home with.

Small children tend to be unintentionally rough with pets. With a dog as small as the Doxiehuahua with delicate paws that are easily injured, it’s understandable why it may lash out in defense.

A small Chihuahua and Dachshund mixed breed standing

She is prone to back problems.

The long spine of a Dachshund is known to be sensitive, and this can be passed down to the Chiweenie.

If children are not careful, her fragile back can easily be injured. Children must be taught how to properly hold the Dachshund-Chihuahua mix to avoid hurting the dog.

Keeping your Chihuahua-Dachshund mix in good health

Chihuahua Dachshund Mix in a car
Source: @tacochiweenie / IG

There’s a bit of talk floating around that mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebreds due to a wider, more varied gene pool.

Indeed, the Chiweenie has a longer lifespan ranging anywhere from 13 to 16 years.

But, like any dog, it has its own set of common health issues to be aware of.

By now, you might be yelling in my face, “But, ma’am, it’s a hybrid and you don’t know what you’ll get with a hybrid!” Yes, my fellow dog lover, you are absolutely correct.

For crossbreeds, we must consider all of the common genetic diseases that can be passed down from the parents.

These are the health problems this dog can inherit.

Allergies

This is the most common ailment experienced by this crossbreed. They develop allergies to dust and pollen, which causes the eyes to water uncontrollably and discomfort.

The best way to combat allergies and other skin conditions is to improve the air quality of your home with air filters, ventilation, and regular dusting.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is the culprit, giving rise to numerous unpleasant symptoms. If you notice that your dog is not eating, has blurred vision, is disoriented or confused, shakes constantly or has anxiety, take her to the vet for a check up.

Luxating Patellas

If you notice your dog holding her legs up constantly, it could mean that her knees have become dislocated.

The best way to avoid this from happening is to ensure your pup maintains a healthy weight, exercises regularly, and takes joint supplements.

Diabetes

If your Chiweenie is always thirsty, urinating frequently, and losing weight despite a heightened intake of food and water, then take her to the vet for a glucose test.

Diabetes is most common in toy-sized dogs.

How much should a Chihuahua-Dachshund hybrid eat?

Food allergies are also commonly experienced by this crossbreed, so you must take care when choosing a proper diet for your dog.

She needs to be fed ½ to 1 ⅓  cups of food daily, divided into multiple meals throughout the day. She’ll thrive on high-quality dry, natural dog food with a focus on complex carbs. Look for ingredients such as chicken, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and brown rice.

Low energy level for this pooch

Don’t worry about dedicating ample time to ensuring this little fella gets heaps of activity. The Dachshund and Chihuahua mix only needs 30 minutes of exercise a day to enjoy a clean bill of health.

You won’t need to invest in a ton of toys either. A brisk walk around the neighborhood or tossing a small ball around the yard is enough to tire her out.

A Dachshund Chihuahua mix jumps

Is your budget ready for this dog?

The cost of owning this crossbreed goes beyond the initial purchase. She is a small, low-maintenance dog, which means some aspects of ownership will be easier, but you’ll need to estimate annual total costs to ensure you have the budget for proper care.

These are the main costs to include in your budget for this dog.

  • Buying a Chiweenie puppy from a reputable breeder will cost between $200 to $550.
  • Factoring in regular vet visits, training, micro-chipping, neutering, dog supplies and deworming will cost around $400.
  • Overall, the total yearly cost of owning a Dachshund-Chihuahua mix can be estimated at $800.

Finding reputable Chiweenie breeders

Dachshund and Chihuahua Mix lying down on its paws
Source: @churro_the_chiweenie / IG

Searching for Doxiehuahua puppies for sale isn’t as easy as hopping online and going with the first breeder you find.

Actually, it is as easy as that, but you do not want to make that mistake.

Owning a dog is a lifetime commitment, so responsibility begins as soon as you choose a breeder.

You need to aware of the dangers and scams associated with where to buy Chiweenie puppies, especially when it comes to small or toy designer dogs.

These little cuties have risen in popularity over time, spawning the nightmare that is a puppy mill.

