Australian Shepherds and Chihuahuas differ in many aspects that it’s almost unimaginable to mix them. However, the possibilities are endless with designer breeds, and the Aussie Chi is a testament to that.
Now, what happens when you combine an easy-going breed with a dog that thinks it is actually bigger than its size? You get an active, adorable fluff of energy called the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
This rare mix can get anyone intrigued and possibly convinced to own one. Read on to see if you and the Aussie Chihuahua mix are perfect for each other.
What Is an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
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The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix, also known as Aussie Chi or Aussie Huahua, is the cross between the Aussie Shepherd and the Chihuahua. Its appearance varies depending on the parent breed it takes after. One thing you can expect from this hybrid is that it is playful, loyal, and intelligent.
Even though the Aussie Chihuahua mix has been around for quite some time, this designer breed is still rare. But with people embracing mixed breeds in recent years, it is no surprise they fall in love upon seeing this particular mix.
If you are looking for a highly energetic, easily trainable, relatively small pooch that gets along with the whole family, you might want to consider getting an Aussie Chi.
They often get the best features of their parent breeds, so you are in for a great surprise.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Origin and History: Where Does the Aussie Chi Come From?
Cross-bred dogs do not often have a clear, written history behind them, and the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is no different.
To better understand the mix, let’s take a look at its parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd and the Chihuahua.
The Australian Shepherd’s name has little to do with its place of origin. They were thought to be of Spanish descent. Shepherds that brought them to Australia eventually moved to America, where their name was given.
It was not until the 19th century that this breed gained popularity. Dubbed as “rodeo dogs,” they are known as ranching and herding dogs, hence the “Shepherd” tag in their name.
Due to these qualities, Aussies are often winners in canine athletic competitions today. Smart, attentive, active, affectionate, devoted, and protective, the Aussie is also a great companion for adults and children alike.
Since the Australian Shepherd is a working breed, they are also trained to serve as search and rescue dogs, therapy dogs, guide dogs, disaster dogs, and service dogs.
Chihuahuas, the other parent of this hybrid, are considered the smallest breed in the world.
But don’t underestimate their size because these dogs have a big-dog attitude. The Chihuahua breed is also a graceful, vocal, sassy, intelligent little pooch.
These natives of Mexico have the personality of an excellent watchdog. They tend to be skeptical and aggressive towards strangers.
Unfortunately, they don’t do well with rough play due to their size, making them incompatible with small children.
Breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Chihuahua together results in the Australian Chihuahua mix that goes by many names.
Some of the most popular ones include the Mini Aussie Chi or Aussie Chi, Aussie Huahua, and Aussie Chihuahua.
Learning the history of its parent breeds is essential in anticipating the appearance, size, and character traits of the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
In this way, you can manage the advantages and potential challenges of owning this mix.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Appearance: What Does an Aussie Chi Look Like?
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The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a unique and rare breed. Therefore, predicting what it would look like can be tricky.
However, pups from this mix display similar dominant features they got from one of the parent breeds.
For instance, they are most likely to inherit their Aussie parent’s fluffy, smooth, signature long coats. This becomes more apparent when they also have a long-haired Chihuahua parent.
However, some may exhibit a short coat due to the Chihuahua’s genes or if they have a short-haired Australian Shepherd parent.
Most pups might also get the buggy eyes, big ears, and small facial structure of their Chihuahua parent.
Their coats come in an array of colors, including red merle, blue merle, tri-color, or bi-color in red, white, black, and/or brown combinations.
Aussie Chis may either have an erect or curled tail. Occasionally, it may also adopt the Australian Shepherd’s droopy or bobbed tail.
In this video, you will see what this mixed breed pup would possibly look as well as learn some helpful information about them:
BIRDSONG PRODUCTIONS MNGT - Breed Info Chihuahua & Australian Shepherd Mix<a href="https://youtu.be/yR_AviWStN4" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FyR_AviWStN4%2F0.jpg" alt="BIRDSONG PRODUCTIONS MNGT - Breed Info Chihuahua &amp; Australian Shepherd Mix" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Aussie Chihuahuas Get?
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mixes stand from 12 to 16 inches, weighing between 18 and 26 pounds. Size and weight vary greatly, especially when one parent is significantly smaller than the other.
