Chiweenie

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 13-16 years
Also known as a Doxihuahua or a Chiwee, the Chiweenie is an overall healthy crossbreed of a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. Health issues aren’t usually a concern with this crossbreed, but there are a few inherited health problems that you should be aware of. Most of these health problems are manageable with early detection and vet-prescribed treatments. This is why you should book routine vet check-ups twice a year, feed your Chiweenie a nutritious diet, and ensure he gets plenty of regular exercise.

Patellar Luxation

This condition, commonly a birth defect, occurs when the kneecap dislocates from the femoral groove. Usually accompanied by some degree of pain or discomfort, this condition requires surgery to correct completely.

Bloat

This condition occurs when fluid and gas become trapped in the stomach, twisting the belly to an awkward position. This illness is life-threatening, and if left untreated, the pup could expire in a matter of hours. Symptoms include blue gums, pale nose and mouth, weakness, violent vomiting, excessive drool, labored breathing, and lethargy. Surgery is almost always a must to correct this condition, as well as an adjustment period of vet-prescribe antibiotics to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Other health conditions that you should be concerned about for your Chiweenie include eye problems, hypoglycemia, skin allergies, genetic dental decay, deafness, bulging vertebrae issues, and congenital heart problems. The Chiweenie has one of the lengthiest lifespans of any crossbreed. Healthy, happy Chiweenies live an average of 13 to 16 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Playful, energetic, and snuggly, the Chiweenie is one of the cutest and cuddliest crossbreeds in the dog world. These pups bond with everyone in the household, but they will always have one special person who they bond with the most. This person will be smothered with attention and affection, as a Chiweenie will happily follow their loved ones around the house for hours on end.

While social and friendly, the Chiweenie can be shy around other dogs, especially larger dogs. Which is basically any dog he meets, even small breeds. Socialize these pups from a young age to build their confidence around other dogs. This will make going to a dog park easier, as your Chiweenie will have no qualms about romping and running and playing with the other pups there. Because of their small stature, make sure you keep your Chiweenie in the fenced-in area reserved for small dogs. Larger dogs could accidentally trample her in their play.

The Chiweenie is a loyal pup with a yappy bark that makes him an okay watchdog in the evenings. He would much prefer to snuggle with his owners at bedtime, but he will remain somewhat alert. As puppies, the Chiweenie is a heavy, deep sleeper, but they usually grow out of that as they mature. Chiweenies crave attention, and he can be snippy when his needs for adoration are ignored. This pup would be best-suited for a home where he can get plenty of love throughout the day. And if you have children, teach your kids how to play with these pint-sized pups gently and respectfully. He can be nippy if he is rough-housed.

Chiweenies have a strong-willed nature that makes them a challenge to train. He also gets distracted easily, so you have to keep training sessions fun and exciting to hold his attention. Make games out of his training sessions. He will be more likely to look forward to this time you spend together if he feels he is playing rather than learning. Keep your tone consistent and positive, but be firm and clear in your commands. Through persistence and determination, you can transform this headstrong pup into an obedient, well-rounded companion.

Grooming

Usually, the type of coat a Chiweenie has depends on the Dachshund genetics, since these breeds can have a variation of coats. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, commonly boast short, smooth hair. Your Chiweenie could have the sleek coat of a Chihuahua. Or, he could have one of the many variations of the Dachshund coat, such as lengthy and silky, or close-cropped and slick.

If your Chiweenie boasts a sleek, smooth coat with short hairs, he needs to be brushed at least once a week to loosen and eliminate excess hairs. If he has longer hairs and a shaggier coat, brush him 3-4 times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Pay special attention to his ears, as excess hair could lead to recurrent ear infections. You should also clean his ears once a week using a cotton swab and warm water around the outer edges of each ear. Never, ever stick anything into your pup’s ear canals.

Diet

Despite their small size, Chiweenies have big appetites. It is important to keep him on a meal schedule to prevent overeating or obesity. Divide 1 cup of dry, high-quality kibble into two meals per day. Make sure he has plenty of water available to stay hydrated, especially in the summer months.

Because these crossbreeds are prone to dental problems, a good-quality wet food is an okay alternative for meals. Simply make sure any dog food you buy lists wholesome ingredients at the top of the list, such as lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains.
 

Find A Chiweenie Breeder

Chiweenie Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Chiweenie

Cost

Chiweenies are relatively common, so these pups could easily be found at a local animal shelter or rescue group. Check those first, because a mature, abandoned pup would certainly be grateful for a second chance at a happy, healthy home. Adoption fees, depending on the county and state, commonly range from $75 to $250. But add-ons, such as vaccinations and spay or neuter services, cost extra, which could drive the overall adoption price upwards of $500.

If you go the breeder route, Chiweenie puppies range from $200 to $550. The cost varies from breeder to breeder, but a big factor is color, as some Chiweenies are born blonde or merle (two rare, sought-after colors).

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. Chiweenies are relatively easy to integrate into your life. However, they can be difficult to train so they rank a 2.

 

Chihuahua

Dachshund

Beagle

Yorkshire Terrier