What Is a Chiweenie Dog?

Chiweenie, chih-weenie or doxihuahua: They're all the same thing, a cross between the Chihuahua and the dachshund. If you're in the market for one of these designer pups, consider each breed's physical and personality traits. Every dog is unique, but some traits can be appealing while others are deal-breakers.

  1. Part One: Chihuahua

    • Whether you took notice of the dog selling tacos in the TV commercial or one in a young woman's purse, there's no denying the cute factor of a Chihuahua. These are smart little fellows who are fiercely loyal to their people. Their protective instinct carries over to their home, and they're known to be vocal about what they consider intruders in their territory. Chihuahuas can have long or short hair and tend to weigh less than 6 pounds.

    Part Two: Dachshund

    • The long back and short legs of the dachshund accentuate its hot dog-like appearance, giving rise to the moniker "wiener dog." Originally bred to hunt badgers, these guys are quite brave despite their short stature. Though they're active and fun-loving, dachshunds can be aggressive. Dachshunds weigh quite a bit more than Chihuahuas, ranging between 16 and 32 pounds, with miniature versions weighing in around 11 pounds. They can have short, long or wire-haired coats.

    Chihuahua + Dachshund = Chiweenie

    • Most chiweenies weigh between 5 and 10 pounds and stand around 8 inches tall. Their ears can vary between looking more like a Chihuahua's, standing upright, or they may take after the dachshund's long, floppy ears. Their body type mimics the dachshund, giving the chiweenie a long, slender build. Given their heritage, it's no wonder these guys are considered to be loyal dogs. They love being around their people and make great lap dogs. Chiweenies require consistent training and good exercise to help them channel their large amounts of energy.

    Is the Chiweenie for You?

    • If you're ready to take on training this loyal pooch, you're likely in for a long friendship. Chiweenies are overall healthy dogs, with a life expectancy of around 15 years. They can be prone to knee problems, so make sure you have your pup checked by a vet to ensure he's in healthy form. Do your homework and if you see someone advertising "AKC registered chiweenies," stay away. Though the Chihuahua and dachshund parents of the chiweenie may be AKC registered, the chiweenie pups are not recognized by the organization. Some unethical breeders may use a false label to charge a high price for a puppy. Pet MD recommends doing your research to find a reputable breeder who has considered the health and compatibility of the parents.