Chiweagle: Your Complete Guide
A result of two of the most iconic breeds in the canine kingdom, the chiweagle is the result of breeding between a Chihuahua and a beagle. Given their ancestors, folks would be forgiven for establishing a clear mental image of what a chiweagle is like. The breed is unique to itself, and because of its shorter breeding history, personalities and looks can vary a bit.
That does not mean they are entirely unpredictable, and most prospective owners should be prepared for considerable one-on-one time with a breed that demands a fair bit of your time.
If you are in the market for a new bubbly buddy, the chiweagle is an adorable but demanding choice. Are you interested to learn whether or not the chiweagle is right for you? This complete guide will extensively cover all you need to know to make an informed purchase.
A Quick Look at the Chiweagle
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 9 to 13 inches, 8 – 15 pounds |
| Coat Type | Short, soft, smooth |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Energetic, devoted, cuddly. |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
What Is the History of Chiweagles?
Reciting the history of the chiweagle is a bit like writing a biography for a five-year-old; there isn’t much to tell. The dapper dogs are newcomers on the scene, being bred sometime near the turn of the century. The goal was to create a pooch that had the perky pep of a Chihuahua along with the dutiful and doting personality of a beagle.
The breed may be new, but it has become quite popular all the same. The designer breed is charming, adorable, and compatible with several living arrangements. At the time of this article, the breed has been recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the International Canine Registry, and the American Canine Hybrid Club.
What Do Chiweagles Look Like?
Because the chiweagle has not been around for as long as most other breeds, a standard has yet to be firmly set. The breed will typically take on a mixture of the parent coat and color, though they typically are black, brown, cream, white, or a fusion of two or more. Their coats are usually short and sleek, making them fairly low-maintenance when it comes to brushing.
Their face is usually a fusion of their parent breeds, with many having the face of a chihuahua with dropping ears that are slightly less pronounced than their beagle relatives. When it comes to coat patterns, it really is anyone’s guess. Some come in one uniform color, while others look like they are dressing up as bite-sized Burmese mountain dogs.
What Size Is a Chiweagle?
The chiweagle is a smaller dog, though they are far from purse dogs. Most chiweagles are around twice the size of teacup breeds, standing between 9 and 13 inches when fully grown and weighing anywhere from 7 to 15 pounds. For those looking for a dog that won’t knock over half the house with their tail alone, the chiweagle could be a very good choice.
What Is a Chiweagle’s Coat Type and Length?
The breed has a short, contained coat that can almost look reflective in specific lighting. The breed is high-maintenance in a lot of ways, but they will cut you some slack when it is time to clean their coat. Some chiweagles may have a fluffier coat, though they will never be unmanageable or long.
What Is a Chiweagle’s Temperament?
The chiweagle, like any dog, is an individual, and a lot of its personality will come down to how they are raised. Most can expect an energetic, outspoken, and adaptable buddy who will demand a lot, though dutiful owners will be rewarded with an exceptional dog. They are sharp-minded, though getting their attention can take some effort.
Are Chiweagles Good With Kids?
Older kids will do very well with the pet, who prefers a gentle touch and will be hesitant to warm up to children with an overenthusiastic grip. They are not impossible to raise with small children, though parents will need to monitor interactions between the two for a long while before leaving them alone together.
A younger dog will almost always do better long-term than a pooch with some years under his belt. A canine raised with people and pets will typically develop a familial bond with those they are around, making peaceful and positive coexistence far easier. If you do plan on bringing the breed into a house with kids, try to find a calm, sociable dog or an amiable puppy.
Are Chiweagles Good With Other Animals?
The breed is too new to confidently speak on a universal response to other animals, though they are known for having a higher prey drive. On the other hand, they are also sometimes skittish to larger dogs due to their fragile frames. If you plan to bring them into a house, take the process slowly and ensure that you are ready to cut off the socialization if either dog shows aggression.
It can be a massive benefit to begin introductions in an unfamiliar space that neither feels any ownership towards, lessening the chances of territorial behavior.
If you have small animals or cats in the house, try bringing items with the other scent so both can get used to the smell of the other animal. Whenever the two do interact, they should be constantly watched with a meditator ready to separate them. The breed can absolutely live with other animals, but it will rarely be love at first sight.
Are Chiweagles Aggressive?
They will never cause severe injuries to a person, but no one wants to walk around with a twelve-pound dog clasped onto their ankle. They are usually very sweet to their adopted family and oftentimes very skeptical of new faces. Getting the dog around people early is an absolute necessity, along with obedience training.
The chiweagle is not a breed for those who can’t put the time in to correct poor habits. Biting is unlikely unless they feel cornered or threatened, though they may bark out some choice words from the safety of their dog gate. Socialization should begin once you feel the dog has become comfortable around you.
Do Chiweagles Bark?
Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting a Chihuahua knows that they are rarely at a loss for words. Chiweagles are not always as bad as their parent breed, though they are going to need sincere training to curb their outspoken nature. This is especially true for people who live in close proximity to their neighbors and want to avoid a guaranteed noise complaint.
Ensure that you understand the motivation or reason behind your Chihuahua’s bark. Are they trying to get your attention? Are they bored? Are they anxious? Are they warning you of a threat? Knowing why they are barking is the first step to diagnosing the problem.
The following are a few tips and tricks to reduce barking immediately:
- Ignore attention-seeking behavior
- Obstruct view for window barkers
- Don’t let them meet visitors at the door
- Give them a safe place to go away from company
While these are not a replacement for professional help that can end excessive barking, they will help you avoid annoying neighbors and friends until the dog can get proper training.
