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Have you ever heard of a Chihuahua Husky mix? If not, and you’re looking for a small, cute dog, then you may want to consider these beautiful little dogs!
We’ve put together all the information you need to know about these adorable dogs. Let’s get started!
What is a Chihuahua Husky Mix?
A Chihuahua Husky mix, also called a Chi-Husky, is a mix of two purebred dog breeds – a Siberian Husky and a Chihuahua. The Chi-Husky is a hybrid dog, which means it’s not a purebred. However, both of the parents are purebred dogs. Is it really possible to breed a Chihuahua and a Husky? Yes, it is!
Of course, it’s not natural for these two dog breeds to mix; however, breeders have chosen to breed the Husky and the Chihuahua together. The breeder may use IVF (in-vitro fertilization) or artificial insemination in many cases. In this case, the Siberian Husky is the mother, and the Chihuahua is the father.
The reason for this is that there’s no way a tiny Chihuahua mother could carry puppies as large as Siberian Husky puppies. It’s impossible and could cause the mother and puppies to die. For this reason, breeders artificially breed the dogs, with the Husky as the mother.
No one is sure who first bred the Chi-Husky. However, it’s thought these designer dogs were first bred in the 1990s. At that time, it was popular for breeders to mix different dog breeds to see what the result might be. While we don’t have much history about the Chi-Husky, we do know quite a bit about both the Chihuahua and Siberian Husky parents!
It’s believed the Siberian Husky dog breed was first developed by the Chukchi people in Siberia. These nomadic people used the dogs for transportation and as family companions. Later, the dogs were taken to Alaska during the gold rush.
Today, Huskies are still working dogs and family companions. These beautiful dogs are highly intelligent, independent, and affectionate.
What about the other purebred parent of the Chi-Husky? The Chihuahua is thought to be an ancient dog breed descended from the Techichi dogs of Central or South America. They were first developed by the Toltecs and later raised by the Aztecs.
These small dogs are known for having large personalities in their small bodies! These little dogs love to have fun and always seem to be on the go. They often go with their pet parents to the store, on the bus, and more. Some pet parents carry these diminutive dogs in small dog carriers or even totes! Chihuahuas are very close to their favorite person and want to be with them at all times!
Chihuahua Husky Mix Appearance
What do Chi-Huskies look like? It all depends on the dog’s inherited genetics. The first thing to understand about hybrid dog breeds is that they’re not a 50/50 mix of their purebred parents. That means the dog may inherit more genes from their Husky parent than the Chihuahua parent, or vice versa. The genes are randomly distributed between each puppy in the litter.
In addition, the puppies from one litter may also vary greatly. Each puppy inherits a unique set of genes from their parents. You might find some puppies strongly resemble their Husky mother or their Chihuahua father. There may also be puppies that resemble both purebred parents. It depends on the genes they’ve received. Each puppy will have unique characteristics, personality, and more.
When it comes to eye color, a Chi-Husky may have blue, brown, or eyes of two different colors! They may also have a dark nose and pointed ears that stand erect. However, remember that a single litter may end up with puppies displaying a wide range of characteristics in their appearance.
The Chi-Husky is usually a medium-sized dog that weighs between 7 to 15 lbs. In addition, they usually stand between 6 to 15 inches tall.
When it comes to their coat, each dog may be slightly different because of their inherited genes. However, Chi-Huskies usually have a short or medium-length, smooth coat. They may also come in a wide range of colors from white, black, gray, chocolate, tan, or fawn. Some may even be bi-colored or tri-colored! Then there are other Chi-Huskies that have distinctive Husky markings. You just never know! But one thing we do know is these dogs are precious no matter how they look!
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Ask a Vet Live NowChihuahua Husky Mix Personality & Temperament
Just as the Chi-Husky’s appearance can vary, so can the dog’s personality and temperament. Chi-Huskies tend to be social, affectionate fur babies. They do make great family companions; however, these are not the best dogs for first-time or inexperienced pet parents. That’s because these dogs may play pretty hard and even snap or bite. The dogs may play so hard they don’t realize what they’re doing!
Chi-Huskies are also best for families that have older kids. Not only are small dogs more fragile and easily injured, but some dogs can also be a little aggressive.
However, most of these adorable dogs are fun to be around. They love nothing more than spending time with you and having a great time! You’ll notice your Chi-Husky is very alert to his surroundings. These dogs are also pretty active! They’re also friendly and outgoing; however, they can be bossy and a bit stubborn.
For these reasons, it’s essential that a Chi-Husky starts training and socialization from a young age. The more socialized and trained they are, the better companions they make.
In addition, Chi-Huskies are highly intelligent dogs! That’s because both the Siberian Husky mother and the Chihuahua father are intelligent. That brings to mind another fact. Because these dogs are so smart, they will try to find a way out of a fenced backyard!
So, it’s essential to have a yard that’s difficult to escape from. You may want to consider buying an escape-proof fence. Stay away from chain-link fences, as these are easy to climb. Another thing to consider is buying a dog-proof fence that’s buried into the ground about three feet. These are more difficult for dogs (even the Chi-Husky) to dig under and escape!
