Chiweenie Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Chiweenie?

The Chiweenie is a relatively new mixed breed of dog and has only been in existence since the 1990s. It is a hybrid breed of two other small breeds. The Chiweenie is the offspring of Chihuahua and Dachshund parents. However, they are generally considered to be a Dachshund mix or miniature Dachshunds.

While both parents are purebred dog breeds, as Chihuahua Dachshund mixes, they are not purebreds themselves but are considered a hybrid and a mixed breed of dog. The most interesting part of their story is the fact that they were bred to be a badger dogs to hunt badgers.

As mixed breed dogs, the Chiweenie is not recognised by any international clubs, such as the American Kennel Club.

Who are Chiweenie dogs best for?

The Chiweenie is a very loyal, playful, and talkative small dog. They tend to be the right dog for single people, young couples, or family dogs, especially for families with small children. They are relatively easy to house train and do well with other dogs and other pets. However, you do need to take the introductions slow and gradual.

As with small dog breeds, they are very good apartment dogs and even take well to potty training. With that said, they do require space and exercise. So, probably not a good choice for a studio apartment.

How much grooming does a Chiweenie need?

As mixed breed dogs, they have a lot of variety in them. Their coats are made of straight hair, which can be either short or long hair. The shorter-haired Chiweenie is probably a better choice for allergy suffers, as the ones with long coats tend to shed much more.

They do shed but would typically be considered low shedders. As far as the amount of grooming they need, weekly brushing is typically sufficient. However, they do require regular bathing.

Do Chiweenie bark much?

These are very talkative dogs. In fact, they make a lot more noise than some other dogs. While previously stated, these dogs do make great apartment dwellers; this is a factor that needs to be weighed when making that decision.

Chiweenie puppies love to make their presence known, and like many other dog breeds, as puppers, they are a spunky pup and demand a lot of attention.

Do Chiweenie bite?

Chihuahua is a dog breed with a reputation for biting and aggression when they get overly excited or playful. This is a trait that the Chiweenie inherited. The aggression tends to be based upon play, territorial dominance, or anxiety.

It is an issue that can easily be dealt with using the same training and tactics you would use for an aggressive Chihuahua.

What is the temperament & personality of a Chiweenie?

These are definitely small dogs with big personalities. Spunky is one of the best words to describe them. Though originally bred to be hunting dogs, they have lost most of the prey drive that is common in the Dachshund. Many people feel that the Chiweenie nowadays take more after their Latin bloodline than their German one.

What is the weight & size of a Chiweenie?

These are small dogs, but due to being a mixed breed, there is a bit of variation in their sizes and weights. Thus, there are very few standards for breeders, but most breeders try to stay closer to the Chihuahua size. Both male and female Chiweenie tend to be the same sizes:

• Weight - 2 to 5 kg

• Height - 15 to 25 cm

How much training does a Chiweenie need?

It is considered easy to train a Chiweenie. The Chiweenie puppy will train much easier and faster than an adult. In fact, you want to begin training them as puppers, as they tend to become more independent and stubborn as they get older.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Chiweenie?

While one of the main reasons for creating this breed in the first place was to address the health issues that Dachshunds have, the Chiweenie also have their own health concerns, including:

• Degenerative disc disease

• Hypoglycemia

• Diabetes

• Hypothyroidism

• Dental problems

• Knee problems

• Joint problems

• Allergies, especially seasonal and skin allergies

What is the lifespan of a Chiweenie?

This is a dog breed with a longer than average life expectancy. Typically, a Chiweenie will live 12 to 16 human years or the ripe old dog age of 84 to 112 years old.

How much should you feed a Chiweenie?

The Chiweenie is not a picky eater. The dog's diet should be based on its energy level, and the amount it eats needs to be monitored. These little guys will get round very quickly. The breed does have a tendency to become obese.

In addition, the Dachshund has known food allergies, including:

• Beef

• Egg

• Lamb

• Chicken

• Dairy

• Wheat

• Soy

• Rabbit

• Fish

It is entirely possible for a Chiweenie to have any of these issues as well.

What is the price of a Chiweenie in Australia?

The cost of a Chiweenie puppy can vary significantly. As a mixed-breed dog, the breeder will ultimately determine the price, and factors such as male or female as well as parentage and vaccinations will influence that determination. You can expect to pay between AUD 71 for a rescue and up to around AUD 2,800 for a pupper from a reputable breeder.