Also called Choxie, Weeniehuahua, German Taco, Mexican Hot Dog
CrossbreedShort profile
From North America (United States), 1990s. Sources date it to the early or late 1990s. It joins the German Miniature Dachshund, first bred for hunting badgers, with the Chihuahua from Mexico.12
A small dog that often has the Dachshund's longer body on shorter legs, topped with a Chihuahua-style head. The coat depends on the Dachshund parent: most are short and smooth, some are long-haired, and a few are wiry.12
Coloursblackbrownchocolatecreamwhiteblack and tanbrown and tantricolourbrindledapple12
Personality what they are like
Lively, playful and fiercely loyal, with plenty of confidence for its size. A well-bred Chiweenie is outgoing rather than shy, likes to keep watch over the home and forms a close bond with its owner. It can be chatty, and it likes company, so early training and not too much time alone help.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate: about half an hour of walking a day on a harness, plus gentle play and time with its owner. Indoor games work well on busy days.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Weekly brushing for smooth coats, two to three times a week for long or wire coats. Trim nails every few weeks, clean ears regularly and brush teeth often, ideally daily.12
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flats and smaller homes, as long as it gets outside for walks and toilet breaks. Often happiest with a single owner or a couple.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A small-breed food with suitably small kibble, fed as two meals a day, with fresh water always available.21
Company who they like around
Bonds very closely with one person or a small household. Best with older, respectful children and gets on with other small dogs when socialised early; bigger dogs can feel a bit overwhelming for it.21
The story where it all began
Breeders in North America started crossing Chihuahuas and Dachshunds in the 1990s. The mix brings together two very different backgrounds: the Dachshund, a German badger-hunting dog, and the Chihuahua, the tiny companion breed named after a state in Mexico.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its playful nicknames include 'German Taco' and 'Mexican Hot Dog', nodding to the German and Mexican roots of its parents.1
A Dachshund named Waldi was the very first official Olympic mascot, at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics.3
4
An Instagram-famous Chiweenie called Tuna has more than 2 million followers.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The Chiweenie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, and its name is a portmanteau of the two parent breeds' names. It is also sometimes called a Choxie.4
This morning I woke up and did my usual patrol: first the kitchen, then the living room, making sure everything was in order. Mom laughed when I gave my "all clear" bark. Then we went for a walk on my favorite path. I sniffed every spot, greeted a friendly squirrel, and felt very important. In the afternoon, I snuggled on the couch while Mom worked, keeping one eye on the door. At dinner time, I did my happy dance for my food bowl. Now I'm curled up on her lap, the best spot in the whole world.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
The Kennel Club (UK)
Not recognised by the UK Kennel Club; it is a crossbreed.2
Major kennel clubs
Listed among designer crossbreeds rather than recognised breeds.5
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chiweenie. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upevery year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Simple Carrot Crunchies
Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.
You need
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
How
Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.
How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chiweenie, and at what times?
Feed your Chiweenie twice a day, morning and evening, using a small-breed kibble. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Always provide fresh water.216
What should a Chiweenie eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality small-breed kibble is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Stick to safe treats and consult your vet for any concerns.217
How often should I bathe a Chiweenie?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every 8 weeks, and general guidance says at least every three months. Bathe more often if your Chiweenie gets dirty or has skin issues.8Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Chiweenie need brushing?
Brush smooth coats weekly, and long or wire coats two to three times a week. Daily brushing is ideal for longer coats. Furry Diary's plan recommends weekly brushing.128Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Chiweenie's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every few weeks, or when you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.128Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Chiweenie need?
About 30 minutes of walking daily on a harness, plus gentle play and indoor games. They enjoy time with you and adapt well to smaller homes.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Chiweenie's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste, and check ears weekly for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal. Furry Diary's plan suggests ear checks every two weeks and teeth brushing every two days, with daily ideal.128Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Chiweenie live?
Chiweenies typically live 12 to 16 years, bringing many happy years of companionship.21
Is a Chiweenie good with children and other pets?
They are best with older, respectful children and can get along with other small dogs if socialised early. Bigger dogs may feel overwhelming. They bond closely with their owner.21
Can a Chiweenie be left alone?
Chiweenies prefer company and can become anxious if left alone for long periods. Early training and gradual alone time help, but they do best with someone home often.21
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Chihuahua
Pomchi