Chiweenie
Also called Choxie, Weeniehuahua, German Taco, Mexican Hot Dog
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 friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
One source gives 2.5-5.5 kg, another 5-12 lb (about 2.3-5.4 kg); size varies with the parents.
Coat and looks how to spot one
smooth, long-haired or wire-haired
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
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
- 2
The name Dachshund means 'badger dog' in German.3
- 3
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
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.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chiweenie. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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
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.215
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.216
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.7 Furry Diary 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.127 Furry Diary 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.127 Furry Diary 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.21 Furry Diary 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.127 Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Parents and lookalikes
Chihuahua
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- DogTime: Chiweenie dogtime.comused for names, origin, size, coat, colours, grooming, diet, family life
- Purina New Zealand: Chiweenie purina.co.nzused for size, lifespan, origin, recognition, temperament, exercise, grooming, home, feeding, fun facts
- Wikipedia: Dachshund en.wikipedia.orgused for parent breed fun facts (secondary)
- Wikipedia: List of dog crossbreeds en.wikipedia.orgused for crossbreed status (secondary)
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.