This adorable mixed breed is often known as an Aussie Chi or Aussie Chihuahua Mix. Considering that their parent breeds are quite different, you may be fascinated to learn more about Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas. Well, look no further than this guide.
What are the Main Characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
- Height: 12 to 16 inches
- Weight: 8lbs to 26lbs
- Coat: Single or double coat, medium to long fur
- Level of Affection: High
- Kid-Friendly: High
- Dog Friendly: Maybe, if socialized properly
- Cat Friendly: Maybe, if socialized properly
- Preferred Climate: Moderate
- Shedding Levels: Low to Moderate
- Trainability: High
- Potential to Bark/Howl: Moderate
What Does An Aussie Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
With this mixed breed, people are curious as to what these dogs may look like. After all, their parent breeds have nothing in common, exponentially increasing the variation in physical attributes of the Aussie Chi.
It should also be noted that this is a fairly rare mixed breed. Due to this, it is difficult to determine if the dogs tend to have certain characteristics more than others. Despite this lack of information, here are some possibilities about what these pups may look like:
Can an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Be as Small as a Chihuahua?
The size of these pups will depend on which parent they take after. They will be bigger than most Chihuahuas and smaller than Australian Shepherds. When full-grown, an Aussie Chi may either fall into the small dog or medium dog breed category.
What Determines Facial Features in an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua?
The facial characteristics of the pup will be determined by the size of the dog. Smaller Aussie Chihuahuas will often have similar facial features to their Chihuahua parent. Medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, will take after Australian Shepherds.
What are the Possible Combinations for an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Coat?
Aussie Chis can have either a single or a double coat. Their fur may also be medium-length or long. In smaller dogs, you may discover thicker tufts of fur at their ears, around their necks, and legs.
As for the colors of the coat, there are several possibilities. The pup may have the characteristic Australian Shepherd mask and have the speckled merle colors of this breed. Aussie Chihuahuas may also present with some combination of black, brown, and white.
Are Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas Good Family Dogs?
Loving and loyal are the best ways to describe Aussie Chihuahuas. These dogs are people-oriented and will bond with their family members quickly. Don’t be surprised if they single out one person as their favorite, though.
They may feel closer to the human they spend the most amount of time with. It is a good idea to make sure that everyone in the household takes turns interacting and taking care of an Aussie Chi to avoid getting sidelined.
Aussie Chihuahuas love spending time with their family and will often follow you around. If they are small enough, they won’t mind being carried around in a bag when you go out. This can come with a downside as it means that these pups can’t be left alone for extended periods.
Leaving them alone unattended can result in destructive behavior or excessive barking. In most instances, you can’t leave these pups for more than a few hours at a time.
Despite being friendly to people they know, Aussie Chis can be quite standoffish or reserved with strangers. They need to be socialized at a young age and you should continue to introduce them to new people and situations so that they are less nervous.
Aussie Chihuahuas are great with children, but kids aren’t always a good choice to have around smaller Aussie Chis. Younger children tend to be rough with these dogs and can hurt them. If your Aussie Chi is on the bigger side, this isn’t something you need to be concerned with.
These dogs also have big personalities. Even the smallest Aussie Chihuahua will be quite dominant and have no problem taking on anyone or anything. Don’t be surprised to find your small pup squaring up to a big dog in the park.
This strong spirit can mean that you have to be willing to show this pup who is in charge from the moment they are brought home. If you fail to do this, you may have a tough time training this pup later on.
Can Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas Suffer from Hereditary Diseases?
As a mixed breed, Aussie Chihuahuas tend to be healthier than either of their parent breed as there are fewer risks of genetic conditions. Despite this, it is important to know about the health conditions that can potentially affect your dog.
Do All Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas Have a Similar Life Expectancy?
These dogs can have a long life span and live anywhere between 11 and 17 years. Smaller dogs will often live longer than medium-sized dogs. You can increase your dog’s life expectancy by providing them with proper nutrition, care, and healthcare.
What are the Biggest Health Concerns for Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas?
- Hip and elbow dysplasia (with larger dogs)
- Patellar Luxation (with smaller dogs)
- Hypoglycemia
- Epilepsy
- Heart murmurs
- Eye health issues
It is important to take your dog for regular checkups with your vet, especially if you notice any changes in their health, appetite, or behavior. With medical conditions like hypoglycemia, early treatment can solve the issue easily. If left untreated, it can prove to be fatal.
How Can You Determine the Right Dietary Requirements for Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas?
