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Are you a dog lover? Have you been thinking about adopting a Great Dane Chihuahua mixed breed dog? Would you like more information about the Great Dane Chihuahua mix? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Great Dane Chihuahua mix and provide plenty of information about this dog breed! Let’s get started!
What is a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix?
A Great Dane Chihuahua mix is a hybrid dog, which is a crossbreed between two parent breeds; a Great Dane and a Chihuahua. How on earth can this be possible? Great Danes are huge, while Chihuahuas are very small! These are considered designer dogs.
The Chihuahua and Great Dane mix, or Chi Dane Dane, usually resembles a Corgi mix, with some features of a Great Dane. However, the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is usually taller than a Corgi mix. The Chihuahua part of the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is short and stout. It has a long, thin body with a tiny head and stubby legs.
To learn more about this designer breed, we’ll take a look at both the parents.
Great Danes – the Gentle Giant
Great Danes are enormous dogs who are patient and friendly. They’re often called the “gentle giants” of the canine world. These dogs have been around since the 1600s when they were bred by Germans to protect royalty. Great Danes have also been bred to hunt deer, bears, and even boars.
Great Danes usually reach a height of 28-34 inches and weigh between 100 to 175 lbs.
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Ask a Vet Live NowChihuahuas – Tiny Dogs
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs, which are the complete opposite of Great Danes when it comes to size! These small dogs can be wonderful little companions who like to snuggle. They also make great watchdogs. However, they are known for believing they are larger than they really are. It’s sometimes called Small Dog Syndrome.
These little dogs have ears that stand up, large eyes, and the dogs stand about 6-10 inches and weigh between 3.5 to 7.5 lbs.
Mating of Chi Dane Dane (a Great Dane & a Chihuahua)
When you consider the huge size difference, you’ll understand why the Great Dane and the Chihuahua are not able to mate naturally. It’s just not possible. What’s more, if it’s a female chihuahua, she would be too small to carry the larger puppies of a male Great Dane, unlike a female Great Dane and a male Chihuahua. This can lead to the death of both the Chihuahua mother and her litter of puppies.
So, natural mating is not possible, which leaves artificial insemination and genetic mutations. The mother must be a Great Dane because she’s large enough to carry the puppies to term. However, there are additional problems that can result even with a Great Dane Mother.
For instance, the puppies’ mouths may be too small for the Great Dane mother’s teats. In that case, the dog breeder will have to hand feed the puppies. This is a lot of work and must be done regularly and properly in order for the puppies to be healthy.
Crossing the Great Dane with the Chihuahua is an expensive process that takes a lot of work on the part of the breeder.
What’s more, there’s no assurance on how the puppies will turn out. It’s possible the puppies could have specific health problems from having parents that are so different in size.
What Does a Chihuahua Great Dane Mix Looks Like?
Healthy puppies can turn out to be very pretty hybrid adults. Great Dane Chihuahuas usually have a head that resembles a Greyhound, with bodies that are longer. They usually have short legs, too.
The dogs’ coat color will depend on their parents.
How Big is a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix?
Because these are hybrid dogs, it’s generally not possible to predict the size of the resulting dogs. However, you can say that the adult dogs will be twice the size of a Chihuahua but smaller than a Great Dane.
Temperament of a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix
You’ll have a loyal dog who is very friendly and affectionate. Your Great Dane Chihuahua mix will also enjoy cuddling with you on the couch!
On the flip side, these doggies can be somewhat aggressive. Some pet parents have described Great Dane Chihuahuas as being ferocious and fearless when needed. This means they can make a great watchdog.
Great Dane Chihuahuas usually have Small Dog Syndrome, just like their Chihuahua parent. They have a tendency to protect their pet parents and family. They’ll do what’s needed to keep you safe.
These dogs are also said to be pretty strong, which can make them more difficult to handle. So, it’s necessary to ensure a Great Dane Chihuahua has been properly trained and socialized from a young age. You may want to consider obedience training if you become the pet parent of a Great Dane Chihuahua.
Caring for a Great Dane Chihuahua
Most pet parents of a Great Dane Chihuahua mix agree these dogs are easy to care for. They’re considered a low-maintenance dog. They do shed and require a minimal amount of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy.
So, all your fur baby will need is a walk around the block or to spend some time playing with you at the dog park!
Because these dogs tend to easily become obese, it’s best not to overfeed them. You want to make sure your canine companion has a balanced diet, with enough exercise to keep the weight off.
Are Great Dane Chihuahuas Healthy?