Are Chiweagles Affectionate?
A chiweagle makes a great couch companion and will warm every lap in the house before the week is out, though they will need to have their energy expended for the evening cuddles. The breed has an incredible gas tank and will sprint in furious circles until their exercise needs are met. A chiweagle that has gotten its daily exercise, however, is happy to relax with its family.
Are Chiweagles Intelligent?
They are much brighter than their playful and quirky demeanor might suggest. The breed has a sharp mind that will need some reigning in to explore, though once it calms down, the chiweagle is quick to learn. They have an almost caffeinated curiosity about everything, and their alert senses make them excellent candidates for a smaller watch dog.
Are Chiweagles Energetic?
Yes, they are very energetic. Thankfully, they are also pretty small and will not require the extensive hikes and multiple mile jogs that larger, athletic breeds require. That does not mean they are able to suffice with prancing around your living room; they will need regular daily walks or playtime to avoid destructive and anxious behavior.
One of the biggest barriers for owners is the chiweagles endless energy. If an owner can commit to regular exercise and training, the dog will be easy to get along with. If they do not, they may find a mess or three when their dog decides to entertain itself.
Are Chiweagles Easy to Train?
They can be a chore for newer owners, though they are receptive to training once they get their head around it. As we spoke about earlier, the energy level of the dog can make them easily distracted, and they have a willful streak that may make them rebel against commands at first. Patience is a must, and exercise before training is highly recommended to calm the dog.
There is no shortage of training courses online and in-person, and chiweagles are not a breed that can prosper well without some instruction.
Are Chiweagles Good Watchdogs?
They are not going to be able to fend anyone off, though they are excellent mobile alarms. If they hear an unfamiliar sound or catch the whiff of a new scent, you will hear all about it, morning, noon, or night. Because of this, they are excellent watch dogs for houses that are looking for smaller companions, though they are not a realistic form of home defense.
Are Chiweagles Good Service Dogs?
The breed is capable of being in a service position for specific tasks, though they are going to have a hard time competing with more eligible breeds. Chiweagles can be difficult to train, easily distracted, and hard to reign in. These qualities are unacceptable for someone with a medical issue that requires sincere assistance from their service dog.
That does not mean your chiweagle will be like that, and some dogs go well above and beyond what is expected from a breed.
In an emotional support position, they are better-suited. The breed is incredibly affectionate, loving, and surprisingly intuitive when it comes to their owners. If you have a chiweagle that you would like to make into an emotional support animal, reach out to a licensed mental health professional.
How to Care for a Chiweagle?
The most important thing to cover with a chiweagle is their daily exercise. The breed can put on pounds quicker than expected, their energy can turn malicious if not expended, and they deserve an owner who can satisfy their daily needs. They should be given a daily half-hour walk minimum, though it can help to set aside some time to play with the dog personally.
People in environments with extreme temperatures should avoid adopting the breed, as they are vulnerable to cold or hot conditions.
Do You Need to Groom a Chiweagle?
Grooming is a breeze with chiweagles. Their coats are short and simple to brush, and their diminutive size makes it a very quick chore. Even better, they do not get dirty often and should be bathed infrequently to prevent their skin from drying out. Owners should still be wary of letting their dogs get too dirty.
Basic hygiene will need to be maintained, particularly when it comes to their teeth. Dental issues can wreak havoc on a dog’s health, so ensure that yours is getting regular tooth brushings. Similarly, their nails can become uncomfortable when they grow too long, so trim them when they start being heard on hard surfaces.
Do Chiweagles Shed?
They shed lightly throughout the year, though nowhere near as bad as other similar-sized breeds. Both the beagle and the Chihuahua are not fluffballs, and their new cousins are no exception. A weekly brushing is ideal and will minimize the amount of hair shed. Unfortunately for people with canine allergies, the breed is not hypoallergenic.
What Health Problems Do Chiweagles Have?
Chiweagles have a few common health issues that they may deal with throughout their lifetime. A proper diet, exercise, and a good quality of life can help prevent future medical issues. Similarly, getting annual veterinary checkups is highly important.
The following are common medical issues a chiweagle may face:
They should also be checked for any thyroid issues, of which they may be susceptible. A breeder will usually have the medical background of their dogs, and a local vet can give more in-depth advice on how to combat potential health problems.
How Long Do Chiweagles Live?
The designer breed benefits from being on the smaller side, which usually indicates a longer lifespan. On average, a chiweagle will live between twelve and fifteen years. This is a pretty reliable range, though some dogs can suffer medical issues while others live well into their late teens.
What Should a Chiweagle Eat?
The chiweagle can become obese fairly quickly, and its diet will need to be closely monitored to prevent health issues. A good general recommendation is nutritionally dense food designed for compact dogs with active lifestyles. Reach out to the breeder or vet to get a better idea of what food would be agreeable to your chiweagle.
Is a Chiweagle the Right Dog for Me?
Chiweagles are wonderful companions with a ton of upsides. They are energetic, adorable, and genuinely obsessed with their owners. They have huge hearts and a bold attitude that betrays their small frames. They make excellent watchdogs, can fit in most living situations, and will require very little grooming on a month-to-month basis.That does not mean they are a good fit for everyone. They bark often, they are stubborn, they could be overwhelming for new owners who are inexperienced with dogs, and they can be difficult with new people and pets. The breed will not work for every lifestyle, but attentive owners who can put time in to train, exercise, and interact with them will adore their new friend.