Chiweenie
The Chiweenie, as the name suggests is a mixed Dog Breed. These little guys are recognized as designer or hybrid dogs. They are long and small, and are a mix between the Chihuahua and Dachshund. They make a great companion for someone living in an apartment or a senior person. They are easy to maintain and easy to travel with. However, they do love to play so you better plan on having some toys around to throw for him and help get him tuckered out. This is a very controversial breed as they are easily sold and reproduced in “Puppy Mills,” otherwise known as breeding factories where dogs are bred solely for the purpose of profit and often times live in deplorable conditions. They can command a very high price and therefore attract people in it solely for profit. You can sign the petition to stop Puppy Mills on the site.
While we really recommend that you acquire one through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder. Always screen your breeders as much as possible to ensure that you are getting as high a quality dog as is possible.
If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
Here are some pictures of the Chiweenie
Chiweenie History
They are a relatively new breed of designer dog combining the Chihuahua and the Dachshund. Here is a little more info on both of the parent breeds.
The prevailing theory on the chihuahua is that he descended from a Central or South American dog known as the Techichi. There are Toltec carvings in Central and South America dating to the 9th century C.E. that depict a dog resembling the Chihuahua. No one really knows what their purpose was, but it is fascinating they were there.
The Dachshund was bred and created in Germany where it was referred to as the badger dog, dachs meaning badger and hund meaning dog! There are illustrations of similar dogs going back to the 15th century. However, the badger wasn't the Dachshund's only prey. He was also used on den animals such as foxes, and packs of Dachshunds trailed wild boar. They were initially bred to hunt!
Awesome videos of Chiweenie puppies
Chiweenie Size and Weight
Typically range from 8 - 10 pounds.
Chiweenie Personality
The Chiweenie is loving, playful and full of energy. They are dedicated to being a part of the family and enjoy following you around. Even though they are small little guys, they make a wonderful watchdog. They are very alert and pay close attention to what is going an around them.
Due to their small size, they aren’t always the best choice for families with young children, as they can be easily trampled and hurt. If raised alongside other dogs as a puppy, he should be fine to live in a multi dog household, although they don’t have the best reputation for getting along with other dogs, so you should keep a close eye on this.
If you get one as a puppy, don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training. This will create bad habits that might be hard to stop. Go ahead and start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Do everything you can to socialize the young puppy. Take him to puppy classes, doggy day cares, etc. Just keep socializing him as much as you can.
Even though this refers to acquiring one as a puppy, you can also get one through a rescue and find a little bit older, more mature and well socialized dog looking for a new home.
Chiweenie Health
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
Here are some conditions that have been seen in the breed; hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, diabetes, intervertebral degenerative disc disease, seizures, Luxating patellas, dental issues, hydrocephalus, and allergies.
Do not purchase a puppy from a breeder who cannot provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of health problems that affect the breed. A careful breeder and one who truly cares about the breed itself, screens their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens. One of the most common health problems with dogs is obesity. Keeping this under control is your responsibility.
Chiweenie Care
Depending on what type of Dachshund and Chihuahua mix you end up with, they can have a short or long coat. If your Chiweenie has longer hair, you should brush his coat a few times a week to avoid tangles and mats. Bathe him as often as you think he needs it, but not too much where it will dry out his coat. Trim his toe nails every couple of months and brush his teeth or get him an approved bone to chew on that will clean them for you.
Even though they are small, I highly recommend exercising them by walking them as much as possible. This is good for them both physically and mentally.
Chiweenie Feeding
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet.