German Shepherd Chihuahua mix – For people who would like to have a dog with the loyalty of a German shepherd and the tininess of a Chihuahua, the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix could be the perfect breed.
Table of Contents
| Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small to medium-sized dog |
| Height | Approximately 8 to 18 inches (20 to 45 cm) |
| Weight | Typically between 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.5 kg) |
| Coat | Short to medium length; can vary in texture and density |
| Coat Colors | Various colors and patterns; can resemble either parent breed |
| Temperament | Intelligent, alert, protective, loyal, energetic |
| Trainability | Trainable with positive reinforcement; early socialization is important |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate to high energy levels; regular exercise is necessary |
| Grooming | Low to moderate grooming needs; brushing as needed and occasional baths |
| Lifespan | Approximately 10 to 15 years |
| Health Concerns | Can inherit health issues from either parent breed; common concerns include joint problems, dental issues, and allergies |
| Family Compatibility | Can be suitable for families; early socialization with children is important |
| Compatibility with Pets | May vary depending on individual dog and socialization; early introductions and training can help |
| Living Environment | Can adapt to different living situations, including apartments or houses with yards |
| Barking Tendency | Can be prone to barking; early training and socialization can help manage excessive barking |
| Potential Challenges | May have a strong prey drive, may be wary of strangers; early training and socialization can help address these challenges |
What is a Chihuahua and German shepherd mix called?
German Shepherd Dog Chihuahua mix can also be known as “Chig Shepherd”. This specific mix is usually formed when breeding a male Chihuahua with a female German shepherd.
The puppies may not look exactly like what you’re used to. They commonly have longer legs. Their coats are soft, but they are also common for having patchy spots.
Their ears are medium-sized and stand up tall at all times. Their fur is commonly long, but this can always be trimmed.
Can a German shepherd breed with a Chihuahua?
As mentioned earlier, this specific mix is usually formed when breeding a male Chihuahua with a female German shepherd.
These dogs are generally not bred purposely, either. They are considered accidental mixes because they often end up being created when a female German shepherd has an accident, resulting in the mix.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Appearance
As a mixed breed, these dogs may vary in appearance.
Larger than the Chihuahua but smaller than the German shepherd, this breed can range from small to medium-sized dogs.
The German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is likely to have a brown/black coat similar to the German shepherd.
Also Read: What is Long Haired German shepherd: Long Haired vs Short Haired
But, of course, other designs and fur colors are also possible. These dogs have short hair that falls out easily. But depending on their Chihuahua parents’ coat they may have slightly longer fur.
They may have their coat or two layers to one, mostly depending on the Chihuahua parents.
Chihuahua has a soft scar on their head that, like human babies, may or may not go away over time.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Height and Weight
- This dog weighs between 8 pounds to 60 pounds.
- The height of this mixed breed can range from 7 inches to 45 inches at the shoulder.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament
German Shepherds are extremely obedient and spatial. They are also commonly employed as law enforcement and military working dogs.
However, due to unpredictable genetics from mixed breeds, the nature of the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix may vary widely.
The traits of a German shepherd and Chihuahua say that the German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix can be loyal, attentive, intelligent, and make a wonderful family pet.
At worst, this dog defends its territory, barking and attacking anyone and anything nearby.
It can be very distrustful of strangers and not very suitable for children.
The degree to which a particular dog is aggressive depends on the traits it inherits.
Training for your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
German Shepherd Chihuahua breeds are the opposite if they are not properly socialized as puppies.
Chihuahuas and German Shepherds are wary of strangers and so they must be properly socialized during puppyhood.
This intelligent hybrid also requires extensive loyalty training. This breed is known for stubbornness, so they need a lot of training to teach them how to follow the rules.
Also, both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas love to be around their owners and need a lot of attention. Therefore, the hybrid of these species also needs a lot of attention.
Therefore, owners need a lot of time and energy to properly train these dogs and give them the love and attention they need.
This breed is not recommended for people with busy schedules who do not have much time to dedicate to their dogs.
Is German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Good with children?
Gsd Chihuahua mix is generally not recommended for families who have small children.
Chihuahua’s short stature and children’s tendency towards roughhouses do not work together. Small German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes can easily harm children who play too hard with them.
In addition, this mixed breed has a tendency to be aggressive, which is a bad trait when small children are around. German Shepherds and crossbreeds, in general, bite more than other dog breeds.
If children contact these dogs too quickly, touch them in a way they do not like, or make unfamiliar sounds, they can become aggressive.
Socialization training can help reduce these aggressive tendencies, it is better to be safe than sorry, so parents should not get this breed if they have small children.
Parents need to make sure their children are old enough to understand the safety of dogs before bringing this breed into their home.
Children need to be aware of dog signs such as dogs being aggressive or showing teeth to prevent bites or other injuries.
Children also need to know how to properly communicate, touch, and play with dogs before their parents acquire this breed.
Exercise requirements for your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
The German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix needs some exercise. If possible you should plan at least two medium-length walks and outdoor playtime per day.
The fenced yard can be very helpful in getting the exercise the species needs.
These dogs have a tendency of breaking their knees and hips more easily than other dogs due to their delicacy.
For this reason, it is always important to keep an eye on them, especially when they are exercising.
Grooming requirements for your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Whichever way you look at it, you will have to spend some serious time grooming your German Shepherd Chihuahua. Although Chihuahua comes in short hair types, their long hair gene combines with the German Shepherd gene to produce a long coat.
Their coat needs stiff brushing at least once a week to stay shiny and healthy. In addition, the shedding caused by weekly brushing is dramatically reduced overall. German shepherds are bad shedders because of their very dense double coats.
Health and conditions of German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Being a Mixed hybrid dog, the German Shepherd Chihuahua is prone to many diseases and conditions that can be transmitted to parent breeds. However, due to genetic wizards, the chances of actually developing these are reduced. Therefore, the German Shepherd Chihuahua is a relatively healthy dog.
But that does not mean it is invincible. They still suffer from a large number of health problems. The main conditions affecting this species are patella luxation – or floating knee – and hip dysplasia. Both of these conditions are very painful and difficult to manage, but they are treatable.
More serious conditions affecting the German Shepherd Chihuahua are congenital heart defects. These include congenital heart conditions, including aortic and pulmonary stenosis, mitral valve dysplasia, and endocardial fibroelastosis. However, these conditions are very rare.
The most common diseases that your mixed breed suffers from can be easily treated and prevented by things like heartworms, flies, or other parasites. Also, your German Shepherd Chihuahua is more likely to be obese. Be sure to monitor their diet and exercise and they will be fine.
German shepherd Chihuahua mix lifespan
Life expectancy depends on your dog and what health conditions your dog has. If your dog is healthy, it will live a long life of 10 to 18 years.
Chihuahuas usually live for 10-18 years, and German Shepherds live between 10 and 14 years.
Keep your dog happy and healthy by giving your dog quality food and exercise enough to keep your dog active.
