If you’re a fan of smaller or even miniature dog breeds but want something unique, you can take a look at the Dachshund Chihuahua mix – the Mexican Hot Dog. Also called the German Taco, Chiweenie, Choxie, or our favorite – Weeniehuahua, this crossbreed has a lot of amazing qualities. As a designer crossbreed of two already pretty special dogs, however, the Weeniehuahua also has quite a few needs and requirements you should be aware of.
So, let’s go over all the main characteristics of this crossbreed you should be aware of before bringing a Choxie into your home.
Dachshund Chihuahua Mix Size, Coat, and Looks
Depending on the exact cross (whether the Doxie parent was a mini Dachs, etc.) the Mexican Hot Dog can vary in size. These dogs tend to be about 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder (15 to 23 cm) and can weigh anywhere between 5 and 30 pounds (2.5 to 13.5 kg).
As for their appearance, this crossbreed can have the physical traits of both its parent breeds. They are almost always short-legged and can have either shorter or more elongated bodies. The coat is typically brownish with some red or black markings, depending on the parents.
The hair can be short and dense, smooth, or long and wiry – again, depending on the parents. The wire-haired Dachshund Chihuahua mix is a particular favorite looks-wise as is the min-pin Dachshund Chihuahua mix.
Learn more about: Shih Tzu And Dotson Mix
How Much Exercise Does A Chiweenie Need?
Both Weenies and Chihuahuas are pretty playful for their size. However, their size really isn’t all that significant. So, while both breeds and their crossbreed need regular exercise, said exercise really doesn’t need to be all that extensive. In fact, with Dachshunds, in particular, introducing too much physical stress in their daily routines can cause pretty significant back issues.
So, some ~45 minutes of a brisk walk outside a day, divided into two separate outings is usually all these dogs need. All the other exercise and playtime your Choxie may need should be supplied via plenty of playtimes indoors. This is important not just as physical exercise but also as mental stimulation. People like to underestimate Dachshunds and especially Chihuahuas but these are pretty smart dogs, especially when trained well.
So, they do need regular mental stimulation or they’ll get bored, anxious, easily agitated, disobedient, and even destructive. Alternatively, calmer dogs can withdraw and become asocial and depressed. And you probably don’t want either of these scenarios.
Temperament and Personality Of The Dachshund Chihuahua Mix
Chiweenies may be pocket-sized and look like lap dogs but they have very playful personalities. This means that you’d have to offer them quite a bit of playtime and entertainment because they become calm enough to get in your lap while you work on the computer.
Additionally, both breeds like to bark quite a bit. This isn’t a bug but a feature – hound breeds were taught and bred to bark as a part of their hunting duties. This is what makes the Chiweenie a good watchdog but also what gives it and Chihuahuas, in particular, the fame of “yappy” dogs. Proper socialization is a must if you don’t want your dog to just bark at anyone and anything that moves.
More crucially, these dogs can be a bit stubborn and difficult to train. Obedience training is an absolute must with these dogs if you don’t want to end up with a disobedient little engine at home for the next 20 years.
Lastly, you should note that these dogs aren’t great with small kids, cats, or even other dogs. 5+-year-old kids can live well with Chiweenies but these dogs are a little too willful and independent and they can bother pets and small kids a bit too much.
Average Lifespan and Health Of The Mexican Hot Dog
Like both their parent breeds, Weeniehuahuas can live exceptionally long – up to 12 to 16 years on average. In fact, with the right care, these dogs can pretty easily reach 20+ years of age too. Choosing a healthy pup is crucial, however, as both dogs can have quite a few health problems. If you’re buying and not adopting, you should always ask for a health certificate for both the pup and its parents. That’s because reputable breeders make sure they breed out hereditary diseases. Such a breeder should also be more than happy to let you see the pup’s parents and litter.
If your Weeniehuahua isn’t perfectly healthy, the several main issues you should watch out for include:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Also, keep in mind that Chihuahuas are really intolerant toward cold and even moderate temperatures so you should really keep them warm at all times. Dog sweaters and coats exist for a reason other than just fashion.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Owning A Chiweenie?
Pros:
- This is a pretty adaptable breed, particularly for small apartments
- If you live alone and want a small but spirited watchdog, the Mexican Hot Dog can do perfectly
- They are very affectionate, especially toward their favorite person
Cons:
- Not the best dog for families with small children
- These dogs are usually pretty difficult to train properly
- That’s a high-maintenance dog – even more so than its parent breeds
So, Is The Dachshund Chihuahua Mix The Right Pet For You?
Suffice it to say that these aren’t dogs we’d recommend for every owner. You may want a small and adorable pup but you’d be surprised at the amount of care this tiny trembling canine needs. Both Chihuahuas and Dachshunds have some pretty particular health and lifestyle needs and their cross can resemble either or both parents. So, especially if you’re a first-time owner, you’d do well to do your research and prepare before bringing a Choxie into your home.
If you know what you’re doing, however, these trembling dynamos can be a lot of fun to live with. Joyful, playful, and affectionate, they are also deceptively smart and willful. They can also have an astonishingly long life with the right care too – twice as much as certain other breeds! So, as long as you know what you’re getting into, getting a Weeniehuahua can be the best decision you’ve ever made.
