All About Chiweenies
Rocky Kanaka
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You’ve heard of the chihuahua, and you’ve heard of the dachshund, but did you know that when you combine these small breeds you get a chiweenie?
One of the most common chihuahua mixes, the chiweenie is short, sweet, big-eared, and ready for fun at all times! Excellent family dogs that become very loyal and attached to their people, these little pups are a bundle of fun in an adorable package. Before you rush out to get a chiweenie of your very own (we get it, they’re cute!), make sure you are well-informed on their needs.
Keep reading to help you decide whether the chiweenie would be a good fit for your family!
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Meet Some Chiweenies!
Because chiweenies are mixed breed dogs, they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and coat textures. To help give you a mental image of the dogs we’ll be talking about today, let’s meet a few Instagram-famous chiweenies that show you a good spectrum of how they can look.
1. Daphne Doo
Daphne, an incredibly chic and elegant little chiweenie, is living her best life in England, working part-time as a model and full-time as a diva. Little Miss Daphne is better dressed than every dog she meets, and those ears are rumored to give her mind-reading powers.
2. Tuna
Tuna has a smile that only a mother and 2-million Instagram followers could love! Sporting a world-class overbite, tuna has won people’s hearts worldwide with his goofy disposition and charming good looks.
3. Archie
Archie is a dignified and obviously dapper chiweenie who lives in Florida with his two best friends: Luna and Carly. A dog with refined taste, Archie spends his time sampling the most delectable treats and enjoying the sunshine.
4. Pegasus
Pegasus is a sweet little chiweenie who lives with her two bigger siblings, Thor and Luna. Besides wearing bandanas and being insanely photogenic, Pegasus likes to kick back and relax on a nice soft blanket.
5. Chachi
Chachi is a curious chiweenie who always seems to be tilting his adorable little head! A slightly taller chiweenie, this little man is an absolutely adorable example of the breed.
6. Bonnie
Bonnie is a long-haired chiweenie living in Vancouver, Canada. A little nature adventurer, Bonnie loves to hike, splash in the stream, and walk in every kind of weather. Rescued by her parents, Bonnie is now living in the lap of luxury…at least as far as a dog is concerned!
Chiweenie Basic Info
Time to dive into what makes a chiweenie, well, a chiweenie! Here’s everything you need to know about this small breed, and what makes them a great family pet.
What is a Chiweenie?
A chiweenie is a mix between a chihuahua and a dachshund. To be considered a chiweenie, dogs must be primarily chihuahua and dachshund, but because this is a completely unregulated breed, many will also have additional ancestry beyond these specific breeds.
Some backyard breeders will claim that their dogs are the product of breeding purebred chihuahuas and dachshunds, but it’s important to consider why someone would choose to breed mixed breed dogs when they already have access to purebred bloodlines that they claim have been evaluated by the AKC. If you meet a chiweenie breeder, chances are that their parent dogs are not purebred.
Chiweenie Temperament
Chiweenie temperament is highly variable since the genetic makeup of chiweenies can be a bit of a mystery. Some chiweenies result from two mixed-breed dogs producing puppies, and while they may look phenotypically “chiweenie,” they may not behave as you expect.
However, some general traits shared by chiweenies come from both the chihuahua and the dachshund.
Chihuahua:
- Sweet
- Territorial
- Loyal
Dachshund:
- Intelligent
- Stubborn
- Curious
Chiweenie energy is typically medium to low since they are small and easy to tire out, but don’t underestimate how much exercise and mental stimulation a small breed will need daily. Many small dogs are quite intelligent and need activities to keep them happy.
Chiweenie Size
As with temperament, the size of your chiweenie will depend enormously on their genetic background. Since few chiweenies are 50/50 chihuahua and dachshund, size is quite variable within the breed.
Smaller chiweenies can grow to between 5-14 lbs in weight and around 6-8 inches at the shoulder. Larger chiweenies will likely reach sizes of around 14-24lbs and 8-12 inches in height.
Chiweenie Health
Mixed breeds are less likely to have genetic health conditions than purebred dogs since their parents are less likely to share similar recessive traits or genetic abnormalities. That said chiweenies may suffer from several health conditions commonly found in small dogs including:
- Dental decay
- Dental abnormalities (overbite/underbite)
- Heart problems
If your chiweenie has inherited the long dachshund-back, they may also suffer back problems. To help protect your dog’s back, make sure they are never jumping up or down from the sofa, bed, or other elevated surfaces. We highly recommend getting steps or ramps to help your chiweenie get on and off furniture.
