Owning a long haired Chiweenie can be a delightful experience, but it's essential to understand their unique needs. Long haired Chiweenies require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
Their coats can become matted and tangled if not brushed daily. Brushing their fur daily will help prevent this and keep them looking their best.
Long haired Chiweenies are a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, making them a small but energetic breed. They need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their exercise needs can be met with short walks and playtime, making them a great pet for apartment dwellers.
What is a Chiweenie?
The Chiweenie is a unique and lovable breed that's a mix of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund.
They're often referred to as a hybrid or designer dog, and this mix of breeds creates a dog with a distinct appearance and personality.
Chiweenies typically weigh between 2-8 pounds and stand between 6-10 inches tall.
Their short stature and long body make them a great fit for apartment living or homes with small yards.
This breed is known for being energetic and playful, but they also require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Chiweenies are generally good with children and make great family pets, but they can be wary of strangers and may require some time to warm up to new people.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their long hair requires regular brushing and grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Breed Overview
Long-haired Chiweenies typically stand between 8-10 inches tall, which is a compact size that's perfect for city living or small homes.
Their temperament is a mix of their parent breeds - Chihuahuas and Dachshunds - and they're known to be friendly, playful, and affectionate. However, they can be a bit stubborn and energetic at times.
One thing to keep in mind is that Chiweenies can be a bit yappy, but this varies from dog to dog. It's worth noting that they're an F1 designer breed, which means they're the result of mixing a purebred Chihuahua with a purebred Dachshund. This helps reduce the risk of health concerns that might be present in either parent breed.
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Temperament and Training
Long-haired Chiweenies are known for their sweet, loyal nature and affectionate personalities. They adore their owners and love to be coddled.
These dogs tend to bond closely with one or two people and may not be as outgoing as other breeds. Socialization is crucial to prevent them from becoming difficult and reactive around others.
With proper training, Chiweenies can become fantastic companions that even participate in dog sport events. They are generally easy to train, but may require some patience to overcome their slight stubborn tendencies.
Here are some key training needs for Long-haired Chiweenies:
- Potty training, which may take a bit longer due to their small size
- Socializing your puppy with people and dogs
- Teaching them to stay alone for a couple of hours, as they can suffer from separation anxiety
Consistency and patience are key when training a Long-haired Chiweenie. They respond well to positive reinforcement and shorter training sessions.
Health and Care
Long-haired Chiweenies are generally a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the main concerns is hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Diabetes is another potential issue, especially if your Chiweenie becomes overweight. Keeping a healthy weight through regular feeding schedules and limited treats can help prevent this.
Minor conditions like allergies can also affect your Chiweenie. These can be skin allergies, food allergies, or allergies to environmental factors.
To keep your long-haired Chiweenie happy and healthy, regular check-ups with your vet are crucial. They can help identify any potential issues early on and provide guidance on care and nutrition.
Here's a quick rundown of some key health considerations for your long-haired Chiweenie:
Health and Conditions
The Chiweenie is a relatively healthy breed, but like any dog, they can be prone to certain health issues. They are not susceptible to many major health concerns.
Dogs, including Chiweenies, can get allergies just like people do, and the most common types are skin allergies, food allergies, and allergies to environmental factors.
Diabetes in dogs is a metabolic disorder that causes the pancreas to either over-produce or under-produce insulin, similar to diabetes in humans.
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Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is malfunctioning, causing the metabolism to slow down.
Some Chiweenies may experience blood sugar issues, especially if they become overweight, which is why a healthy diet is so important.
Regular checkups with your vet can help keep your Chiweenie happy and healthy.
Here are some common health issues to look out for in Chiweenies:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies (skin, food, and environmental)
- Blood sugar issues (especially in overweight dogs)
- Skin conditions
- Sneezing
Caring for Your
Caring for Your Chiweenie is a breeze, especially when you know the basics. Chiweenies are suitable for smaller, quieter lifestyles, but they still need attention and care.
They thrive in households with adults or older children, but younger kids can also be a good match if they're closely supervised and taught to be gentle.
About 30 minutes of walking a day is perfect for these tiny dogs, and short play sessions inside are always a hit. They have plenty of energy, but their legs are tiny, so moderate exercise is key.
Keeping your Chiweenie at a healthy weight is crucial to prevent health issues. A regular feeding schedule is a must, and limiting treats to healthy snacks and occasional dog treats will help. Consult your vet for specific diet concerns.
Grooming is low maintenance, but still important. A weekly brushing is all they need, although longer-haired pups may require more frequent brushing. They also need occasional baths, just like most dogs.
Their thinner coat makes them perfect for warmer climates, but they do get cold, so a sweater or coat is a must for winter walks.
Grooming and Appearance
A long-haired Chiweenie's coat can be quite a delight, but it requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Their coats come in a variety of lengths and textures, ranging from fine and soft to coarse.
For a long-haired Chiweenie, it's essential to use gentle, pH-balanced shampoos like the Oatmeal Pet Shampoo from Hepper, which is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat.
Regular brushing is also crucial to prevent matting and keep their coat looking its best. You can use a soft-bristled brush or a slicker brush to gently work out tangles and mats.
