The Doberman Chihuahua mix, a cross between the Doberman and the Chihuahua, is one of the most unique hybrids out there.
Interestingly, these dogs look like a smaller version of the Doberman with hints of their Chihuahua lineage.
The Doberman is a large, athletic dog, whereas a Chihuahua is a small and hyperactive one. The contrast in characteristics makes combining both of them very intriguing.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the Doberman Chihuahua mix. In addition, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about caring for this hybrid dog.
What Is a Doberman Chihuahua Mix?
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A Doberman Chihuahua mix is the cross between a Doberman Pinscher and a Chihuahua. The parents of this mix have very different traits, making Chihuahua Doberman mixes unique and easily recognizable. This hybrid is often small to medium in size and shares the same coat patterns as its parents.
A Doberman Chihuahua mix can have a variety of characteristics due to their parents’ differences. Some have long hair, short hair, muscular bodies, and other standard features of one or both breeds.
A Doberman Chihuahua is known for its affection and child-friendliness. It enjoys interacting with its owners. As a result, it becomes distressed when you leave it alone for a long time.
Despite this dog’s attachment to its owners, it can be aggressive to other animals and strangers. You want your Doberman Chihuahua mix to be properly trained and socialized.
Take a look at this litter of Doberman Pinscher Chihuahua mixes:
Doberman Pinscher x Chihuaha puppies<a href="https://youtu.be/o_x9zLuMhx0" 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%2Fo_x9zLuMhx0%2F0.jpg" alt="Doberman Pinscher x Chihuaha puppies" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Doberman Chihuahua Mix Origin and History
Unfortunately, there is no documentation on the first-ever Doberman Chihuahua mix. Hence, tracing the origin of this mix is nearly impossible.
However, you can learn a lot about this mix by taking a look at the origin of its parent breeds.
In the late 1800s, Louis Doberman aspired for a faithful dog with protective and aggressive characteristics. As a result, he crossed several dog breeds to create the ideal companion.
Louis combined breeds such as the German Pinscher, Rottweiler, Greyhound, and Black and Tan Terrier. He developed the breed for many years, and it was only in 1908 when the Doberman Pinscher was recognized by dog registries.
On the other hand, historians believe that the Chihuahua breed originated from a state in Mexico named Chihuahua.
It was believed that residents from the state used to give tourists small breed dogs. Eventually, the dogs were named after the region. Thus, the name Chihuahua.
Since then, reputable breeders have taken advantage of the differing characteristics and rich history of both breeds to create one of the most unique hybrid dogs. All of these paved the way for the Doberman Chihuahua mix.
Doberman Chihuahua Mix Appearance
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The appearance of a Doberman Chihuahua mix would depend on which parent it mostly inherits its features from.
Generally, a Doberman Chihuahua mix would have a robust body proportional to its height. Moreover, it would usually share a similar size with its Chihuahua parent.
Chihuahuas may come with several characteristics. They can be long-haired, deer-legged, or white in color. That said, noticing these characteristics in your Doberman Chihuahua mix should be normal.
Moreover, because they take on more of their Chihuahua parent’s size, Doberman Chihuahua mixes would normally have tiny feet, pointed ears, and a small nose.
When it comes to their coat colors, they can come in different variations. This includes a combination of cream, black, brown, and fawn.
If they take on their Doberman Pinscher parent, they can have unique colors, such as red or blue coats.
Doberman Chihuahua Mix Size and Weight
As an offspring of two totally different-sized parents, the Chihuahua Doberman sports unique proportions.
Often, the resulting size of a Doberman Chihuahua mix would be 9 to 16 inches in height and 7.5 to 60 pounds in weight.
For reference, a purebred Doberman Pinscher would be 22 to 26 inches in height and would weigh around 50 to 90 pounds.
On the other hand, a Chihuahua only measures 6 to 9 inches in height and only weighs between 3 and 6 pounds.
All things considered, the resulting weight and size of the Chihuahua Doberman mix would typically depend on how genetics plays out.
Doberman Chihuahua Mix Temperament and Personality
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Just like its appearance, the temperament and personality of a Doberman Chihuahua mix largely depend on which parent the offspring takes on more.
However, usually, a Doberman Chihuahua mix will have a strong alpha trait. Hence, its owner must be ready to lead and discipline the dog in a firm manner.
The Chihuahua Doberman can also be playful and sociable when properly trained and socialized at an early age. These dogs are loyal and playful with their owners, so make sure you have enough energy for them.
Chihuahua Dobermans are also very child-friendly. They have a moderate to high affection level. Meanwhile, when it comes to strangers and other pets, Doberman Chihuahua mixes can be aggressive and unwelcoming.
If you live in a small space, you’d be pleased to know that Chihuahua Dobermans are perfectly fit for apartment living. However, their tolerance for being alone is very low, so it needs to be around you most of the time.
When it comes to temperament, a Doberman Chihuahua mix is known to have high energy and playfulness. Moreover, it can show a high level of intelligence as well.
