The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a new and uncanny hybrid breed, but it indeed is a great companion with a unique look. Imagine a German Shepherd and a Chihuahua as a single pet. Yes, it is possible.
These two dogs are relatively contrasting in many ways, but both are beautiful. The German Shepherd breed is a medium to large dog, while the Chihuahua breed is the world’s smallest dog.
There may be a lot of controversy surrounding mixed breeds compared to purebred dogs, but they are still widely accepted by dog lovers and pet owners worldwide.
If you’re curious about this German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, then read along as we uncover more facts and details about them. By the end of this article, you may even want to own one.
What Is a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix?
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The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, also known as the German Shepherd Chihuahua or Chihuahua Shepherd mix, is a crossbreed between a female German Shepherd and a male Chihuahua. This results in a small to medium-sized dog with the perfectly blended personality of its parent dogs.
At first glance, you will notice how their coat color resembles that of a German Shepherd. However, its size is too small to be one. This hybrid is relatively new, so not many people can set them apart from a GSD.
Just like other mixed breed dogs, German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are not just unique-looking but also healthier pups. Though they are not generally popular, they make excellent family companions for active owners.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Origin and History
The female German Shepherd and male Chihuahua are not usually bred purposely or naturally.
Sometimes they are accidental, but more often than not, German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are produced through artificial insemination.
Just like any other designer dog, it’s challenging to trace the history and origin of this German Shepherd Chihuahua mix. No known documentation of this hybrid’s first-ever litter is available.
However, we can still discuss its parent breeds. Both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas have been around for centuries, and they are pretty popular as purebred dogs up to this day.
From its name, German Shepherds originated in Germany in 1895. They were mainly used for herding sheep. They are brilliant, loyal, and quite athletic.
Due to this, they are most recognized as working dogs or as part of the police force and armies.
On the other hand, Chihuahuas are famous for their brave attitude and petite size. These “purse dogs” are the national symbol of Mexico, and they are generally known as great crossbreed parents.
Both these popular dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), but unfortunately, this is not the case for the Chihuahua Shepherd mix.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Appearance
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The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is larger than an average Chihuahua and smaller than a purebred German Shepherd, so they fall between small and medium-sized dogs.
Shape-wise, their head resembles an apple, and they have large ears that are triangular in shape. They have sturdy bodies with solid legs, and they are usually small in height.
These hybrid dogs typically have a coat color that resembles the German Shepherd dog. It is either black or brown or a mix of both. However, rarer coat colors like blue, black, and liver are also possible.
Regarding the thickness and lengths of their coats, it is more dependent on their Chihuahua parents. They can either be short-haired or long-haired, and they can also have single or double-layer coats.
The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix has small, prominent eyes which are usually dark in color. Their tails are average in size with a slight curve on the tip.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Size and Weight
As a small to medium-sized dog, the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix has a height between 7 and 26 inches, weighing around 8 to 60 pounds. This typically depends on what parent genes are more dominant in the puppy.
Moreover, a full-grown German Shepherd Chihuahua mix can be expected at around 12 months of age. However, they can still grow a few inches, depending on different factors, such as diet, genetics, and environment.
They are great family companions in medium-sized homes and apartments since they don’t take up too much space.
Another thing to watch out for this mixed breed dog is that they may be relatively small, but they are very energetic and active. A nice, expansive yard would be great for them to play around and train.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament and Personality
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A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a four-legged ball of sunshine. They are fiercely loyal and protective to their owners, so they are excellent family dogs.
They are also hyper, dependable, and knowledgeable, making them easy to train and pick up commands. They are also fantastic guard dogs since they are very vocal about strangers and intruders.
Unfortunately, a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is generally unsuitable for homes with small children and other pets. Since they have a high potential for aggression, they need to be monitored closely.
Just like other dogs, proper socialization and obedience training at an early age is critical. Your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix can be friendly and pleasant to other people and pets as long as they are exposed at a young age.
It is also important to note that these small dogs have small bladders, so potty training is essential. This intelligent dog is also quite affectionate, and there is a tendency for them to be overly attached to their owners.
To combat separation anxiety from developing in your companion dogs, make time to teach them how to be alone. This can be done through crate training. This will take a lot of work since they can be stubborn, but persistence is vital.
It also helps to set up a routine or a schedule for your furry friend, and don’t forget to reward them during training. Just don’t give them too many treats. Since they have high energy, they will surely enjoy many activities with you.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Chihuahua: Which Is Better?
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Generally, crossbreeds are healthier than pure breeds. This means that a Chihuahua Shepherd mix has lower tendencies to develop hereditary diseases.
This is especially true when their Chihuahua parent and German Shepherd parent are from reputable breeders. This dog mix can live for 10 to 14 years if properly cared for and loved.
However, despite being a healthy dog, there are still health problems that may arise depending on different factors, such as genetics, environment, and diet. A dog’s life is never perfect, after all.
