If you’re looking for a small dog to join your household as a family pet, you may be considering taking home a dachshund or a Chihuahua. But why not go for a cross between these two ever-popular breeds so that you can enjoy the best of both? A dachshund Chihuahua mix is more often called a “Chiweenie.”
Chiweenies are a good fit for many would-be dog owners, including seniors, families, and single dog owners. When you welcome one into your home, you’re essentially getting a mini bodyguard who’s loving, playful, and loyal to his owners to the point of recklessness.
In this comprehensive guide, we take a good look at this delightful mixed breed. In this article, you’ll find everything you’ll need to help you decide whether this feisty little dog would make a suitable addition to your home. Let’s jump in and learn about each of the Chiweenie’s parents, as well as what you can expect when you welcome this mix into your home.
Weight15-30 pounds- Height12-15 inches
- Lifespan13-16 years
- ColorsBlack, Brown, White, Tri-Color
Parent Breeds
Designer Dogs are created by cross-breeding two purebred dogs. The puppies of mixed-breed matings will always inherit a proportion of their looks and personality from both parents. Often, one parent’s influence will outweigh the other. So, you could finish up with a puppy that takes more after his dachshund mom in looks but has more of the personality of his Chihuahua dad.
You should also be aware that, although mixed breeds are often healthier than purebred dogs, some health conditions that are common to both parents may also appear in the puppies. With that in mind, it’s crucial that you know more about both parent breeds. That will give you a good idea of what to expect if you decide to take on a Chiweenie.
Dachshund
The dachshund is a member of the hound group, and is a little dog with a big personality! Known by the breed’s many fans as a “sausage dog,” the dachshund has an unmistakably long, low silhouette. These dogs come in three coat types, including smooth, long-haired, and wirehaired.
The plucky dachshund won’t run long distances, jump great heights, or swim in rough waters. However, he’s a tireless little chap who’ll keep playing all day. Despite his size, the dachshund is brave and independent, making a surprisingly vigilant watchdog.
Dachshunds are pretty healthy little dogs, but they can suffer from a few noteworthy health problems, including back problems, bloat, epilepsy, skin conditions, and eye disorders. Deafness is also common in dachshunds whose parents both have dapple patterned coats, which are spotted. A healthy dachshund will have an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.
Dachshunds are not noted for being the most obedient of dogs, but with persistence and patience, they can be trained to basic obedience. However, a dachshund is by nature a hound, and he may become selectively deaf when he’s off the leash, especially if he picks up the scent of something that could count as prey.
A dachshund has a very strong, independent character and you’ll quickly find your pup ruling the household if you don’t show him who the boss is! Dachshunds are commonly mixed with other breeds, including the lab.
Chihuahua
The tiny Chihuahua is a member of the toy group. Just like the dachshund, the Chihuahua has a huge personality! These little dogs are the national symbol of Mexico and have been adopted by many celebrities as “purse dogs.” However, despite their cute appearance, the Chihuahua is also known as the “armpit piranha,” as they will defend their owner with vigor, whether it’s necessary or not!
The Chihuahua’s ancestry dates right back to the ancient pre-Columbian kingdoms, and these super little dogs are still very popular as family pets today.
Chihuahuas make perfect pets for apartment dwellers, although they’re not ideal for households with small kids, as these brave little critters are delicate and easily injured. The charming, loyal Chihuahua will happily spend much of his time curled up in your lap, especially in cold weather.
Something to note is that the Chihuahua is a confirmed yapper. That can be a big problem for you if you live in an apartment or close to your neighbors. They are also notoriously aggressive if not trained properly from a young age.
Although the Chihuahua is a tiny dog, he comes with big health issues! A healthy Chihuahua has a life expectancy of between 12 and 20 years; however, the breed is prone to a whole array of health conditions, including eye disorders, heart disease, obesity, dental problems and breathing difficulties.
