No, Chiweenies aren’t always good with cats. A Chiweenie might not make fast friends with your cat. Remember, Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs who burrowed into underground tunnels in pursuit of badgers and may retain that prey drive. Proper socialization is essential. Your best bet for making a love connection is introducing Chiweenies to cats when they are puppies.

Yes, Chiweenies shed. While short-haired Chiweenies have “wash-and-go” coats that require minimal grooming, they still shed. Wire-haired and long-haired Chiweenies also shed moderate amounts. Brushing them a few times per week will remove excess hair and keep the fur balls from piling up under the sofa. Because these pups are moderate shedders who might have double coats, Chiweenies aren’t considered a hypoallergenic breed.

Chiweenies have fur and can have two coat types. Like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, who have smooth and long-haired coat varieties, Chiweenies can have long or short hair depending on their parent’s genetics. Wirehaired Dachshunds crossed with Chihuahuas can also produce Chiweenies with wirehaired coats.

Breeders started intentionally mixing the popular Dachshund and Chihuahua breeds in the 1990s to create a small, cute, and low-maintenance dog suitable for apartment living. Since then, the popularity of this mixed breed has only grown. Chiweenies exploded in popularity in the early 2010s when Tuna (@tunameltsmyheart), a rescued Chiweenie, became an internet sensation. His quirky overbite and adorable facial expressions are now cemented into internet meme history.

Chiweenies have a relatively long lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

A Chiweenie typically reaches its full-grown size between eight and 10 months old.

Yes, Chiweenies are good dogs. Chiweenies can be strong-willed and a little feisty. Although the Chihuahua / Dachshund mixes can be uncomfortable with strangers, they can be loving and affectionate companions devoted to their families. This breed is also energetic and needs regular exercise for their mental and physical wellbeing.

Yes, Chiweenies tend to bark, so grab the earplugs. Chiweenies tend to love the sound of their own voices and will bark at the mail carrier, squirrels, dogs, and loud noises. However, socialization and consistent training can help Chiweenies break undesirable habits, including their penchant for barking.

No, Chiweenies are not always easy to train. Chiweenies can inherit a stubborn streak from Dachshunds, a breed known for being naturally independent. Chihuahuas tend to act self-important, but they are also very smart, which helps when it comes to training Chiweenies — treats help, too. Chiweenies are food-motivated. Focus on patient, consistent training, and positive reinforcement to help Chiweenies master basic commands and learn new things.

Yes, Chiweenies are good family dogs, but they might not want to share their toys, beds, or favorite people. The breed is also more fragile than they let on, and thanks to their adorable appearance and small size, children often find Chiweenies irresistible, but the dogs might not return rough affection. Kids must be taught to be very gentle with Chiweenies because their tiny bodies are susceptible to injuries.

Like all breeds, Chiweenies should be supervised when interacting with children, and pet parents should teach them how to gently interact with children as well.

No, Chiweenies do not have many health problems. Chiweenies are considered healthy dogs but can inherit some of the common health issues of their parent breeds, such as allergies, skin irritation, hypothyroidism, and diabetes. Other potential health issues include:

• Degenerative disc disease: As the name suggests, degenerative disc disease causes rupture or herniation of the spinal cord disc. Because of their long bodies, Dachshunds (and Dachshund mixes) have an increased risk of developing this condition by the time they are three to seven years old.

• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a condition that can profoundly affect puppies and small-dog breeds, including Chiweenies. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia include restlessness, lethargy, confusion, weakness, lack of coordination, shivering, and seizures.

• Obesity: Chiweenies might act like they’re always hungry, but it’s important that you don’t overfill their bowls. Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are both prone to obesity, and in addition to the health risks associated with obesity, carrying extra weight can cause serious damage to their long backs. Talk to your veterinarian about how much to feed your Chiweenie, and make sure to keep their treats to a minimum.

It’s important to remember that even though Chiweenies might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, that doesn’t mean they will develop them. Mixed-breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs because of greater genetic diversity. Your veterinarian can help you keep an eye out for possible health problems with regular checkups.