It’s very quick to learn and very calm. However, your Doberman Chihuahua mix can be stubborn at times, but proper mental and physical training can help it outgrow its mischievousness.
Doberman Chihuahua Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Doberman Chihuahua mix is a generally healthy hybrid dog. If it is well-cared for, it can live for about 8 to 15 years. However, it is important to note that Doberman Chihuahua mixes are prone to some health issues.
These are the following health problems that Doberman Chihuahua mixes are prone to:
Wobbler Syndrome: Even though a Doberman Chihuahua mix is a medium-sized dog, it is still prone to wobbler syndrome. It is a disease in the cervical spine where the spinal cord and roots compress. Common symptoms include leg paralysis and neck pain.
Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy happens when the circulation of blood to the heart is disrupted or does not work properly. It results in your Doberman Chihuahua mix’s heart dysfunction and other serious heart problems.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a condition in your Doberman Chihuahua mix’ hip joint. It occurs when the socket of the hip bone grows faster than the head of the femur. This is very common in medium-sized dogs, so monitoring their development is essential to detect and treat it immediately.
Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a kind of bone cancer that is more common in Doberman Chihuahua mixes. It normally develops during middle age but can still occur at any time in the lifespan of your dog.
As mentioned, bone problems are prevalent in Doberman Chihuahua mixes. You should also monitor several heart issues in these mixed breeds as they tend to be prone to those as well.
Finally, visiting your veterinarian regularly will help you prevent these diseases.
How to Take Care of Your Chihuahua Doberman Pinscher Mix
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Taking care of a Chihuahua Doberman mix is easy and pretty straightforward. You just have to remember several tips to make it more handy and manageable.
We will guide you on how to properly feed, groom, and train your Doberman Chihuahua. Having this knowledge will save you money and effort in taking care of your puppy.
Food and Diet
Because a Doberman Chihuahua is prone to bone problems and hip dysplasia, proper nutrition is a must. Giving your dog foods rich in glucosamine and omega-fatty acids, like fish oil, will definitely keep it healthy.
For such high-energy dogs, feeding nutritious food is essential. For ages 0 to 3 months, you can free feed them. For adult dogs, you can feed them thrice a day. And for senior dogs, you can feed them once or twice a day.
The amount of food you give them depends on several factors, such as their activity level, age, size, and weight.
Moreover, you should not overfeed your dog as Doberman Chihuahua mixes are prone to obesity.
You can also give them treats when playing with them. However, do this sparingly and for training purposes only, as it may disrupt their diet and nutrition plan.
Furthermore, you can consider giving them a raw food diet. This will allow you to make sure that they receive sufficient nutrition for a stronger skeletal and immune system.
Cleaning and Grooming
One of the benefits of taking care of a Doberman Chihuahua mix is its very mild shedding. However, keep in mind that its fur may cause allergic reactions, so cleaning and grooming your dog is a must.
You can bathe your Doberman Chihuahua mix once a month or as advised by your vet. In terms of brushing its coat, a few times a week can help get rid of loose fur.
Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is also important to avoid any dental problems. Small dogs are prone to dental issues, so it is recommended to brush their teeth daily.
Also, you can trim your dog’s nails at home. When you hear a clicking sound when they walk, then it’s time for trimming. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears will also help in avoiding ear infections.
Training and Exercise
For a medium-sized Doberman Chihuahua mix, exercise can be minimal. However, this mix can be very playful, so you will likely see your pooch running around from time to time.
Engaging with your dog is essential to help it release its pent-up energy. A yard with a fence is a good place to stimulate physical and mental activities for your Doberman Chihuahua mix.
Daily exercise of around 30 to 45 minutes is sufficient for the Doberman Chihuahua mix. This may include activities like walking, running, fetching, and playing with puzzle toys.
Aside from this, obedience training is also critical for your Doberman Chihuahua mix. Remember that they can show aggressiveness towards other people and animals if not trained properly.
House training them will be a bit difficult, so it is recommended to hire a professional to ensure that they receive the best training procedures.
How Much Does a Doberman Chihuahua Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
There are several factors that affect the pricing of a Doberman Chihuahua mix. Generally, the price range for this mix is between $500 and $1,500.
However, if you want top-quality Doberman Chihuahua mix, you can find some from reputable breeders that sell them for around $3,000 to $4,000.
Aside from the actual costs of the puppy, you will also incur several initial costs when you take home your puppy.
These initial expenses in taking care of your Doberman Chihuahua mix include the following:
After considering these initial items and services, you might also want to consider another important expense like pet insurance.
You should also save up an emergency fund for your puppy. These measures will help you save some money in the long run.
If you want to know more about potential costs, read our article on Chihuahua prices and expenses.
Places to Find Doberman Chihuahua Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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The Doberman Chihuahua mix is a unique hybrid, making it a bit difficult to find the best place to buy or adopt them.
However, this section will list some of the most trusted and reputable breeders and adoption centers you can visit for buying or adopting.
