An Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is probably one of the last designer dog breeds that you could possibly think of, not just for their appearance, but for their personality as well.
However, as you get to know them better, you will see that these pups are actually no less worthy than other designer breeds, and that they possess a great number of qualities, too.
From Mini Aussies to long-haired Chihus, all types of crossbreeds are welcome to the families of lovers of these and other hybrid canines.
If you’re interested in finding out what these puppies look like, come and enter the world of the magnificent dog breed known as the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix!
What Is An Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
Many people will agree that this combination sounds rather unusual and almost impossible, but here they are. These pooches are a mixture of two completely different dog breeds, which proves that opposites can form a positive thing (in this case).
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix, as the name says, is the offspring of breeding between an Aussie and a Chihu.
This cute crossbreed is familiar under sweet nicknames, such as ‘Aussie Chi’ and ‘Aussie Huahua’.
Their physical appearance is heavily based on the traits that they inherit from their parent breeds, so two siblings from the same litter don’t necessarily have to look very similar.
When it comes to their personalities, if you know anything about Chihuahuas and Aussies, you can already imagine a loud doggie with lovable but protective behavior, and complete loyalty to their owner.
Although they’re not a completely new mixed breed, they’re still fairly uncommon as the demand for them is on a lower level.
It should come as no surprise that individuals fall in love with this specific combination, given that people have been more accepting of crossbreds in past years.
I’m sure that you’ll be excited to learn more about this cross as it’s almost impossible to imagine what they look like, considering all the differences between these two purebred canines.
When it comes to designer breeds, the options are virtually limitless, and the Aussie Chi is living proof of this.
The Parent Breeds
Before we go more into detail regarding the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix, it’s important to mention at least basic information about their parent breeds.
It is vital to get an understanding of the history of its parent breeds in order to accurately predict the physical look, size, and personality characteristics of the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
Here is some essential information about Aussies and Chihus, so you can have a better understanding of their crossbreeds.
Australian Shepherd
One of the most common misconceptions about this dog breed is that the country of their origin is Australia. Although it is a part of their name, Australia isn’t the place where these pups first appeared.
Many believe that this dog breed actually has Spanish ancestry. As they became more popular among shepherds because of their herding skills, they spread from European ground to Australia, from which they got to the United States, where they were named as we know them today.
During the nineteenth century, the interest in this breed began to rise as they became known as excellent livestock and herding dogs.
Some people know these canines as rodeo dogs, too.
As a result of these abilities, Aussies have a lot of success in today’s canine conformation and sports events.
Appearance
These dogs have a coat of medium length, and even though they’re shepherd dogs, not many people would say they belong to the same type of dogs as German Shepherds.
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The Aussie Shepherd’s coat colors are wonderful, and they make their beautiful coat even more magnificent. They include black and red tricolor, merle, red merle, blue merle, solid black, and solid red shades and patterns.
These canines grow up to 23 inches, and they usually don’t weigh more than 60 pounds (a few pounds more aren’t a big deal).
Personality
The Australian Shepherd is a wonderful companion for children and adults due to its combination of intelligence, alertness, activity, affection, devotion, and protectiveness.
The Aussie is a breed that is produced to work, and as such, they may be trained to do a variety of tasks, including serving as guide dogs, search and rescue canines, and service or therapy doggies.
They are a very smart type of mixed-breed doggy that is easy to train. Although they’re naturally loyal and obedient, these dogs still require obedience and socialization from the early days.
Aussie Shepherds are true guardians, so they might not act very friendly toward strangers. However, if they go through early training, they will be much more open to interaction with other people and animals.
Chihuahua
If you’re still scratching your head over how it is possible to have Aussie Chihuahua mix puppies, I’m sure that by the end of this article, you’ll want one of them as your pet.
Chis are known as one of the smallest breeds of canines in the world, but also as ones with the biggest bark.
These pups are a Mexican dog breed, and they share the same name as the state they come from.
Some people believe that these pups actually originate from the ancient canine breed known as Techichi, which was first recorded in Mexico during the ninth century.
Appearance
These pups have a small head with big eyes, which make them look like they’re always surprised. Most Chihus have a short and pointy muzzle, although the deer-head Chihuahuas usually have a longer one, while apple-head teacup pups come with a shorter nose.
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They also have big and upright ears that can hear almost everything, but that still doesn’t prevent them from barking constantly at quite a high pitch.
There are two distinct types of Chihu coats: fluffy, and a long or shorter coat with silky fur. Chihus are basically found in several shades, including white, black, chocolate, cream, gold, merle, and fawn.
