Getting or finding a new dog is always fun. However, finding one that will act both as a guard and lap dog like the German shepherd Chihuahua mix can be tough and challenging. This breed mix has it all that you would require from an ideal dog – more to this later.
From its name, this breed results from breeding a male Chihuahua and a female German shepherd dog.
How do they even mate? How does this mix resemble? I know such questions are ringing in your mind.
Well, you are in the right section, as by the end of this article, you will understand more about this breed inside out.
Can A German shepherd mate with a Chihuahua?
Will size matter? Quite a debate. Well, a German shepherd can mate with a Chihuahua. However, the only viable option is for a female German shepherd to mate with a male Chihuahua through artificial insemination.
Doing it the other way round can pose a health risk to the female Chihuahua. The reason being, the female Chihuahua may find it hard to carry and deliver the litter of puppies.
NB: both the male and female should be intact.
When on heat, size doesn’t bar dogs from quenching their urge of mating or breeding. Thus keep a close eye when two intact breeds of different sizes interact.
Quick overview: German shepherd vs ChiHuaHua
| Chihuahua | German shepherd | |
| Origin | Mexico | Germany |
| Breed group | Toy/companion | working |
| Size | 6-9 inches | 22-26 inches |
| Weight | Weight should be less than 5.9 pounds | 55-90 pounds |
| Type of coat | Smooth /long | Double coat |
| Coat color | All colors are permissible | Black and tan, black and red |
| Temperament | Alert
bold loyal |
Loyal and intelligent, unfriendly to strangers |
| Training | Easy to train, perfect for the first time pet owners | Easy to train |
| Exercise requirements | Low | High |
| Level of shedding | low | High |
| Level of barking | Frequent | Infrequent |
| Health | Prone to Moleras | Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia |
| Life span | 10-18 years | 9-13 years |
German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
As earlier discussed, this breed results from mating a German shepherd and a Chihuahua. Furthermore, this dog is medium in size, loyal, and protective of its owners.
How does this dog resemble?
Here is a highlight of how the parents of this breed mix present. These highlights will help you gauge how this breed mix will resemble.
The German shepherd
- The German shepherd is a large dog with its roots tracing back to Germany.
- It can have lengths ranging from 22 inches to 26 inches. Consequently, its weight ranges from 55 to 90 pounds. Often male dogs are bigger than females.
- It is a devoted, loyal, and intelligent animal. You will often find these dogs earning their ‘salary’ as service dogs or in the police and military unit. Even in Hollywood movies.
- It’s a dog that loves its family members. While at that, it’s always aloof of strangers.
- The German shepherd is not your typical couch potato dog. It thrives in lots of physical and mental exercises.
- Dormant individuals who live in a confined space don’t do well with this dog.
- Like every other dog, this dog is susceptible to some health conditions. The most common is hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Additionally, this dog breed can become obese if left to overfeed or eat the wrong kind of food.
- GSD life span ranges from 9 to 13 years. Its lifespan will depend on the care given.
Chihuahua
- This dog has its origin in a Mexican town called Chihuahua. Consequently, it’s here that this dog derives its name.
- The Chihuahua is the smallest and oldest dog breed in the world of dogs.
- Besides its small size, it has a big dog’s personality. It’s fearless, and often you will find it challenging bigger dogs.
- According to this breed standards, it should not weigh over 5.9 lbs. Most kennels clubs state that this breed should have a length ranging from 6 to 9 inches.
- This dog can either have a smooth coat or a long coat. Smooth coats have smooth hairs on their coat, whereas long coats have long wooly hairs.
- Additionally, it’s one of the dogs that come in various coat colors.
- Chihuahuas that have not been socialized love the companionship of other Chihuahuas or Chihuahua mixes. They dislike the company of other breeds of dogs. Thus, enroll your Chihuahua in a puppy class early to remove this clannish behavior.
- Additionally, they are always alert, bold, and confident.
- Chihuahuas often shiver when excited or stressed.
- The Chihuahua is not prone to many health conditions. Common diseases include hypoglycemia, heart murmurs, and patellar luxation.
The above are highlights of each breed mix. Now let’s dive in and check how this German shepherd Chihuahua mix presents.
Remarkable fact: ‘Heaven sent Brandy’ is a female Chihuahua. She is the smallest dog in the world, according to the Guinness book of records. She weighs less than 2 pounds.
The appearance of the German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
This dog is bigger than the Chihuahua and smaller than the German shepherd. Weight can lay in between 6 pounds and 60 pounds.
It has a short double coat that requires constant maintenance. Popular color coats are black and brown.
Furthermore, this breed mix adopts an ‘apple head skull’ of the Chihuahua coupled with big bulging eyes with erect ears.
The dog appears lively and excited all time.
