A Chiweenie, commonly referred to as a choxie, is a mix of a dachshund and a chihuahua. This designer breed has a huge attitude in a small frame and is passionate and devoted. Chiweenie puppies and adults both make excellent watchdogs. They are also known as weeniehuahuas, Mexican hot dogs, and German tacos.
In this ultimate guide to Chiweenie, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this breed, from their appearance to their personality, training, and health.
Contents Overview
What is a Chiweenie?
Chihuahua and Dachshund dogs were crossed to create the hybrid breed Chiweenie. These puppies were small, active, and devoted, inheriting some of the greatest qualities from both of their parents.
Chiweenies are also known as the Mexican Hot Dog, the German Taco, the Weeniehuahua, and Choxie. Remember to adopt if you see one of these mixed-breed dogs in a shelter or rescue because, despite their terrible status as a designer breed, they are available! Shop not!
Although they are best suited to tiny or single-person households and have a propensity to be yappy, these cute puppies make wonderful apartment pets for active city dwellers. The Chiweenie may be the best dog for you if you’re looking for an excitable “firecracker” that will keep you on your toes, warn you of any risks, and adore you no matter what.
Origin and History of Chiweenie
The Chiweenie dog breed may have developed organically over time, but in the late 1990s, most likely in North America, designer breeders started purposefully mating Chihuahuas and Dachshunds.
Breeders wanted to combine the two parent breeds to reduce the likelihood of back issues in Dachshunds because of their long bodies. As the demand for the mixed breed puppies increased, they kept producing Chiweenies.
Despite being a designer breed at first, the Chiweenie breed has occasionally ended up in shelters or under the care of rescue organizations. If you determine that this breed is the one for you, think about adoption.
Check your neighborhood shelters, look into Chiweenie rescues, or contact Dachshund or Chihuahua rescues, since they occasionally take in mixed-breed dogs and place them in loving homes.
Appearance and Size
They have a long tail, tiny paws, big ears, and a small head. Their coat can range from short to long, depending on the type of coats the parent breeds have, and they have huge, black eyes. Although this distinctive-looking dog comes in practically every colour, black, tan, and brown are the most popular choices.
There aren’t many size guidelines for the Chiweenie because it’s a novel mixed breed. Having said that, you may anticipate Chiweenies to be on the smaller side as a result of their Chihuahua and Dachshund parentage.
Most are between five and twelve pounds in weight and six and ten inches tall at the shoulder. Despite this, many might vary in size.
Coat and Grooming Needs
Chiweenie coats frequently combine the colours and coats of their Chihuahua and Dachshund parents. Chiweenies primarily come in shades of brown, black, and white. Sometimes they have solid-colored coats, and other times they have a variety.
They often have short coats and are regarded as an excellent option for allergy patients. There are Chiweenies with longer coats as well, although they might not be as allergy-friendly. Fortunately, both coats are quite simple to maintain. Weekly brushings should be sufficient.
Chiweenies don’t do well in harsh weather because their coats tend to be shorter. Your dog will probably need a coat in the winter, and you might need to use sunscreen on the ears, nose, and other sensitive regions in the summer when there is less fur to protect them.
Personality and Temperament
The Chiweenie’s personality is really simple to adore. Although their high energy levels won’t allow them to stay on your lap for too long, this spirited pup is the ideal size to do so. In fact, playing fetch is far more enjoyable if you want to keep them entertained.
When they choose to follow their Chihuahua ancestry, their inherent prey drive may motivate them to go hunting. They frequently inherit the features of their Dachshund parents, though. They will bark excessively to alert anyone to anything that catches their interest, which some owners find annoying. However, this little dog is ready to let you know whenever someone approaches the door if you wish to know.
In general, you should start training this dog to stop any undesirable behaviours when it is still a puppy. They have a tendency to be a little stubborn, which can make housetraining challenging. Their eagerness to please their owners, though, can be a definite advantage.
Training and Exercise Needs
Even while owning a Chiweenie could be entertaining, training one is challenging. This puppy is highly autonomous and hails from two fairly independent breeds. You have a better chance of completing part of this training if you spend the time training a Chiweenie when it is young.
They may get along if the owner is equally eager and vivacious.
Despite being little and highly spirited, Chiweenie don’t require much exercise. Avoid subjecting this dog to activities that could strain its spine, such as climbing or jumping. Even so, they are playful, so having fun with a suitable-sized toy while playing retrieve or catch is possible. Additionally, the additional playtime with your new puppy will be a wonderful opportunity for bonding.
The dog makes a fantastic flatmate in apartments due to their tiny size, but they will need to go for walks frequently to avoid weight problems.
