Chihuahua Mix

Canis familiaris

Last updated: January 16, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© iStock.com/Lesia Kapinosova

Chihuahua mixes are referred to as lap dogs because they enjoy affection.


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Chihuahua Mix Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis familiaris

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Chihuahua Mix Conservation Status

Chihuahua Mix Locations

Chihuahua Mix Facts

Name Of Young
Puppies
Group Behavior
  • Social
Fun Fact
Chihuahua mixes are referred to as lap dogs because they enjoy affection.
Litter Size
2-5 puppies
Diet
Omnivore

Chihuahua Mix Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Red
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
  • Cream
Skin Type
Fur
Lifespan
12-15 years
Weight
2-6 pounds
Height
5 inches
Age of Sexual Maturity
6-9 months
Age of Weaning
3-4 weeks of age
Aggression
Medium

Chihuahua Mix as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Separation Anxiety
Low
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$400-$1200
Dog group
Non-sporting
Male weight
2-6 lbs
Female weight
2-6 lbs

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The Chihuahua mix breed was created by crossbreeding a chihuahua with another purebred dog breed. Therefore, making the cute and cuddly Chihuahua mix dogs, we know today. Chihuahua mix breed dogs can inherit features that display round apple-shaped heads, huge ears, round button eyes, a dark, triangular nose, square legs, and a level back, frequently with their tails docked. Although small to medium in size, these dogs are much stronger than they appear.

Mix Breeds of the Chihuahua mix

  • Papillon
  • French Bullhuahua
  • Chipaniel
  • Cheagle
  • Chiweenie
  • Chi Chon
  • Chi Chi
  • Jack Chi
  • Chug
  • BoChi
  • Chat Terrier
  • Min Chin
  • Chorgi
  • Chorkie
  • Chi-Apso
  • Silkyhuahua
  • Chipoo
  • Italian Greyhuahua
  • Toxirn
  • Taco Terrier
  • Scotchi
  • Chipit
  • HuskChi
  • ChiDane
  • GermaChi
  • LabraChi
  • Malchi
  • AussieChi
  • Golden Chi
  • Boxachi
  • Cheeks
  • DoberChi
  • Chiweiler
  • ShiChi
  • BorderChi
  • Chisenji
  • Chiba

Chihuahua mix Fun Facts

  • Chihuahua mix breeds became popular to get the best of both worlds of the Chihuahua and other purebred dogs.
  • The coat texture of the Chihuahua mix can be fine or wiry, and their hair length can vary from short to medium.
  • Their fur comes in many colors: black, white, brown, tan, red, and cream.
  • Chihuahua mixes are referred to as lap dogs because they enjoy affection.

Three pros and cons of owning Chihuahua mixes

ProsCons
Low grooming needs: the great thing about these dogs is that not much work is needed in the grooming department. It is essential to bathe and trim their nails once a month. Certain Chihuahua mix dogs require the fur around the mouth and eye area shaped to keep their faces neat. Teeth need brushing once a week to prevent plaque build-up.Health concerns: health conditions from the Chihuahua mix and their parent breeds are sure to be passed down. Routine vet visits are essential to keep your dog healthy and monitor any inherited health conditions that may manifest.
Active and energetic: these dogs are far from lazy. They are ready for adventure and always want to play. So if you enjoy the outdoors, this adorable dog is meant for you.Bark often: Chihuahua mix dogs are constantly on the lookout and bark at any noise or disturbance they hear. They also will often bark when bored or not getting enough attention.
Small in size: Due to their small to medium size, these dogs are easy to transport and travel with because they don’t take up much room. Additionally, these dogs will adapt quickly to apartment living as long as they receive their daily exercise.Difficult to train: Due to their constant desire to play and have fun, these dogs can be challenging to train because they are easily distracted. Consistent training will assist with commands.

Best Dog Food for Chihuahua mixes

A well-balanced diet is essential to your pet’s overall health and well-being. These dogs cannot digest an unhealthy diet, as they can become obese, resulting in unnecessary health issues. The Chihuahua mix has smaller stomachs, so they don’t require large food portions. Generally, this breed requires about 2 cups of high-quality food for easy digestion.

However, the Chihuahua mix has a sensitive stomach and can sometimes experience digestive problems. If you are unsure what dog food to provide your canine, contact your veterinarian and ask for some guidance on what dog food best suits your dog.

Chihuahua mix Size and Weight

Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix, <a href=

Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix, Pomchi, standing on brick sidewalk.

©Sam Walsh/Shutterstock.com

The Chihuahua mixes of male and female dogs can vary in weight and size as each mixed breed is different. For example, a Chihuahua dog can weigh between 2-6 pounds and height 5 inches.



Chihuahua mix Common Health Issues

Chihuahua mixes are susceptible to some health issues, which include:

  • Cataracts
  • Arthritis
  • Skin disease
  • Kidney and liver problems

Cataracts

These dogs can develop cataracts when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, brought on by protein changes in the lens. The lens becomes cloudy because light can’t reach the retina causing long-term blindness.