Personality
Although they’re small dogs, Chihuahuas have a brave heart and the confidence of large canines, so you don’t want to mess with them.
A Chihuahua is a little dog that is not only elegant, but also loud, feisty, and intelligent.
These spicy little canines have the temperament of a good watchdog, and are very reliable. They also have a habit of becoming wary and hostile toward those they do not know.
The Chihuahua’s size might trick you into thinking that they could become good with small children, but that might not be the case.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re not suitable for families with children at all. If they’re trained properly from an early age, and prepared for life with children, they can be just as good as any other pet.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Now, it is time to discuss this interesting crossbreed in greater detail.
Mixed breeds such as this one rarely have a historical background as the majority of them are still quite new, especially uncommon crosses such as this one.
If you haven’t come across this type of dog before, here are some facts about these pups that will help you get a clearer picture of the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd mix.
Appearance
This designer breed can rarely be found under any other circumstances than planned breeding mostly because the parent breeds are not exactly a common pair to breed.
Considering that the parents have quite distinctive looks, it’s very difficult to say what their offspring will actually look like.
However, there might be some characteristics that are generally known to be more dominant than other traits.
For example, an Aussie Chi will most likely inherit the coat type of the Australian Shepherd. This can be accentuated even more if the other parent is long-haired (Chihuahuas can have longer fur as well).
It’s also possible for Aussie Chis to have either a straight or a curved tail, which will hang loosely – similar to that of their Aussie parent.
Coat
As I mentioned above, there is a great chance that the Aussie Chis will inherit the thickness and length of fur from their Aussie parents. If the other purebred canine has longer fur, such as a long-haired Chi, the hybrid’s coat length will be even more highlighted.
However, that doesn’t mean there will be absolutely no pups with shorter hair. Some doggies might still inherit either the shorter coat from the Chi or from the short-haired Aussie.
The fur of these pups might be found in a variety of hues such as red merle, tri-color, blue merle, or bi-color, and in combinations of white, red, black, and brown shades.
The shade of the coat depends on the more dominant color gene, so there might be some Aussie Chis that instantly remind you of the Chihuahua, although they’re not purebred dogs.
Size
The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd cross may range from 12 to 16 inches when it comes to its height, and they can weigh anywhere from 18 to 26 pounds.
There is a large amount of variation in both size and weight, particularly when one parent is much larger than the other.
In general, an Aussie Chihuahua pup will not be as big as an Aussie, but not as tiny as a Chihuahua either. Their size can also be based on gender and the type of dog.
Puppies produced from this mix typically weigh between one and three pounds during the first few days of their life. This designer dog’s mature size will be determined by which parent it takes after, but it won’t be visible, at least until it becomes an older puppy or a young adult.
Because of their size, they are suitable for living in a smaller space, such as an apartment, particularly if they inherit the size of their Chihu parents.
However, although these small pups might fit in an apartment, keep in mind that they are active dogs, and as such, they will still require lots of physical activity.
But, if you take them outside often, you should keep a close check on these pups because they are simple prey for any nearby predators.
Personality
An energetic puppy is one thing you can count on getting from an Aussie Chi, despite the fact that these dogs tend to have a mix of diverse characters.
Aside from their high levels of activity, these canines are wonderful family dogs since they adore developing relationships with their human companions.
Although they love to spend time with people, don’t forget that these pooches have a protective nature and might become vigilant, which goes hand in hand with their dedication to their family.
As a result of these qualities, they make excellent watchdogs regardless of their size.
Unlike Chihuahuas, Aussie Huahuas require some time to become comfortable with other animals in the home, but once they do, you won’t be able to separate them.
Training is the crucial part of getting the best out of your pup as it helps you show dominance as a leader, but it also helps them get used to growing up in different environments.
Do Chihuahuas Bark A Lot?
Yes, yes… and yes. These pups are probably one of the smallest dog breeds in the world that bark louder and stronger than the majority of bigger pups.
Unfortunately, this might become a serious issue over time, especially if you have neighbors that aren’t very friendly and approving of canines.
However, with the right training and a lot of patience, these pups might get a lot easier to live with.
The puppies that come from this cross are people-pleasers that adore being the focus of attention. They are also quite obstinate, and as a result, they have a tendency to misbehave and get themselves into problems.
However, they can change their behavior by the way they’re trained, which is why you as their owner should teach them commands.
Playfulness is the result of a dog having remarkable intellect in addition to high levels of energy.
Is The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Healthy?
It’s time to discuss the health of these crossbred pups. Do you think that this little breed has a chance of living a long life and being healthy?