Some common health problems of a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix are the following:
Hip Dysplasia: This condition refers to the underdevelopment or abnormality in the conformation of a dog’s hip joint. It is most likely inherited from the German Shepherd parent since hip dysplasia is common in medium-large dogs. Affected dogs can be in pain and may have decreased mobility.
Obesity: Obesity usually means having excess body fats. This is the most common preventable disease in dogs. This can also worsen hip and elbow dysplasia in mixed breeds if it remains unaddressed. It is best to limit feeding your dogs and control the number of treats given.
Congenital Heart Defect: This is a condition that dogs are born with, and in most cases, inherited. Congenital heart defects are marked by structural deformities that obstruct or interfere with normal heart functions. Reputable breeders usually screen their parent dogs to avoid this condition.
Patellar Luxation: This condition is prominent in smaller dogs, so this may be inherited from the Chihuahua parent. Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap of the dog is dislocated, resulting in extreme discomfort and pain.
Stroke: This happens when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, so the oxygen supply in the brain cells becomes low. According to the American Kennel Club, there are a lot of signs that your dog may be having a stroke. This includes head tilting, loss of balance, impaired vision, and vomiting.
If you’re planning to own a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, it is best to purchase one from a reputable breeder to minimize the development of health problems in your furry friend.
Aside from that, regular vet visits and a balanced diet is crucial in keeping our dogs away from sickness and severe health conditions.
How to Take Care of Your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
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Before owning a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, you should consider your capabilities in taking care of them. There are a lot of factors to look into, but you must be able to meet their everyday needs.
They will rely on their owners from an early age until adulthood since they cannot speak about their needs. It may be a lifetime commitment to have furry kids, but I assure you it’s worth it.
Although it is recommended that experienced owners are suitable for a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, this guide is also for new owners committed to owning this hybrid.
Food and Diet
Like other dogs, German Shepherd Chihuahuas should be getting proper nutrition throughout their lifetime. Their food and diet are vital to their growth and for keeping them healthy.
Feeding your dog high-quality dog food depending on its age is non-negotiable. They have different nutritional requirements in various stages of their lives, so it’s best to consult a vet or a pet nutrition expert.
As mentioned above, a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is prone to obesity, so it’s highly suggested to keep them out of foods with high-fat content.
There may be ways to slim them down, but excess food can further harm them.
In addition, since they are highly energetic dogs who enjoy training, it is also advised to be mindful of how many treats you reward them. They tend to ask for more and overeat, and sometimes it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes.
Cleaning and Grooming
A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is not high-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their fur does not grow very long, so brushing at least once a week should be enough to keep their coats shiny and healthy.
Although they do not shed a lot, it is essential to note that these dogs are not hypoallergenic. Weekly brushing can help decrease shedding when seasons change.
Bathing can be done as needed, especially when they get dirty. However, make sure you do not do it very often because it can result in dry skin. Using high-quality shampoo is a good investment.
Lastly, clipping the nails of your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix should be practiced regularly.
Training and Exercise
A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix needs a firm and confident owner to start early training since they can be a little bit stubborn, especially if they inherit the attitude of their Chihuahua parent.
They may view small pets and children as prey and chase them. So it’s a must for them to understand basic commands and be socialized as puppies to behave appropriately around people and other dogs.
Positive reinforcement and just the right amount of treats can help in potty and crate training. They tend to be fast learners and are mostly obedient. You just have to be persistent and consistent in doing these activities with them.
As for exercise, a German Shepherd Chihuahua should be exercised daily for at least 30 minutes. If their genes lean more towards their German Shepherd parent, they could exercise up to 60 to 90 minutes daily.
Chihuahua Shepherd mixes enjoy walks, playing fetch, moderate hikes, and running around. Although they are highly energetic, it is best to keep them away from strenuous activities since they are prone to hip dysplasia.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Since they are pretty pricey, you can expect the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix to be around $500 to $2,500. However, there are very limited breeders dedicated to producing German Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppies.
For comparison, purebred German Shepherds cost around $800 to $3,500, while Chihuahuas cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the breeder and the dog’s lineage.
Wherever you purchase this mixed breed, just make sure to stay away from puppy mills. Aside from producing unhealthy puppies, they have unethical breeding practices that you surely wouldn’t want to support.
This table summarizes the initial costs of a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix. You may use them as a guide if you’re considering purchasing this dog:
Since this is a mixed breed, they usually vary in size, and we are not always sure of the dominant parent gene present in a pup, especially at an early age.
Generally, a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a small to medium dog. So we’ve listed down the rough estimate of initial expenses for both small-sized and medium-sized dogs to make budgeting easier for you.
Places to Find German Shepherd Chihuahua Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Unlike other dogs and mixed breeds, a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is not popularly known. Moreover, they are not always naturally produced. That’s why it is pretty challenging to find this mixed breed for sale.