Generally, an Aussie Chihuahua pup would be smaller than an Australian Shepherd but larger than a Chihuahua, whose size may also differ depending on gender and variety.
Newborn puppies from this mix weigh around one to three pounds. The full size of this designer dog will depend on which parent it takes after.
Their size makes them good for apartment living, especially if they take on a smaller size.
But while small spaces are enough for these pups, they also love playing outdoors. Keep an eye on them, though, as they are easy targets for predators.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament: Are Aussie Chihuahuas Good Family Dogs?
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Even though an Aussie Huahua has a combination of different personalities, one thing you will surely get is an active pup. Aside from their high energy levels, they are great family dogs that love to bond with their family.
Along with their devotion to their family comes their protective streak and alertness. These characteristics make them great watchdogs.
While they get along with their family quite easily, like Chihuahuas, Aussie Chis take a while to warm up to other pets.
Their barks can also be very loud and incessant. If they are not trained as puppies, this could be a potential problem in the household and the neighbors.
Pups from this mix are pleasers and love to be the center of attention. They are also headstrong and could often misbehave and find themselves in trouble. However, they are quick to learn when reprimanded.
Remarkable intelligence combined with high energy yields a playful pooch. With their Australian Shepherd parent’s herding and running abilities, you should expect playtime to have a lot of zoomies.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Chihuahua: Which Is Better?
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Aussie Chihuahuas Healthy Dogs?
You can expect a healthy Aussie Chihuahua to live a lengthy lifespan between 12 and 17 years. Like other designer dog breeds, an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is generally a healthier pup than its parents.
However, we can’t disregard the possibility of them inheriting common health issues of their parent breeds.
In the following list, you will learn about the medical conditions often observed in the Australian Shepherd and Chihuahua mix:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This condition may affect a larger-sized Aussie Chi. Elbow and hip dysplasia are skeletal conditions affecting the joints of said areas. It results from the unequal growth rate of the ball and socket of the elbow and hip joints, making them unstable and loose.
Patellar Luxation: A somewhat similar condition to elbow and hip dysplasia, patellar luxation usually occurs in smaller-sized pups in this mix. Patellar luxation happens when a pup’s kneecap moves out of its normal location. Depending on its severity, this condition could be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
Allergies: With both parents susceptible to allergies, Aussie Chihuahuas might be prone to have them as well. Factors that may trigger allergies in pups are environment, genetics, and food. Allergies could manifest through coughing, vomiting, runny discharge from the eyes or nose, diarrhea, rash, hair loss, and itching.
Skin Issues: Apart from food, environmental, and contact allergies, skin problems in Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mixes may also result from dry skin, external parasites, excessive licking or chewing of an area, and even stress. While most of these can be treated at home, veterinary intervention might be needed if a skin issue shows no sign of improvement after two weeks.
Dental Problems: Dental diseases affect over 80% of dogs aged three years and up. Unfortunately, not many dogs exhibit symptoms of dental problems since they have evolved to hide pain and weakness. This is why you should be aware of signs including bad breath, loose and discolored teeth, and broken teeth.
If you are planning to own an Aussie Chi, awareness will help in the early detection of these health concerns.
Furthermore, finding a responsible breeder and regular vet visits are crucial to ensuring a happy and healthy pup.
How to Take Care of Your Aussie Chihuahua Mix
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The health of an Aussie Chihuahua mix does not just depend on regular vet visits alone. A pup’s well-being and overall health rely on their quality of life.
As their owner, you should meet their daily physical, mental, and nutritional requirements.
A dog’s life is not as long as ours, and you should make it count. To maximize your pooch’s lifespan and provide them a healthy and happy life, here’s a guide to taking care of an Aussie Chihuahua mix.
Food and Diet
The Aussie Chi has parent breeds with different food requirements. Due to this, their diet might be tough to determine. Your best option is to consult a vet for advice on your pup’s dietary needs as they grow and develop.
Your pup will need an amount of food that is suitable for its size, age, and activity level. For instance, a dog that sleeps more in a day will require less food than a more active pup.
When selecting dog food, choose high-quality ones that do not have fillers, preservatives, and other ingredients that may put your dog’s health at risk.
