Chiweenie

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 19, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock.com

Chiweenies travel especially well.


Advertisement


Chiweenie Scientific Classification

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

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Chiweenie Conservation Status

Chiweenie Locations

Chiweenie Locations

Chiweenie Facts

Fun Fact
Chiweenies travel especially well.
Temperament
Affectionate towards owner, stand-offish towards strangers
Diet
Omnivore

Chiweenie Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Fawn
  • Blue
  • Black
  • White
  • Tan
  • Silver
  • Blonde
Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Weight
10 lbs.

Chiweenie as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
High
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$200-$600
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
5-10 lbs
Female weight
5-10 lbs

This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

View all of the Chiweenie images!



Share on:

The Chiweenie has a coat that is incredibly easy to brush, making their main care concern their teeth.

The Chiweenie is a hybrid breed derived from the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. They are difficult to find for sale because the species is still so new, but they are quite loving and playful. They can also be fairly stubborn, which can make training very difficult. It is important to take care of their teeth well to avoid further dental costs. Despite their many personality traits, this dog primarily just wants to be loved.

See all of our expert product reviews.

Owning A Chiweenie: 3 Pros And Cons

Pros!Cons!
Won’t shed much: Though the coat will play a role in the extra hair of the Chiweenie, they don’t shed much and only require weekly brushing to keep it under control.Yappy: The biggest downfall of this dog is the incessant barking that even training cannot correct.
Long lifespan: This hybrid dog has a lifespan of 12-16 years, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its company.High in cost: The sale of these puppies is a highly lucrative business. Since they are so rare, breeders can list them for sale at a high cost to anyone that wants them.
Playful personality: Whether a puppy or an adult, this dog never seems to lose its playful energy.Difficult to keep safe: The small size of this dog can be a disadvantage. You will have to pay close attention to their physical activity to prevent major costs at the vet for broken bones.
A young alert Chiweenie, a mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund dog breeds, standing on a green lawn on a sunny day.
A young Chiweenie, a mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund dog breeds, has a lot of playful energy.

©Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock.com

History Of The Chiweenie

This is a designer breed that originated in the later part of the 1990s in North America. The goal was to help eliminate the back problems of a purebred Dachshund while still having its look and temperament. Even though intentional breeding began during this time, it is believed that they were accidentally crossed earlier, in the early to mid-1950s.

The Chiweenie is also known as the German Taco dog, the Mexican hot dog, and the choxie. While the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize this hybrid, these playful and cute dogs are becoming very popular.



Size And Weight

Just like the Dachshund and the Chihuahua, the crossbreed is quite small. There aren’t many size standards with the newness of the species, but they can weigh anywhere from 5-12 lbs. They also range from 6-10 inches tall, though there doesn’t seem to be consistency between females and males to determine which is bigger.

These limits can easily be exceeded, but most of these hybrid dogs can have a lifespan of 12-16 years.

Health and Entertainment for your Chiweenie

See all of our expert product reviews.

Height (Male) 6-10 inches
Height (Female) 6-10 inches
Weight (male) 5-12+ lbs., full grown
Weight (female) 5-12+ lbs., full grown

Common Health Issues

As with most crossbreed dogs, the Chiweenie can come with certain health concerns that every owner should prepare for. Luckily, the right breeding can minimize health concerns, and consistent vet visits can help to prevent or screen for these problems to keep their lifespan long.

Hypoglycemia is a big concern among this hybrid dog, which is better known as low blood sugar. The dog has a rather small stomach, which is inherited from the Chihuahua. Diabetes is another concern since it can develop with hypoglycemia.

Degenerative disc disease can lead to spine issues and even paralysis. Dachshunds often deal with this issue as well, but that is part of the reason you should be careful with climbing and jumping. These dogs can also suffer from issues in their teeth, metabolism, knees, and joints.

Overall, the health concerns associated with Chiweenies include:

  • Hypoglycemia
  • Diabetes
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Dental issues
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Joint issues
  • Allergies

Temperament And Behavior

Chiweenie

The Chiweenie has the funniest name and a charming personality.

©Michael Barajas/Shutterstock.com

The personality of the Chiweenie is rather easy to love. This spunky pup is the perfect size to stay on your lap, though their high energy won’t keep them there for very long. In fact, if you’re looking for a way to entertain them, a game of fetch is much more fun.