Highlight: The dog size is between a German shepherd and a Chihuahua, i.e., 6 inches-25 inches.
Temperaments of the German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Temperaments of this breed mix can be picked from either parent. Additionally, a dog’s temperaments will depend on how it is socialized. And remember, a good dog can turn out to be a wild- unruly dog if not handled correctly.
German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a loyal and intelligent breed of dog. It’s a dog that can become fond of one person if not well socialized and trained. To an extent, it can become overprotective to one individual.
Such a trait can be eliminated by enrolling this breed mix into a puppy nursery to learn basic socialization skills.
Lack of socialization can make this dog aggressive and nervous.
This breed is also a perfect guard dog since it’s always alert and aloof of strangers.
Also, if left alone for long, this dog can develop separation anxiety disorder.
Nevertheless, with socialization and proper handling of this dog can be an excellent companion.
Highlight: This dog can portray a wide range of temperaments. Weed out any bad personalities from this dog the moment you notice them.
German shepherd Chihuahua Mix: Exercise and Training
Regardless of its size, this dog requires lots of exercise sessions. Exercise sessions that will prove to be important include walking, hiking, playing fetch, and swimming.
It’s a dog with high energy levels. In as much that this dog loves exercising, watch out. Don’t let it to overexert itself. If not well monitored, this dog can play its lungs out.
Exercise helps to clear out its pent up energy. Let this dog exercise, at least it will transform into a destructive fellow.
Thirty minutes of exercise divided into two sessions daily will prove to be adequate for this canine.
Enroll your German shepherd Chihuahua mix in a puppy nursery. It will prove to be vital as the dog translates from puppyhood to adulthood.
Training and socialization will help stamp out stubborn behaviors that this breed can develop.
Potty train your German shepherd Chihuahua mix. Often small breed mixes come with small bladders that they find it hard to hold for long.
Depending on how you do it, potty training can be a positive or awful experience for both you and your dog.
Also Read: How to train a German Shepherd (the ultimate guide)
Guide on How to Potty Train Your German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
First, accept that it’s your responsibility. Second, adept patience.
Then –
Have a fixed schedule and routine for your puppy. The puppy shepherd Chihuahua mix should have specific mealtimes and specific time to relieve itself.
Consistency is the key: Take it out every morning after waking up, after eating, and lastly, after exercise sessions.
Remember to use positive reinforcements when potty training your puppy. Additionally, use high rewards that the puppy loves.
Rewards help create a positive experience for the puppy.
Note: Don’t make a fuss when your puppy does its business inside the house. Instead, show them with love a place outside where they can leave their small accidents.
To learn more about potty training, check this article.
Key point: this breed mix is receptive to training. Start the training sessions when the dog is 8 weeks old.
Grooming a German shepherd Chihuahua Mix.
This hybrid dog doesn’t have vast grooming needs. German shepherd Chihuahua mixes are like cats in that they love grooming themselves.
However, that doesn’t mean that you are cleared of the responsibility of grooming this shepherd-Chihuahua mix.
Does this dog shed a lot? I know such a question is ringing inside your mind. Well, this dog sheds less throughout the year.
Make its coat clean by brushing it twice a week. Be gentle by using a fine bristled brush.
Grooming sessions such as brushing should start when the dog is still a puppy. Remember to make it a positive experience for the dog.
If you see the need, bath this breed mix twice a year with a veterinary-approved shampoo.
Keep those teeth clean by brushing them twice a week. No one wants to get those kisses and hugs from a dog producing a foul smell from its mouth. Concur with me?
Keep the nails short by trimming them twice a month.
Additionally, check your dog’s ears as you do your grooming sessions. The ears should smell nice, and there should be a little wax.
If you notice anything out of order, call your vet. Don’t take matters into your hand.
Highlight: Grooming this dog is your responsibility.
Important read: German Shepherd grooming tools and techniques.
Diet
High-quality dog food will bring out a dog that is healthy and well built.
However, like every other dog, this German shepherd Chihuahua mix’s diet and ratio will depend on its energy levels and size.
A couch potato kind of dog will eat less than compared to a hyper dog.
Be keen!! Don’t feed this dog with table scrapings.
Let your dog eat a balanced diet full of proteins, fiber, and multivitamins. Furthermore, avoid feeding your dog with home-cooked food unless under close supervision from a qualified animal nutritionist.
Also, let the dog eat in two divided sessions.
An ideal German shepherd Chihuahua mix should take 3/4 cup of food in the morning and the same quantity in the evening.
Also, this dog can become obese if it’s overfed.
Highlight: Healthy food brings out a healthy dog.
Plus: Fruits German Shepherds can and cannot eat.
The health of the German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Health is one of the factors that you should consider before you adopt a puppy. The good thing is that this hybrid dog rarely suffers from hereditary conditions.