Chiweenie Puppies for Sale
If you’re ready to start your search for a Chiweenie puppy, there are several places you can look.
Breeders
A breeder is one of the most well-liked places to look for a Pomeranian-poodle mix puppy for sale. Do your research and locate a reputable breeder who is concerned about the health and welfare of their puppies. A reputable breeder will let you meet the puppy’s parents and will provide you copies of any certifications and health documents.
Pet Stores
Chiweenie puppies may be available for purchase in some pet stores, but it’s important to exercise caution when doing so. Puppies are frequently purchased by pet shops from puppy mills, where the animals are frequently mistreated and maintained in subpar conditions. If you decide to purchase from a pet shop, be sure to enquire about the puppy’s lineage and medical history.
Adoption
A wonderful approach to offer a furry buddy a second chance in life is to adopt a Chiweenie puppy. Ask if there are any Chiweenie pups up for adoption at your neighborhood animal shelter or rescue group.
Training Tips for Chiweenie
They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train with positive reinforcement techniques. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when training your Chiweenie:
- As soon as you bring your Chiweenie home, begin training them. The key is consistency, and early norms and boundary setting are crucial. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and treats, to encourage good behavior. Avoid using punishment or negative reinforcement, which can cause fear and anxiety in your dog.
- Training sessions should be brief, frequent, and singularly focused on one instruction or behavior. This will lessen the likelihood of your Chiweenie getting overwhelmed or bored.
- Expose your Pomeranian poodle mix to a range of people, environments, and situations to help socialize them. They will feel more at ease and certain in unfamiliar circumstances as a result.
- Practice consistency and patience, and keep in mind that training is a lifelong process. Your Chiweenie can learn to be a well-mannered and obedient pet with practise and patience.
Common Health Problems
The Chiweenie can have some health issues, just like the majority of mixed-breed dogs, therefore every owner should be aware of them. Fortunately, proper breeding can reduce health risks, and regular visits to the vet can help to avoid or test for these disorders to prolong their longevity.
This hybrid dog is highly susceptible to hypoglycemia, often known as low blood sugar. Since the dog is descended from the Chihuahua, it has a relatively small stomach. Another issue is diabetes, which can arise from hypoglycemia.
Spinal problems and even paralysis can result from degenerative disc disease. This is a problem that Dachshunds frequently face as well, but it’s also one of the reasons you should use caution when climbing and jumping. These dogs may also experience problems with their joints, knees, and metabolism.
The following health issues are generally linked to chiweenies:
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetes
- Degenerative disc disease
- Dental issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Joint issues
- Allergies
Choosing the Right Chiweenie for You
If you’re interested in getting a Chiweenie, it’s important to choose the right dog for your lifestyle and personality. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a Chiweenie:
• Take into account your living situation: They may adapt and thrive in smaller homes or apartments, but they do need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
• Consider your degree of activity: They have moderate exercise requirements and love going for walks and playing. A Chiweenie might not be the greatest choice if you’re searching for a dog to go on walks with you or runs with you.
• Pick a trustworthy breeder: Doing business with a trustworthy breeder can help to ensure that your Chiweenie is healthy and socialized. Avoid purchasing from pet shops or internet marketplaces as these places frequently use subpar breeding techniques.
• Spend time with the puppy before adopting: By getting to know the puppy in advance of taking them home, you can decide whether they are a suitable fit for your family and way of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Chiweenie a good dog?
Chiweenies possess boundless levels of confidence and spunk — traits they inherit from both parents. Charming and playful, these dogs love attention. They tend to develop a strong bond with and an intense loyalty to one person, but they can also get along well with other family members.
How old do Chiweenies live?
The expected lifespan for a Chiweenie is 12-16 years, though this range can fluctuate per dog. Items such as your dog’s diet, exercise routine, living environment, and overall health can all affect their average life expectancy.
How do I know if my dog is a Chiweenie?
There’s no way to predict what a chiweenie will look like. Some have short hair, some have long coats, some are slonky, and some have short Chihuahua-like bodies. Gregory describes chiweenies as “small dogs with big dog personalities” who are steadfastly loyal and develop tight bonds with their owners.
Are Chiweenies good with kids?
Are Chiweenies good with kids? Due to their small size and loyal temperament, Chiweenies are often picked as family dogs. They are generally good with kids and love to snuggle and play with them. However, because they are a small and more fragile breed, it is crucial that the kids are respectful and gentle with them.
What do Chiweenies eat?
A raw food diet aims to replicate what dogs evolved to eat in the wild. As such, meat, bone, offal and a small amount of plant ingredients are all important ingredients in the diet of a Chiweenie, each adding highly beneficial vitamins and minerals to meal times.