Looking for the ideal small dog with whom you can move, cuddle, and play? You have the best companions in Chiweenies. Chiweenies are the offspring of Chihuahuas and Dachshunds. They originated in the 1990s. They are known by numerous nicknames, including German Taco, Mexican Hotdog, and Weiner.
Physical appearance
As a mixed breed, you would expect these dogs to have both Chihuahua and Dachshund characteristics, including a visible dapple. Their long bodies are a result of Dachshund genes, while their short legs are a result of Chihuahua genes. A mature Chiweenie will weigh approximately 24 pounds. The size of their head and ears varies according to the dominant gene.
Their silky, low-fur coat makes it suitable for those who are allergic to dog fur. Long-haired breeds are also available, as their parent genes confer a certain amount of hair. They are available in various hues, with the majority being black, brown, or tan. However, there are also those that are white, blonde, red, and multicolored.
Behavioral properties
The majority of a Chiweenie’s social interactions involve familiar faces. It also enjoys being placed on a person’s lap. Occasionally, it can become possessive of its owner, causing them to become aggressive. Similar to many dogs, they require consistent training to develop discipline.
They are house pets and may prefer to spend the night close to their owners. They can be as loud as other puppies when it comes to barking, and the majority of the time they do so to seek attention. To mitigate this, you must occupy them with toys or play with them.
The Chiweenies must be around older children who know how to treat small dogs with care. Due to their delicate disc issues, you should refrain from being rough with them. Chiweenies, like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, are diggers and may attempt to dig out a great deal of your furniture if they are kept inside for an extended period of time.
How to Groom Chiweenies
Due to their diminutive size and sparse, non-shedding fur, Chiweenies are very simple to maintain. Once per week, you can brush their hair to keep it straight and soft. If they have long fur, they can be groomed daily, which will result in significant shedding. They do not bathe frequently; once per month is sufficient unless an emergency arises.
Their parents, the Chihuahuas, are prone to dental deterioration, so they should brush their teeth frequently to avoid the same fate. Once or twice per month, you can trim their nails to prevent them from becoming excessively long and splitting. Some children will want to paint their nails, which is acceptable for a female Chiweenie. You might as well embellish it for fun if you have the time.
Health
Chiweenies are generally healthy animals that experience few health problems throughout their lives. Pollen and dust allergies are the most prevalent health problem they can develop. This occurs in dogs that spend the majority of their time indoors. To address this, you can purchase and frequently replace air filters.
The likelihood of a crossbred dog being healthier than its parents is not one hundred percent. Chiweenies may still inherit certain diseases from Dachshunds and Chihuahuas. These diseases include epilepsy, intervertebral degenerative disc disease, diabetes, and hypothyroidism on the Dachshund side. They may inherit health complications such as dental issues, hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, and luxating patellas from their Chihuahua ancestors.
Although genetic diseases may exist in the Chiweenie lineage, you should not be concerned that your pet has them. However, understanding the likelihood of their occurrence will allow you to plan accordingly. Prevention is preferable to cure, as the saying goes.
How long do Chiweenies live?
Any animal’s life expectancy is dependent on the environment in which it lives. A dog in the wild has a shorter lifespan than a dog in a domestic setting. The same holds true for Chiweenies. How well you care for your pet will determine its lifespan.
Given that both the Dachshund and Chihuahua are relatively long-lived, it may take 10 to 15 years for a Chiweenie to reach maturity. To accomplish this for your Chiweenie, you must maintain proper grooming, treat it as you would a baby, and allow it to play in order to exercise its muscles. Frequent veterinarian visits will allow for early intervention in the event of a health problem. Ensure that it is also immunized against common soil-borne diseases.
Chiweenies are not recognized by purebred registries, including the American Kennel Club, as they are a hybrid breed. However, they are acknowledged by the International Design Canine Registry (IDCR), which requires Chiweenies to have an equal amount of genes from each parent species. The eight puppies from the litter of Chiweenies have distinct appearances. The reason for this is the breeding series. In order for puppies to have a uniform appearance, the breeding process can last up to six generations.
Chiweenies are adorable dogs. They are an excellent option and require little maintenance.