Chiweenie Puppies 101: Everything You Need to Know

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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Puppy Dachshund Looking at Swimming Pool
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If you're considering bringing a Chiweenie puppy into your family, you'll want to know the basics. Chiweenies are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, and they're known for being small, energetic dogs.

Chiweenies typically weigh between 8 and 18 pounds and stand about 6-10 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

One thing to keep in mind is that Chiweenies are prone to certain health issues, such as hypoglycemia and patellar luxation. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to prevent and detect these problems early on.

As a small breed, Chiweenies are naturally curious and can be prone to barking, so be prepared to invest time in training and socialization.

History and Origin

The Chiweenie dog breed has a fascinating history that's worth exploring.

Designer breeders started intentionally mixing Chihuahuas and Dachshunds in the late 1990s, likely in North America, to minimize the back problems that affect Dachshunds.

Breeders continued to create Chiweenies as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed.

The Chiweenie didn't become popular until the 1900s, but its popularity surged in the 1990s when urban living became widely popular.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Breeders Coton De Tulear

Physical Characteristics

Credit: youtube.com, Chiweenie - Top 10 Facts (Chihuahua + Dachshund)

Chiweenie puppies are small dogs, typically weighing between 5 and 12 pounds.

Their height varies, but most Chiweenies range from 6 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder, with males being a few inches taller than females.

Chiweenies can have a range of coat colors, including tan, brown, black, blonde, and brindle, with some dogs having multi-colored coats.

Their coat texture is usually soft and silky, making them a delight to pet and easy to groom.

Chiweenies often inherit the short legs of the Chihuahua parent and the long, sausage-shaped body of the Dachshund parent, giving them a unique and adorable appearance.

Size

Chiweenies are small dogs, typically weighing between 5 and 12 pounds.

Their height is relatively consistent, ranging from 6 to 10 inches at the shoulder, with males being only a few inches taller than females.

Many Chiweenies can be smaller or larger than average, but this is the general size range you can expect.

On average, males are about 1-2 pounds heavier than females, but overall weight variation is minimal.

Their height is usually no more than 12-15 inches tall, with most Chiweenies standing between 6 and 10 inches.

See what others are reading: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds

Coat & Colors

A Dachshund Puppy Biting a Small Ball
Credit: pexels.com, A Dachshund Puppy Biting a Small Ball

The Chiweenie's coat is a unique blend of their parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. Their coat can range from short to medium length, and is usually silky to the touch.

Their coat color is just as varied, with a range of options including tan, brown, black, blonde, brindle, and multi-colored. You can get a solid-colored Chiweenie or one with a mix of colors.

Chiweenies typically have short coats that don't shed a lot, making them a good choice for people with allergies. However, some Chiweenies may inherit a longer coat from their parent breeds, which can require more grooming.

Their coat texture is usually soft and comfortable to pet, making them easy to groom and maintain. A weekly brushing is usually all you need to keep their coat looking its best.

Chiweenies come in a range of colors, with some of the most common being black, brown, and tri-color. You may also get a Brindle colored coat, which is a unique and interesting option.

Take a look at this: Brindle and White Shih Tzu

Personality

Credit: youtube.com, Chihuahua Dogs and Puppies: Lifespan, Temperament & Facts | Petplan

Chiweenie puppies are spunky little dogs with high energy levels, making them more suited to a game of fetch than a cuddle session. They love to bark, and some might even call them yappy.

Their strong prey drive has largely been lost, but they still have a tendency to chase small animals. Early training is key to curb any unwanted barking habits.

Chiweenies are loyal and loving, but they can be stubborn and difficult to house train. Consistent owners will find their desire to please makes training a bit more manageable.

They tend to latch on to one family member, often becoming their favorite human parent. This can be a great thing, but it also means they may not get along with others in the house.

Chiweenies demand a lot of attention, making them best suited to a one-person home or smaller families.

Health and Care

Chiweenie puppies are generally healthy, but they can be prone to some health issues that you should be aware of. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a common problem due to their small stomachs.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Take Care of Chiweenie? Are Chiweenies good dogs? How much are Chiweenie dogs worth?

To prevent hypoglycemia, make sure to feed your Chiweenie puppy a balanced diet and monitor their food intake. Regular veterinary checkups can also help detect any potential health concerns early on.

Some Chiweenies may also be prone to dental issues, which can be prevented with regular brushing and professional teeth cleanings. A good oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining their overall health.

Here are some common health issues that Chiweenie puppies may face:

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
  • Diabetes
  • Degenerative disc disease (back problems)
  • Dental issues
  • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
  • Knee and joint issues
  • Allergies

Health Needs

Your Chiweenie's health needs are a top priority, and understanding the potential health issues that can arise is crucial in keeping them happy and healthy.

Chiweenies are prone to low blood sugar due to their small stomach, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they're eating regularly.

Regular veterinary checkups can help detect any health concerns early on, and your vet can develop a care routine tailored to your dog's needs.

Daily ear checks and cleanings are a must to prevent infections and pests, and trimming your dog's nails regularly will prevent clicking on the floor.

Adorable puppy of dachshund dog breed
Credit: pexels.com, Adorable puppy of dachshund dog breed

Brushing your Chiweenie's teeth daily is crucial in preventing dental issues, which are common in small breeds.

Here's a quick rundown of common health issues that can affect Chiweenies:

How Long Do They Live?

Chiweenies are known for their relatively long lifespan, which can be attributed to their small size. On average, they live between 12 and 16 years.

However, some chiweenies have been known to live up to 18 years, which is impressive for a small dog breed.

Factors like diet, exercise, and nutrition play a significant role in a chiweenie's overall health and longevity. Proper care and attention to these factors can help ensure your chiweenie lives a long and healthy life.

Puppy Nutrition

Feeding your Chiweenie puppy the right food is crucial for their growth and development. Stick to the same food for the first six months or so of their life, as recommended by their breeder.

A good quality dry kibble is essential for your Chiweenie puppy's diet. Divide their daily ration of half a cup of kibble into several small feeds to prevent overeating and gastric upsets.

Intriguing read: Puppys Food

Credit: youtube.com, Is it Safe to Feed Your Dog Human Food? 10 Cheap Ways To Improve Their Kibble Diet

Feeding small, frequent meals can help prevent overeating and keep your puppy feeling full. This is especially important for Chiweenies, as they can easily gain weight.

Dry kibble is the best choice for your Chiweenie puppy, as it helps scrape plaque-causing bacteria off their teeth, preventing gingivitis and canine periodontal disease.

Here are some general guidelines for feeding your Chiweenie puppy:

Do Shed?

Dogs shed, and chiweenies are not an exception.

Chiweenies have short coats, which means their fur doesn't get too long, so shedding is not a major factor when owning a chiweenie.

Training and Behavior

Training a chiweenie puppy requires patience and consistency. They can be easily distracted, so it's essential to start training from puppyhood.

Start training your chiweenie from a young age, using plenty of positive reinforcement and unlimited amounts of patience. This will help them learn quickly and prevent stubborn behavior. Chiweenies can be potty-trained quickly, but if they're not trained from a young age, they can become harder to train as they get older.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Potty Train a Chiweenie? | Chiweenie Dog Training |

Chiweenies are intelligent dogs, but they can be feisty toward other dogs and strangers. Socializing your puppy from an early age is crucial to tone down this behavior. Take your puppy to doggy daycare, puppy classes, and the local dog park to expose them to various sights, sounds, and people.

Are Aggressive?

Chiweenies can become aggressive around other animals or children if they feel threatened. This is especially true if they're not socialized properly.

Their high energy levels can sometimes manifest as defensiveness, making them wary of new people or pets. However, with proper training and attention, this can be mitigated.

Giving chiweenies lots of love and attention can actually reduce the likelihood of aggression. In fact, it's essential for their emotional well-being.

Trainability

Training a Chiweenie can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you start early. Chiweenies are not difficult dogs to train, but it can take some time for them to learn.

Credit: youtube.com, Mini Course: Behavior, Temperament, Trainability

It's essential to start training your Chiweenie from a young age, as they can become stubborn if not trained properly. Chiweenies can be potty-trained quickly, and many tricks will stay with them for life.

However, Chiweenies can be easily distracted, making training a challenge. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and unlimited amounts of patience to help them learn.

Socialization is also crucial for Chiweenies, as they can be feisty toward other dogs and strangers. Expose your puppy to different sights, sounds, and people by taking them to doggy daycare, puppy classes, and the local dog park.

While Chiweenies are intelligent dogs, they're smart in an emotional way. They know how to bond with their owners and make people feel good.

With consistent training and socialization, you can help your Chiweenie become a well-behaved and loving companion.

Do Puppies Bark?

Puppies bark, and it's normal behavior for them. Their high energy levels often lead to barking when they see people, other dogs, or want something from you.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Stop Your Dog Barking - You Can Do This Right Now

Their bark can be loud and high-pitched, which can be overwhelming for some owners. This is especially true for chiweenies, who are known to bark a lot.

Training can help puppies learn to bark less, but it's not a guarantee. With patience and consistency, you can teach your puppy to bark only when necessary.

Their big personalities and love for attention often drive their barking. So, if you're considering getting a puppy, be prepared for some noise.

Living with a Chiweenie

Chiweenies are playful dogs that get along with other animals and enjoy playing with their owners. They require daily exercise, but a 20 to 30-minute walk is all that's needed each day. Playtime can be indoors or out in your backyard, but they're not suited for life outside in a kennel.

Chiweenies are not good with overly excited children and prefer to be around adults or older kids who know how to play gently. They can get along with other pets if introduced slowly and calmly, but early socialization is key. A Chiweenie's small size makes them great for urban areas, and they can be trained to be quieter.

Credit: youtube.com, Chiweenie puppy learns to walk in winter boots!!!

Here are some key considerations for living with a Chiweenie:

  • Provide daily exercise (20-30 minute walk, plus playtime)
  • Introduce other pets slowly and calmly
  • Train them to be quieter if barking is a concern
  • Be aware of their tendency to bond with only one family member
  • Consider their potential health issues from their parent breeds

Good with Children

Living with a Chiweenie can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their temperament and how it may interact with children.

Chiweenies are not the best with small children, as they can be injured easily by rough play and may become aggressive if they feel threatened.

They can, however, be trained to be around children, though they're best suited for older kids who know how to play gently and respect their boundaries.

In fact, many Chiweenies make great companions for families with older children who learn early how to properly approach and play with a small dog.

Introducing Chiweenies to other pets requires patience and careful socialization, but with time and training, they can get along with other animals.

However, it's best to consider them as the solo pet in the household, as they may prefer to be the center of attention.

Exercise & Living

Credit: youtube.com, Chiweenie - Top 10 Facts (Chihuahua + Dachshund)

A Chiweenie needs daily exercise to stay healthy and prevent obesity, with a 20 to 30-minute walk required each day.

Playtime is also essential, and can be done indoors or out in a backyard if you have one.

A Chiweenie is not suited to living outside in a kennel, as both dachshunds and Chihuahuas tend to feel the cold.

They adore being around their human family and can suffer from separation anxiety, which may be accompanied by excessive barking.

As Family Pets

Living with a Chiweenie can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider their needs and temperament. A Chiweenie is tirelessly loyal and will bond strongly with one family member, so be prepared for a lifelong friendship.

They are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, shedding minimally and requiring only a short daily brush. However, they do need regular exercise, just 30 minutes a day, to stay happy and healthy.

Credit: youtube.com, 7 Different Types Of Chihuahua And Their Characteristics/Amazing Dogs

Chiweenies are not ideal for families with small children, as they can get aggressive when not getting attention. They also prefer to be around adults or older kids who know how to play gently.

Here are some key characteristics to consider when deciding if a Chiweenie is the right fit for your family:

  • Tirelessly loyal
  • Low maintenance grooming
  • 30 minutes of daily exercise needed
  • Not ideal for families with small children
  • Requires gentle play and attention

With patience, love, and proper training, a Chiweenie can make a great companion for adults and families with older children. They are intelligent, playful, and loving, but also require attention and care to thrive.

Grooming and Maintenance

Chiweenie puppies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they still require regular brushing to prevent knotting and other problems.

Their coats are often a mix of their Dachshund and Chihuahua parents' coats and colors, with main colors being brown, black, and white, and sometimes a mix of colors.

A good brushing per week will probably do, but some Chiweenies may need more frequent brushing depending on their coat type.

Credit: youtube.com, How To Take Care of Chiweenie? Are Chiweenies good dogs? How much are Chiweenie dogs worth?