Arthritis

Dog’s bones join together with joints that contain cartilage, which softens the impact of their movements on the bones. Unfortunately, as your dog ages, the cartilage may deteriorate and become weaker, which may cause pain and inflammation that leads to Arthritis.

Skin disease

Chihuahua mix dogs have delicate skin that is prone to itchiness and infections. To avoid these skin infections from developing, keep their coat well-groomed and their skin clean.

Kidney and Liver problems

Kidney problems develop when the kidneys have difficulty excreting phosphorus from the body, and Diabetes contributes to fatty tissue building up in the liver causing liver disease.

A blood test and a urine analysis are necessary to check the levels of enzymes, proteins, and other substances the liver produces. Both of these exams can help detect or exclude underlying diseases.

Chihuahua mixes Temperament

The Chihuahua mix exhibits an outstanding balance of personality traits and Temperament in many ways. These dogs can be bold and confident, with a dash of stubbornness. However, this breed is fun to be around as they are affectionate, devoted, and playful.

These dogs can make great pets for single owners and families with or without children. Although it is vital that when you want to adopt this dog and have younger children around, socializing and training your dog may be critical as these dogs can become snappy if feeling bothered. Training and socializing will create solid groundwork for their later years.

How to Take Care of your Chihuahua mix

To keep your dog healthy and content, provide your Chihuahua mix with high-quality food, clean water, plenty of exercise, routine checkups at the veterinarian, and necessary grooming.

Maintenance and Grooming

The Chihuahua mix breed is regarded as a moderate to low shedder and requires brushing two to three times per week. A brushing routine will reduce hair accumulation and keep their coats knot free. Your pet can also benefit from an occasional trip to the groomer because a clean and trimmed coat will shield them from skin conditions.

Certain Chihuahua mix breeds may have extra hair in their ears, including the area by the mustache and the eyebrows. To avoid ear infections, make sure to trim these regularly. In addition, nails need a pedicure once a month; also, be diligent about brushing your dog’s teeth to prevent dental decay and unpleasant smelly breath.

Training

Despite having a high level of intelligence, the Chihuahua mix is notoriously challenging to train because of its stubbornness. However, training and socializing from a young age are essential to prevent behavioral issues, and reduce some of their aggression.

Exercise

These energetic canines are always on the go and looking for new adventures. They will require a lot of space to exercise, so practice daily walks and let them interact with other dogs at the park. There might even be some park games they can partake in. Additionally, ensure your home has a big enough open space for your dog to play and burn off that extra energy.

Puppies

The female Chihuahua mix breed has an average litter size of three to five puppies, most of whom have distinctive looks. After these pups are born, avoid exposing them to large crowds when they are young because they are relatively fragile. However, as soon as they pass that vulnerable stage, you should begin socializing them. Creating a well-socialized canine will make the transition phase easier when introducing them to dogs, strangers, and kids.

Chihuahua mixes and Children

The best time to introduce your puppy is when your child is still young because growing up together will allow them to form stronger bonds as they get to know one another’s personalities. These dogs have a very loving nature, but if patronized, they can become irritable and snap at your child, So keep a close eye on your kids and never leave them alone with this dog.

  • Buddy
  • Teddy
  • Cooper
  • Bear
  • Molly
  • Ellie
  • Nala
  • Sasha

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Kayeleen Parsons is a writer at A-Z Animals that thoroughly enjoys writing about animals of all types. She has a love for many animals, but her Cocker Spaniel dog holds a special place in her heart. In addition to being a writer, she's also an English teacher, sharing her knowledge to help her students become excellent in the language and literature. When she's not busy writing, Kayeleen enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family in her homeland of Cape Town.

Chihuahua Mix FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Chihuahua Mix temperament?

These dogs can be bold and confident, with a dash of stubbornness. However, this breed is fun to be around as they are affectionate, devoted, and playful.

How to groom a Chihuahua Mix?

The great thing about these dogs is that not much work is needed in the grooming department. It is essential to bathe and trim their nails once a month. Certain Chiuahua mix dogs fur around the mouth and eye area requires regular shaping to keep their faces neat. Teeth need brushing once a week to prevent plaque build-up.

Do Chihuahua mix dogs have any health issues?

Chihuahua mix dogs are susceptible to some health issues, which include Cataracts, Arthritis, Skin disease and Kidney and liver problems

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources

  1. dogtime, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chihuahua#/slide/1
  2. alpha paw, Available here: https://www.alphapaw.com/dog-breeds/chihuahua-mix-facts/#:~:text=Chihuahua%20mixes%20are%20typically%20nervous,even%20demanding%20to%20be%20held.
  3. the farmers dog, Available here: https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/chihuahua-care-guide-food-exercise-personality/

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