Last Updated on January 30, 2022 by Marco
Do Chiweenies shed? Both Chihuahuas and Dachshunds have lovely short coats, so finding out if their mix has a shedding problem is interesting.
Mixed breeds are fun additions to the family. There are already a lot of mixes in the market, but the Chiweenies stand out enough to have a special nickname and a lot of fans. Surely, there are a lot of advantages to this mix!
Are you thinking of getting a Chiweenie but not sure about their shedding and maintenance? Read on to find out more about this special mix!
What Is A Chiweenie?
A Chiweenie is a mix between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund. This cross between two adorable breeds brings a designer mix that is popular all over the world.
According to the American Kennel Club, both Dachshunds and Chihuahuas are very popular in America. In fact, in AKC’s 2020 survey, Dachshunds ranked 10th and Chihuahuas ranked 34th. There is sure to be a demand for this special crossbreed.
Chiweenies borrow some of the most iconic features of their parentage – the Dachshund’s elongated body and the Chihuahua’s adorable apple head. This small dog has the chance to inherit snobby or overly friendly behavior, but they will be 100% loyal dogs no matter what.
What Is The Coat Of A Chiweenie Like?
Being a mix of two adorable and low-maintenance dogs, we can expect that the coat of a Chiweenie won’t be such a huge hassle.
The AKC scores the shedding level of both the Chihuahua and the Dachshund to be 2 of 5 points, meaning that there is very minimal shedding involved. However, in terms of coat grooming, you can spend less time on the Chihuahua and make brushing a monthly affair with 1 of 5 points. Dachshunds, on the other hand, score 2 of 5 points in the coat grooming category, needing just a tiny bit more maintenance than its counterpart.
There’s also the matter of the coats of the parents. Both the Chihuahua and the Dachshund come in long-haired and short-haired breeds.
Learn more about: How Big Does A Chiweenie Get?
Do Chiweenies Shed?
Because the two parent breeds shed minimally, you can expect that the Chiweenie’s coat will behave in the same way.
Depending on whether the mix involved a long-haired or a short-haired Chihuahua or Dachshund, it could also make a difference with how noticeable or abundant this shedding will be.
A Chiweenie shedding a lot is probably not going to be your typical experience.
Are Chiweenies Hypoallergenic?
There’s a lot of misunderstanding with what is meant by a hypoallergenic dog. This is because the bottom line is that there is no such thing as a completely allergen-free dog. They are animals and living beings, after all – not pillowcases or bedsheets.
The closest definition of a hypoallergenic dog is one that does not shed or shed insignificantly. The typical cause of allergies from pets is the fur or the dander that they leave around the whole house. So, there are not many dogs that can fit neatly into this category, save for the dogs that really don’t shed or don’t have the fur to shed in the first place!
If we follow this definition, then no, the Chiweenie is not a hypoallergenic dog. This is because they still shed, even if they do leave minimal fallout. It is still possible for someone in the household to have a negative reaction to the Chiweenie’s fur.
How Do You Groom A Chiweenie?
What is the ideal way to groom your Chiweenie?
Whether you have a long-haired or a short-haired Chiweenie, here are some relevant tips that will help keep their coat in tip-top shape.
Brush Your Chiweenie’s Coat Regularly
Brushing is a great way to minimize shedding all over the household and helps minimize knotting and matting. You may need a little force to get rid of the knots and mats, but stopping these tangles as they form is a great way to prevent worse outcomes in the future.
Use a pun or a bristle brush so that your dog can have a comfortable or even an enjoyable experience as you brush along their coat. Remember to use a light hand to ensure that it’s not hurting your dog and their skin.
Keep Your Eyes Out For Your Dog’s Skin
It’s easy to forget that your dog has sensitive skin under all that fur. While brushing, have a peek at the skin under and assess its conditions. You might see scratches from your dog’s own nails or some unfortunate accidents at home or areas that you frequent with your dog.
Another reason it’s good to check the skin has been plagued with ticks and mites, and if there are some lice hiding out in the fur. Even if you’re careful about where you bring your dog or equipping them with the right collars and medication, a stray parasite is still a possibility. Getting a firsthand look at the situation before things get worse is good for preventing a whole mess in their fur, and even their overall health.
Trim Nails Regularly
The rule of thumb for cutting a dog’s nails is that it should not touch the floor when they are walking. The nails should be trim enough not to graze the ground. According to PetMD, this activity should be done every three to four weeks at a time, but as long as they are able to walk without adding pressure on their nails, everything should be good.
From the information gathered from your investigation of the dog’s skin, you can see if they have a nasty scratching habit. From there, you can assess what the problem is, like lice or ticks, to help them get rid of a nuisance as soon as possible.
Conclusion
A Chiweenie is likely to be a low-maintenance dog. While it will still shed, there will be minimal fallout. Their short coats are proving to be easy to brush and wash, though the long-haired versions of these animals are not likely to cause an allergy crisis in everyday life.
Do you have a Chiweenie? How have you maintained and groomed your pet? Let us know about your Chiweenie’s name and your tips down in the comments below!
Read more about: Do Long-Haired Chihuahuas Shed – The Grooming Guide
