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The Chiweenie is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. Not all of these designer hybrid dogs being bred are 50% purebred to 50% purebred. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses.

As far as designer dogs go, the Chiweenie is one of the cutest ones around. Long and small, this adorable hybrid (a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix) is picking up in popularity. And it’s no wonder; this breed is friendly and loving, making him the ideal lap dog. But after he’s done with cuddling, he’ll want to play… a lot. When he’s all tuckered out from playing, he’ll be content to sleep beside you on the couch.

Ideal for singles, seniors and those who like to travel (the Chiweenie is quite portable) or live in an apartment or condo; this breed is attractive to a wide range of households. He does tend to bark, which he puts to use in his role of chief watchdog. Is the Chiweenie the right dog for you? Read on to learn more about this cute breed.

Origin
The Chiweenie is a relatively new breed of designer dog, getting his start in North America. They were bred as early as the 1990s, but are gaining popularity has more owners and fans sing their praises.

Pedigree
The Chiweenie is a cross between a purebred Chihuahua and Dachshund. An F1 mix is a purebred parent of each breed – these are considered to be the healthiest of the mixes.

Food / Diet
The Chiweenie is an active dog and will require a healthy diet of high-quality kibble. Because this breed is prone to dental issues, dry kibble is recommended to help keep teeth strong. However, they do equal well on a wet-food diet if dental issues make chew dry kibble impossible.

Training
Known to be a bit stubborn, the Chiweenie can be a challenge to train. Keep training sessions short and interesting, with plenty of treats and praise for a job well done. Harsh training methods won’t get you far with this dog. If he notices that you are getting frustrated with him, he’ll resist training altogether. Because he love to play, try incorporating some playful training techniques or reward him with play time after your session is complete.

Weight
A small-sized breed, the Chihuahua and Dachshund mix weighs between 8 and 10 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior
Loving, playful and energetic, the Chiweenie is dedicated to his family and will become your little shadow. He’ll want to play with you constantly (unless of course he’s curled up on your lap). And even with his small size, he makes a wonderful watchdog. He’ll alert you with a series of sharp barks to let you know if someone is approaching the house. He doesn’t miss a thing and notices everything that goes on around him.

Chiweenies are great for single people, retirees and families with older children. And because of their compact size, you can travel with them just about anywhere. This hybrid isn’t the best choice for families with young children, as they can be easily irritated by noise and activity. They are also known to not get along with other animals, so he should be the only dog in your household. If raised alongside other dogs as a puppy, he should be fine to live in a multi dog household.

Common Health Problems
Chiweenies are relatively healthy dogs, experiencing minor health issues throughout their lives. The most common issue is allergies. As this is a cross breed, it may inherit health issues that are associated with its parent breeds (but it doesn’t mean your dog will suffer from any of them). These can include hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, diabetes, intervertebral degenerative disc disease, seizures, Luxating patellas, dental issues and hydrocephalus.

Life Expectancy
The Chihuahua and Dachshund mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Exercise Requirements
He may be small, but the Chiweenie has plenty of energy to burn. Of course, this energy is all in a little package, so to tire him out, a daily walk or vigorous play session will suit him just fine. Because of his small size, he doesn’t need a lot of room to run around in. He’s just as happy running inside of the house as he is out in the yard.

Recognized Clubs
The Chiweenie is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and Designer Breed Registry (DBR).

Coat
Depending on what type of Dachshund and Chihuahua are bred, a Chiweenie’s coat can range from short to long. That means your dog could have a long, fluffy coat or a short, smooth coat. Coats range in colors, from solid white, red, brown, and black, as well as a combination of any of these hues. If your Chiweenie has longer hair, you should brush his coat a few times a week to avoid tangles and mats.

Puppies
Because this dog is a mix of Chihuahua and Dachshund (both small dogs), the Chiweenie is also a small puppy, so you’ll have to watch him carefully, especially around children. This is a friendly breed, so be sure to bring out this part of his personality early on – let him meet new people and animals as often as possible.