Chihuahua Cross Dachshund

[greyhenandhorse]

Hi, does this mix sound not the best? We were originally quite keen on a terrier type dog, active and playful but on the smaller side. We have been suggested a chihuahua cross dachshund mix. She's really cute and DD loves her (DD is 12 so not young).

Our home is on the smaller side with a very tiny garden so I think that's why they have maybe done that match? But we are an active family. DH keen to have the companion when going on a run, DD wanting to walk her to school and extra walks outside of school. I'm keen to have it as a cuddle buddy. At the weekend we usually do outdoor activities such as walks in forests and parks (I am into photography and DD has also got into it so this is why it tends to suit us). Little worried that lifestyle doesn't necessarily suit the breeds?

We only ever holiday in the UK, Cornwall, Peak District, Scotland, etc. where we are obviously also really active.

We originally said a bigger dog and they said it sure because of the home space and so we said terrier and they said that they agree but then presented us her... she is sweet but really don't want to commit just yet when I'm a bit worried about the breeds

Who is "they"?

Where has it come from?
I suggest you research the negative aspects of both breeds and think how you would cope with a dog with all of them - unlikely but possible.

Where is the dog coming from?

I would avoid. One reason is because this is not a combination of breeds that a good breeder would put together.
I agree with the other comment regarding the possibility of the worst of both breeds. This is the reason why a good breeder would not choose this combination.

I'm presuming this is a rescue centre?

I wouldn't want a mix of either of those dogs to be honest. It certainly doesn't sound like it would fit your lifestyle very well.

Oh sorry, they as in a local dog rescue

Ah, OK, thanks for clarifying. Apart from what has already been said about the specific combination of breeds, neither of those breeds are ideal for active, outdoorsy people.

Sounds like you really want something like a Norfolk, border or cairn terrier happy with a small garden and equally happy to walk 10 to 15mins.

Definitely a poor combination of breeds there. I’ve come across a couple and they look cute but they combine the determination to make poor choices of the dachshund with the liveliness of the chihuahua. Would need an immense amount of training.

Yes was going to suggest a border. They are fab little dogs.

A strange choice of cross breeding, unless it was an accident. Reading of what you like to do in your spare time and on holiday, I wouldn't choose this puppy.

It sounds like it has the potential to be an absolute clusterfuck of health issues.
Echo the above, from what you’ve said, I’d get a border terrier

Doubt it’s an accident. They started as daxihuas but are now called Chiweenies
More about the name than anything else I expect.

I have a similar cross; it's going to be yappy, opinionated and a bit snappy. Which is fine if you don't mind having a dog with opinions, but harder if you want a dog that will fit into everything easily.

Dachshunds will go the distance and have a decent level of stamina, but you do have to mind their spines (IVDD risks, which are reduced but not eliminated in crosses). Chihuahuas seem quite variable in their activity levels.

If you wanted a terrier then I'd be looking more down the jack russell route if you want something terrierish, border terrier if you want something a bit less terrierish, or a patterdale if you're very brave and want something mental and extra terrierish.

What type of Dachshund? Wire haired are very terrier. They’ll walk all day. Smooth - no. I walked my neighbours wire haired ex show dog during lockdown and we walked miles. She coped with everything my old terrier cross did.

Chihuahuas are variable. I know a few who would be fine. I know a few who wouldn’t .

The benefits of a small dog are you can carry them if they get tired 🙂

We wanted an adventure buddy. Long walks, agility and camping. Trainable but tough and feisty. Ok with our cat when they’re grown up a bit. Independent but affectionate and able to settle in the house. After over two years trying to rescue again we bought a border terrier pup. So far she’s all of those (aside from the cat who she wants to kiss to death but she’s young yet and he doesn’t care 😉)

Rescue would always be our first choice but it is more difficult if you’ve got deal breakers - cats, kids, lifestyle.

It doesn’t sound like a good match for what you want. I have a chihuahua and whilst she’s happy to go on long walks and be outside all day she prefers just pottering around going at her own pace.

My dog is a suspected Daxi x Chi. Not done the dna test malarkey but it’s what she looks like.

I don’t think the rescue is far off from what you’ve described you want tbh.

Her diminutive size would suit smaller garden well. Small dog = small wees and poos and there are issues with a large dog fouling a small garden.

Mine is a cuddle bunny through and through so that would tick the box for your requirement.

She’s also seriously cute (I might be bias) and is a real social butterfly - loves going out for walks to meet people and being told what a dear little dog she is so that meets your DD12 requests.

I do wonder if the rescue has kind of discounted your DH’s wish list for a running partner as they may doubt his commitment to the cause? I’m sorry if this is offensive but you would know how committed he is to that plan. That said, I recall seeing a trail runner who ran with his tiny chi and she loved it.

My girl, as a younger dog (she’s 16 now) she could happily walk for about 5kms in fair weather but she’s slowed down now.

Again, that said, chi’s often have knee problems and daxis often have IVDD issues but touch wood, mine has had neither.

She can be snappy with little kids - they are just too rough and not respectful of her boundaries but with her cute factor she’s a kid magnet so I have to be super vigilant to keep her safe.

Depends on the dog though. If the dog is older their personality would be apparent and you’ll see how it you get along.

Can you ask if you can do a foster-to-adopt? (The downside is your DD may become attached and not want to give the dog up if it doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle or energy levels)