Why Chiweenie Littermates Can Look Nothing Alike and 9 More Interesting Facts

Quick Take

• Two Chiweenie puppies from the same litter can look like completely different breeds, and there is a specific genetic reason why this happens. See why litters vary →
• This tiny dog can do something most large guard breeds are known for, though it comes with a catch owners often ignore. Discover the watchdog catch →
• A rescued Chiweenie with a very unusual face became one of the internet's most followed dogs, but today he does something far more important than go viral. Meet Tuna the Chiweenie →
• Chiweenies inherit a digging instinct rooted in a surprisingly dark hunting history, and this instinct shows up in places inside your home you wouldn't expect. Explore the digging instinct →

Have you ever heard of a Chiweenie? Chiweenies are a cross between Chihuahuas and dachshunds. Like their parent breeds, Chiweenies tend to be small and can have long or short coats. What else should you know about this adorable breed? Read on to learn 10 interesting Chiweenie facts.

1. Chiweenies Are a Designer Breed

Chiweenies were developed in the 1990s. They are the result of breeding a first generation (F1) purebred Chihuahua and an F1 purebred dachshund, typically a mini dachshund. Some breeders also breed Chiweenies with either of the F1 breeds or breed Chiweenies with other Chiweenies. Since they are not purebred dogs, they are not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the U.K. Kennel Club.

2. They Can Have Widely Varying Characteristics

Chiweenies often have longer bodies than a Chihuahua, but they tend to be shorter and sturdier than a dachshund. These dogs also generally have short legs, long, thin tails, and a muzzle that is somewhere between the lengths of the two parent breeds. As mentioned above, they can have long or short hair, and their ears can be either upright and triangular or long and floppy. Their looks and temperaments depend on whether they inherited more characteristics from their Chihuahua or dachshund parent. Even puppies from the same litter can look completely different.

3. Chiweenies Make the Perfect Lap Dogs

If you’re looking for a dog that wants to hang out with you on the couch, a Chiweenie may be the dog for you. While they love to run around and play, their happy place is sitting on your lap. You’ll find that your Chiweenie is always angling for an ear scratch. These dogs are very affectionate and love nothing better than to spend time with their humans.

4. Chiweenies Are Great Watch Dogs

When you think of a watchdog, you might think of an intimidating dog like a doberman pinscher or a hefty rottweiler. Even though they are small, Chiweenies can also help protect the household. These dogs are alert and protective of their families, so they are excellent watchdogs. You can count on a Chiweenie to alert you if there is trouble. However, they can be very vocal, so early training is needed to help Chiweenies learn when it is appropriate to bark.

5. You Can Exercise a Chiweenie in Under 30 Minutes

If you get a large dog, exercising them can become a chore. Chiweenie owners don’t have this problem. Even though Chiweenies have a great deal of energy, they’re easy to exercise. Their small stature means their exercise needs can be met in less than an hour. A half-hour of walking around with your Chiweenie or playing with them in the backyard is all they need. Since dachshunds were initially bred to hunt badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, they have a robust prey drive. Chihuahuas are believed to have hunted rodents. The parent breeds may pass this drive on to the Chiweenie. Fortunately, Chiweenies rarely show any interest in hunting, but they’ll be happy to funnel that energy toward chasing a ball.

6. Chiweenies Like to Dig

As mentioned above, although Chiweenies generally do not show an interest in hunting, some can inherit a strong prey drive from both parents. Other Chiweenies tend to inherit the digging instinct. Since dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, foxes, and other small mammals in underground tunnels, this gives Chiweenies a strong instinct to dig and burrow. They frequently scratch at blankets, sofa cushions, bed sheets, and carpets to make a little burrow.

7. There’s a Famous Chiweenie Named Tuna

The Chiweenie’s adorable appearance is helping it gain internet fame. The Chiweenie named Tuna has nearly 2 million Instagram followers. Tuna is now 16 years old, has an adorable exaggerated overbite, a recessed jaw, and a shriveled neck. The charming hybrid was originally abandoned near San Diego. Thankfully, volunteers were able to rescue the Chiweenie and put it up for adoption in a Los Angeles farmer’s market. That is how Tuna found his forever home with Courtney Dasher in 2010. Tuna has become an internet sensation, and Dasher uses his platform to bring awareness to animal welfare issues.

8. Chiweenies Can Have Complex Dental Needs

Caring for your Chiweenie’s coat will be easy, but their teeth may be another story. Like all dogs, Chihuahuas and dachshunds have 42 adult teeth, but those teeth are crowded into comparatively tiny jaws. Overcrowding makes teeth vulnerable to bacteria that can cause gum infection, tooth decay, and tooth loss. The parents may pass their dental traits on to their Chiweenie offspring. It’s important to use a soft finger-toothbrush with dog-safe toothpaste every day. Take your dog to the vet for dental checkups and regular cleanings. You can also feed your dog canned wet food or dry kibble in warm water or no sodium broth.

9. Chiweenies Tend to Be Stubborn

Both Chihuahuas and dachshunds have a stubborn streak, which Chiweenies typically inherit. Fortunately, they have also likely inherited their parents’ intelligence and eagerness to please, which can help overcome their stubbornness. Housetraining a Chiweenie can be tricky, so they require firm rules, clear commands, and consistency. Use positive reinforcement with high-value treats and keep sessions short so your Chiweenie does not get bored.

10. They Are Sensitive to the Cold

Chiweenies tend to be built lower to the ground like their dachshund parent. They also have little body fat and thin coats, so Chiweenies can get cold more easily than other breeds. They often need a sweater or a jacket when temperatures reach 65°F. If the temperature reaches less than 45°F, they require an insulated jacket, and exposure should be brief. When temperatures reach below freezing (32°F), they should only go out for a quick potty break, as the cold poses a risk of hypothermia.