The Chiweenie is not a recognized dog breed but rather a mix of Dachshund and Chihuahua. With these genes, it has everything it takes to capture hearts. Chiweenies are mixed-breed dogs that are particularly popular in the USA. This guide provides interesting facts about the Chiweenie, such as information about its appearance, character, and health.

What is a Chiweenie?

The word Chiweenie is composed of “Chi” for Chihuahua and “Weenie,” one of the many nicknames in the USA for the Dachshund. Accordingly, this furry friend is a hybrid dog from Chihuahua and Dachshund. In the USA, the lovable mix also has other names such as:

The Chiweenie is not registered as a dog breed with the FCI or AKC to this day. There are currently no indications that this will change in the near future. To get an idea of ​​it, it is advisable to take a look at its purebred parents.

Chihuahua: Loyal and Self-Confident

The smallest dog in the world is named after its origin, the state of Chihuahua in northern Mexico. It is a popular dog breed, especially in the USA and Europe. It comes in two varieties: long-haired and short-haired Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua reaches a size of 16 to 20 centimeters and weighs a maximum of 3 kilograms. It is known for its affectionate and loyal nature and also surprises with its self-confidence.

Dachshund: Courageous Hunting Dog

The Dachshund belongs to the category of earth dogs. It used to be used for hunting wild animals in underground burrows. This requires a lot of courage and assertiveness.

The well-known German dog breed comes in three varieties: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired Dachshunds. In addition, the Dachshund can be classified according to its size.

Chiweenie: Appearance

Since it is an unrecognized dog breed, there are quite large differences in the external characteristics. A Chiweenie can inherit a typical Dachshund body with a long back and short legs. However, there are also specimens that resemble the Chihuahua more or are intermediate forms.

However, some statements can be made with certainty: A Chiweenie has large, expressive eyes and a pointed snout. Also, the adult Choxie will be counted among the small dogs.

Chiweenie: Coat

The most common coat colors of a Chiweenie are:

In addition to solid-colored Chiweenies, there are also dogs with two-colored fur.

A Chihuahua can be long-haired or short-haired. There are three different coat types for the Dachshund: short-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. Therefore, there is also a relatively high variety to be found in the Choxie regarding the coat structure.

Chiweenie: Personality and Temperament

Based on the characteristics of the parent animals, certain character traits for the Chiweenie can be derived. However, it is not predictable whether the temperament of a Dachshund or Chihuahua will prevail in it.

If you have a Chiweenie puppy by your side, it remains to be seen whether a hunting instinct will develop in adulthood. Usually, the hunting instinct is somewhat weakened because Chihuahuas show only a slight interest in wild animals. However, a mixed-breed dog remains a surprise package!

Chiweenie: Grooming

Grooming depends on the individual coat structure. For short-haired Chiweenies, brushing them once a week is sufficient to remove loose hair. Chiweenies with long fur need to be brushed more often. If the mixed-breed dog has wiry fur like that of a wire-haired Dachshund, then its owners should have its coat trimmed by a groomer several times a year.

Since both the Dachshund and the Chihuahua are more prone to dental issues than other dog breeds, careful dental care should be provided from the beginning. This is especially important if the Chiweenie has an overbite. Dental misalignments can be associated with several dental problems.

Chiweenie: Health

The Chiweenie is generally a fairly healthy dog breed. It typically has fewer issues with intervertebral disc disease than a purebred Dachshund. Its back is more moderate in length due to the infusion of Chihuahua genetics. Nonetheless, back problems or patellar luxation can still be a concern for the Choxie.

The Chiweenie is usually slightly larger than a Chihuahua, so the health risks associated with teacup breeding are mitigated.

However, dental misalignments can develop, increasing the risk of dental issues.

What is the lifespan of a Chiweenie?

On average, this hybrid dog lives approximately 12 to 15 years. Thus, the Chiweenie has a typical lifespan for a small dog.

Is a Chiweenie suitable for me?

Primarily, this mixed-breed dog is well-suited for individuals who can devote plenty of time to a dog. Its affectionate nature should be taken into account when choosing the right dog. Ideally, it finds a home with people who work from home or are allowed to take their dog to work.

The Doxihuahua tends to express its displeasure at being left alone through loud barking. This mix can be very communicative – something potential owners should be aware of beforehand to be well-prepared.

Despite its joy in barking, the Chiweenie is a beginner-friendly dog. The only danger is that its owners might spoil it too much due to its cute appearance and not train it with the necessary consistency. In that case, unwanted behaviors may manifest, as with any other dog.

As an adaptable four-legged companion, the Choxie fits well with people living in both urban and rural areas. It has a playful and energetic nature, so it enjoys play sessions and extended walks. However, if you’re looking for a jogging partner, this mixed breed is only moderately suitable. Other dog breeds like the Jack Russell Terrier or the Border Terrier are more recommended in this regard.

Buying Chiweenie Puppies

The chances of buying a Chiweenie in Europe are not particularly high. With some luck, you can find ads offering Chiweenie puppies for sale. However, since this hybrid dog is not recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), such advertisements should be approached with the utmost caution.

When choosing breeders, make sure you can meet the parent animals and that the puppies are vaccinated and dewormed. Overall, it is important to look for a loving and hygienic environment and a breeder who takes time to answer all questions.

Better chances of finding a Chiweenie are in the USA. There are several breeders there who specifically breed Dachshunds and Chihuahuas or other hybrid dogs together. The price for a Chiweenie starts at around $300 but can range from $1,000 to $1,500.

However, this mix is ​​rather not a typical designer dog like the Labradoodle or the Pomsky. Many American dog lovers stumble upon a Chiweenie, especially in animal shelters.

Tip: Many Dachshund or Chihuahua mixes are waiting for a loving home in animal shelters. Even if it’s not a Chiweenie, you might find your best four-legged friend right there!

Have you met Tuna, the Chiweenie?

A Chiweenie found as a puppy on the streets of Los Angeles is now a social media icon. We’re talking about Tuna, the caramel-colored Chiweenie with an extreme overbite. The daily adventures of this little mixed-breed dog are followed by two million followers on Instagram. Many will agree: his account name “tunameltsmyheart” is absolutely fitting!