The chi-dane dogs are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. They can also suffer from some of the same health issues as their parents. The lifespan of a Great Dane Chihuahua mix is also difficult to determine. Great Danes usually live about 7-10 years, while a Chihuahua’s life expectancy is between 18-20 years.
This kind of mixed dog may also suffer from canine bloat, which is common in Great Danes. This can be a life-threatening health issue that must be treated right away by a vet.
A Great Dane Chihuahua mix could also suffer from a condition called tracheal collapse, which can be inherited from the Chihuahua parent. This is a fatal heart condition that causes obstruction of the airways.
Other health issues can include osteosarcoma, which is a type of bone cancer.
Does a Great Dane Chihuahua Shed?
These dogs do shed, though not as much as the Great Dane parent. However, your Great Dane Chihuahua will need to be brushed at least once a week. This helps to control shedding and keep the dog’s coat shiny, healthy, and clean.
So, there you have it. While it’s possible to breed a Great Dane and a Chihuahua, this really isn’t recommended. There are too many unknowns, along with plenty of genetic issues that can cause serious health conditions.
These are two beautiful dogs breeds who really are better off not being mated together, but to be kept as purebreds.
Other Mixed Breed Dogs
There are many other mixed breed dogs that are popular. They are a bit more challenging to produce because of the size difference. However, they can be successful. In fact, many of these breeds are popular and very common.
Let’s take a look at some mix breeds.
Pitbull Terrier Mix
These dogs are extremely popular. They’re usually a mix of two other popular breeds: the Old English Bull and an Old English Terrier. It’s said that these dogs were originally bred to fight other dogs. In fact, their bite is so powerful that it can easily rip off a human’s skin!
Pitbull Terriers are one of the most common dog breeds in the United States. They’re very energetic and like to play, so they can be a handful at times. However, they make great watchdogs and are excellent with children. If you have an active lifestyle, then this breed is probably the best dog for you!
The United Kennel Club recognizes three types of Pitbull Terriers: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
The Chihuahua and Great Dane mix, or Chi Dane Dane, usually resembles a Corgi mix, with some features of a Great Dane. However, the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is usually taller than a Corgi mix. The Chihuahua part of the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is short and stout. It has a long, thin body with a tiny head and stubby legs.
Dachshund Mix
This is a small dog that looks like a large sausage. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. They have short legs and long bodies, and their fur is long and wiry. Dachshunds are known for their courage, so they make great guard dogs. However, they’re also known for their mischievousness, so it’s important to socialize them from an early age.
You can also see Dachshund mixes in show rings and obedience competitions. Some people also use these dogs as watchdogs or guard dogs. In fact, some states even have laws that ban these dogs from being adopted as pets!
Beagle Chihuahua Mix
Beagles are small dogs that have floppy ears and long, wrinkly tails. They’re also known for their excellent sense of smell. However, Beagles are known for their affection and loyalty. They’re also very energetic, so they make great pets for active families.
Beagles were originally bred to hunt rats. They’re also used for hunting rabbits and other small animals. However, they make great companions for families that live in small spaces, as they don’t take up much room!
When a beagle and a Chihuahua mix are crossed, the result is a small dog that looks like a Beagle. This dog is usually black and white in color. It has a short muzzle and stubby legs.
Bulldog and Pitbull Mix
The Bulldog and Pitbull mix looks like a miniature Bulldog and a miniature Pitbull. These dogs have strong jaws, which they use to hold onto prey. They’re usually black or brown in color, and their tails are typically docked. They are considered as big dogs. However, their height is less than the average Pitbull.
German Shepherd and Poodle Mix
German Shepherd and Poodle mix is a medium-sized dog. These dogs are incredibly smart and can learn commands very quickly. However, they are also stubborn and have a tendency to bark excessively. The German Shepherd and Poodle mix has a medium coat that’s usually black or brown. They also have floppy ears and large paws.
German Shepherds were originally bred to hunt wolves, but they’re now used as police dogs and for military purposes. The German Shepherd and Poodle mix is a very smart dog, so it can be trained to work in law enforcement or military service. These dogs are also very protective of their owners, so they make great guard dogs!
Shih Tzu Mix
This is also one of the most popular mixed breed dogs. They’re also known as Chinese miniature poodles. Shih Tzus were originally bred in China as hunting dogs for royalty! They’re considered lapdogs because of their small size and friendly nature. This breed is often mistaken for a Maltese or a toy poodle.
Shih Tzus can get very large and their fur is long, silky, and smooth. They have a long, curled tail and are usually white or cream colored. They have round eyes and a short muzzle. Shih Tzus can get quite vocal, so they make great watchdogs!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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