MyDogBreeds
Both Chiweenie and Australian Shepherd are originated from United States. Chiweenie may grow 23 cm / 9 inches shorter than Australian Shepherd. Chiweenie may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than Australian Shepherd. Both Chiweenie and Australian Shepherd has same life span. Chiweenie may have less litter size than Australian Shepherd. Chiweenie requires High maintenance. But Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance
The Chiweenie is a small dog developed in the 1960’s as a hybrid/cross between the Dachshund and the Chihuahua. Due to their small size and big personalities, they are an extremely popular designer breed. They are easy to care for and their personality and activity level is much like the Chihuahua side of the hybrid. The Chiweenie can look like either of its parents if it is first generation. If it is second or third generation it is likely to resemble the parents more as they already look like one of the two breeds. The second and third generations will look like the mix more than either of the originators.
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog in the world and they originated in Mexico. The Daschund is a hunting dog from Germany with a long body and short legs. The Chiweenie is a nice looking cross breed that loves people and is very affectionate. They were developed in the United States.
The Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.
More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.
A first-generation Chiweenie can look like either of the breeds they are crossed with. However, the second and third generations will have the hybrid look for the most part. No two will look exactly alike however. They have a thin snout that is long on a small, domed head. They can have floppy or pointed ears, eyes that are large and expressive, a moderate tail and small feet. They can vary substantially in their appearances.
Similar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.
There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.
This is an extremely popular hybrid or designer dog because they are so friendly, gentle, loving lapdogs. In addition, they love to play and cuddle. They are great for single or older people. If they live with a family it should be with older kids because younger kids might hurt them. Be careful how rough you play. They are small and can be hurt easily.
The Chiweenie is dedicated to their people and extremely loyal. They are also very cautious and can be nervous. They are always watching what else is happening in their environment and they will bark to alert you if they think there is something or someone out of place. They are not quiet dogs. They are great with other small dogs that they are raised with or used to but not with larger dogs, cats or other animals. They are jealous and protective. Train them out of or to avoid resource guarding. They can be stubborn about these things.
They will play constantly if you let them and they are great travel companions, although noises and activity around them does often annoy them. They are also courageous, clever, lovable and happy. Like most toy or small dog breeds you might have a difficult time housebreaking them and crate training is recommended.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.
Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.
Chiweenies are a pretty healthy crossbreed with their most prominent issue being allergies. At the same time this hybrid might inherit any of the problems of either of their two parental breeds. These conditions might include:
The tendency for this would come from the Chihuahua parental genes and can result in brain damage but normally is not that bad.
The tendency for this would come from the Dachshund parental genes and if your Chiweenie has a long back you will need to be careful of jump and overzealous playing.
Aussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.
This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.
These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.
Chiweenies regulate their own food intake, even as puppies. They should be fed twice a day and they are prone to dental issues. Dry food is absolutely recommended.
In addition to the conditions listed above, the Chiweenie might inherit the issues that affect small dogs most often. This includes:
A sudden drop in blood sugar levels. This can happen if the dog has diabetes and it is unregulated or stress and poor nutrition can also cause it.
These are little dogs with a lot of energy and they burn up a lot of energy. They need to walk every day or have a full-blown play session in the house. They don’t need much space to play in.
With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.
A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.
The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.
Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.