Bear in mind when taking on a Chiweenie that he may be prone to some of the conditions that often affect his Chihuahua parent. With that being said, these pups are very popular as crossbreeds, and you can find them in several other adorable designer dog mixes, like the chi-pom, or the chi-pug mix.
Chiweenies
So, now you know more about both the parent breeds that are used to create the dachshund-Chihuahua mix, let’s check out some facts about the Chiweenie. Like all mixed-breed dogs, they takes some of his personality and looks from each parent. Essentially, this mix is a tiny pup that’s incredibly loyal and fearless too.
The designer Chiweenie cross-breed first appeared in the early 1990s and has grown in popularity over the following decades. And if you’re in any doubt about the Chiweenie’s appeal, check out Tuna on Instagram; he has an incredible 2 million followers!
Temperament
The dachshund Chihuahua cross is a loyal, loving little dog that’s also fearlessly protective of his family and home. So, you’ll get a tiny guard dog who’ll happily sit on your lap and be petted when the day is done!
One downside to the Chiweenie is his tendency to bark. Unfortunately, both the dachshund and Chihuahua are proven, serial barkers, so your Chiweenie will almost certainly have this trait. So, although you’ll have an excellent guard dog, your neighbors might not appreciate your pup’s enthusiasm for protecting his home!
The dachshund Chihuahua mix is highly affectionate toward those they love. However, the breed can be quite choosy and often has one favorite human parent.
The dachshund Chihuahua mix is not suitable for a household with small children. Unfortunately, the breed can be fragile and don’t stand up to rough play. Also, if it’s taken more of his Chihuahua personality may be prone to nipping.
Size & Appearance
The Chiweenie is cuteness personified! Your tiny canine companion typically inherits the short legs of the Chihuahua parent and the long, sausage-shaped body of the dachshund. They will typically weigh no more than 10-20 pounds when fully grown. They will usually stand no more than 12-15 inches tall.
Their face can be both slightly elongated like the dachshund or rounder and more apple-shaped like a Chihuahua. A Chiweenie can have perky or floppy ears, and you won’t know which until your puppy grows up!
The dachshund Chihuahua mix coat is short to medium length and is usually delightfully silky. The breed’s coat color ranges from tan and brown to black or blonde. You can also get brindle or multi-colored Chiweenies. Eye color can be brown, green, blue, or black.
Coat & Colors
The Chiweenie’s coat is going to depend mostly on their parents. If either parent has longer hair, there’s a chance you’ll end up with a long-haired mix. Most of them have shorter hair though, as longer coats are somewhat less common.
Their coat texture is going to vary as well, but since both parent breeds have softer coats, there’s a good chance your Chiweenie will inherit the same. When it comes to colors, these pups are all across the board. While some shade of black, brown, or tri-color will be most common, it’s possible you may end up with a Brindle colored coat as well.
Exercise & Living Conditions
Although the dachshund Chihuahua mix is small in stature, he still needs daily exercise to keep him in good health and prevent obesity. A 20 to 30-minute walk is all that’s required each day. Together with some playtime that can be indoors or out in your backyard if you have one. A Chiweenie is not an outside-dwelling dog!
Both dachshunds and Chihuahuas tend to feel the cold, so life outside in a kennel is not an option for this mix. Also, the dachshund Chihuahua cross-breed adores to be around his human family, and separation anxiety (accompanied by a lot of barking) will be an issue for these pups.
Training
The dachshund Chihuahua mix is quite an intelligent dog, but they can also be easily distracted. That can make training a challenge! Start training your Chiweenie from puppyhood. Use plenty of positive reinforcement and unlimited amounts of patience!
The dachshund Chihuahua mix can be very feisty toward other dogs and strangers. You can help to tone down this behavior by training and socializing your dog from an early age. Try taking your puppy to doggy daycare, puppy classes, and your local dog park.
Walking around your neighborhood is also very helpful when it comes to exposing your Chiweenie puppy to a whole host of different sights, sounds, and people. If you plan to train your pup to walk on a harness, make sure you pick the right size.