Where Can You Get a Chiweenie?
The best place to find a chiweenie is at the shelter! Chihuahuas and chihuahua mixes are one of the most abandoned, abused, and neglected breeds and can be found in alarming abundance at local shelters, animal controls, and rescues. The chiweenie is a common mix since chihuahuas and dachshunds are similar in size and are more likely to be kept together than some other breeds. Check out your local shelter listings, or hop on a national animal adoption database, and you’ll be sure to find a handful of adorable chiweenies in need of a home.
Here are a few tips for finding a rescue chiweenie:
- Check rescues in southern states. Due to the warm climate, stray and neglected dogs can survive more easily in the south, which means there is always an abundance of adoptable dogs.
- Check PetFinder and Adopt a Pet where you can search for dogs in your area at private and publicly owned shelters/rescues.
- Check the ASPCA database of adoptable pets in ASPCA shelters.
- Contact chihuahua and dachshund-specific rescues:
- Chihuahua Rescue & Transport serves the Southwest, Southeast, and Midwest.
- Dachshund Rescue of North America serves the entirety of North America.
You should never purchase a chiweenie from a pet store because most pet stores source their dogs from puppy mill breeders. These dogs are not ethically bred, and buying them helps to put money into the hands of backyard and puppy mill breeders.
If you find a chiweenie breeder, it is unlikely that they are being monitored or regulated, and there is no guarantee that their parental genetic information will be reliable, or that the breed will be as advertised. Of course, accidents happen, so there may be rare occasions when someone local has a litter of chiweenies available. In general, to make sure you are not supporting unethical breeding of small dogs, get your chiweenies from the local shelter.
Chiweenie FAQ
Have more questions about the chiweenie? Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
How Long Do Chiweenies Live?
Small dogs typically live longer than large dogs, and mixed-breed dogs typically live longer than purebreds. Since the chiweenie is small, and a mix, you can expect your pooch to live to 10-16 years old.
How Much Do Chiweenies Cost?
At a local shelter, you could pay as little as $50 for a chiweenie, with most rescues asking for around $150-$300 for a small dog. If you choose to work with a breeder, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 for this “designer” breed.
How Big Do Chiweenies Get?
Chiweenies typically weigh between 5-14lbs and can be anywhere from 6-12 inches tall. On average, chiweenies will not be as long as their dachshund ancestors, but you can still expect them to have slightly longer backs than the average chihuahua.
Is There A Long-Haired Chiweenie?
Yes! Both chihuahuas and dachshunds come in long-haired, silky varieties, and those traits can be passed on to their puppies. Here’s Whiskey, a major cutie from Texas who has the signature feathery fur of a long-haired chiweenie. 
Source: @WhiskeyPhan
Do Chiweenies Shed?
Yes! Both chihuahuas and dachshunds shed. While many dachshunds have extremely short, fine hair that won’t be very noticeable, the chiweenie usually has longer fur that is more prone to shedding. They don’t need to be taken to a groomer, but it is a good idea to bathe your chiweenie a few times a year and keep a brush on hand for long-haired chiweenies.
Are Chiweenies Hypoallergenic?
No! Chiweenies are not hypoallergenic.
Where Can You Buy Chiweenie Puppies?
Because the chiweenie is not an official breed, it is very difficult to find a breeder who you can reliably say is using ethical practices. Most chiweenies result from backyard and puppy mill breeding, so it’s better not to buy a chiweenie from a pet store or a breeder if you can avoid it.
If you want a chiweenie, scroll up and check out one of the resources we’ve shared for adoptable dogs! There are a lot of chihuahua mixes available for adoption, and while browsing, you might discover a dog you’ve never considered.
How Do You Spell Chiweenie?
The correct spelling is “chiweenie.” This is a combination of the words “chihuahua” and “wiener dog” or “weenie,” both of which are common nicknames for dachshunds. Some other misspellings of chiweenie include:
-Chaweenie
-Chaweeni
-Chewinie
-Chowinnie
-Chiweenee
What is the best dog food for Chiweenies?
You may be wondering what is the best dog food for a chiweenie. A Chiweenies’s nutritional requirements are plenty of protein, fat, and fiber. A facultative carnivore, dogs eat primarily animal protein, but can also benefit from some fruits, veggies, and grains.