A proper balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, carbs, and fats should also be present.
Cleaning and Grooming
This designer dog has long hair and sheds all year-round, even more so in the spring. To minimize coat mess, tangling, and matting, they will need frequent brushing.
A minimum of 3 to 5 times a week will do, but daily brushing is also recommended.
From time to time, their coats will need trimming to keep their fur manageable. Bathe them only when necessary to prevent skin irritations and avoid stripping off their natural body oils.
Prevent nail overgrowth by regularly trimming their nails. You may take them to the groomers if you can’t do this yourself. Moreover, brush their teeth daily and clean their eyes and ears as well.
Training and Exercise
Aussie Chihuahuas are fairly easy to train, considering their high level of intelligence. They thrive on mental stimulation and can learn tricks and skills almost right away.
They are people pleasers, too, and do well with positive reinforcement training.
However, due to their bold, stubborn, and dominant personalities, you will need to establish boundaries as soon as you take them home.
If this seems unmanageable, you may need to enroll them in puppy classes or hire a professional trainer.
With these pups’ energy, they will benefit from lots of exercise. However, they may tend to push themselves to the limit, so pay close attention and make sure there are rests in between activities.
Their daily exercise requirement is 20 to 30 minutes, broken down into two sessions. Apart from walks, you can also integrate agility exercises.
How Much Does an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is so rare that it’s tough to have an estimate for its average puppy price. However, in most cases, an Aussie Chihuahua puppy’s price ranges from $750 to $1,000.
For reference, let’s take a look at its parent breeds’ prices.
An Australian Shepherd puppy costs between $600 and $900, while a Chihuahua puppy’s price ranges from $500 to $1,500.
Mixed breeds tend to have lower prices than purebred puppies, so you may expect Aussie Chis to be the same.
However, they are still rarely available in the market, so these values are subject to change.
Aside from the main cost of the puppy, here are some of the things you should prepare a budget for when taking your new pup home:
Keep in mind these are just initial costs. As your Aussie Huahua gets older, their needs will change along with the expenses you may encounter along the way.
Investing in high-quality products and pet insurance is a smart option if you own this dog. It will not only save you from spending a fortune in the long run, but it also prepares you for emergencies that may occur.
Places to Find Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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It is hard to find Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppies for sale. Since they are very rarely produced, looking for responsible breeders is even more difficult.
Luckily, there are still some trusted places you could look into to get your future Aussie Chi puppy.
Here are some reputable sites where you can buy these designer breed puppies:
Lancaster Puppies – Providing advertising for dog breeders and puppy sellers, Lancaster Puppies is a convenient way of finding your future Aussie Chi pup. They also have a downloadable app, so you can access them through your mobile phone. With over 10,000 puppies and dogs for sale on their website, you might be able to connect with an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix breeder.
Greenfield Puppies (GFP) – Founded over 20 years ago, Greenfield Puppies has been helping qualified owners find the perfect puppy. As they are against inhumane breeding practices and puppy mills, they provide helpful tips for potential owners on how to spot a high-quality breeder. Visit their website to check if they have Aussie Chihuahua mixes available.
Keystone Puppies – Another online advertising website featuring reputable breeders is Keystone Puppies. They provide a credible way to help puppies find a “fur-ever” home. They also offer puppy shipping and transport services to have your pup delivered safely. As a small, family-owned company of pet lovers, they know the importance of dealing with responsible breeders.
In addition, you may read our helpful guides on the best Chihuahua and Australian Shepherd breeders.
You may also find an Australian Shepherd and Chihuahua mix puppy or adult in rescue centers. Adoption is an alternative way to give Aussie Chi pups a second chance for a better life and a loving home.
Here are some rescues that may have Aussie Chis for adoption:
Australian Shepherds Furever (ASF) – Focusing on rescue, foster, and adoption, Australian Shepherds Furever finds puppies and dogs in need, whether they are purebred or mixed breeds. Aussies and mixes in their care receive rehabilitation, medical care, training, and everything they need to thrive again.
Limbo Chihuahuas – Aside from resuing Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes arranged for euthanasia, Limbo Chihuahuas also educates adopters and the community about spaying and neutering in hopes of reducing the number of animals on death row. They specialize in pure and mixed Chihuahua breeds such as Aussie Chihuahuas.