The excellent thing is that they’re not overly prone to illness, and their life expectancy can reach up to 17 years, which is a trait that they inherit from their Chihuahua parent, as Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years.
It’s common knowledge that Chihuahuas have a lengthy lifespan. On the other hand, Australians are renowned for having a life expectancy that is also respectably high.
This indicates that their hybrids will provide you with anywhere from 12 to 17 years of happiness with your new puppy.
Discovering whether or not the dog’s parents suffer from any diseases is one of the most effective ways to learn about the health problems that your new puppy could face.
A reputable breeder will provide you with genetic testing in order to give you an indication of the health outcomes you may anticipate.
However, this does not necessarily address each and every health concern that may arise. The following is a list of the most often encountered health problems associated with Aussie Huahuas.
Common Health Issues
• Dysplasia of the elbows and hips: A disease that can greatly affect these mixed-breed pups, especially if they inherit more traits from the Aussie parent. Dysplasia of the elbow and hip are skeletal disorders that affect the joints in the aforementioned locations.
It is caused by an imbalance in the development rate of the hip and elbow joints, which results in a loss of balance and coordination.
• Patellar Luxation: A disorder that is somewhat comparable to elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation typically arises in puppies of this breed that are on the smaller side in size.
The condition known as patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap of a puppy slides out of its usual position.
This ailment may be treated with medicine, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on the extent to which it has progressed.
• Allergies: Due to the fact that both parents are prone to allergies, it is possible that Aussie Chihuahuas will also be sensitive to allergies. Environment, genetics, and diet can all play a role in the development of food allergies in puppies.
Symptoms of allergies include itching, rash, diarrhea, coughing, vomiting, runny discharge from the eyes or nose, and runny or watery discharge from the mouth or nose.
• Skin problems: In addition to the various types of allergies that occur in these pups, problems with the skin in Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mixes can be caused by dry and flaky skin, parasites, stress, or constant licking and chewing of certain places on the body.
Even while the majority of them might be treated at home, it may be necessary to consult a veterinarian if there is no indication of improvement in a skin problem after two weeks has passed.
• Dental issues: More than eighty percent of dogs aged three years and older suffer from some form of dental illness.
Unfortunately, only a small percentage of canines really show signs of having dental issues since dogs have evolved to disguise signs of weakness and suffering.
Because of this, you need to keep an eye out for warning signs such as tooth decay, foul breath, loose teeth, discolored teeth, and broken teeth.
The Proper Way to Look After Your Aussie Chihuahua Mix
Healthy Diet
The Australian Shepherd Chi has parent breeds that each have their own unique nutritional requirements. Because of this, determining what they consume on a daily basis may be difficult.
Your best bet is to get the recommendations of a qualified veterinarian on the dietary requirements of your growing and developing puppy.
Your canine companion will require an amount of food that is proportionate to its size, how old it is, and how active it is.
A dog that sleeps longer each day will have a lower need for caloric intake than one that is more active during the day.
When purchasing food for your pet, it is important to choose a high-quality brand that does not contain any fillers, preservatives, or other components that might potentially harm your pet’s health.
The diet of every canine, including the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix, should consist of vitamins, fiber, minerals, healthy fats and acids, proteins, and other nutrients.
Grooming Needs
This designer dog has long hair that sheds heavily throughout the whole year, especially during spring.
They will require regular brushing in order to reduce the amount of filth, tangling, and matting that occurs with their coat. You can either use a brush that is suitable for an Australian Shepherd or one that is suitable for a Chihuahua, depending on which coat the doggie has inherited.
It is sufficient to brush your pup’s teeth anywhere from three to five times a week, but doing so on a daily basis is strongly encouraged.
Their coat will need to be trimmed on a regular basis in order to maintain a reasonable length of fur.
Bathe them only when it is absolutely required in order to avoid causing skin irritations and to keep their natural body oils from being washed away.
By clipping their nails frequently, you may prevent overgrowth of their nails. In the event that you are unable to accomplish this yourself, you can take them to a groomer.
In addition to this, make sure to clean their eyes and ears every day.
Exercise Requirements
Despite their high level of intellect, Aussie Chihuahuas are not overly difficult to train, but they do have high energy levels.
They thrive when their mind is challenged, and they can pick up new talents and tricks in virtually no time at all. Therefore, you should make sure to include methods of mental stimulation in their training.
They are people-pleasers themselves, and respond well to instructions that are coupled with positive reinforcement.
However, because of their confident, feisty, and commanding attitude, you will need to set limits as soon as you bring them into your house.
