Chiweenie
Other names: Choxie, Weeniehuahua, German Taco, Mexican Hot Dog, Chihuahua-Dachshund Mix
The Chiweenie is a small dog with a fiery personality, a concentrated bundle of energy and affection in a miniature body. Born from the cross between the Chihuahua and the Dachshund, it inherits a unique silhouette that captures everyone's attention.
Its body tends toward the characteristic length of the Dachshund, c... Read more
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Are you a breeder or owner of a Chiweenie?
Create your free account, manage your kennel and pedigree requests with our tools.
Create my accountHistory & Origin
T he history of the Chiweenie begins with two breeds of very different origins. The Chihuahua, from Mexico, descends from the Techichi, a small sacred dog of the pre-Columbian civilizations of central Mexico.
The Dachshund, on the other hand, originated in Germany in the 16th century, selectively bred to hunt badgers underground thanks to its elongated body and short, powerful legs.
The first Chiweenies appeared accidentally, likely in the 1950s or 1960s in the United States, in households where these two complementary breeds lived together.
However, it was truly in the 1990s that the crossbreeding became intentional. During this period, the designer dog trend led American breeders to develop a dog with the Dachshund's appearance, but without the back problems associated with the purebred's extreme conformation. The result was an immediate success.
Demand quickly skyrocketed thanks to the irresistible charm of these small dogs and their colorful nicknames: "Mexican Hot Dog," "German Taco," or "Weeniehuahua." The Chiweenie became a social media star and a sought-after companion in urban apartments.
Today, the Chiweenie is not recognized by major traditional kennel clubs such as the AKC or the FCI, but several designer breed registries, including the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Kennel Club, have officially registered it. Its popularity continues to grow worldwide, driven by its endearing temperament and its unmistakable silhouette.
Register your Chiweenie with FBKC: four-generation pedigree, modern breeding tools, greater freedom for professional breeders. A serious alternative to traditional clubs.
Description
T he Chiweenie is a small dog with a fiery personality, a concentrated bundle of energy and affection in a miniature body. Born from the cross between the Chihuahua and the Dachshund, it inherits a unique silhouette that captures everyone's attention.
Its body tends toward the characteristic length of the Dachshund, carried on short, sturdy legs, while its round head with large, expressive eyes immediately recalls the Chihuahua. The ears vary from one individual to another: erect and pointed like those of its Mexican ancestor, or gently drooping like those of the German sausage dog. This physical unpredictability is one of the breed's charms—each Chiweenie is truly unique.
Its weight ranges from 5.5 to 12 pounds for a height at the withers of 6 to 10 inches. The coat may be short and smooth, medium-length with silky feathering around the ears and tail, or slightly wiry. Colors are highly varied: fawn, brown, black, cream, bicolor, or tricolor.
In terms of temperament, the Chiweenie is a bold and self-assured go-getter, perfectly aware of its own charm. Playful and curious, it bonds deeply with its family, often with one person in particular whom it follows like a devoted shadow.
Despite its small size, it does not hesitate to be protective and vocal. This spirited little companion requires attention and mental stimulation, but repays every bit of affection a hundredfold with unwavering loyalty.
Personality
T he Chiweenie is a small dog with a bold temperament, brimming with energy and affection. It forms a deep bond with its favorite human, whom it gladly follows throughout the house like an enthusiastic little shadow.
Playful and curious, it loves exploring its surroundings and showing itself at its best. Its mischievous side and natural liveliness make it a companion that enlivens daily life.
It can be stubborn and vocal when it doesn't get what it wants, a trait that should be channeled from an early age.