The very first questions to ask yourself when choosing the best dog food for Chiweenie’s are:
1. Is your Chiweenie a puppy (3–12 months), an adult (up to 9), or a senior (9+)?
2. How big is your Chiweenie? They are typically small 5-14 lbs.
3. How active is your Chiweenie?
4. Does your Chiweenie have any health concerns?
The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.
This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.
Save 60% on your first order
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2. Sundays Food For Dogs
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.
Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35
3. We Feed Raw.
This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.
Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Best Dog Food for Chiweenies
Whether you feed raw, kibble, or anything in-between, you’ll find a biologically appropriate dog food for your Chiweenie in the list below!
1. Best Raw: We Feed Raw Beef Recipe
We Feed Raw creates an impressive range of raw recipes featuring lots of different proteins so you can switch it up, or choose one for a dog with specific dietary needs. Each recipe includes a variety of animal parts including meat (muscle), bone, and organs for a healthy blend of nutrients in a high-protein package.
For Chiweenie’s specifically, we love that this recipe includes a vitamin A supplement (to support eye health), manganese sulfate (for healthy bones), and natural calcium from the added ground bone.
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Necks (with bone), Flaxseed |
| Food Type | Raw, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 12.2% Protein – 10% Fat – 1% Fiber – 68.8% Moisture |
| Feeding Instruction | Feed 9.6 oz. per day, or 4.8 oz. per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $2.93 per meal – $264.00 for 27 lbs. (best option for savings) |
2. Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe
If you struggle to get your Chiweenie to eat their food, but they love treats, they’ll probably love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats if you’re working on teaching your Chiweenie new tricks, or they just deserve an extra snack at the end of a long hard day of naps.
Other than the delicious recipe, we think Sundays For Dogs deserves consideration for best food for Chiweenies thanks to the turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints.
Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35!
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Bone, Quinoa |
| Food Type | Air-dried, grain-inclusive without wheat, peas, corn, or legumes |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 30% Protein – 20% Fat – 3% Fiber – 15% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed ½ cup (2.2 oz.) per day or ¼ cup (1.1 oz.) per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.92 per meal* – $69 for 72 oz. (best option for savings) |
What Reviewers Say:
3. Best Fresh-Frozen: Nom Nom Beef Mash
Source: @NomNom
The closest thing to making your dog food at home, Nom Nom crafts delicious fresh recipes that are carefully balanced for optimal canine nutrition. Including fresh, whole ingredients and added supplements, we recommend the Beef Mash recipe which includes carrots, a natural source of beta-carotene, dicalcium phosphate for healthy bones, and eggs for a healthy source of joint-supporting and anti-inflammatory vitamin E.
| First 5 Ingredients | Ground Beef, Russet Potatoes, Eggs, Carrots, Peas |
| Food Type | Fresh-frozen, grain-inclusive without wheat, corn, or legumes |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 8% Protein – 4% Fat – 1% Fiber – 77% Moisture |
| Feeding Instruction | Nom Nom creates a custom meal plan for every dog! |
| Cost Per Meal | $3.61 per meal* – Nom Nom will give you a custom quote to show you exactly what it will cost to feed your dog. |
What Reviewers Say:
4. Best Dry Dog Food For Chiweenie’s: Spot & Tango UnKibble Beef & Barley Recipe
Kibble can be a fantastic, easy, healthy option, just so long as you choose a formula with lots of healthy, whole ingredients. Luckily, Spot & Tango makes it affordable to feed your dog the best Chiweenie food, highest quality kibble, and offers three delicious blends to suit any of your dog’s unique dietary needs.
For Chiweenie’s, we love that the Beef & Barley formula includes a vitamin E supplement and flax (high in Omega-3s) to reduce inflammation and support healthy joints, fish oil with vitamin A to support vision and eye health, and blueberries, which are high in natural antioxidants.
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Barley, Flax, Carrots, Green Beans |
| Food Type | Kibble, grain-inclusive without wheat or corn |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 26.58% Protein – 16.43% Fat – 3.18% Fiber – 2.04% Moisture |
| Feeding Instruction | Precise serving size customized according to your dog’s details! |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.64 per meal* – $57.36 for two weeks of food* |
What Reviewers Say:
Did you love learning about the adorable chiweenie? Check out this blog about the smallest dogs in the world!