Their coats are usually short, which makes them a good choice for allergy sufferers, but longer-coated Chiweenies may not be as allergy friendly.

You'll likely need a coat in the winter for your Chiweenie puppy, and you may need to apply sunscreen to the ears, nose, and sensitive areas where there's less fur coverage in the summer months.

Brushing your Chiweenie's teeth daily with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste is essential to prevent dental problems, which both Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are prone to.

Their coats don't shed a lot, but they still need regular brushing to remove loose and dead hair, which can be done with a good dog brush a few times each week.

Chiweenies have soft coats that are easy to brush, making them a great choice for busy owners who don't want to spend too much time on grooming.

You should aim to groom your Chiweenie once a month if you don't brush them often, or once every few months if you have a good dog brush and give them plenty of baths.

Finding and Choosing a Chiweenie

Credit: youtube.com, Chihuahua & Dachshund Mix: All About Chiweenie

You can find a chiweenie breeder online, but it's essential to do your research before visiting. This will help you get an idea of their practices.

Reading reviews and speaking with breeders can give you a better understanding of their reputation and standards. This is crucial in finding a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs.

A reputable breeder can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more, depending on the quality and show records of the puppy's parents. Be wary of buying a puppy from a backyard breeder or a pet shop, as this can lead to health problems and poor treatment of the animals.

Some key things to consider when choosing a breeder include:

  • Documentary health-screening certification for both the puppy's parents
  • Reviews and testimonials from previous customers
  • The breeder's experience and knowledge of the breed
  • The overall health and temperament of the puppy

Finding a Breeder

You can find a chiweenie breeder online, and there are dozens of them across the United States. You can narrow down your search by including how many miles you'd be willing to drive.

Credit: youtube.com, Finding A Responsible Dog Breeder: What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder When Adopting A Puppy

Reading reviews and speaking with breeders before visiting is crucial to get an idea of their practices. This will help you avoid unscrupulous breeders.

Reputable breeders can be found through local vets and boarding kennels. They can provide you with recommendations and help you find a trustworthy breeder.

Be wary of buying a puppy from a backyard breeder or a pet shop, even if the price is temptingly low. These breeders often prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the puppies.

A reputable breeder will ask to see documentary health-screening certification for both the puppy's parents. This ensures that the puppy is healthy and less likely to inherit genetic disorders.

Are Purebred?

Chiweenies are not purebred dogs. They're a mixed breed dog, inheriting traits from dachshunds and Chihuahuas, which makes them unique. Their mixed-breed status enhances their appearance and temperament. In most cases, it also increases their value.

Choosing the Right Dog

Credit: youtube.com, 9 Puppies' Personality Types

The Chiweenie is a well-rounded breed that's great for city-living and small homes.

Consider your lifestyle and living situation, as Chiweenies are suitable for city apartments and urban living.

They're also a great fit for people with a specific breed in mind, but be prepared for the possibility of high costs if you don't find one through a shelter.

Here are some key attributes to consider:

  • Gets along with other dogs
  • Low maintenance for grooming
  • Plenty of energy to play
  • Can alert you of danger because of barking
  • Intelligent

On the other hand, Chiweenies might not be a good fit if you're looking for a low-barking dog or one that's easy to train.

Final Thoughts

If you're considering bringing a chiweenie puppy into your family, remember that they require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their coat.

Chiweenies are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, which can make them a great companion for apartment dwellers due to their small size.

Their short coats are relatively low maintenance compared to other breeds, but they still need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to stay healthy.

Chiweenies are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them a great fit for families with children or for people who want a loyal companion.

They can be prone to barking, so early training is essential to prevent excessive barking and ensure they grow into well-behaved adult dogs.

Additional reading: Great Pyrenees Pups

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Chiweenie puppy?

A Chiweenie puppy typically costs between $600-$1,900, depending on factors such as size and color. If you're interested in bringing a Chiweenie home, contact a reputable breeder for more information.

Rachel Kunze

Senior Writer

Rachel Kunze is a passionate writer with a keen interest in the world of animals and agriculture. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as the Maremma Sheepdog and livestock breeds. With a deep understanding of the subject matter, Rachel's writing is informative, engaging, and accessible to readers of all levels.