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Breed Characteristics
General Information
- Category: Approval
- Origin: United States
- FCI Recognition: No
- Est. monthly upkeep: 60-100
- Daily exercise: 45 minutes
Key Facts
- Height: 15.00 to 25.00 cm
- Weight: 2.50 to 5.50 kg
- Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years
- Average price: 1500.00 to 2500.00 €
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Grooming frequency:2/10
Training Tips
Training should begin as soon as the puppy arrives home, around 8 weeks of age. The Chiweenie responds well to positive reinforcement: treats and praise yield far better results than excessive firmness. Short, regular sessions help maintain his attention. Early socialization with other animals and children is highly recommended.
Health & Common Conditions
General Health
The Chiweenie possesses remarkable hardiness for a small-sized breed, with a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years when properly cared for. This hybrid generally enjoys good vitality in daily life.
Regular veterinary visits twice a year allow for early detection of potential health issues. A diet suited to active small breeds, careful weight management, and rigorous dental hygiene form the cornerstones of good health throughout its life.
Common Conditions
Due to its Dachshund heritage, the Chiweenie may be predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which manifests as back pain or difficulty moving. Avoiding repetitive jumping from heights is a simple and effective precaution.
Dental problems are also common in small breeds: tartar buildup, gingivitis, and premature tooth loss warrant regular attention. Early detection and attentive veterinary care can, in the vast majority of cases, effectively prevent or minimize these conditions.
Care & Living Environment
Daily Care
Grooming the Chiweenie is manageable even for novice owners. On a daily basis, teeth brushing helps prevent dental diseases to which small breeds are susceptible.
Weekly, a single brushing of the coat is sufficient for smooth coats; long-haired varieties require two to three sessions. Monthly, nails should be checked and trimmed, and ears gently cleaned to prevent infections.
Seasonally, a bath every four to six weeks maintains a clean, glossy coat without drying out the skin.
Recommended Living Environment
The Chiweenie adapts perfectly to apartment living thanks to its small size. It appreciates calm and temperate environments, as it does not tolerate cold well.
A house with a yard also suits it, provided the space is secure. It thrives especially where its owner is present on a daily basis.
Recommended Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chiweenie adapts perfectly to apartment living thanks to its small size. It simply needs one or two daily outings and regular play sessions. Its only drawback: it can be vocal. A little training is enough to manage its barking.
The Chiweenie is a rather robust breed with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. A diet suited to small breeds, regular veterinary care, and good dental hygiene all contribute to ensuring a long and healthy life.
Le Chiweenie gets along well with older children who are capable of respecting his small size and fragile back. With toddlers, supervision is recommended. When socialized early, he becomes a playful and affectionate companion for the entire family.
The Chiweenie can inherit the back fragility of the Dachshund, particularly intervertebral disc disease. Avoiding jumps from heights protects his back on a daily basis. Dental problems are also common: regular tooth brushing makes all the difference.
The Chiweenie responds exceptionally well to positive reinforcement: treats, praise, and short training sessions yield excellent results. Training should begin as soon as the puppy arrives home. His somewhat stubborn nature is best managed with patience and consistency. Early socialization remains the key to a well-balanced dog.
Expert Rating
Overall rating for the Chiweenie
This overall rating is calculated from 7 key criteria: activity level, trainability, guarding ability, child and animal friendliness, grooming frequency and barking level.
Activity level
Trainability
Sociability
Guarding ability
Parent Breeds
Discover the breeds that make up the Chiweenie
About this crossbreed
The Chiweenie originated from an intentional cross between the Chihuahua and the Dachshund, developed in the United States during the 1990s.
The primary objective was to combine the elongated silhouette and playful temperament of the Dachshund with the spirited nature and compact size of the Chihuahua, while reducing the risk of back problems associated with the extreme conformation of the purebred Dachshund.
The traits of both parent breeds manifest variably among individuals: some inherit more of the Dachshund's elongated structure, while others display the more compact body of the Chihuahua. This first-generation cross generally exhibits good vitality.
Unlike traditional kennel club organizations that do not recognize this breed, the FBKC officially recognizes the Chiweenie, enabling breeders to register their dogs and obtain a complete four-generation pedigree through modern management tools.
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