Designer dogs which are rising in popularity, Chiweenies are cute, cuddly and playful. They adapt well to apartment living and are low maintenance. These sassy canines suit a variety of owners and you may well see more of them in the future as their profile continues to grow.
Which breed group is the Chiweenie in?
Breed group: None – not recognised by the Kennel Club
Chiweenie breed history
Chiweenies are the result of crossing Chihuahuas with dachshunds. Similar dogs have probably always existed due to accidental breeding. It isn’t known exactly when breeding programmes began but these little cuties began to appear in the early 1990s and principally in North America.
Chiweenie breed characteristics
As they are crossbreeds, Chiweenies may inherit any combination of traits from their parents and so vary in both character and appearance. Naturally, these dogs are always small in stature but can have short, medium or long coats in a variety of colours. Chiweenies can boast very short legs like dachshunds or longer legs in relation to their body like the Chihuahua. They are generally friendly, playful and characterful but they do bark a lot. Chiweenies usually get on well with other animals and can live happily in multidog homes or households with cats if they are introduced to felines as puppies.
- Lifespan: 12-16 years
- Height: up to 25cm
- Weight: up to 5kg
- Short, medium or long coat
- Variety of colours
- Friendly
- Playful
- Adaptable
- Tend to bark
- Get on well with other animals
Health issues with the Chiweenie
Chiweenies can inherit the health issues associated with either or both parents and are particularly prone to the following conditions:
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Diabetes
- Degenerative disc disease
- Seizures
- Luxating patella
- Hydrocephalus
- Dental problems
What is the Chiweenie bred for?
The Chiweenie is a crossbred which has been created to provide small but characterful pets with cute looks.
What sort of owners does the Chiweenie suit?
As these dogs are adaptable and small in stature, they can live happily almost anywhere. They don’t require an enormous amount of exercise and can live with other pets. They are good choices for first time owners and are suited to life in towns and cities. However, they do bark a lot and could annoy near neighbours. Chiweenies become very attached to their families and don’t cope well with being left home alone. They need owners who can be with them all day and who have the time to keep them entertained.