Chiweenie: Your Complete Guide
Chiweenies are a combination of two dog breeds. The breeds used to create these cute puppies are Chihuahuas and dachshunds. While chiweenies are a highly-sought mixed breed, some of these dogs end up in shelters across the United States. That said, chiweenies are typically a designer breed because of their unique style, small size, and gorgeous fur coats. Chiweenies are also valuable companions because their size makes them suitable for apartments, small homes, and living in the city (you might see them in a handbag from time to time).
Still, just because chiweenies are small doesn’t mean they don’t pack a punch. For a small dog, chiweenies have huge personalities. They’re active and love to play, which makes them a bit needy as puppies. On the other hand, these dogs are trainable and easy to work with as they get older. Chiweenies are also known for living long lives and being less likely to develop serious health conditions compared to other breeds.
If you’re curious about chiweenies or want to adopt one, read on. We’re going to take you through everything you need to know about this dog breed.
A Quick Look at the Chiweenie
Below is a quick look at the average chiweenie. While the breed is diverse because of the mixed background, there are some consistencies across the breed that you should be aware of. We have these listed below.
| Weight/Height | 5 to 12 pounds, 6 to 10 inches tall |
| Coat Type | Short and fluffy |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Affectionate and sometimes aggressive |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12 years |
What Is the History of the Chiweenie?
The history of the chiweenie is filled with legend and intrigue. For example, there is a debate surrounding when Chihuahuas came into being. One group believes that Chihuahuas existed 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. This group also believes that the Chihuahua was worshiped in a similar way as cats in Egypt. On the other hand, records from Europe suggest that Chihuahuas came into existence during the 16th century in China. While others believe that the Chihuahua is a descendant of the Central American breed, the Techichi. Therefore, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the origin of the Chihuahua, which plays a big role in the chiweenie breed.
The good news is that the history of the dachshund is less complicated. Dachshunds originated in Germany in the 16th century, and its name is simple. It consists of the German words for “hound” (hund) and “badger” (dachs). There were many variations of dachshunds depending on where in Europe the dogs were bred.
That said, the chiweenie didn’t become popular until the 1900s. While some chiweenies were popping up in cities during the 1950s and 1960s, the breed became popular in the 1990s when urban living became widely popular. Once the breed became consistent, many famous people took an interest, and the breed became an expensive designer breed.
What Do Chiweenies Look Like?
Chiweenies are small dogs that have the faces of Chihuahuas. Their head is on the round side, and they typically have black eyes that stick out of their head. Chiweenies also have floppy ears, but some breed variants have ears that stand straight –almost like huskies. Chiweenies also have long bodies that come from dachshunds, which is why many people refer to them as “hot dogs.”
Chiweenies also come in many shapes and sizes. Their average weight is between 5 to 12 pounds and some can be more than 10 inches tall. While most chiweenies have brown coats, some have light tan coloring or even coats with red tints.
What Size Is a Chiweenie?
Chiweenies are between 6 and 10 inches tall. Males tend to be taller by a few inches, but there isn’t much variation between male and female chiweenies. The lack of variation is also evident in the weight of these dogs. On average, chiweenies weigh between 5 and 12 pounds; and males are about 1-2 pounds heavier than females.
What Is a Chiweenie’s Coat Type?
Chiweenies have short coats that don’t shed a lot. Their coat color is typically a shade of brown, but some dogs are tan or have red tints in their coat. Chiweenies also have soft coats. Instead of feeling coarse like hair, most chiweenies are soft to the touch and feel comfortable to pet. This also helps with grooming and makes them easy to brush compared to some other breeds.
What Is a Chiweenie’s Temperament?
Chiweenies have a playful temperament. These are dogs that get along with other animals (like cats and dogs) and enjoy playing with their owners. That said, chiweenies are well-known for barking (a lot), so that’s something you want to consider. Furthermore, chiweenies aren’t always the best with younger children because they can get aggressive when they’re not getting attention. Overall, chiweenies are trainable and make good companions for adults and families with older children.
Are Chiweenies Affectionate?
If there is one thing a chiweenie loves, it’s affection. While they’re playful and can be aggressive when they don’t get attention, as long as you give them a little bit of love, they’ll give you all the affection you could want from a dog. In many cases, chiweenies will sit near you, on you, and even sleep in the same bed as you if you let them!
Are Chiweenies Good With Kids?
Chiweenies are small dogs and can be injured easily by small children if playing becomes rough. These dogs can also become aggressive if they feel threatened, which is a potential hazard for small children. Therefore, chiweenies are not the best with kids. That said, chiweenies can be trained to be around children, though they’re best suited for older children.
Are Chiweenies Good With Other Animals?
Chiweenies can get along with other animals. Though, like most dogs, it’s best to introduce them to other animals slowly. Because of their size and temperament, some chiweenies will get aggressive and reclusive when other animals are present. For this reason, we recommend socializing chiweenies with other animals at a young age, and you should always carry out the process slowly.
When it comes to other pets, chiweenies may prefer not to be around them. If you have a pet that is constantly trying to be around your chiweenie, this can lead to discomfort and anxiety. In some rare cases, this can cause aggression. Therefore, it’s important to take your time and be patient when introducing chiweenies to other animals.
Are Chiweenies Aggressive?
Chiweenies are high-energy and affectionate animals. That said, they can become aggressive around other animals or children if they feel threatened. The good news is that if you give chiweenies lots of love and attention, the chances of them becoming aggressive are small. Furthermore, chiweenies can be trained to be present and happy around people and other animals.
Do Chiweenies Bark a Lot?
If you love a dog that barks a lot, you’ll love a chiweenie; as these dogs bark a lot. Chiweenies are high-energy dogs, so don’t be surprised if they bark when they see people, other dogs, and want something from you. Their bark is loud and high-pitched, so this can be a lot to handle for some owners. While they can be trained to not bark at anything they see, chiweenies have big personalities and love to show it.
Are Chiweenies Intelligent?
Chiweenies are smart dogs. While they’re not smart in the same way that a German shepherd is, they’re smart in an emotional way. Chiweenies know how to bond with their owners and make people feel good. Furthermore, chiweenies have some dachshund in them, so they can track small animals and watch over your home. They are also trainable dogs; they can do tricks, play games like fetch, and even help people remember to take their medications.
Are Chiweenies Easy to Train?
Chiweenies are not difficult dogs to train, but it can take some time for them to learn what you’re teaching them. While they don’t have the same aptitude for hunting and tracking as larger dogs, they can be potty-trained quickly, and many tricks will stay with them for life. That said, chiweenies that are not trained from a young age can become stubborn. In these cases, chiweenies become harder to train as they get older and form habits. So, our best training advice is to start training them at a young age. While you can teach an old dog new tricks (it’s just a myth that you can’t), it’s easier said than done.
Are Chiweenies Energetic?
Like most small dogs, chiweenies have a lot of energy. This means that they like love, affection, playing, and barking (of course!). Chiweenies are also known for having a teething phase, so they might bite you instead of the toy they’re playing with sometimes. These dogs are also energetic as puppies and might be rowdy during some of the early evening hours. The good news is that you can play with them and tire them out before bed. We recommend waiting until their panting to stop playing with them, or they might wake you up later.
Are Chiweenies Good Apartment Dogs?
Yes, chiweenies are good apartment dogs because of their small size. Their small size makes them great for urban areas, and you can take them out without having to worry about them making other people nervous. While they do bark a lot, you can train them to be quieter. We always recommend speaking with your landlord and neighbors before adopting a chiweenie to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable.
Are Chiweenies Good Watchdogs?
Chiweenies are not the best watchdogs. While their love for barking can alert you to potential dangers, they’re not the best at deterring threats or keeping your items safe. The good news is that if you’re looking for a dog that barks to alert you to people around your home, a chiweenie will help. On the other hand, if you’re looking to scare people off with your chiweenie, you might have better luck with a larger breed. Still, they’re great at keeping apartments in cities safe because people are less likely to enter your home with a dog around, and their small size makes them suitable for most apartments.
Are Chiweenies Good Service Dogs?
Chiweenies are not great service dogs for helping people with disabilities. That said, chiweenies have traits that make them good emotional support animals (ESAs) because they’re emotionally intelligent and can help people remain calm in stressful situations. Plus, their small size makes it easy to take them to places where big dogs are not allowed.
How to Care for a Chiweenie?
Chiweenies are small but vocal dogs. Caring for a chiweenie takes a combination of patience, caring, and education. You need to make sure you play with them often and train them from an early age. That said, chiweenies are not as high-maintenance as larger dogs because they don’t shed as much. Their shorter coat also makes them easy to groom. In fact, many chiweenie owners only have to groom their dogs about once every few months because their coats can be maintained by brushing weekly.
Do You Need to Groom a Chiweenie?
Most dogs need regular grooming, and chiweenies are no exception. Chiweenies need to be groomed because their coat can become knotted when it’s long and not properly maintained. That said, you don’t need to groom chiweenies often. Many can be maintained with frequent brushing to prevent knotting and other problems. Therefore, you only need to groom them once a month (if you don’t brush them often) or once every few months if you have a good dog brush and give them plenty of baths.
Do Chiweenies Shed?
All dogs shed, and chiweenies are not the exception. That said, small dogs shed less than larger dogs on average –especially if they have shorter coats. Chiweenies have short coats, and their fur doesn’t get too long, so shedding is not a major factor when owning a chiweenie.
