What is a Chiweenie?

Chiweenies have become increasingly sought-after dogs in the last decade.

These compact, lovable dogs boast characteristics of both their parent breeds and this makes the Chiweenie popular for a variety of lifestyles.

Chiweenies are adorable, and that’s the first thing humans see.

Here we’ll discuss what breeds make up the Chiweenie, as well as what to expect if you decide to add one to your home.

What Kind of Dog is a Chiweenie? 

A Chiweenie is a cross between a Dachshund and Chihuahua. A Chiweenie is considered a “mutt” because it’s not a purebred dog. 

People do specifically breed Chiweenies because they have become a popular mixed breed dog, but that doesn’t make them “purebred.”

The same can be said for designer breeds like the Goldendoodle.

The AKC does not recognize Chiweenies, as they’re a mix of two breeds.

Chiweenies are not recognized by the AKC. The same can be said for any dog that is a mix of two AKC recognized breeds. 

Chiweenies were first intentionally bred in the 1990s in an attempt to reduce back problems which frequently affect Dachshunds.

Turns out, both Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are still prone to invertebral disk disease (IVDD), so the attempt to breed away the problem was null and void. 

What Does a Chiweenie Look Like?

Chiweenies don’t have a breed standard since they are mutts. Chiweenies can look more like a Dachshund or Chihuahua, and it’s simply left to chance.

Chiweenies may be shaped more like Chihuahuas with floppy Dachshund ears and an elongated face. 

However, some Chiweenies look more like a Dachshund with a long back and short lets.

You can usually tell a Chiweenie from a purebred Dachshund though because their ears aren’t as long, and may stand up on their own, and their nose is shorter and narrower than a typical Dachshund.

If you purchase a Chiweenie from someone selling puppies, there are no guarantees what they will look like full grown. Since they aren’t registered by the AKC, there is no set breed standard.

Therefore, your Chiweenie could take on a variety of unique characteristics. 

Chiweenie Facts

Here are some fun facts about the spunky Chiweenie.

Chiweenie Size 

Chiweenies tend to weigh between 12 and 15lbs, or sometimes even less.

AKC recognized Chihuahuas only weigh 6lbs at most, whereas a standard Dachshund can weigh up to 32lbs. 

Although standard Dachshunds can reach 32lbs, you can expect Chiweenies to weigh considerably less. This is definitely a Chihuahua trait!

Chiweenie Lifespan 

Small dog breeds live much longer than their larger canine counterparts.

The lifespan of a Dachshund is similar to that of a Chihuahua, but Chis do commonly live a little bit longer. 

Chihuahuas are known to live upwards of 16 years.

You can expect a Chiweenie to live around 14-16 years.

Knowing that both Chihuahuas and Dachshund have long lifespans would indicate that a Chiweenie’s would be similar. 

Chiweenie Personality Traits

Chihuahuas were bred for companionship. Dachshunds were bred for hunting small games. So, what do you get when you mix the two? A small, high-energy dog.

Chiweenies more often take on the personality traits of the Dachshund.

They tend to bark a lot like the Dachshund, so be prepared for a “yappy” dog if you adopt one! 

While Chihuahuas are lap dogs through and through, a Chiweenie absolutely needs more exercise and stimulation.

These pooches might look like a pocket dog, but they require plenty of physical exercise to tire them out.

Chiweenies are incredibly loyal pups. They enjoy bonding with one special person in the house, and you’ll witness endless entertainment from this fun, sassy mixed breed dog.

But watch out – your Chiweenie may have little dog syndrome like their parent breeds.

This can cause unwanted behavior that is difficult to change, such as lunging and barking at strangers or separation anxiety caused by excessive neediness. 

Socializing your Chiweenie early can help with their behavior.

As with any dog, socializing your Chiweenie early and often can help create, train, and maintain good behavior and manners. 

Since Chiweenies are mutts, it’s important to remember that the personality traits can differ greatly.

Your Chiweenie could be a perfect mixture between a Chihuahua and Dachshund, or your pup could end up with dominating traits from one of the breeds.

You never really know what you are going to get if you adopt a Chiweenie puppy in terms of personality, but training and the environment will play major roles in finding out as they get older.

Where Can I Find a Chiweenie to Buy or Adopt?

Chiweenies can be found in many rescue and adoption situations.

It’s not uncommon for Chiweenies to be found in the Southwestern animal shelters, as Chihuahuas are extremely common in that part of the US.

You’re most likely to find a Chiweenie up for adoption via a Dachshund or Chihuahua rescue.

There are also small breed rescues around the country! Simply search good old Google for rescues near you or hop on Petfinder.com to see an aggregate list of those available in your area.

Chiweenie breeders do exist, but they will not be registered by the AKC.

You will need to remember that they are not being bred to any specific standards if you buy a puppy via this medium, and backyard breeding can be extremely dangerous.

How Much Does a Chiweenie Cost?

Even though Chiweenies are not AKC registered, some breeders still demand outrageous prices for these puppies.

Chiweenies can cost anywhere from $500-$2500 depending on the breeder you purchase from.

Adopting a Chiweenie from a shelter or rescue can save you money.

Adoption fees are always much cheaper if you can find a Chiweenie at a local rescue or shelter, and the cost will ensure you take home a healthy pup.

Final Thoughts 

Chiweenies are created by breeding a Dachshund and Chihuahua together.

They are small, energetic dogs who make excellent family companions.

Before adopting one, remember that your Chiweenie may end up having more Dachshund or Chihuahua dominant traits, and it’s completely up to chance.

Make sure you like both breeds individually before you make the lifelong commitment to a Chiweenie.

About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.