The Chiweenie puppy, also commonly nicknamed as the Mexican Hotdog or the German Taco is an adorable dog breed that is a cross breed between a Chihuahua and Dachshund.
Both of these breeds are adorable, cute little dogs that just make the perfect companion for you if you are a single person, seniors or even families with older children.
Chiweenie puppies usually tend to be very unique and may differ from each other.
Each Chiweenie dog may has unique features and appearances therefore it may be hard to come across two Chiweenie puppies that are exactly alike. Their characteristics will mostly be dependent on their parent breeds.
Here is a complete guide to everything you need to know about the Chiweenie puppy.
Table of Contents
Brief history of the Chiweenie puppy
Originally coming from North America, the Chiweenie puppy was probably first bred in the 1990s.
The Chihuahua dachshund mix gained popularity in the recent years due to its amazing personality traits and the great companionship it offers.
The Chihuahua is said to have descended from the Mexican Techichi dog and was mostly kept for companionship. The Dachshund on the other hand, was mainly kept because of its ability to hunt badgers. The Chihuahua dachshund mix therefore gave rise to the comic and friendly-faced Chiweenie puppy.
Physical Traits of the Chiweenie Puppy
Appearance:
You might be wondering or asking yourself, how big do Chiweenie dogs get?
Well, most Chiweenie puppies tend to have the body of their Dachshund parent. This all depends on the genes that they inherit. Some will appear to be long and short-legged.
They are likely to have a coat which is long or short, silky or even rough. Their fur might be a combination of white and brown, black or sometimes with strikes of red.
The Chiweenie puppy usually has ears that are a bit floppy but will stand upright when alert. The nose of your Chihuahua dachshund mix can either be short or pointed and they have a long, curvy tail.
Size:
Chiweenie puppies are generally small dogs. They are likely to grow between 8-10 inches tall, that is approximately 20-25cm. However, if the Dachshund parent is a miniature, the most probable outcome is that the Chiweenie offspring will also be smaller than the average size of a regular Dachshund dog.
Weight:
The average weight of the Chiweenie puppy may vary between 3.5kg-5.5kg. This translates to about 8-12lb. The weight of your Chiweenie puppy will ultimately depend on the kind of diet that you feed him. High quality dog food is recommended for your Chiweenie puppy to grow healthy and strong.
Chiweenie Temperament
Generally, Chiweenie puppies are loving and caring. They are always attentive to the surrounding they are in and love to stay close to their owners. Don’t worry if you have a family with kids, Chiweenie dogs are very laid-back and friendly.
They are also very loyal and can be very protective towards their family and loved ones. It is possible for your dog to have their favorite person and bond even closer than the rest of the family members.
However, you need to be very careful when you bring your Chiweenie home if you have young kids. Chiweenie puppies easily get irritated when there is so much noise or plenty of activity around them hence might not be able to handle the fussy nature of young children or toddlers.
Also, due to their long backs, Chiweenie puppies can be very sensitive to all the patting so you need to be careful when playing and interacting with them.
Even though they can be sensitive, Chiweenie puppies are naturally very laid-back and friendly. They are very active and will enjoy playing around and cuddle up with you on the couch. This is perhaps why it makes them a great pet choice to have in the house. The Chihuahua dachshund mix is a sociable breed and get along fine with cats as well.
Lifespan
A Chiweenie puppy can live between 12 and 15 years. This is again dependent upon the kind of food that you feed your furry little friend.
High quality dog food is recommended for healthy growth of your Chiweenie puppy. Take him regularly to the vet for check-up as it will go a long way to enable him stay healthy and live longer.
Is it easy to train a Chiweenie puppy?
There is no doubt that a Chiweenie makes a great pet but you need to take your puppy through training.
Timing is everything when it comes to obedience training your Chiweenie pup. You need to start early, teach him the basic commands when he is still very young of age.
Training a Chiweenie puppy can be a little bit challenging because of their hard-headedness. A Chiweenie dog can be pretty stubborn and needs you to have patience when training them.
Probably one of the best ways that you can make your training sessions effective is by making them short and interesting. Stimulate your Chihuahua dachshund mix to keep them focused to the end of the training session.
Use positive reinforcement when you are training your Chiweenie puppy. This is better than scolding or even spanking your dog. Avoid shouting at your puppy when they do something wrong or when they don’t obey your command. Shouting and scolding your Chiweenie puppy will make them be afraid of you or may trigger feelings of aggression.
Be consistent in your training. Repeat a concept until it sticks but avoid monotony at all costs. Remember that dogs generally have a shorter concentration span. Therefore if you make the training sessions too long, chances are that your little Chiweenie puppy is likely to get distracted and lose concentration soon.
Training during playtime or mealtime can be fun especially because now there are plenty of interactive dog toys that you can use during feeding times. This is a great way to keep your Chiweenie puppy interested and engaged during the whole session.
