Chiweenie

Description: The Chiweenie is an American made toy breed, mixing Chihuahua and Dachshund genetics. The small framed dogs are known for being loving, fiercely loyal and playful. Since the breeds they are mixed with have vastly different physical features, some Chiweenies might have short pointed ears like Chihuahuas and others might have long floppy ears like a Dachshund. The breed is consistent when it comes to having short legs and a rectangular torso.

Other Names: Chihiweenie, Chawinnie, Doxiwawa, Dachuahua, Mexican Hot Dog

Type: Toy

Height: 6-9 in.

Weight: 8-18 lbs.

Colors: Chiweenie dogs are tan, brown, blonde, black and multicolored.

Coat: Chiweenie coats are short or medium length with a glossy appeal.

Temperament: Chiweenies are best described as loveable, smart and playful. While they are selective about who they are friendly to, this breed has deep rooted loyalty to their owners and have no problem communicating if they see something suspicious. With Children: Chiweenie dogs are best for families with older children due to their feisty genetics. They’re stubborn streak and protective attitude can clash when it comes to playing with young children. With Pets: This breed is good natured but they are very picky about who they trust. Chiweenies will be able to mingle with other dogs if they are introduced to the idea as puppies.

Watch-dog: Their outspoken ways make Chiweenies an excellent watch dog. They are known for being more protective than other toy breeds.

Guard-dog: When William Shakespeare wrote “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” it was like he knew about the Chiweenie breed way before they existed. Chiweenies are considered good guard dogs due to their loyal personality and their fearless attitude. They will do whatever they need to protect their owner.

Care and Training: The coat of a Chiweenie should be brushed two to three times a week to maintain its silky texture, along with the routine nail trim around once a month. The ears of a Chiweenie should be checked on a once a week basis, to make sure they stay clean and free of buildup. These dogs should get 20 to 30 minutes of walking a day to maintain their health and wellbeing. As for diet, this breed is recommended to eat 250 to 440 calories daily on a dry kibbe diet. When it comes to training, it is important to have a positive reinforcement set up opposed to physical discipline. This breed is known for being stubborn and will ignore training if they are not being mentally stimulated.

Learning Rate: High. Even though this breed has a stubborn streak that has the ability to delay their training, they will thrive in task-based training if they are given positive reinforcement.   Obedience: High. When it comes to their owner, this breed is very loyal. Problem Solving: High.

Activity: Moderate. While Chiweenies have no problem laying around all day with their owner, they need 20 to 30 minutes of activity to satisfy their need for exercise and keep them in shape mentally.

Living Environment: Their petite size makes them the ideal apartment pet for a couple or family with older children.

Health Issues: Common health concerns for this breed are ear infections, knee problems and back problems.

Life Span:  13-16 years.

Litter Size: 2-6 puppies.

Country of Origin: United States of America

History: The Chiweenie breed is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. Chiweenie dogs, originating in the early 1990’s, found popularity in the United States of America. The Chihuahua is the 30th most popular dog breed in America, officially accepted into the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904. The Dachshund originated in the 16th century in Germany, getting its name from two German words – “Dachs” meaning badger and “hund” meaning hound. The breed became known for being hunting dogs, registered with the AKC in 1885. The Dachshund is the 13th most popular dog breeds in America.

First Registered by the AKC: The Chiweenie breed is currently not recognized by the AKC.

Class: Toy, Designer

Registries: ACHC, DDKC, DRA, IDCR, DBR