Physical Characteristics
A Chihuahua typically weighs in at 6 lbs or less, making them a very little dog.
Their build is longer than they are tall, and they have erect and alert ears.
Chihuahuas can have a long tail that usually curls in a loop and lays on their back or sticks up or out.
A lean breed, Chihuahuas can have a short, smooth coat or a longer, fluffier coat.
They come in a wide array of colors, such as tan, brown, and black.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, can weigh between 16-32 lbs, or less than 12 lbs for a miniature.
A Dachshund's ears can be folded over or pointed.
Their coats can be one of three varieties: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired.
Dachshunds can be seen in a variety of colors, including brown, tan, black, red, and combinations of those colors.
Chihuahuies are a mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund, and they weigh in at about 5-12 lbs.
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They are about 6-10 inches tall, and their coats come in a variety of lengths and textures.
Some Chiweenies have fine and soft coats, while others are more coarse.
Their tails are on the longer side, and they can take on traits of either parent when it comes to their ears.
Grooming a Chihuahua
Grooming a Chihuahua requires attention to sensitive skin, so it's essential to use pH-balanced products that are free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes.
The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo from Hepper is a great option, as it's formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat.
Chihuahuas benefit from regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can be painful for them.
Hepper's Wash Wipes are a convenient way to keep your Chihuahua clean, especially for sensitive areas, and they leave a refreshing cucumber and aloe scent.
To keep your Chihuahua's coat looking its best, use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and avoid using human products on them.
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5 Adorable Haircuts
The Pixie Cut is a timeless choice, suitable for most face shapes, and can be styled to suit any personality. It's a versatile cut that requires minimal maintenance.
The Bob is a classic haircut that can add a touch of sophistication to any look. It's a great option for those with round faces, as it creates the illusion of length.
The Pixie Cut's choppy layers add volume and texture to the hair, making it a great choice for those with fine or thinning hair. This cut is also low-maintenance, requiring only a trim every 4-6 weeks.
The Bob can be styled in many ways, from sleek and straight to messy and undone. It's a great option for those who want a low-maintenance haircut that still looks polished.
The Undercut is a trendy cut that can add a cool, edgy vibe to any look. It's a great option for those with square or angular faces, as it creates a balanced look.
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Cost and Compatibility
Long haired Chiweenies can be a bit pricey, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000, depending on factors like bloodlines and breeder reputation.
Proper socialization is key to mitigating aggression towards larger dogs, especially when they're young.
While Chiweenies are generally fine with other dogs if raised together, it's essential to start socialization early to avoid potential issues.
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Puppy Cost
A Chiweenie puppy can be found for anywhere from $200 to $2,000.
Purebred Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are not cheap, and their cross also is not the least expensive breed.
If one of your Chiweenie's parents was an especially small dog, expect to pay even more.
Teacup Chihuahuas alone can cost as much as $5,000; and miniature Dachshunds are expensive as well.
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Pet Compatibility
Pet Compatibility can be a challenge, especially with breeds that have a history of aggression towards larger dogs. Chiweenies, for instance, can be aggressive towards larger dogs due to little-dog syndrome.
However, with proper socialization starting at a young age, you can mitigate this problem. This means exposing your Chiweenie to other dogs from an early age to help them develop good social skills.
It's not just Chiweenies that can have compatibility issues - even if your pet is raised with other dogs, it's still possible for them to be aggressive towards larger dogs.
Exercise and Diet
Exercise is crucial for long-haired Chiweenies, and you can easily help dissipate their excess energy through a few vigorous play sessions.
A couple of short walks throughout the day will also help, but having a yard is not necessary for a dog this small.
Their small size means it doesn't take too much to expend their energy, making them a great fit for apartment living or homes with limited space.
Exercise
Exercise is key for a happy and healthy Chiweenie. They're active and highly energetic dogs, so you'll need to help dissipate that excess energy.
A couple of short walks throughout the day will do the trick, and they're small enough that it doesn't take too much to expend that energy.
Food and Diet
When choosing a food for your Chiweenie, remember that they do best on high-quality dry dog food specifically created for smaller breeds.
Their small size means they can easily become overweight or even obese if overfed, so portion control is crucial.
A good rule of thumb is to feed them twice a day, but be mindful of the amount, as it doesn't take much to make a big difference.
Their small stomachs can't handle large meals, so multiple small meals are often better than one or two large ones.
Their ideal weight is rarely over 10 pounds, so keep an eye on their weight and adjust their food accordingly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a Chiweenie mix?
A Chiweenie mix can live up to 16 years with proper care, requiring a long-term commitment from its owners.
Do chiweenies like to cuddle?
Yes, Chiweenies are known to make great lap dogs and enjoy spending time with their owners, often seeking out cuddles and affection. They thrive on human interaction and attention.
Sources
- Chiweenie - Chihuahua Dachshund Cross - Breed Profile ... (spiritdogtraining.com)
- A post shared by Milo 🤎 (@chiweenie.milo) (instagram.com)
- Chiweenie Dog Breed Pictures, 4 (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Is a Chiweenie Right for You? (Complete Guide ... (dogvills.com)
- 5 Adorable Long-Haired Chihuahua Haircuts & Grooming ... (dogster.com)
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