Chiweenie Health Issues
Chiweenies like other hybrid dogs turn out to be healthier than their purebred parents. Naturally, the Dachshund for instance is prone to suffer from lower back and spine problems, but because the Chiweenie’s back is a bit shorter, these risks of lower back problems are reduced.
Even though the Chiweenie puppy can potentially live for 16 years, there are health problems that they are likely to inherit from their parents like:
Allergies:
Most Chihuahuas are likely to suffer from allergies in their lifetime. This therefore means that Chiweenie puppies are also likely to be hypoallergenic at some point. Possible symptoms of allergies that you need to be on the lookout for include licking, scratching or even chewing excessively on their own skin.
Your Chiweenie puppy might be allergic to substances like pollen, dust or particular food ingredients. Consult your Vet on the possible allergy treatments that will be suitable for him in case you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms.
Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease:
The intervertebral degenerative disc disease is normally inherited from the Dachshund parent. It is a condition that affects the back and neck of the Chiweenie dog.
The long back of a Dachshund is actually a weakness. Once the bone structure starts wearing out and the vertebral discs are subjected to so much pressure that results from the movements, they are likely to herniate.
When a Dachshund is crossed with a Chihuahua, the Chiweenie that results is likely to have even shorter legs. This eventually puts more pressure on the dog’s spine hence leading to disc degeneration with associated pain, shivering and in severe cases it may lead to paralysis.
Hypothyroidism:
This condition is caused by a dysfunction in the production of hormones by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a disorder that Chiweenies are likely to have.
Once you notice that your once active Chiweenie puppy begins to show symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, skin issues and sometimes loss of hair and even muscle. Consult your vet for possible hormone replacement treatment to restore back your furry friend’s health condition back to normal.
Hypoglycaemia:
Chiweenie have a tendency of having low blood sugar just like Chihuahuas. This is due to their low number of fat cells. This is mostly a feature that dogs who come from hot climates have to enable them regulate their temperatures to stay cool.
Therefore, hypoglycaemia sets in when these fat cells are depleted and the dog’s system has to turn to the sugar present in his blood as a source of energy. When the amount of sugar in the bloodstream is depleted the dog then starts to shiver and becomes lethargic. When you notice these symptoms in your Chiweenie puppy you need to take him to your vet for treatment.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Maintenance and Grooming
Shedding:
Chiweenie dogs are quite easy to groom. This makes them very low-maintenance dogs.
Chiweenie puppies barely shed, therefore when you brush their coat at least once or twice every week they are good to go. If your Chiweenie is a bit long-haired, you may need to brush his hair regularly to avoid it entangling.
You can use quality dog shampoo with warm water when you give your canine friend his bath. A little bit of oil will also come in handy in keeping your Chiweenie puppy’s fur coat smooth and shiny.
Grooming:
You need to at least trim your Chiweenie’s nails at least once a month. Good dental hygiene is also recommended in order to keep plaque and bad breathe at bay.
If your Chiweenie puppy can’t withstand a toothbrush in his mouth, there are alternative methods that you can use to clean his teeth. You can give him a raw bone or some dog chew toys he can gnaw on to remove any food stuck in between his teeth.
You can as well put a little bit of coconut oil in his food or gently rub the oil on his teeth to prevent food from sticking in between his teeth.
Further Reading: Top 10 Best Bones to Clean Dogs Teeth
Exercise needs
Just like humans, dogs also need plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and strong. Even though Chiweenies are small, they are very active dogs. You need to give your Chiweenie puppy plenty of time to play every day.
A well exercised dog is a happy one. Take your dog out for a walk at least for 30 minutes every day. Give him a lot of intense play sessions as well to keep him happy and active.
A dog that does not get enough exercise may turn out to be destructive and may also exhibit some signs of aggression. Trust me, you do not want to have a bored, sulky and irritable Chiweenie in your house.
Playtime is important not just because they get to exercise but it also gives you time to bond with your dog. This is a great time to also teach your Chiweenie how to socialize with cats and other children.
Interactive dog toys:
Mental exercise is equally as important as physical exercise. You can engage your dog’s brain by exposing him to interactive dog toys such as puzzles. There are plenty in the market that your Chiweenie puppy will absolutely love.
Feeding puzzles also make training sessions more stimulating and fun. Interactive dog toys are also a great way to keep boredom at bay. Dogs are naturally smart, but you can make your Chiweenie even smarter by investing in smart, interactive dog toys for him.
Chihuahua Dachshund Mix Diet
The kind of your diet that you give your Chiweenie will go a long way in keeping him healthy. High quality dog food is recommended for your dog. Avoid cheap dog food that contains fillers and ingredients with low nutritional value. Invest in high quality dog food so as to also increase the life expectancy of your Chiweenie.