Almost Home Herding Dog Rescue – Run by a small group of volunteers, Almost Home Herding Dog Rescue focuses on rescuing and finding forever homes for Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Rough Collies, Corgis, and mixes of these breeds. Occasionally, they also rescue non-herding breeds in need of a new home.
To help in your search, you could look into some of the best Australian Shepherd rescues and Chihuahua rescues we’ve compiled.
If you’re still having second thoughts on what option to choose, take a moment to read our dog adoption and puppy buying guide articles.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Aussie Chihuahua Mix
Owning a dog is not all sunshine and rainbows. Just like with any other dog, there are downsides to raising them. It’s up to you to decide if their advantages outweigh these aspects.
Before getting your own Aussi Chihuahua, consider the pros and cons first. After all, you’re going to spend long years with them.
Here are some of the pros of owning an Aussie Chihuahua mix:
Great family companions: Aussie Chis are devoted and deeply attached to their families. They love being around their owners all the time, so they always follow them around. With their playful and active streaks, they get along with older children well.
Easily trainable: This mix is a highly intelligent breed. They respond well to training and seek mental stimulation every day. With positive reinforcement, teaching them new commands, tricks, and skills will also be easy as they are attentive and quick learners.
Suitable for smaller spaces: For a small to medium breed pup like the Aussie Chihuahua, smaller spaces won’t be a problem. Carrying them around wouldn’t be much of a chore as well. Even the smallest apartments can accommodate this little pooch.
Meanwhile, these are the disadvantages of having an Aussie Chihuahua mix:
Not suitable for families with small children: This might be an issue for mini Aussie Chis. Their small size makes them vulnerable to sudden movements of toddlers. Small kids also tend to do rough playing, so it might trigger aggression from your pup.
Prone to aggression: Aggression tendencies are more likely inherited from the Chihuahua parent. Because of their small size, they often react out of fear and feeling threatened. Although this is often overlooked since smaller hybrids like Aussie Chis cause less damage, it could be a problem for both dogs and owners.
Prone to separation anxiety: Aussie Chihuahuas are heavily attached to their owners. This is why they don’t do well when left alone for a long period of time. Separation anxiety could lead to destructive behaviors. If you do have to leave them, you can ask relatives or friends to keep them company. Hiring a pet sitter is also a good idea.
We tend to overlook the cons when we are eager to own a pet. However, weighing the pros and cons of owning an Aussie Chihuahua will help you evaluate if you are ready to take on the challenge of raising this particular mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes Aggressive?
Given the protective and territorial nature of both parents, Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mixes might be prone to aggression.
They mainly acquire this tendency from their Chihuahua parent, which often displays aggression as a form of self-defense.
This tendency, however, may be prevented with the help of early socialization. Properly socialized pups often display a calm, well-behaved, and comfortable demeanor.
Do Aussie Chihuahua Mixes Shed a Lot?
Yes, Aussie Chihuahua mixes shed all year-round and more heavily as seasons change. In addition, they are most likely to inherit their Aussie parent’s coat, so expect them to have long hair that needs regular brushing.
Daily brushing is key to managing the mess of excessive shedding, although a minimum of 3 to 5 times weekly will suffice.
When brushing their fur, pay attention to areas where they have longer and thicker fur to prevent matting and tangling.
Are Aussie Chihuahua Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Aussie Chihuahua mixes are not hypoallergenic because they shed, which comes with pet dander. These are flakes of dead skin which trigger allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, and sneezing.
Allergies can also cause skin irritations and affect the respiratory system, leading to serious health risks. For this reason, having an Aussie Chi may not be the best choice for allergy-prone people.
Final Thoughts: Is an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix the Right Dog for You?
People say big things come in small packages, and that can’t be more true with the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix. Small but bold, vocal yet attentive, they are a “mix” not just by blood but also by character.
Before you get an Aussie Huahua, take note of their intelligence and energy levels. If you are more of a laid-back person, you might need to look for another designer breed.
If you can keep up with these qualities, then this is the right dog for you.
Are you convinced to get an Aussie Chi as a pet? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section.
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