Puppy mills are places that put time and money before the livelihood and quality of the animals they sell. Female dogs are overbred to the point of exhaustion and death.

Medical records are not kept, so it is difficult to know any background on the puppies. You may end up with a low quality Chihuahua-Dachshund mix with serious health or behavior problems.

Puppy mills just want to churn out puppies as quickly as possible to make cash. It’s best not to support these businesses and the cruelty they stand behind.

How can you know whether a breeder is ethical or a scam?

Here are our top tips for finding the perfect Chiweenie breeder.

Cheapest is not best. You pay a little bit more for better quality, right? Puppy mills have a lot of dogs to sell and the lowest prices ensure more purchases.

Be weary of these unbelievably affordable prices, and pay extra for a puppy from a reputable breeder. You’re paying for a healthy dog that was raised with love and has healthy bloodlines.

Say NO to online transactions. So you saw the cutest picture of your dream Doxiehuahua on a website, added her to your virtual shopping cart and are about to put in your card details to have her shipped to you.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Are you sure that adorable puppy picture wasn’t just taken from a Pinterest search?

Go visit the breeder. You need to call up the breeder and schedule a time to visit where the breeding program takes place. You get to see where the puppies were born and raised.

You might also get to meet the parents, which is a HUGE plus. If a breeder tries to dissuade you from a visit, you’ll want to look somewhere else.

Fluffy Chiweenie sitting down and looking up
Source: @peach_and_bonbon / IG

Ask for testimonials. One of the best ways to learn about a breeder is to review testimonials from past customers. A breeder should be happy and proud to produce this. It is the bedrock of their business reputation.

Ask for health clearances. Meeting the parent dogs lets you gather clues to the possible appearance, size and personality of your new Chiweenie puppy.

You should also ask for health clearances to ensure exceptional bloodlines.

Expect to answer questions. You should be prepared to ask a breeder questions, but a reputable breeder will want to know about the buyer, too. Legitimate breeders want their puppies to go to good homes.

Be prepared to provide information about your lifestyle, your work schedule, and your home.

Stay in touch. A breeder should be open to staying in touch for the first few months as the puppy transitions from one environment to another.

That way, if any health or behavioral issues arise, the breeder may be able to offer vital guidance.

Expect no guarantees with a mix. It’s dishonest of a breeder to promise that a Dachshund-Chihuahua mix will look a certain way, grow to a certain size, or have the personality you desire.

An ethical breeder will tell you upfront that there is no way to know how a mixed puppy will turn out.

Chiweenie dog rescue & adoption

As stated, designer dogs are all the rage these days.

Whether due to an excess of puppies rescued from shut-down mills or abandoned puppies from dog owners who couldn’t take on the responsibility, it is not uncommon to find these crossbreeds at rescue centers.

Merle colored Chiweenie lying on the couch

Here are some great organizations where you can adopt this delightful designer dog.

  • Dachshund Rescue of North America
  • So Cal Chiweenie Rescue
  • Chiweenie Nation
  • Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue

Conclusion: is this crossbreed the right dog for you?

Tiny, cute as a button, and packed with personality, the Chiweenie is the ultimate low-maintenance companion dog.

Not only is she friendly and loyal, but her confident and alert nature makes her a dependable guard dog.

She may be the perfect match for you if…

  • You live in an apartment.
  • You travel frequently and want to bring your dog with you.
  • You have older children.
  • You want a dog that doesn’t require a lot of exercise.
  • You love cuddly dogs that will sit in your lap.
  • You like the idea of a guard dog.

You may want to reconsider getting this crossbreed if you don’t like yappy dogs or you have toddlers who won’t know how to handle small pets. With its moderate shedding, the Chihuahua-Dachshund mix may also trigger allergies to dander.

What do you think about the Chiweenie? Tell us in the comments!

Further reading: More Chihuahua Mixes

  • Chipit: Chihuahua and Pitbull Mix
  • Chorkie: Chihuahua and Yorkshire Terrier Mix
  • Shichi: Shih Tzu Chihuahua Mix
  • Pomchi: Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix

Reference

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