If things are getting out of hand, you might want to consider enrolling them in puppy training programs or working with an experienced dog trainer.
These puppies have a lot of energy, and it will do them well to get plenty of exercise. However, they may have a tendency to push themselves to the point of exhaustion, so it is important to keep a constant eye on them and schedule breaks in between different activities.
The Cost Of The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Dog
Because the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is so uncommon, it is difficult to provide an accurate estimate for the typical cost of one of these puppies.
Generally, the price of an Aussie Chihuahua puppy often falls between $750 and $1000.
The best way to determine the price of these crossbreds is to look at the prices of their parent breeds.
For the sake of comparison, let’s take a look at the pricing of its parent breeds.
The cost of getting a Chihuahua puppy may range anywhere from $500 to $1500, while the cost of an Australian Shepherd puppy is anywhere from $600 to $900.
You might likely anticipate that the cost of an Aussie Chi will be less than that of a purebred puppy because it is a designer canine breed.
However, as they are still not so common on the market, the values presented here are subject to change.
The demands of your Australian Huahua will vary as it gets older, and so will the costs as a result of those changes.
If you own this canine as a pet, it is in your best interest to get high-quality supplies and insurance for your furry companion.
Not only will this prevent you from spending a lot in the long run, but it will also put you in a better position to deal with any unexpected events that may arise.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Chihuahua Mix
Having a dog is not always going to be a walk in the park. There are some drawbacks associated with raising them, just like there are with any other kind of dog.
You are the only one who can decide whether or not their benefits exceed these drawbacks.
Think about the benefits and drawbacks of owning an Aussie Chihuahua before you go ahead and purchase one. After all… you are going to spend a lot of time with them during the coming years.
Pros
Aussie Chis are wonderful family pets as they are dedicated to their pet owners and have strong attachments to them.
Because they like spending as much time as possible with their owners, it can be said that they’re strongly attached to them.
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They have a tendency to be lively and playful, which helps them get along well with youngsters of a more mature age.
Aussie Chihus are one of the smarter breeds that will acquire all commands from training. They are obedient to their owners, but they also actively seek mental stimulation on a daily basis.
They are attentive, and they pick up new information quickly, so it will be simple to teach them new orders, tricks, and talents as long as you provide positive reinforcement.
Smaller places won’t be a challenge for a dog of tiny to medium breed, such as an Aussie Chihuahua, which makes them suitable for apartments and condos.
As an added bonus, transporting them wouldn’t be too much of a bother either. This little dog won’t take up much space, even in the tiniest of dwellings.
Cons
One of the main challenges of owning these pups is their interaction with small kids as they’re not suitable to be left alone with babies and toddlers. This might be quite an issue for lovers of Aussies and Chihus who have small children.
Younger children have a tendency to engage in rough play with pooches, so they might provoke your dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Aggressive characteristics are likely to be inherited, and they are most likely to be passed on from the Chihuahua parent. As a result of their small stature, they frequently behave out of fear and a sense of being threatened.
Despite the fact that this is sometimes disregarded due to the fact that smaller hybrids, such as Aussie Chis, inflict less harm, it still has the potential to be a problem for both dogs and their owners.
The close attachment that Aussie Chihuahuas have to their owners makes them more likely to suffer from separation anxiety.
Because of this, they do not do well when they are left alone for an extended amount of time. Anxiety caused by being apart from others may result in risky conduct.
In the event that you need to leave them, you might ask other family members or close friends to watch over them in your absence. Employing the services of a pet sitter is another smart thing to do.
Do Aussie Chihuahua Mixes Shed a Lot?
It’s true that Aussie Chihuahua mixes shed all 12 months of the year, and the amount of hair they lose increases as the weather becomes warmer.
In addition, it is quite likely that they will inherit the coat of their Aussie father, so you should anticipate that they will have long hair that has to be brushed on a regular basis.
Brushing your pet at least three to five times a week is sufficient; however, doing it daily is the best way to manage the mess caused by excessive shedding.
When you brush their fur, give special attention to the regions where their fur is longer and thicker, so that you can avoid it from matting and tangling.
Wrapping Up
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is definitely one of the crossbreeds that sparks great interest among dog lovers, especially those who are fond of mixed breeds.
Two different historic and genetic backgrounds collide in one puppy, so it’s no surprise that these pups are more active (hyperactive, to be exact).
This designer dog breed is one of the best examples that two canines that seem completely opposite might produce a unique dog breed with plenty of qualities.
Unfortunately, both parent breeds shed all year round, so there is little to no chance that you will get a hypoallergenic dog breed.
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