When getting a puppy, look for a genuine breeder who will give you an outline of health conditions that this dog is prone to.
Honest breeders will perform health tests on the parents before breeding them.
A German shepherd should have a hip and elbow evaluation test certificate, whereas the Chihuahua should have a clearance certificate from the orthopedic foundation of animals.
Key: the orthopedic foundation of animals evaluates patellar luxation and heart diseases in Chihuahuas
These evaluation tests ensure the dog is healthy and free from hereditary diseases that can be carried over to the next generation.
Common Health Conditions in the German shepherd Chihuahua Mix.
These are some of the health conditions you should keep a keen eye on.
- Patellar luxation: A condition common in small dog breeds like the Chihuahua. The patellar bones don’t line up well, thus causing the animal to have an abnormal gait.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: common in the shepherd dog: painful joint problem whereby the joint and socket grind on each other. Not a serious medical condition.
- Hypoglycemia: often, the dog develops low blood sugars. Your puppy may start developing a blue tongue, develop restlessness, and appear weak.
- Obesity; can be a self-inflicted condition in the case when you overfeed this dog. Also, this condition can appear as a symptom of an underlying health condition.
- Molera: a condition often picked from the Chihuahua parent. What is Molera? This condition occurs in Chihuahuas, whereby they are born with a soft spot on their head. They appear to have an incomplete skull.
Other conditions you be aware of: congenital heart disease, dwarfism, hydrocephalus, and a collapsed trachea.
Highlight: The German shepherd Chihuahua mix suffers from minimal health conditions. However, keep a keen eye on the highlighted health conditions.
Life Span of the German shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Like every other dog, the lifespan of this breed will depend on how you nurture it. Ensure that your dog gets adequate exercise, diet, and frequent vet checkups.
In the absence of any life limiting condition, this dog can have a lifespan ranging from 9 to 18 years.
Keynote: Life span ranges from 9 to 18 years.
Where Can I Get a German shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
Here are some places to look for this breed; however, it will be a matter of luck.
A Genuine Breeder
You can visit a genuine breeder who breeds this breed mix. However, as earlier said, it might be hard to get one. Most breeders dislike mating extra small breeds of dogs with large dogs due to a variety of reasons.
Animal Shelter
Like every other dog breed, you can find a German shepherd Chihuahua mix in an animal shelter.
Shelter dogs are bought in here either because-;
- The owner was relocating.
- The dog was rescued from a hostile family.
- The previous owner couldn’t handle the vast needs of this dog.
Tip: It’s not a dog’s fault for it to be in a shelter house
A point to note is that a shelter dog may take time before it fully adapts to your house. On average, it takes a dog three months to adapt.
Another thing is that the shelter may charge you a small adoption fee.
Consequently, don’t visit puppy mills as the breeding standards here are questionable. While at that, avoid puppy stores as most of them source their German Shepherd Chihuahua puppies from these mills.
Highlight: Adopt, don’t shop.
However, if you can’t get this breed mix, here are some other options to consider.
- German shepherd malamute mix (German shepherd + Alaskan malamute)
- Pit shepherd (Pitbull+ German shepherd
- Chion (Chihuahua +Papillion)
- Chimeranian (Chihuahua + Pomeranian)
- Chipaniel (Chihuahua+ Cocker spaniel)
Why Should I Choose a German shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
- It is a unique, healthy breed mix (however it is not immune to diseases) – You want a furball that you will spend most of your time inside the house, not in the animal clinic now and then.
- They are alert and conscious of their surroundings – thus, a perfect watchdog.
- Can be a perfect fit for a single person as it doesn’t have vast maintenance needs
- It’s a breed mix that is receptive to training.
However, this breed mix is not for these kinds of people-
- People who hate exercising or running with dogs
- Individuals with a confined space in the yard.
- Individuals who dislike attention-seeking dog.
Is a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix a Perfect Family Pet?
Yes, this dog is ideal for any family setup as it is loving, intelligent, attentive. The list is endless of how good this breed mix can be.
However, this breed mix does not do well in a family with children under ten years. However, with proper training and socialization, this breed mix can be taught how to co-exist with children.
Additionally, if not well socialized, this dog breed can become obsessive and overprotective to one family member.
Take away point: Train children on how to live with this dog.
Conclusion
A German Shepherd and Chihuahua mix is a medium-sized dog breed with a big dog’s attitude. This dog comes with a variety of personalities. Some of these personalities can be streamlined by enrolling your dog in a puppy nursery where it will learn various socialization skills.
Additionally, this dog lives up to be a devoted, loyal, intelligent family pet.
Hoping you’ve now understood about this breed mix of dog. Nothing should bar you from getting the German shepherd Chihuahua mix.
Have any questions or new ideas about this breed? Feel free to drop them in the comment box.