Currently, no known breeders specialize in producing German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes, only their German Shepherd and Chihuahua parents.
However, if you’re committed to being an owner of this dog breed, we’ve listed a few places where you may find one. Your best luck might be looking through the parent breed’s breeder and acquiring information about the hybrid.
The following places may offer German Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppies:
Ridgewood Kennels – This kennel has been placing Chihuahua mixes for sale for over 40 years with a lifetime written warranty. You might want to check their website from time to time to see if a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is available.
Greenfield Puppies – Since 2001, Greenfield has connected puppies to loving homes. They have German Shepherd mixes and Chihuahua mixes on their list. With the right amount of luck, you may be able to find the Chihuahua German Shepherd mix you’re looking for.
Keystone Puppies – Many German Shepherd or Chihuahua mixes are available on this advertising website. They also come with transparent health records and health guarantees.
Aside from purchasing from a breeder, a good option is to rescue or adopt a dog. It can save you money, plus you can give another chance for a pup to have a better life.
This dog breed can be rare in rescue homes, but if you find one in a shelter, you can ensure that they undergo medical examinations and are rehabilitated before they get cleared to be in a new home.
Here are some places where you may rescue a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix:
Chihuahua Rescue and Transport – They have been responsible for placing thousands of Chihuahua mixes in loving homes since 1996. They also raise awareness and educate the public about animal abuse, abandonment, and neglect. You may want to check them out to know if they have any available Chihuahua German Shepherd mix.
German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions (GSRA) – In Northern Carolina, this community saves countless lives and helps find loving families for their rescues. They may be dedicated to German Shepherds, but they also cater to mixed breeds. Visit their website for more details.
Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue, LTD – This is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing safe homes and medical care for Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes. Their adoption program is promising, and you may want to browse their site for a Chihuahua Shepherd mix.
Aside from the places and tips mentioned above, you may want to check out our guides on the best Chihuahua rescues and German Shepherd rescues.
Pros and Cons of Owning a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix
Opening your home to this hybrid is not an instant decision. It requires a lot of pondering, preparation, and consideration. Having a crossbreed is a lot of work, and there will always be cons. Still, there are also a lot of advantages.
Here are the pros of owning a Chihuahua Shepherd mix:
Long lifespan: Because of their hybrid vigor, they are much healthier than pure breeds, and they tend to have long life expectancies. They can be great buddies as they grow old and experience life with you.
Compact size: Since they are small to medium dogs, they are excellent in average homes. They do not need large backyards to run around and play. This can also save you money when buying their beds, accessories, and crates.
Unique looks: This hybrid is considered rare because its breeding process is not straightforward. Their looks are also one of a kind, and only a few people own a Chihuahua Shepherd mix.
Highly Intelligent: This dog is easy to train, and they respond well to obedience exercises and command activities. Accomplishing tasks with their owners is something they enjoy.
In contrast, here are the cons of having a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix:
Unpredictable full-grown size: This dog breed is dependent on the dominant genes of its parent breeds. A full-grown Chihuahua and a full-grown German Shepherd are highly contradicting in size. So determining its adult size is quite challenging.
Limited sources: Since this type of dog is new, you won’t be able to find a breeder or kennel instantly. It takes a lot of time and patience before you can get one into your home.
Needs to be trained: This hybrid is vocal and distrusting to strangers. They are also prone to chasing small kids and animals. With this, they need a dedicated and firm owner to socialize and train them to temper their aggressive tendencies.
Knowing the pros and cons is necessary before deciding to own a pet to avoid neglect and abandonment issues. This can also help you analyze if a Chihuahua Shepherd mix is the right dog for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can a German Shepherd Mate With a Chihuahua?
Mating a male Chihuahua and a female German Shepherd dog is pretty possible. However, it does not always happen naturally. Human assistance and artificial insemination are needed to breed a Chihuahua Shepherd mix.
Are German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Unfortunately, German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are not hypoallergenic. They may not be suitable in homes with owners that are sensitive to danders and allergens.
Do German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes Shed a Lot?
No, they are moderate shedders. Therefore, they are low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brushing and bathing them regularly can help minimize shedding when seasons change.
Final Thoughts: Is a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix the Right Dog for You?
There are a lot of dog breeds out there, but we cannot deny how beautiful a German Shepherd and Chihuahua mix is. Aside from being unique, they have affectionate traits that pet owners adore.
Sadly, you can’t just purchase them in pet stores. However, these dogs may be challenging to come across but they are indeed worth it. They are great companions with a heart full of bravery and loyalty.
They may be more suitable for experienced dog owners with no small children and pets in the household. Still, they can be trained to behave appropriately in no time since they are intelligent.
If you feel like you are fully committed to taking care of a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, nothing should stop you from acquiring one.
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