Some Chi-Huskies may be a little challenging to train. That’s because their Siberian Husky mother is highly independent and knows her own mind. However, a Chi-Husky will become a well-mannered dog with the right training.
These dogs respond best to positive reinforcement training methods combined with treats and plenty of praise!
Chihuahua Husky Mix Care
In this section, we’ll take a look at the Chi-Husky’s diet, exercise requirements, and more!
Diet
When it comes to care, the Chi-Husky needs the right nutrition. While these dogs are medium to small, they still need high-quality kibble to keep them healthy and happy. So, make sure to choose a high-quality dog food that’s formulated for active, small-medium dogs.
High-quality dog food has plenty of protein, even for smaller dogs. Meat should be the very first thing on the ingredient list. In addition, it’s important to consider your dog’s size, weight, and age when choosing the right food for him. For instance, a younger dog needs more calories than an older dog. The older dog usually isn’t quite as active as a younger dog.
Another thing to consider is that Chi-Huskies can suffer from hip and joint issues. So, you may want to choose a dog food formula that includes fish oil, chondroitin, and glucosamine. Another option is to buy supplements that are appropriate for your dog’s size and age.
If you have any questions on what food is best for your Chi-Husky, check with the breeder or your vet. They have the knowledge and experience needed to choose the right food for your fur baby.
Chihuahua-Husky Exercise Requirements
Now, you may be wondering how much exercise your Chi-Husky needs. We’ve got the answer for you! These hybrid dogs need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. However, it’s imperative not to over-exercise your small dog. While they may have a lot of energy, they also have short legs and joints that are susceptible to injury.
In addition, some Chi-Huskies are brachycephalic dogs, which means they may have breathing difficulties. Some of these hybrid dogs have a short muzzle, which means their airways are shorter. So, it’s important not to over-exercise these cute dogs.
These dogs also don’t do well in the heat because of their short muzzles. When it’s warm and humid, they have a harder time breathing. So, never allow a Chi-Husky to become too hot. Be sure to exercise the dog in the coolest parts of the day.
Chi-Huskies enjoy all types of activities! They also love going to the dog park, for walks, and playing fetch in the backyard.
Chihuahua-Husky Mix Grooming
When it comes to grooming, Chi-Huskies are not hypoallergenic. We have to say there is no such thing as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Even so, Chi-Huskies are moderate shedders, so that you can expect some dog fur around the house and on your clothes! However, weekly brushing (or more often) can cut down on shedding in the house.
These dogs only need a bath once in a while. If your fur baby becomes stinky and dirty, then it’s time for a bath! Otherwise, bathing them once every few weeks should be OK.
Chihuahua-Husky Health
These designer dogs usually are healthier than their purebred parents. However, they can develop some of the same health issues as their Chihuahua and Siberian Husky parents. Even so, Chi-Huskies have a life expectancy between 12 to 16 years.
- Chi-Huskies can develop the following health issues:
- Dental issues
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA0
- Collapsing trachea
- Hear disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Zinc deficiency
- Hypoglycemia
- Hypertension
- Skin problems
- Hypothyroidism (and/or other endocrine diseases)
- Epilepsy
- Liver shunt
- Luxating patella
One of the best ways to keep your Chi-Husky healthy is to get him to the vet for checkups. Regular checkups help the vet spot health issues when they’re small and easier to treat. The longer a health problem goes on, the harder it is to treat or cure. And it’s always recommended that your fur baby have all his required vaccinations.
If you’re worried that your Chi-Husky could develop a serious health issue, you may want to consider purchasing pet health insurance. There are many pet health insurance policies available today. Some cover routine vet checkups, vaccinations, injuries, and more. With a pet health insurance policy, you’ll have some financial help if your canine companion does develop a serious health issue.
Does the Chi-Husky Make a Good Family Companion?
Whether the Chi-Husky is the right dog for you and your family depends on several factors:
Family: Chi-Huskies are very friendly dogs; however, they don’t do well with small children. They can be snappy and aggressive if not treated correctly.
Aggression: the Chihuahua parent of this hybrid dog can be a little more aggressive and temperamental. It really depends on how much Chihuahua the dog has in him and whether he’s been properly trained and socialized or not. Again, these are not good dogs for households that have young children.
Uniqueness: these dogs are very unique. If you don’t mind having a dog that’s not a purebred and has some unique features, then the Chi-Husky may be the right dog for you!
How Much Does a Chi-Husky Cost?
If you adopt your Chi-Husky from a breeder, you can expect to pay between $1000 to $2000. However, adopting from a shelter or rescue may run between $100 to $300.
Also, dogs adopted in urban areas tend to cost more, while dogs adopted in smaller towns and rural areas usually cost less.
Summing It Up
Chi-Huskies are a unique, adorable hybrid dog breed that’s a cross between a Siberian Husky mother and a Chihuahua father. These dogs are usually medium to small dogs and are lively, with large personalities. They’re also very smart!
This may be the right dog for you if you’d love to have a unique, beautiful hybrid dog. Remember, these are not the best dogs for inexperienced pet parents or families with young children. Otherwise, Chi-Huskies can make adorable, fun family companions!
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
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