Chiweenie Health Info

Wolfi · 01-27-2008, 03:51 PM

'ello. :3

So, yeah. I just got a Chiweenie pup as a Christmas gift; while I do have a good deal of my own dog experience (several summers volunteering at a local animal shelter, plus a short stint working at another), I have never before encountered the Chiweenie "breed," nor do I know altogether too much about either Dachshunds or Chihuahuas.

So far, no major health problems have emerged - fleas and worms, which are being handled - however, I don't like not having more of an idea of what to be looking for. The internet is very unhelpful with the hybrid itself; I did look up seperate info for Dachshunds and Chihuahuas, but I would feel alot better if someone more experienced with the breed could provide me with some info. ^_^ So far, the only thing I really know for sure is to be careful of his longer spine, since he did get that Dachshund trait.

Thanks in advance!

briteday · 01-27-2008, 04:21 PM

Here at DF most of us do not consider the "hybrids" a breed. This is still a controversial topic in many of the registries as well since these dogs generally do not breed true. And most hybrid breeders are using a dog of each breed to achieve the hybrid. The biggeest complaint that most DF members have about hybrids is that the breeders are charging incredible prices for something that most of us can find as an "oops mutt" at shelters for much less. And the breeders of hybrids have no interest in "the betterment of the breed" for either breed.

So, given that "chiweenies" don't usually breed true to one type you need to research both breeds included in the mix and expect any/all/some/none characteristics from both breeds:

www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com

www.dachshund-dca.org

Shalva · 01-27-2008, 04:35 PM

the reason you can't find the breed is because you have a mixed breed dog.... there is no such breed as a chiweenie...... your best bet is going to look up the health problems that exist in a chihuahua and those that exist in a dachshund.....

artisticvoid102 · 01-27-2008, 05:25 PM

We have two, soon to be three, daschaunds (I'll warn you, they're like potato chips) and my MIL has.... 5 chiuauah's. The biggest thing I'm careful about with the daschaunds is their back, as you metioned. Be careful when allowing it to jump off places, even the couch and bed. Since it had the long body be careful to, when youre holding it to hold it at a horizontal position, or as close as possible. Since their ears droop its never a bad idea to check them regularly either.
I havn't heard or seen anything in my MIL's chiuauahs that don't seem like normal aging traits in dogs. The oldest, whos around 15 is partly blind and has typical signs that he's reaching the ends of his rope. Perhaps someone who has had more experience with them could have some better advice.

Dog5 · 01-27-2008, 08:16 PM

I have four chihuahuas...they are wonderful, intelligent little guys! My suggestion is to go online and research various chihuahua clubs like the chihuahua club of america, they usually have breed related health information.
Thank God mine haven't had too many problems...two of them have demonstrated allergic reactions to vaccines which is not uncommon in chihuahuas, so one piece of advice I always love to pass on is DON'T have them vaccinated every year. Have your dog vaccinated his first year, then at his next year's annual exam, have his titers done - this is a blood test that will tell you if your dog is still immune to everything he was vaccinated for before. Sometimes in their second year they may need more vaccines, but I have found by their third year they are immune and stay that way. My oldest chihuahua is almost 12 years old and has not needed vaccines since he was 3 years old. He hasn't had seizures in about that long, either, and I'm convinced this is related. Piling on vaccine on top of vaccine when they are still immune is, IMO, like pumping poison into their little bodies and taking an unnecessary health risk. Ask your vet about doing titers - they are a little more expensive but to me totally worth it for the health of my little ones.
God bless you & your new baby!

lovemygreys · 01-27-2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shalva

the reason you can't find the breed is because you have a mixed breed dog.... there is no such breed as a chiweenie...... your best bet is going to look up the health problems that exist in a chihuahua and those that exist in a dachshund.....

yep. what she said.

AmandaT · 01-27-2008, 11:35 PM

I agree with what everyone has said about "chiweenies". As for health. Pleae check out my YahooGroup:
***re-directs not allowed***
Good luck!

Wolfi · 01-27-2008, 11:59 PM

I am quite aware that they aren't an actual breed; were you to read my post, you'd see that. D:

Sorry, but it's a tad frustrating to have all of you harp on one, honestly, totally unimportant point.

However, thank you for your help. I'll try to see if a vet in the area knows a little more, since Chihuahuas are native to the area. Thanks, anyway. ^_^

RonE · 01-28-2008, 06:40 AM

Perhaps we were confused by this:

Quote:

I would feel alot better if someone more experienced with the breed could provide me with some info

The one, "totally unimportant point" is that, as a mixed breed, your dog may have the problems of a dachshund, a chi, or both. So you need to research them separately. This is not a condemnation of mixed-breed dogs, but if you were looking for predictability, a mix is not the route to go.

(Personally, I enjoy the adventure.)