Although the Chiweenie can take on any combination of traits from their parent breeds, they tend to be affectionate, loyal to their families, and playful. They also tend to have a friendly disposition and a laid-back personality with some bursts of energy.

As long as they are introduced early on, they also get along with other dogs and other pets. They do tend to get along well with children. Because of their small size, they tend to be a better fit for older children who can be gentle with them. They are easily injured by accidental rough play or falls that can be common with toddlers.

They make good watchdogs and will alert you when someone is on the property. They can be prone to barking and can become territorial, but this can be managed with early training and socialization. Proper socialization and training is important for any dog breed and is certainly important for a Chiweenie. These small dogs can easily become spoiled, overprotective, and prone to aggressive behavior if they are not socialized and/or are poorly trained.

Chiweenies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in warmer and moderate climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold.

Due to their small size, you may need to bundle them up in the winter to help keep them warm. So, having some good winter dog products on hand is a good idea. Because they crave affection and love human company, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.

The Chiweenie is a relatively healthy dog breed. But, as with any dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. For the Chiweenie, these include patellar luxation, hypoglycemia, diabetes, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, and back problems.

Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing on genetic diseases to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see any relevant health clearances.

Annual visits to the vet and proper care can help maintain proper nutrition and reduce preventable diseases. Because they tend to be longer than they are tall, back problems will likely be unavoidable, especially as your Chiweenie reaches their senior years.

The Chiweenie tends to be a moderately trainable dog breed. Although they thrive on attention and affection and are eager to please, they can also be quite stubborn. They can be a good fit for dog owners of all experience levels, but first-time owners may want to enroll in puppy training and obedience classes.

A Chiweenie has a thin coat that ranges from short to medium in length. They will shed moderately throughout the year. Their grooming is relatively low maintenance as they only require brushing a few times a week and monthly bathing.

In addition to coat care, you also need to care for your Chiweenie’s nails, ears, and teeth. Cutting your dog’s nails on a monthly basis is usually sufficient to keep them from growing too long. Checking your dog’s ears weekly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections.

Proper dental care for dogs is particularly important for your Chiweenie. Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs and, as a small dog breed, your Chiweenie is even more prone to developing dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for preventing the tartar and plaque buildup that leads to painful dental disease.

Generally, it’s a good idea to get your dog used to having their nails, ears, and mouth handled as a puppy. This can make ongoing grooming a much easier process throughout their life. Plus, if it’s kept a positive experience, it can become a bonding activity that your Chiweenie looks forward to!

This dog breed has a low activity level that can range into moderate at times. This isn’t to say that they are couch potatoes because they are actually quite energetic! But, they are also small and tire easily. A Chiweenie tends to be happy with some daily walks and playtime.

They may be up for some more activity if you are as they will love to spend time with you – you will just need to keep an eye on them to make sure they are not overheating or overexerting themselves trying to keep up.