Their natural prey drive can lead them to hunt when they side with their Chihuahua breeding. However, they often get their traits from the Dachshund parents. They will alert anyone to anything that brings their attention with immense barking, which some owners don’t appreciate. However, if you want to know anytime someone reaches the door, this small pup is prepared to tell you.

Overall, any behavior that you want to eliminate should be taught out of this dog when it is still a puppy. They have a certain stubbornness to their personality, which can cause difficulty during housetraining. However, they have the desire to please their owners, which can offer a distinct advantage.

How To Take Care Of Chiweenies

The care for a Chiweenie requires many considerations like any other pet. Adopting a puppy or an adult dog will keep their lifespan long and their personality just as exciting as the day you met them. Check out the tips below to learn about what this hybrid dog needs.

The Best Dog Food For Chiweenies

Ideally, the diet of a Chiweenie requires a balance of protein and high-quality dry food. They are prone to gaining too much weight without the right attention to how much they consume, so a consistent feeding schedule is the best. Don’t leave their food bowl out during the day to allow them to graze. Also, to prevent low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) make sure your Chiweenie eats a square meal ninety minutes before exercising.

Since each dog has substantial variations (based on their build and other factors), speak with a veterinarian for more specific instructions.

At A-Z Animals, we feel that the best Chiweenie dog food is Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult Oral Care for Dental Health Dog Food, Chicken Rice & Barley Recipe.

The dental formula is designed to fortify the teeth in dogs like Chiweenies with plenty of calcium. Not only is the recipe clinically proven and developed by vets and nutritionists, but the crunchy dry pieces of food help clean Chiweenies’ teeth by removing food debris and plaque. The added benefits of this calcium-rich food are stronger bones and cartilage since Chiweenies are susceptible to degenerative disc disease and joint issues.

Here’s where you can find Hill’s Science Diet Adult Oral Care Dry Dog Food on Chewy and Amazon.

Hill's Prescription Diet t/d Dental Care Chicken Flavor Dry Dog Food
  • Unique kibble shape and size clean the tooth surface by scrubbing away laden plaque in the mouth to promote systemic health.
  • Special fiber matrix technology is clinically proven to reduce plaque, stain and tartar buildup.
  • Fights bacteria-laden plaque, reduces bad breath and promotes overall health.
  • Formulated with S+OXSHIELD to meet specific nutrient standards, shown to promote a urinary environment that helps reduce the risk for struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
  • Offers same great taste and benefits as they did prior to the introduction of the S+OXSHIELD seal.


Check Chewy Check Amazon

Maintenance And Grooming

The coat of this hybrid dog will vary, considering that there are two different breeds to consider. The coat is often a blend of the Dachshund and the Chihuahua, which means they can be naturally short or long. If you suffer from allergies, the best choice will probably be a shorter coat, but grooming is easy for both.

Brushing weekly is the best way to keep it detangled and to prevent too much shedding. During wintertime, most Chiweenies will have to wear some type of sweater or coat to keep them warm. The Chiweenie also needs some layer of protection on their ears and nose, like sunscreen, when they are out in the summer and spring sunlight.

Training

As fun as it might be to own a Chiweenie, it is not easy to train. This pup comes from two fairly stubborn breeds, and they are quite independent. Taking the time to train a Chiweenie when it is still young gives you a better chance of getting some of this training done.

If the owner is just as energetic and enthusiastic, they may be a good match.

Exercise

small pet dog - Chiweenie

The Chiweenie is energetic and while it doesn’t need too much exercise, should still get daily walks to prevent weight issues.

©Jaclyn Vernace/Shutterstock.com

The Chiweenie is small and rather energetic, but they don’t need much exercise. Don’t put this dog in situations that can be hard on its spine, like jumping or climbing. Still, they are playful, so playing fetch or catch with the right size toy can be quite fun. Plus, the extra activity with your new puppy will offer a great time to bond.

Their small size makes the dog a great companion in apartments, but they will need to go on walks often to prevent weight issues.

Puppies

The puppies are extremely small and delicate, even when they are fully grown. This crossbreed must be fed the proper diet to thrive, though they will only need a fraction of what they have as an adult.

