INTRODUCTION

The chiweenie is a mixed breed dog, a cross between the chihuahua and teckel dog breeds. Compact, energetic and loyal, these puppies have inherited some of the best traits from their parents. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you can find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt. These adorable pups make excellent flat dogs for active city dwellers, although they are best suited to small or single-person households, and have a tendency to be affectionate. If you want an energetic dog that will keep you on your toes, warn you of any potential danger and love you unconditionally, the Chiweenie may be the dog for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

The most famous Chiweenie may be a dog named Tuna who has over 2 million followers on the Instagram account tunameltsmyheart.Chiweenies are a mixed breed dog. They are not “pure breeds” like their teckel or chihuahua parents.Although they are the size of a lap dog, chiweenies have a lot of energy and prefer to play.The coats of chiweenies are usually short and good for allergy sufferers, although they can also have long coats.The usual colours of chiweenies are brown, black and white. The usual colours of chiweenies are brown, black and white. Chiweenies can be stubborn and can be particularly difficult to housebreak.These dogs tend to be “noisy”, although that also makes them excellent watchdogs.Chiweenies do best in single-person households or with small families and older children.Although designer breeders began creating chiweenies in the late 1990s, you can find them in shelters or through rescue groups that cater to small dogs, chihuahua mixes or dachshund mixes. Adopt. Don’t buy.

HISTORY

The chiweenie dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders began intentionally mixing chihuahuas and dachshunds in the late 1990s, probably in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two breeds to minimise the back problems that tend to affect dachshunds with their long bodies. If you decide this is the breed for you, consider adoption. Check local shelters, look for chiweenie rescues, or check breed-specific dachshund or chihuahua rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed-breed dogs and find homes for them.