Health
Cross-bred dogs tend to be more robust and healthy than purebreds. However, it’s possible that your Chiweenie puppy could inherit health problems from one or both of his parents.
The most common health issue that’s seen in these pups is allergies. The breed often suffers from coughing, sneezing, hair loss, and skin irritation that can be caused by something as simple as dust or pollen. The average life expectancy for a Chiweenie is from 13 to 16 years.
Nutrition
Ask your dachshund Chihuahua mix puppy’s breeder what your pup is fed. Stick to the same food for the first six months or so of your puppy’s life. An adult dachshund Chihuahua mix should be fed around half a cup of good quality dry kibble every day. Divide the ration into several small feeds to keep your pup feeling full and prevent gastric upsets that are associated with overeating.
It’s important that you feed your Chiweenie dry kibble. The biscuits help to scrape plaque-causing bacteria off your dog’s teeth, preventing gingivitis (gum disease) and canine periodontal disease.
Grooming
The dachshund Chihuahua mix is a pretty low-maintenance pup with uncomplicated grooming requirements. All you need to do to keep your Chiweenie looking good is routine brushing a few times each week to remove loose and dead hair.
Because both the dachshund and Chihuahua can suffer from dental problems, be sure to brush your dog’s teeth daily with a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, which you can get from your vet. Dental treats are a good alternative if your Chiweenie won’t tolerate brushing.
Breeders & Puppy Costs
In comparison to other, larger designer breeds, a dachshund-Chihuahua mix puppy is reasonably affordable, at around $500 and up in price. The price may vary, depending on the quality and show records of both the puppy’s parents.
Check out local vets and boarding kennels for breeder recommendations. Be wary of buying a puppy from a backyard breeder or a pet shop, even if the price is temptingly low. When you find a reputable breeder, always to ask to see documentary health-screening certification for both the puppy’s parents.
Rescues & Shelters
Raising a puppy can be hard work, especially if you have a busy job or you’re a senior who might find taking on training a puppy too demanding and tiring.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy the happiness and companionship of owning a dog. So, why not consider adopting an adult Chiweenie from a shelter? There are lots of rescue centers right across the country that may have the perfect pet for you. Here are a few!
As Family Pets
Now that you’re more familiar with the Chiweenie let’s see if one of these super-cute, spirited little dogs would make the perfect pet for you.
- Dachshund Chihuahua mixes are tirelessly loyal little dogs.
- These pups are typically happiest in a one-person home.
- They do best where there are no small children or other pets.
- This mix is low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.
- Although these pups do shed, the hair loss is negligible.
- Dachshund Chihuahua mixes need just half an hour of daily exercise.
- Chiweenies are active and enjoy playtime at home.
- They are friendly, but will sometimes bond with only one family member.
- Both parent breeds have health issues that a Chiweenie puppy might inherit.
- Ask the pup’s breeder to you health screened documentation of the parent pups.
- Although they are an ideal size for apartment living, these pups do tend to bark.
So, if you fancy taking on a dachshund-Chihuahua mix pup, you just need to make sure you can provide an environment that’s safe and meets each of the recommendations above.
Final Thoughts
If your ideal canine companion is a pocket-sized pup who’ll give you love and devotion to the point that he’ll protect you from strangers, a dachshund-Chihuahua mix could be the perfect pup for you.
You don’t need a huge house to accommodate a tiny Chiweenie. A small backyard is perfectly adequate for one of these tiny pups. A dachshund Chihuahua mix is the perfect low-maintenance dog. Grooming requirements are minimal, there’s hardly any hair to vacuum up, and Chiweenies don’t need hours and hours of exercise.
On the downside, these little pups can be prone to quite a few health conditions. Also, if your dachshund Chihuahua mix takes most of his character traits from the Chihuahua parent, he could be snappy and aggressive toward strangers and other dogs.