It is best to get the advice of your vet before choosing dog food for your Aussie Chi. This will ensure that your puppy enjoys a nutritionally balanced diet as they are growing and developing.
Once your dog is fully grown, you will need to consider its size when choosing the appropriate food. Always select a high-quality dog food that uses quality ingredients and avoids preservatives, additives, and fillers. It should also have a proper balance of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.
As for the amount of food per meal, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are often based on the size of the pup. You will also have to adjust the amount according to the energy level of your dog. A pup that snoozes for most of the day will require less food than one that runs around a lot.
Do You Need to Monitor How Much Exercise an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Gets?
These pups require more exercise than most people realize but make sure that your Aussie Chihuahua doesn’t push themselves too hard. If left to their own devices, these pups will run around until they drop.
This is something you need to be especially careful with if your Aussie Chi is on the smaller side and still a puppy. Keep a close eye on them while they are playing or running around and check that they rest in between.
Your pup will need about 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day. You should break this up into two separate sessions. A brisk walk will be enough, but don’t be afraid to try agility training either. You will be surprised at just how good even smaller Aussie Chihuahuas will be at this.
How Do You Keep an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Well-Groomed?
The exact level of grooming will depend on the kind of coat that your Aussie Chi has. For instance, a double-coated pup with longer fur will require more care than one with short hair and a single coat.
Aussie Chis with a double coat may shed more often. Brushing them several times a week can help to reduce the problem. Pay special attention to areas where the fur is thicker or longer as these spots can get matted.
With a single coat and short hair, brushing your pup once a week should be more than enough. Dogs with either type of coat may blow their coat a couple of times a year – the shedding will increase at this point. All you need to do is increase how often you brush your dog.
You will not need to bathe this mixed breed all that often; a few times a year should do. For tear stains around the eyes, take a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe them a day.
This pup’s nails may grow quickly, requiring them to be trimmed regularly. If you hear your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, this is a sign that they need to be cut. Getting your dog used to this routine when they are a puppy can make the process easier for you as an adult.
Can All Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas Live in Smaller Spaces?
These pups don’t do well in extreme climates and are better suited to moderate temperatures. In particular, Aussie Chis don’t do well in the cold, especially if they have a single coat.
Due to this, you need to put your pooch in a sweater or coat before taking them outside in the winter. You should avoid exposing them to the cold for too long. During the summer, keep them inside and don’t take them out during the hottest parts of the day.
Aussie Chihuahuas tend to be suitable for apartments, especially if they are on the smaller side. They can get just as excited about yards and being outside. If you have a yard, never leave your Aussie Chi outside by themselves, especially little dogs.
Their small size makes them a target for all kinds of predators, including birds. They also tend to be explorers and may try to wiggle through gaps in your fence if there is enough room for them to do so.
Do Aussie Shepherd Chihuahuas Need Special Training?
This mixed breed is highly intelligent and responds well to training. They are capable of learning a wide variety of skills and tricks. They will be quite pleased to have a job to do.
Bear in mind that these dogs have big, bold personalities and aren’t afraid to take on a dominant role in the household. Therefore, it is important to establish boundaries with Aussie Chis from the day you bring them home.
If you find that their large and stubborn personalities are interfering with training, enrolling them in puppy classes or finding a trainer can help. Always use positive reinforcement with these pups to encourage listening and learning.
Is Selecting an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Breeder Easy?
You will need to find a breeder that specializes in this particular mixed breed. Always look for a reputable breeder that investigates health and genetic issues for both parents. This helps to reduce the risk of certain health conditions developing in your dog.
Why Is It Difficult to Adopt Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas?
This is a designer breed and a rare one at that. Due to this, it isn’t always easy to find them in shelters. Searching for them in Australian Shepherd or Chihuahua-specific shelters may yield better results.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas:
Can a Chihuahua Breed with an Australian Shepherd?
Yes, this is possible and is done via artificial insemination. The mother is always an Australian Shepherd to guarantee a healthy birth.
How Big Will an Australian Shepherd Get?
These dogs can weigh anywhere from 8lbs to 26lbs. They can also grow from 12 to 16 inches. They may be classified as small or medium-sized dogs when fully grown.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua?
Larger dogs may live as long as 11 years while smaller dogs may go on to live as much as 17 years.
This is your ultimate guide to Australian Shepherd Chihuahuas. This pup may seem like an unlikely mix, but it has a lot of great traits. You can now decide whether this is the right pup for you.