Breeding designer dogs is exciting, but some breeders attempt to go to great lengths just to create unusual mixes in order to gain more profit, and one such match is the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix.
While this type of breeding cannot be fully considered illegal, it should be regulated due to some ethical considerations involved.
If you haven’t heard about this particular designer dog, you’re probably wondering how this is made possible. Chi Dane Danes do exist, and this article will provide all the information you need about this unique hybrid
What Is a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix?
A Great Dane Chihuahua mix is a designer dog created by mixing a Great Dane and a Chihuahua. It has many nicknames, such as the Impossible Dog Breed, the Great Mexican dog, and the Chi-Dane-Dane. Breeders usually create them through artificial insemination.
There are only a small handful of these dogs in the world since they are challenging to produce. They also haven’t reached a second generation of crossbreeding because of their differing size and characteristics.
Watch this video to see how much the Great Dane Chihuahua mix parents differ in size.
Chihuahua vs Great Dane<a href="https://youtu.be/hA9sAB4JETQ" 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%2FhA9sAB4JETQ%2F0.jpg" alt="Chihuahua vs Great Dane" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Chihuahua Great Dane Mix Origin and History
The origin of the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is unclear. However, it is believed that the first few rounds of breeding attempts were not successful. The breeders originally tried mating a male Great Dane with a female Chihuahua, but it wasn’t successful due to their huge size difference.
Persistent breeders then tried artificial insemination, but unfortunately, the female Chihuahuas could not handle the pregnancy because the babies were too large for them to give birth naturally.
Even when the female Chihuahuas got C-sections, the offspring passed away shortly after birth, and the mother followed afterward.
Eventually, this designer dog was attempted to be bred using a female Great Dane with a male Chihuahua through artificial insemination as well. This was easier from a whelping perspective, but nursing them became an issue because the small pups couldn’t latch on to their mom due to size differences.
Currently, the effort to produce this mix is not intensive, so not many people own this pup. Hence, it continues to be a rare hybrid in recent times.
Controversy on Mixed Breed Dogs Like Great Dane Chihuahua Mix
While they are viewed as a rare and unique dog breed, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the Great Dane Chihuahua mix.
For one thing, some people do not believe it is right to own one because of ethical reasons. Most Chi-Dane-Danes, as discussed, are not naturally made. Breeders only artificially inseminate the female Great Dane to create this unbelievable mix.
In some cases, breeders will help a male Chihuahua mount a female Great Dane. The act of forcing dogs to breed solely to produce unique and rare offspring doesn’t exactly fall into the acceptable breeding practices.
Additionally, there are a lot of pet owners and animal rights activists who are against the idea of designer dogs. These people agree that there are many adoptable dogs in shelters, so creating more dogs for the sake of profit should be prevented.
What Does the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Look Like?
Image credit: mixedbreeddogs / Instagram
Since the parents of Chi-Dane-Danes are of two different extremes, it is tough to predict what they will look like. Some of the existing ones are described as having long bodies with short legs, but some puppies can look more like one parent breed.
Most Great Dane Chihuahua mixes will have straight, pointy ears and a head shape similar to a Great Dane, with slightly rounded features and slightly shorter snouts. Their coat will be smooth and short similar to their Chihuahua and Great Dane parents.
How Big Do Great Dane Chihuahua Mixes Get When Fully Grown?
Great Dane Chihuahua mixes are usually twice the size of a Chihuahua but much smaller than a Great Dane. The Great Dane is about 28 to 32 inches tall, and the Chihuahua is normally 5 to 8 inches tall. Therefore, the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is usually a medium-sized dog.
On the other hand, it is hard to precisely state this designer dog’s height because of their parents’ genes. Some of the pups will be nearly as large as a Great Dane whilst others may lean towards a Chihuahua’s height.
Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Coat Colors
The colors and patterns of a Great Dane Chihuahua mix are practically endless. The parents of a Great Dane Chihuahua mix usually determine what colors they will look like.
For instance, if both the Great Dane and Chihuahua had black coats, most of their puppies would likely have black fur.
Some of the most common colors of this mix are cream and white, and harlequin. Here are the main colors that you can expect to see for this mix:
Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Temperament and Personality
To identify the detailed disposition and temperament of Chi-Dane-Danes, we should first take a look at how their parents behave.
Great Danes are fantastic family dogs since they are loyal, affectionate, and friendly even with strangers. They can be excellent watchdogs as well but are gentle and patient enough to be around children.
Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are curious, lively, and loving. They can be a bit stubborn and skittish, especially without proper training, and they have a reputation for being somewhat yappy dogs, which is the exact opposite of a Great Dane.