I have a 7 year old Chiweenie and he is the light of my life. My husband fell in love with him at the shelter and we filled out the papers and took him home the following week. Sadly my husband passed away after having him for 2 years but he loved this little guy so much. He will bark at certain people and growl a bit but for the most part he is a good dog and I cannot imagine my life without him. His name is Baxter. He has helped me through some rough times and if he sees that I am sad he comes up to me and kisses my face. He is more caring and loving than some people I know.
I bought two 6-week old Chiweenie sisters last Christmas 2021 as a gift for myself! They were $200 each & have been more than worth the money. They were a little stubborn about potty training. They are definitely lap dogs! I had a Chiweenie in the past & he was almost perfect! These two are delightful & are most certainly guard dogs!! If you want a loving, low maintenance breed & a faithful companion, get a Chiweenie!
My Chloe, a rescue Chawennie, developed congestive heart failure and had to be put down at nine years old. As an 84-year-old senior, I’ve considered another older rescue, but, again do to my age, I would worry about another good home after I pass. My Chloe filled my world, as a widower, with those daily special little moments. I miss her very much, which introduces, in my life, a quandary…should I or shouldn’t I?
I had a pug 13 years. I adopted this girl 2 years old. Just got her! Chi -weenie ! Thanks for the extended information! She is exactly what I wanted! Already chilled ! Thanks so much!
I have 2 chiweenies, they are brothr[er and sister .they were rescue dogs. Male is solid black ,and female is blackand tan mix.they are both very sweet and loving .When I got them at 2different times ,they both had multible issues Male was 8weeks old covered in mange and full of worms .Thanks to wonderful vet we managed to save him .named him Scrapper as he fought so hard to live .Then got his sister At 8months .Got her caught up on shots and healthy.But she didnt eat well .Wanted her spayed and when they did that found she had 2 complete sets of teeth .removed one while she was asleep.hey will be 2 end of June ..They are truly a joy to have .very active ,totally loving ,She is the queen of the house and makes sure everyone knows ..I feel so blessed to have Scrapper and Lillie in my life
I just got my chiweenie Maxwell aka Freeway 2 days ago from a family the kid nicknamed him Freeway and it fits. But he’s so handsome and charming so I named him Maxwell. He is the best little puppy I’ve ever had. He’s only 8 weeks old and so sassy…he listens but he let’s you know that he don’t like it. He’s growing up with myself, my husband, 4 daughters 17,13,9,6, 2 cats and a pit bull who all adore him. The other pets get so excited when he enters the room and he eats it all up. But I’m his favorite of course! Happy New Year and God bless
We adopted a chiwennie from a local shelter. She was an owner surrender from a person that had died. She is the best dog we have ever had. She was well trained and obeys really good. She is about 8 years old now and will look for another just like her one day. She rarely barks, spends days beside us in chair, sleeps under the cover between us. If we leave the house she goes with us or to our daughters so she will not be alone. She is the perfect dog. We have been truly blessed by this little dog.
We have a family of chiweenie babies. We had the parents first: the dad is a chihuahua and the mom is 50% chihuahua and 12.5% dachshund. They had three puppies which we decided to keep. One female looks is a replica her father except she’s all white (Luna) while the other female has her father’s short snout, perky ears, adorable underbite and his legs. However she has the long body of the dachshund. Their male pup has the longer dachshund nose, perfect teeth and really long legs. He also has spots (we named him spot ). They are a tight knit family with so much energy and huge personalities. We did have trouble socializing them as pups (the parents do well with other dogs). All five are very protective.
We recently brought in a sixth dog, a rescue that weighs more than all of the other dogs together. It has taken some time for them to welcome him. However, they have finally adopted him into the family.