What Should a Chiweenie Eat?
Chiweenies should have a diet that’s designed for small dogs. A great diet for small dogs is high in fat and protein to prevent frequent eating and hunger. That said, chiweenies also tend to eat too much and gain weight. Therefore, you should only feed them two or three times per day. If you feed them twice per day medium-sized meals are the best choice with lots of protein and fat.
On the other hand, if you feed them frequently, smaller meals are better, and you can be more liberal with their diet. Also (and this is important), take it easy on the treats. While you can use treats to help them train, they can quickly put on weight from the extra calories if they’re not getting enough exercise.
What Health Problems Do Chiweenies Have?
Chiweenies are mostly healthy dogs and typically live long lives. That said, they are predisposed to some medical conditions that occur in Chihuahuas and dachshunds. Therefore, to ensure your chiweenie is healthy, it’s important to take them to the vet for physicals.
The most common medical problems are listed below. These include:
- Low blood sugar: Their small stomach is not the best at absorbing nutrients
- Diabetes: Overeating can lead to diabetes because of their small stomachs
- Disk degeneration: The disks in their backs can weaken over time because of their long backs –jumping and running can make this worse
- Dental problems: All dogs can suffer from dental issues if their mouths are not taken care of
- Thyroid problems: Chiweenies can struggle with underactive thyroids
- Knee, joint, and back problems: Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from these issues as they age
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause irritation, and certain grasses can cause allergic reactions
These are the most common issues that pose a risk to the health of chiweenies.
How Long Do Chiweenies Live?
Chiweenies are small dogs which typically have longer lifespans than larger dogs. On average, chiweenies have a lifespan that’s between 12 and 16 years. However, some chiweenies can live as long as 18 years. Other factors like diet, exercise, and nutrition also play a role in a chiweenie’s longevity.
Are Chiweenies Expensive?
Chiweenies are an interesting designer breed because they’re not expensive. While some specialty breeds cost thousands, the most expensive chiweenies cost between $200 and $500. In fact, most chiweenies cost less than $100 at your local shelter if you look around. While $500 is not cheap, it’s also not expensive compared to other breeds like teacup yorkies.
How Can I Find a Chiweenie Breeder?
You can find a chiweenie breeder online. There are dozens of chiweenie breeders across the United States, and some might be located in your area. You can always narrow down your search by including how many miles you’d be willing to drive. That said, some breeders are better than others. For this reason, we recommend reading reviews and speaking with breeders before visiting. This will help you get an idea of their practices.
Can You Adopt a Chiweenie?
Chiweenies are designer dogs. This means that they’re rarer than other breeds and may be challenging to find. In many cases, you have to visit a unique dog breeder that specializes in the chiweenie breed. Still, you can always call around to shelters in your area to see if any chiweenies are available for adoption.
Are Chiweenies Purebred?
Chiweenies are not purebred dogs. This is because chiweenies are a mixed breed dog. Chiweenies inherit traits from dachshunds and Chihuahuas, which is why they look and act the way they do. That said, their mixed-breed status enhances their appearance, temperament, and value (in most cases).
Are Chiweenies Good for New Dog Owners?
While they’re not the best breed for new dog owners, new dog owners can survive with a chiweenie around –it will just be a bit more stressful than a low-energy dog. They aren’t the best dogs for new owners for a few reasons. First and foremost, they bark like crazy. If you were expecting a quiet dog, you might want to look elsewhere.
Another thing to consider is their attitude towards training. Training a chiweenie can be intense because concepts don’t always stick well. Plus, it’s not because they’re dumb dogs. In fact, chiweenies are smart. The issue is that they’d rather listen to themselves than their owners sometimes. For these reasons, chiweenies are not always the best fit for new owners.
Is a Chiweenie the Right Dog for Me?
There is a lot to consider when shopping for dog breeds. The chiweenie is a well-rounded breed that’s great for city-living and small homes. That said, the breed is challenging to find sometimes and can cost a lot of money if you don’t go through a shelter. Still, for people with a specific breed in mind, the chiweenie is a great fit.
We’ll take you through the good and bad aspects of chiweenies to help you make a decision.
The good:
- Gets along with other dogs
- Low maintenance for grooming
- Suitable for city apartments and urban living
- Low risk of health problems
- Adorable
- Short and fluffy
- Plenty of energy to play
- Can alert you of danger because of barking
- Can be found in shelters
- Intelligent
On the other hand, chiweenies might not be a good fit for you if these attributes turn you away:
- Lots of barking
- Not always easy to train
- Expensive if not found in a shelter
- Not great with children
- Not good guide dogs
For most people, the good outweighs the bad when it comes to chiweenies. These cute puppies make great companions, and once full-grown, they are calm friends that would rather eat food and cuddle than bark.