However, being an experienced breeder of Chihuahuas for about five years, regardless of whether the Chihuahua Great Dane Mix takes after its smaller parent or not, its behavior will greatly depend on how it was raised.
With this dog’s integration with the Great Dane’s behavior, along with the proper environment, early socialization, and obedience training, you can be guaranteed a dog that is well-behaved and even-tempered.
Further, considering their parents’ temperament, Great Dane Chihuahua mixes can be tagged as good family dogs. They’ll cuddle with you just like the Great Danes, but they can also get feisty if they do not get what they want because of their Chihuahua genes.
Many of them can live in smaller homes because they may be calm depending on their size. However, if they do not get their much-needed exercise or they get bored, they are strong enough to tear up your furniture.
Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
The Great Dane parent of a Chi-Dane-Dane usually does not live very long. Their average lifespan is 7 to 10 years. Meanwhile, The Chihuahua’s lifespan is longer than a Great Dane’s, averaging 14 to 16 years. Expect the Great Dane Dane’s Lifespan to be somewhere in between the two.
However, some pet owners claim that they also don’t live long because they are almost similar to the Great Danes in size.
Meanwhile, depending on which parent breed they take after more, they can be susceptible to the following health conditions:
Hip Dysplasia: Dogs suffering from hip dysplasia have ball and socket joints that do not fit well with each other. This is a painful condition characterized by decreased activity or limping. Treatment for this may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or surgery.
Wobbler Syndrome: Also called cervical spondylomyopathy is a condition common in large breed dogs indicated by a wobbly or uncoordinated gait in the rear legs. This is usually caused by spinal cord compression in the neck. If detected early, this may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a condition common in Chihuahuas where the kneecap pops out of its normal location. Depending on its severity, it can be treated with medications or surgery.
It is important to schedule routine vet visits to detect the onset of these illnesses early and treat them before they get worse.
How to Take Care of Your Great Dane Chihuahua Mix
Your Chi-Dane-Dane’s needs will significantly vary due to their size. Since there are no exact measurements for this dog, you will need to largely base it on how other similar breeds are being taken care of. You can also ask a veterinarian for advice.
Here are some tips on taking care of your Great Dane Chihuahua mix:
Food and Diet
It is hard to say exactly how much they will need to eat since Chi-Dane-Danes come in a variety of sizes. But if they are indeed medium-sized, they should eat about 25 to 30 calories per pound every day to stay at a healthy weight.
It is suggested that you seek the help of a vet to assess your dog’s specific needs and give you the best diet plan for your Chi-Dane-Dane.
Cleaning and Grooming
Fortunately for you, the Great Dane Chihuahua mix is very easy to clean and groom. They are extremely low maintenance since you do not have to style or groom their fur.
You will only need to brush their hair every other day and bathe them as needed, along with the other basics like trimming their nails, brushing their teeth, and cleaning their ears.
Training and Exercise
Training your Chihuahua Great Dane mix should not be too difficult. There is a good chance that it is fairly easy to train because of its Great Dane genes.
However, you may need to be more consistent and firm if your Great Dane Chihuahua mix got some stubborn Chihuahua traits. Chihuahuas have a huge personality despite their small stature, so you would need to be more persistent with a Chi-Dane-Dane.
Further, the level of exercise a Great Dane Chihuahua mix needs depends on size and personality. Therefore, you need to adjust their time on various stimulating activities once you have evaluated their final size.
Typically, small to medium-sized Chi-Dane-Danes will be happy with 1 to 2 long walks and 20 to 30 minutes of playtime daily.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix
If you want to own this peculiar designer breed, you may need to be very patient since this pup is rare and is not extensively bred as of this time.
Meanwhile, you should also weigh your options first. And to do that, this list of pros and cons will come in handy.
Here are some advantages to owning the Great Dane Chihuahua mix:
Unique hybrid: A great reason to have a Great Dane Chihuahua mix is that you will have a unique dog. Since this breed is so rare, your pup will surely stand out amongst the crowd.
Suitable family pets: Chi-Dane-Danes are excellent family pets. Many of them will get a Great Dane’s patient temperament with the loving nature of a Chihuahua, making them perfect dogs for both children and adults. They make a good fit for almost any kind of family, but they tend to do best with more active ones.
Low maintenance: This mix is very low maintenance. Their short, neat coats need very little grooming, and they also shed minimally.
On the other hand, here are some drawbacks to having a Great-Dane-Dane:
Difficult to source: Chi-Dane-Danes are very hard to find. Since they were bred through artificial insemination, not many breeders are developing this dog.