Since this animal is so tiny when it is still a puppy, it is important to protect them from high ledges and stairs that it may fall from.

Tiny Chiweenie puppy lying on a gray sofa.
Chiweenie pupp

ies

are extremely small and delicate even as an adult

.

©Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock.com

Chiweenie And Children

Though there are plenty of dogs that do well will children, this pup may not be the best option. These types of dogs need to be trained well, and they don’t love to be overhandled when they are not accustomed to children. They have something of a “small dog” complex, and they don’t want to be cornered or picked up without feeling comfortable.

Typically, because they are so small, they become rather aggressive in their own defense to prevent children from picking them up. If you choose to bring this breed into the home, make sure to always monitor your children around them to prevent any unfortunate accidents.

Dogs Similar To Chiweenies

If this hybrid dog isn’t the right dog for you, there are a few alternatives that could work out perfectly for you. Consider the dachshund, chihuahua, or Brussels griffon.

  • Dachshund: Dachshund is one of the two breeds that make up the dog. It loves to hunt and is a great show dog.
  • Chihuahua: The Chihuahua is the second breed that the dog comes from, offering a playful attitude and a big personality.
  • Brussels Griffon: The Brussels Griffon offers a similarly small build to the dog, and it is closely related to the pug.

A few popular names for the Chiweenie include:

  • Bella
  • Lola
  • Daisy
  • Lucy
  • Charlie
  • Oliver
  • Max

Famous Chiweenies

While the hybrid has yet to become more famous in movies and television, one particular pup has made quite an appearance on social media – Tuna. Tuna already has millions of followers, and he was born in 2010.

The breed is still fairly new, so there aren’t any recorded versions in history or as celebrity pets, but that may change as their popularity rises.

View all 235 animals that start with C

Share on:
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

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Chiweenie FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Chiweenies good dogs?

For people who have plenty of time to spend with the dog during the day and stay home often, these dogs can be an excellent choice.

Is the Chiweenie good with kids?

It is not a good idea to keep the dog around young children, their patience with heavy-handed petting, squealing, and hugging may aggravate them and cause them to react badly.

Are Chiweenies aggressive?

While these dogs are not aggressive by nature, they have been known to become snappy and on edge around strangers and stressful situations based on their own history.

How much are Chiweenie dogs worth?

Depending on the breeder’s reputation, the dog’s age, gender, and lineage, the price can range from $200 to $600.

How much does Chiweenie cost to own?

Depending on the breeder and unique coat, such as a multicolor, the initial purchase price can range anywhere from $ 200 to $ 600. The grooming cost is almost non-existent, as well as a low feeding cost at an average of ½ to 1 ¾ cup a day with the average cost of dog food being about $20 to $30 a month, depending on prices in your location.

What is the life expectancy of a Chiweenie?

These dogs can live between 12 and 16 years if they have a loving home and regular medical care.

How do you train a Chiweenie?

It can be somewhat tedious training them due to their stubborn tendencies but keep training sessions short and keep them interested in high-interest activities.

What does a Chiweenie look like?

Chiweenies look like long-bodied chihuahuas, and sometimes they have multicolored coats or floppy ears.

What is a Chiweenie?

It is a mix of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, often looking like the perfect mix between the two breeds.

Do Chiweenies shed?

This crossbreed requires some care to ensure their coat doesn’t build up too much fur, but with regular maintenance, you won’t have any major issues.

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/chiweenie
  2. Pet Guide, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/chiweenie/
  3. Perfect Dog Breeds, Available here: https://www.perfectdogbreeds.com/chiweenie/?sfw=pass1630383333
  4. Dog Breed Info, Available here: https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/chiweenie.htm
  5. Daily Paws, Available here: https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/dog-breeds/chiweenie
  6. Pet Side, Available here: https://www.petside.com/chiweenie/
  7. Ready.Set.Puppy, Available here: https://readysetpuppy.com/nutrition-tips-for-your-chiweenie/

Newly Added Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.

Most Recently Updated Animals

A Cobalt Blue Tarantula
Cobalt Blue Tarantula

Cobalt blue tarantulas spend most of their time in self-dug burrows and only emerge when it's time to eat

A Dried Fruit Moth
Dried Fruit Moth

In the event of adverse environmental conditions, dried fruit moth larvae will become dormant and stop developing.