I got Scrappy-do from the pound, its very quiet outside and playful with kids and other dogs, no matter the size. Very smart, has like a mane on each side of his head so maybe he is mixed with another breed as well. Not afraid of cold or rain when I open the front door but will wait for me to escort him down the stairs unless he really has to go, can run around the apartment complex and come back whenever I whistle. He is 2 years old and was gonna be put to sleep cause he was locked up in cage for over 6 months. Finally able to take him to park in car cause hates small places, had him for 6 months so look at shelters please, there are great dogs that just had a rough beginning but can be great friends.
My chiweenie has been scratching & biting on his back but I can’t take him to a vet due to no money
Probably allergies. Try giving him a small dose of Benadryl
I’m looking for a chiweenie breeder as I have a female 6-year-old now. I live in Woodbury, Minnesota. If you could assist in this I would be grateful.
Hello Diane. You can look at the AKC for referral links to breeders in your area.
I also wanted to concur with this author about the chiweenie’s need for warm temperatures. We live in Central Pennsylvania, so most of the year our weather is cool, ranging from 70° in the spring and early fall to -10 (or lower with wind chill) in the winter. The past few years we have had hot summers with days in the 80s or 90s. Our 3 chiweenies are only really comfortable if the temperature is above 73°. And they LOVE the heat.
Be very careful when it is colder than 70°. They will climb under blankets and shiver.
And if it is cold or raining they will refuse to go outside at all.
My mother knitted sweaters for them for the winter, but their feet and ears get very cold very fast. They also do not like the wind very much. It bothers their ears.
So please make sure you have lots of doggie blankets and warm homes for them when temperatures get low.
I even recommend training them to use pee pads indoors, so if it rains or snows they do not have to go outside and risk getting sick.
They are VERY prone to hypothermia, according to my vet, at anything below 70°, especially if they get wet.
As for having them with other pets, it has been my experience that if they are raised from puppihood with others there is a great benefit. I own 3 chiweenies, 4 cats, and a lab retriever. And my chiweenies see everyone as a play mate. They even get upset when a cat goes outside and doesn’t come home quickly. I also take them to my mother’s every weekend to play with her chiweenie and boarder collie. They recognize the other dog’s names, and get excited if you say them out loud.
So, as long as you socialize them well, they will grow to see everyone as a potential friend and play mate. My cats are even bigger then them, and the cats play gently with the smaller dogs. It’s very cute to see a 3 lb puppy boss around a 17 lb cat.
My sweet boy left this world about a 1.5 months ago. Today, he would have been 14 y/o. He did not bark like most, only when I felt uneasy about someone. He walked off leash & had a skipped of pure joy. This mix breed learn quick & definitely low maintenance on grooming. I’m sorry for all those who have lost their best friend. We out live them, but what they teach us last our lifetime.
Sorry for your loss, Pinky. Appreciate you taking the time to stop by and share.
I only had my Frankie for a few months before someone shot him. It was the worst. I would like to know how I can have the person that shot him charged. My Frankie was only 6 months old. He was such a funny guy we had a bond like no other. He slept right beside me always. He was my baby and knew it.
Sorry to hear of your loss Arneelia. That’s a terrible way to lose your pup. Best of luck finding a new companion to replace the hole that was left when your pup was taken from you.
I am so sorry for your loss. You need to report the incident to the police and local animal welfare. It will depend on your state, but I live in Pennsylvania, and we have very strict laws about shooting dogs or harming them.
I really hope you can get the person who did that and charge them criminally. And I pray you find another little fuzz ball to open your heart to again. I know my husband and I would be devastated if anything happened to our sweet babies.
I’m not sure what kind of dogs I have. But based on the research I’ve done, I’m about 80 percent sure I have a chihuahua, Dachshund, Jack Russel, and Yorkshire terrier mix. Very smart and very difficult to train. I haven’t seen any dogs that look quite like them. So they have to be mixed with at least 4 or 5 different breeds.
They just had 7 puppies and they have a beautiful mix of colors and patterns. If anyone is reading this, I would recommend a Chihuahua terrier mix for those that like cuddles and an organic security alarm system. They always need to be on a leash, because they have a tendency to go after larger dogs for some reason!
