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When it comes to hybrid dogs, there are many that can be a wonderful mix of two different purebred dog breeds. But sometimes, we come across a mixed breed dog that you may want to reconsider before adopting. This is the case with the Chihuahua German Shepherd mix.
We’re not against these hybrid dogs; however, you need to carefully consider everything before adopting one of these dogs.
We’ve put together some information about Chihuahua German Shepherds so you can decide if this is the right dog for you and your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Chihuahua German Shepherd?
A Chihuahua German Shepherd is a hybrid dog that’s a mix of a purebred German Shepherd and a purebred Chihuahua. That’s a surprising mix, considering the very different personalities and characteristics of these dogs, including their sizes!
The Chihuahua German Shepherd mix tends to be a small to medium dog with physical traits from both parents. Some look more like their German Shepherd parents, while others strongly resemble their Chihuahua parents.
Because of the disparity in their sizes, a male Chihuahua is usually bred with a female German Shepherd. The female Chihuahua is much too small to mate with a male German Shepherd.
And because these dogs are hybrids, their appearance is not standardized and can vary greatly. Some dogs may be black and tan, with a short- to medium-length coat. They may have the pointed, erect ears of the German Shepherd.
Their size and weight can also vary. Some Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes may stand between 7 to 45 inches tall and weigh between 8 to 60 lbs. The dogs have an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.
Keep in mind that no two Chihuahua German Shepherd mixed puppies look alike, even if they come from the same litter. Each puppy inherits random genes from both parents and is never a 50/50 copy of their parents.
Chihuahua German Shepherd Temperament
The hybrid mix of the Chihuahua German Shepherd results in a unique dog. The personality and temperament can greatly vary in these dogs. Each dog is a unique creation, so you never know what you’re really getting.
Purebred German Shepherds are loyal dogs that are highly intelligent and a bit territorial. They are used by the police and military as working dogs. The other parent of the Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is the Chihuahua. These tiny dogs are very bossy, yappy and may snap at other people they don’t like. However, when trained and socialized from a young age, the Chihuahua can make an excellent companion dog.
A Chihuahua German Shepherd hybrid dog may be more like a German Shepherd. In that case, the dog may be more trainable and willing to follow cues. They may also remain calm even in stressful situations. However, if the dog is more like a Chihuahua, they could be more feisty and not want to be around strangers. They are very loyal and want to keep you to themselves!
So, you just never know for sure what you’re getting with a Chihuahua German Shepherd hybrid mix.
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Ask a Vet Live NowAre Chihuahua German Shepherds Good for Families?
Because their personalities can vary so greatly, we don’t recommend these dogs for families. And if you have small kids, it’s best to look for a different dog breed. These dogs make better companions for families that have no kids and they will be the only dog in the home.
Do Chihuahua German Shepherds Get Along with Other Pets?
Here, again, if you have other pets at home, we recommend considering a different dog breed. These dogs may not get along well with other dogs or other pets.
Food Requirements
The Chihuahua German Shepherd needs food based on his size and activity level. Depending on the dog’s size, he needs between 1 and 1.5 cups of dog food a day. However, if the dog is larger or a similar size to their German Shepherd parent, they may need about 2-3 cups of dog food each day.
If you have any questions about the right food for your fur baby, be sure to contact your vet for guidance.
Exercise Requirements
The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on his size. If he’s more like a Chihuahua, then about 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily should be OK.
On the other hand, if your fur baby is more like a German Shepherd, he may need as much as 90 minutes of daily exercise.
Training
These hybrid dogs benefit from early, consistent training and socialization. They should begin training and socialization from a young age so they can learn how to behave in different situations with other people and dogs/animals.
For Chihuahua German Shepherds that are most like their German Shepherd parent, the dog is much easier to train. However, if they’re more like their Chihuahua parent, the training may be somewhat tougher. No matter what, the dogs are intelligent; it’s just that some of them are more independent than others!
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Chihuahua German Shepherd the dog may require more grooming than you’d think. That’s because some of them take after their German Shepherd parent, who may have longer fur. In that case, expect to brush your canine companion about once a week (at least). This helps control shedding, as these hybrid dogs can shed quite a bit.
Health & Conditions
Chihuahua German Shepherd mixed dogs are usually pretty healthy; however, they can develop certain conditions inherited from their parents, including:
- Patella luxation
- Hip dysplasia
- Heart conditions
- Obesity
Summing it Up
The Chihuahua German Shepherd is a hybrid dog with a personality that can vary greatly. Not only that, these dogs can also vary in size. The point is you really never know what you’re getting with one of these fur babies.
If you’re interested in a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix, it’s best to adopt one from a reputable breeder. It’s imperative to ensure the breeder starts training and socializing the dogs from a young age.
In addition, these canine companions are best for families that don’t have kids or other pets.
We’re pretty sure if you follow these tips, you’ll have a very loyal and loving, protective fur baby for years to come!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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