Expensive price: They tend to be very expensive because they are scarce. Artificial insemination and C-sections also cost a lot which adds to their price.
Not enough references for proper care: Due to its rarity, there are not enough existing references on how to take care of this hybrid based on its health and behavior. Hence, owners may refer to its more dominant parent’s care strategies.
Places to Find Chihuahua Great Dane Mix Puppies for Sale
There is a good chance that you will not be able to adopt a Great Dane Chihuahua mix easily. This dog is extremely rare, so it is highly unlikely that you will stumble upon one at a shelter.
Therefore, the only way you can get a pup is to buy from a breeder. You may have to ask a reputable one who previously had a litter of Chi-Dane-Danes about when they will have another batch of puppies.
Here are some places to source a Great Dane Chihuahua mix breeder:
AKC Marketplace – Though the AKC focuses more on purebred dogs and upholding their standards, it will not hurt if you reach out to breeders of both its parent breeds, the Chihuahua and the Great Dane, to ask for references of where to find a Chihuahua Great Dane mix.
The Chihuahua Club of America, Inc. (CCA) Beeder’s Directory – The CCA is the national breed club of the AKC for the Chihuahua breed. They focus on purebred Chihuahuas, but you can check with their members for referrals of those who breed Great Dane Danes.
Great Dane Club of America, Inc. (GDCA) Breeder Directory – The GDCA is the AKC’s parent club for Great Danes, so you can be assured that breeds from the group exhibit ethical breeding standards. Like the CCA, this group concentrates on the breeding of purebred Great Danes, but it is worth asking the group for members who venture into breeding Chihuahua Great Dane mixes.
Other Similar Dog Mixes and Breeds
It can be frustrating if you cannot find a breeder to get a Great Dane Chihuahua mix, and if you find one, it might also take a very long time to wait for one to e produced. In the meantime, here is a list of similar dog breeds you might also want to consider:
Dachshund
While the Dachshund has much smaller legs than the Chi-Dane-Dane, it is still a lovable breed, and they have many traits similar to the mix in focus. They are patient and friendly like a Great Dane but have the stubborn and fun personality of a Chihuahua.
Most Dachshunds sport short coats, but there are many long-haired ones. They are also generally healthy, and they are only prone to obesity and back problems, which are preventable.
German Pinscher
These energetic, fun-loving dogs have short coats that come in many colors like fawn, black, or red with tan or red markings.
They are medium-sized canines who make excellent watchdogs and family dogs, just like a Great Dane. They also need tons of exercise because they get bored easily.
Catahoula Leopard Dog
This breed is often mistaken as a Great Dane, so we can consider them as perfect alternatives if you desire to own a Chi-Dane-Dane mix. They are powerful, well-muscled dogs, and they are ideal stock, bay, and guard dogs.
American Bull Dane
Image credit: bend_it_like_bentley / Instagram
This is a hybrid created by pairing an American Bulldog with a Great Dane. These dogs come in cream, black, brown, and white coats, and they are described by many pet owners as alert, easygoing, fearless, and affectionate.
They are suitable for apartment dwellers because they are quite laid-back dogs. However, they are also observed to be loud barkers.
Related Questions
Do Great Dane Chihuahua Mixes Shed?
Great Dane Chihuahua mixes tend to shed minimally because they are single-coated. They also aren’t that stressful to groom because they don’t have long hair. You’ll probably see some of their hairs on your furniture and carpet, but not as much as with other breeds that shed more.
Are Great Dane Chihuahua Mixes Hypoallergenic?
Great Dane Chihuahua mixes are not hypoallergenic since both parents are not. However, Chi-Dane-Danes, for instance, can be tolerated by people with very mild allergies due to their shorter coats, but they can still pose a health risk for those who are really sensitive to allergies
Are Great Dane Chihuahua Mixes Hard to Train?
They may be only slightly difficult to train, but that depends on which characteristics they got. Each puppy from the litter will be unique, so you never know what their personality will be like until you see them.
For example, if they are more like a Great Dane, training may be a breeze because they would be more obedient and patient. However, you may have to be more persistent with training if they are more like a Chihuahua.
Final Thoughts: Is the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Right for You?
The Great Dane Chihuahua mix is a very rare and expensive dog breed. There is only a handful currently existing in the world, so it is very difficult to look for one.
Breeding them requires careful artificial insemination, and the process of pregnancy and whelping for this designer dog is a bit more complicated because of the huge size discrepancy between its two parent breeds.
What is your opinion about the Chihuahua Great Dane mix? Is this the right designer breed for you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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