Full Grown Chiweenie: Size, Lifespan, Price & More
The chiweenie is a small mixed breed dog resulting from breeding a Dachshund and a Chihuahua. In this article, we'll explore what owning a full grown chiweenie is really like by covering its size, appearance, personality, care needs, health concerns, and more.
About the Chiweenie
The chiweenie first emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s when breeders decided to cross the miniature dachshund with the Chihuahua. The goal was to create an even tinier companion dog.
While chiweenies make adorable puppies, it's important for potential owners to understand what caring for a full grown chiweenie entails.
Size of a Full Grown Chiweenie
At full growth between 12-18 months old, chiweenies typically reach the following sizes:
- Length: 9-14 inches
- Height: 8-12 inches
- Weight: 3-10 pounds
Keep in mind chiweenies are a mixed breed so individual dogs' sizes can vary more or less than these averages. In general though, they remain small dogs even at maturity.
Appearance of a Full Grown Chiweenie
A full grown chiweenie's appearance depends on whether it inherits more of the dachshund or Chihuahua side:
- Dachshund-heavy: Longer body and legs proportionate to its size, possible wiggly tail
- Chihuahua-heavy: Compact size, larger ears and eyes, short tail
Common coat colors include tan, cream, black and tan, red, and black. Coat types range from smooth to wiry to long haired.
Personality of a Full Grown Chiweenie
In terms of personality, chiweenies take after both parent breeds and typically display the following traits:
- Loyal and bond strongly with one to two people
- Alert watchdogs that bark to alert of visitors
- Can be shy with strangers until warming up
- Playful and enjoy interactive toys and games
- Not suited for homes with young children due to small size
- May display natural prey drive with other small pets
Price of a Chiweenie Puppy
Expect to pay between $400-$800 usually for a purebred chiweenie puppy from a reputable breeder. Adopted adult chiweenies from rescues may cost $100-$300.
Feeding a Full Grown Chiweenie
As small dogs, chiweenies have high metabolism and nutritional needs:
- 1/4 - 1/2 cup of high-quality dry kibble per day, divided into 2 meals
- Discuss feeding schedule and brands with your vet
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Treats can be given in moderation as rewards or training aids
Lifespan of a Chiweenie
With proper care, chiweenies have a lifespan of 12-18 years on average. Some healthy chiweenies even live into their early 20s.
Health Concerns for a Full Grown Chiweenie
Common health issues chiweenies may face include:
- Patellar luxation (slipped knee caps)
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Portosystemic shunt
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Brachycephalic airway obstruction
- Hypoglycemia
- Eye problems
Consult your vet for screening tests and ways to promote chiweenie health and wellness.
Care Needs of a Full Grown Chiweenie
Daily care needs beyond feeding and water include:
- Brush coat 1-2 times weekly to remove loose fur and tangles
- Trim nails as needed, usually every 4-6 weeks
- Brush teeth 2-3 times weekly to prevent dental disease
- Clean ears weekly to prevent infection
- Bathe only when necessary to avoid drying skin and coat
Cost of Owning a Chiweenie
Expected ongoing costs of owning a chiweenie are:
- Food: $30-50 per month
- Supplements/treats: $10-20 per month
- Toys/accessories: $10-30 per month
- Grooming supplies: $15-30 per month
- Annual vet exam + vaccines: $200-300 per year
- Emergencies/illnesses: $500-1000+ per incident
Behavior Changes as Chiweenies Age
As chiweenies reach maturity, some behaviors may alter such as:
- Becoming more confident and less shy
- Bond strengthening with owner and family
- Natural watchdog tendencies increase
- Play needs may decrease slightly
- Signs of separation anxiety if left alone often
Notable Characteristics of a Full Grown Chiweenie
Here are some standout traits of the mature chiweenie breed:
- Extremely small size for apartment living
- Affecitonate, loyal companionship qualities
- Entertaining personality to provide smiles
- Low exercise needs suited to busy lives
- Lively and intelligent nature despite tiny frame
- Coat varies keeping some groomed, others low-maintenance
Suitability as a Pet
Chiweenies make excellent small dogs for owners who:
- Don't have much space but want a devoted pet
- Want a dog to snuggle and play interactive games with indoors
- Are home often or don't work long hours away
- Don't have young kids prone to accidents yet
- Are willing to provide daily care and meet needs
However their tiny size does require special precautions around other pets, children, and accidents. Regular vet care is also a must to prevent health issues.