Here is a list of sources where you can find Doberman Chihuahua mixes for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a reputable online website where you can find several Chihuahua and Doberman mixed breeds. This website interface is very user-friendly and very informative. They have solid ethical policies to make sure that you get the perfect dog.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies have several Doberman Pinscher mixed breeds. You can easily find a Doberman Chihuahua mix on this website, as its interface is also convenient and manageable. They contain all the information you need, such as an overview of the pup’s temperament, health, and all relevant costs.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website where reputable breeders promote their litter. This is where you can find several Chihuahua mixed breeds. They show pictures and costs of each available pup for your reference.
You can take a look at our puppy buying guide to aid you in choosing the best breeder before buying from them.
You can also check out our list of the best Doberman breeders and best Chihuahua breeders to see if some of them offer Chihuahua Doberman mixes.
Meanwhile, here are some of the rescues where you can find a Doberman Chihuahua mix for adoption:
DPCA Doberman Rescue – This is a directory that lists all Doberman rescue centers in the United States. Here, you can find rescue centers that will let you adopt Doberman and its mixes. More than a hundred rescue centers are enlisted on this site across almost all states, where you can easily find rescued Doberman Chihuahua mixes.
Chihuahua Rescue & Transport – This is a foster home that takes care of Chihuahuas and their mixes until they find a perfect home. Aside from this, they advocate spreading awareness and knowledge about the breed and how to properly take care of them.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Here, you can find adoptable dogs that are ready for homing, such as a Doberman Chihuahua mix. You can choose the breed, size, age, and qualities that you look for in a dog. The website will automatically filter out the available dogs as you requested.
Adopting a Doberman Chihuahua mix may be a little bit difficult because of its rarity. To guide you, you can read our ultimate adoption guide.
Moreover, if you want to have a Doberman Chihuahua mix for free, you can also learn a thing or two on how to get free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Doberman Chihuahua Mix
Owning a Doberman Chihuahua mix has its advantages and disadvantages, just like any other dog. Having enough knowledge about these will make your fur parent journey easier and more enjoyable.
To help you decide whether it’s more beneficial for you to own a Doberman Chihuahua mix, we will be discussing its pros and cons.
First, let’s go over the pros of owning a Doberman Chihuahua mix:
Low maintenance: Unlike any other dogs, maintaining a Doberman Chihuahua mix is very easy and handy. Since it’s a very minimal shedder, you won’t have to worry too much about loose fur or grooming.
Suitable for apartment living: Due to its very small size, a Doberman Chihuahua mix would be a great pet, even if you’re living in a small apartment. They can be stubborn at times, but with proper training, they can be manageable.
Loyal and affectionate: Doberman Chihuahua mixes are very clingy to their owners. They love playing and spending time with you. They are also very friendly to children and a good companion when you go out.
Meanwhile, here are the cons of owning a Doberman Chihuahua mix:
Prone to hereditary diseases: Most of the time, the diseases of a Doberman Chihuahua mix are genetic disorders. Make sure to have regular screenings and consultations with your vet for immediate diagnosis and treatment.
Doesn’t like being alone: Doberman Chihuahua mix dogs have a very high separation anxiety level. Leaving them alone will make them anxious and depressed. To avoid separation anxiety, make sure to always leave them with a companion.
Difficulty in-house training: Unlike with other dogs, home training is not advised for Doberman Chihuahua mix owners. You will need a professional trainer to ensure that your dog will learn proper behavior and socialization skills.
Owning a pet is a responsibility that you have to shoulder. Once you have decided to take care of one, you must be determined and able to resolve any disadvantage you will encounter.
Thus, make sure to learn all these pros and cons before taking care of a Doberman Chihuahua mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Chihuahua Doberman Mixes Aggressive?
Yes, the Doberman Chihuahua mix tends to have a strong, aggressive personality towards strangers and other pets. However, this mix is still considered affectionate and clingy towards its owners.
As mentioned above, you can avoid this scenario by having your Doberman Chihuahua mix trained well by a professional.
Do Doberman Chihuahua Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, the Doberman Chihuahua is a minimal shedder. Both of its parents, the Doberman Pinscher and Chihuahua, are minimal shedders as well.
This makes cleaning your home from fur much easier compared to other dogs. This also means that fewer allergens will be present in your home.
Are Doberman Chihuahua Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Doberman Chihuahuas are not hypoallergenic. Both of their parents are not hypoallergenic as well.
Frequently checking for fur and cleaning the house is necessary to avoid causing allergic attacks, especially for those who have asthma.
Final Thoughts: Is a Doberman Chihuahua the Right Dog for You?
Now that we’ve discussed everything you need to know about a Doberman Chihuahua mix, you may already have an idea 2of whether it’s the perfect dog for you.
If you are into small, highly energetic dogs that are loyal and affectionate towards you or your children, then taking care of them is a good choice.
However, it is essential to take note that they are very prone to certain health issues, like hip dysplasia, bone problems, and eye diseases.
At the end of the day, owning a Doberman Chihuahua will have its ups and downs. As owners, you should always have a sense of responsibility towards giving your dog the best care possible.
If this guide has helped you get to know the Doberman Chihuahua mix better, leave us a comment below!
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