That sounds like a very interesting and unique mix, Andrew! Thanks for stopping by to comment!
We were given a pup last year, and the person said she was a chiweenie. After watching her grow and looking at her personality and body shape we think she’s actually a Jack-chi too. She is super talkative, unlike my other chiweenies, and she looks like a tiny Jack Russel with a chihuahua tail. I agree with you. The mix is an amazing little friend who will love you like nothing else and argue or “sass” you just because they can. My husband and I adore her, and her fiesty attitude makes me really happy. I named her “Moxie” and she is full of it!
Hi! I have a chiweenie and her name is Rosie. She is the cutest thing ever. She really good with kids and strangers and she loves other dogs. She gets along very well with my 3 other dogs and 2 cats. And she is 3/4 old.
Sounds like an amazing dog, Kaelyn! Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Working overnight on my b-day, went home on break, saw a sad/tired-looking dog in the alley watching me and following when I’d stop looking (like he’s curious but weary). At my door, I notice he’s right by me with a paw up like he’s trying to shake my hand. No collar/tag so I let him in, give him food and water. His sad face became so happy, jumping/zooming around like lightning, It’s why I called him Blitz(lightning in German).
I had to go back to work, he followed, jumped right in my passenger seat and calmly looked out the windshield acting as he rides with me all the time. So, I took him with. I did all I could to find his home/owner. Nobody knew anything about him n hadn’t seen him before. Basically like he just appeared out of nowhere. The 2 years since that night, my Chiweenie Blitz became my best friend and licensed as my service dog, so we haven’t spent more than an hour or two apart since.
Still have no idea where he came from but I was at the lowest point of my life and extremely alone back then so I’m extremely thankful he found/stayed with me when he did, happening on my b-day was an added bonus. When people ask if I found, rescued, or paid for him I tell them Blitz found and rescued me.
Hey Chris and Blitz! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your story with our readers. Sounds like your amazing pup rescued you, and continues to do so today! Thank you for sharing your insight into the breed, and I’m so happy the two of you found each other!
Our Cheweenie was great with our daughter (6) and all her girlfriends. We had our dog for 14 years and was really great with everyone. Not always the case with other dogs or people while walking. She was a tough girl and would love to walk or go on hikes etc. Just had to keep her on a leash.
Hi Beverly! Sounds like a fantastic pup! Thanks for stopping by to share!
We lost ours on Feb 15th. We got her from a rescue after having her for 8 years. She established herself to be the center of attention. She had character, feistiness, and was very protective, especially with my wife. My wife and kids missed her so much.
Very sorry for your loss, Alex. It’s always hard when a pup crosses over the rainbow bridge. Prayers to your family during the grieving process, and hope that you decide to rescue again once the healing is done.
I rescued my fellow from SPCA 5.5 years ago, Eddie the love of my life. He’s the best my shadow, but just last yr I almost lost him from chronic pancreatic, but he’s doing fine now. Do you have any suggestions on different homemade foods that are low fat?
Hi Gloria, we don’t do much in the homemade dog food department here on our site. There are plenty of raw feeding resources on the web though. I know there are many dog food manufacturers that offer low-fat dry kibble foods. Good luck with your pup!
We love our Chiweenie Bennie. I had no idea a dog could be so funny! Loves to make us laugh. 15 pounds but everyone thinks our 3yr old is still a puppy because he’s so playful and looks the part. A really good friend.
Sounds like a great pup Alan! Thanks for stopping by to share your experience with your pup!
I lost my Chiweenie a few months ago. I had him for 15 years. He was the funniest, sweetest dog imaginable. He loved everyone. He tried to make friends with every animal he met. Including cats and birds.
He tried to stay with me forever but just couldn’t anymore. I miss him so much. This is the best type of mixed-breed in my opinion!
Hi Sue, I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s always difficult when one of our pups crosses the rainbow bridge. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and share your story!