Give your furry friend plenty of fresh water to always keep him hydrated especially if the weather is hot. You simply wouldn’t want your dog to suffer from heat stroke. Make sure that you place his bowl of fresh water at a place where he can easily access it. Keep in mind that the Chiweenie is a small dog, so height factors must be considered as well.
High quality dog food, especially wet dog food is recommended because it does not stick in your dog’s teeth causing plaque and bad breath. You can also give him little chunks of fruits and vegetables to keep him healthy. Give him high quality dog food to prevent allergies and obesity. These are some of the common health issues among the Chihuahua Dachshund mix.
Is a Chiweenie a suitable pet for my small children?
For most dog owners, adopting a dog that will get along fine with your children is a crucial factor that needs to be put into consideration. Probably one of the disadvantages of having a small dog is that he can be great with older kids but not smaller children.
You need to consider that the Chiweenie has a sensitive back from her Dachshund genes. Therefore, she can easily get hurt because children may not be careful enough when playing with this adorable, cute little dog.
A small child is also likely to injure her paws that tend to be more delicate than a Chihuahua’s. Chiweenie puppies love to be the center of attention, so there is a high probability that she can easily get aggressive when the small children of the house receive attention she craves. Chiweenies too can be pretty jealous.
SUGGESTED ARTICLE: Chihuahua Training – Is It Really That Difficult?
How do I find a reputable Chiweenie breeder?
You can do a little background check on your own so that you are able to find a good and trustworthy Chiweenie breeder. Try looking for reviews online about the particular breeders.
You can also ask around your family members or friends who may have perhaps adopted this dog hybrid before. A good breeder will disclose to you the potential illnesses that are likely to affect your Chiweenie and the possible measures you can take to mitigate such eventualities.
How much does a Chiweenie puppy cost?
This depends largely on the type of breeder that you choose to buy from. The costs that are involved in owning a Chiweenie puppy may be high or low depending on where you are buying from and how popular and reputable your breeder is.
On average, the price of a Chiweenie puppy may vary anywhere between $200-$500.
ALSO READ: What to Expect of A Boston Terrier Chihuahua Mix?
Not sure of the breed? Invest in the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit.
When you want to adopt a Chiweenie puppy and you are not quite sure of the breed, you can use the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to help you identify your dog’s breed. If you are dealing with a reputable breeder, they have probably screened and identified any possible health problems from the genetic combination of your Chihuahua dachshund mix.
The test kit is useful for the following reasons:
– It will help you discover the kind of breed you are dealing with.
– Just a simple swab, Embark will be able to scientifically identify the breed.
You need to know your dog’s family tree and genealogy? The test kit will also give you all this information all the way to your Chiweenie puppy’s great grandparents. That would be awesome, right? Imagine knowing your canine friend’s ancestry. You can also access their pictures to see how much they resemble your Chiweenie.
Embark Test also screens your dog and allows him to age when healthy. With the ability to test over 160 diseases, this kit allows you to be able to plan for your Chiweenie’s healthy aging as it gives you accurate information on the kind of genetic diseases likely to affect your dog.
Accurate results are also guaranteed when you use Embark because this dog DNA test kit has been designed by experts and also recommended by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It only takes between 2-4 weeks to get the full accurate results.
Embark will also tell you the kind of traits that your dog possess. This is important as it will help you know how best to handle your dog. You are adopting a new puppy? Wouldn’t it be exciting to know how big your Chiweenie will get? The basis that Embark uses is your dog’s genetic make-up to determine its appearance.
All that you need to do is get yourself the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit, swab the inside of your dog’s mouth, make sure that you activate your kit and send the sample in a prepaid envelop back to their lab. Results will be out within 2-4 weeks guaranteed.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Chihuahua cross Dachshund puppies can be the best companions to have in your house.
However, as adorable as the Chiweenie puppy is, she can be hard-headed and stubborn. Therefore when obedience training your Chiweenie you might want to engage the services of a professional dog trainer to help you properly train your dog.
Remember that timing is crucial. Begin training your Chiweenie immediately you bring him home. Teach him the simple basic commands before you can proceed to complex details.
Avoid shouting or spanking your little Chiweenie because dogs, just like little children respond better to positive reinforcement. Give him his favorite treat and shower him with praises when he does the correct thing like following your commands.
Establish yourself as the leader because dogs follow and obey their alphas. Being an alpha is about the kind of actions that you demonstrate. For instance, let it be clear to your Chiweenie that you are his leader, you are the first to enter or leave a room, you lead him by the leash and not the other way round. This will enable you have more authority over your tough little Chiweenie.
Lastly, take good care of your Chiweenie. Give him plenty of physical exercise as well as mental exercise. Make sure that he is well fed on high quality dog food to prevent allergies and other common illnesses that we have already discussed earlier on.
Your Chiweenie can be the best companion you will ever have, so create time and bond with your furry friend, create some memories that you will cherish forever.
