rottweiler chihuahua mix

The Fascinating World Of The Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix

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Mixing purebred dogs is a common thing dog owners do to make their ideal pet. An example of this is the dog known as the Chiweiler.

The Rottweiler Chihuahua mix combines the protective Rottweiler with the compact Chihuahua. Its loyalty and playfulness are some of the reasons it may be perfect for you. But you may find some other traits unlikeable.

Where did the Chihuahua Rottweiler mix originate?

Because this is a new mixed breed, there still is not enough information about where exactly it originates from. But its parents have a long and interesting history.

The Chihuahua is a dog with an origin going as far as the 9th century C.E. It was described by the Toltecs, but famously used by the Aztecs as a ritual dog. The modern Chihuahua comes from Chihuahua, Mexico, where it was found by Americans and brought to the USA. It was officially accepted by the AKC in 1904.

The Rottweiler is a dog that has a long history dating to the ancient Roman empire. The Romans used these dogs as working and guarding dogs. Once their empire fell, these dogs stayed in the town of Rottweil, Germany, where they were bred for work. Officially, these dogs were accepted by the AKC in 1931.

What are the physical characteristics of Rottweiler Chihuahua mix dogs?

Being a crossed breed, its appearance will vary depending on the inherited genes. Overall, it’s a muscular dog with a sturdy build. It can weigh anywhere between 20 to 80 pounds and stand anywhere from 9 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. This puts it in the classification of a medium-sized dog. It has a broad head with floppy or erect ears. Even though Rottweilers have docked tails, their mixed dogs will have a medium-long tail.

What does the coat of the Chihuahua Rottie mix look like?

The coat of this dog is usually short or medium, depending on the inherited genes. If one of the parents is a Chihuahua with long hair, the mix may also grow a longer coat.

Some expected colors for this hybrid dog breed include black and chocolate. Cream and fawn mixes can also be born. White or merle markings may also appear on the coat, as well as a black mask.

What is the expected personality of the Rottweiler Chihuahua mix?

Being so affectionate and loyal makes for an ideal family dog. It has a tendency to protect its family and territory so it is the perfect guard dog. Its high vigilance and loud disposition also make it a great watchdog. Rottweilers are known for their growl which can be inherited from their mixed breed. This dog may also have some streaks of aggressive behavior like the Chihuahua, but this can be fixed with training.

Otherwise, this dog can be very intelligent and eager to learn new commands. However, it can sometimes get stubborn and requires a firm hand.

Photo by @_lilokoi

What are the common health problems that may affect a Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix?

The healthcare for a Rottweiler Chihuahua mix can be easier due to a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor. This means it is quite a healthy dog and can live for around 12-16 years. However, there are some genetic issues that can still occur.

A common problem for a lot of dogs is hip dysplasia. This disease affects the ball and socket joint of the hip causing problems with moving. Some heart problems like subaortic stenosis can also affect these dogs. The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine says that:

In mild sub-aortic stenosis no signs are observed. In moderate (sometimes) and severe (almost always) cases, symptoms such as weakness, breathing difficulty (dyspnea), fainting (syncope), and, in extreme cases, sudden death are all possible as a result of subaortic stenosis.

Eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy can also affect this hybrid dog. Epilepsy and hypothyroidism are other rare but possible conditions.

How can you ensure proper nutrition for the Rottweiler Chihuahua hybrid?

The amount of food this dog needs will greatly depend on its size and exercise levels. However, the average is recommended around 1-1.5 cups of food every day. This should be split into two or more meals during the day so the dog doesn’t get hungry.

Ensure that you use a high-quality diet. If you are using commercial dog food, choose a company that you know is reliable and safe. Make sure to choose the appropriate type for the dog you have. The food should be high in protein and low in carbs and artificial ingredients.

Besides food, adding supplements to the diet is also important. Fish oil and chondroitin are great for keeping the joints healthy.

Does the Rottweiler Chihuahua crossbreed have high exercise requirements?

This mix inherits a lot of energy from its ancestors. This is why it will need at least around an hour of exercise every day. This split into more sessions during the day. Besides the expected walk around the neighborhood or dog park, you should also offer other exercises.

These dogs will love to go for a run or hike with you. Playing some games like fetch and tug of war can help you bond while spending some energy. Make sure to also offer some mental stimulation during the day. This can be done by buying some puzzle toys or giving tasks that require some thinking.

Photo by @_lilokoi

What are some training tips for the Rottweiler Chihuahua mix?

Due to its intelligence and loyalty, this dog can learn a lot of commands. But its stubborn streaks will require a persistent owner with some experience. Obedience training should start from an early age. 

One key tool to use while training this dog is positive reinforcement. Giving some treats and praise during training will make it much easier and enjoyable for both parties. Make sure the training sessions are short and fun so the dog doesn’t get bored. Early socialization is key to ensure that the dog stays calm when dealing with strangers and other animals. “Puppies can begin socialization classes as early as 7 to 8 weeks.”, says Dr. Vanesa Farmer.

Is grooming the Chihuahua Rottweiler cross difficult?

This is a moderately shedding dog, meaning that not a lot of attention is needed to its coat. Brushing the coat around 2-3 times a week should be enough to keep it clean and reduce shedding. This will depend on the length of the coat and the season of shedding.

The dog should be bathed once a month to keep it clean. Bathing it too often will cause damage to the skin due to overbathing. Make sure to use a shampoo specialized for dogs because human shampoos are not good for the fur.

Besides this, you should also trim the dog’s nails and brush its teeth regularly. Cleaning its ears is also important, especially if they are floppy.

How can you get a Rottweiler crossed with Chihuahua?

If you like how this mixed breed sounds, there are two ways to get it. You can either buy it from a breeder or adopt it from a rescue shelter.

Buying from a breeder

The average price for getting your hands on one of these majestic pups is around 1,000-$2,500. This price greatly varies depending on many factors. If the dog’s parents are award-winning dogs, you can expect the price to be higher.

Make sure you are getting your dog from a reputable breeder. They should give you all the information you need about the mix. They should also let you visit the kennel if you ask to. Because there are no breeders crossbreeding these dogs, you can try breeders for the purebred parents.

Adopting from a shelter

If you decide to adopt a Rottweiler Chihuahua, it will cost you much less than buying a dog. It will also be a humane thing to do as you are offering a home to someone who needs it.

You might not always find the dog you want in the shelters. There may be other similar mixes like the Labrador and Chihuahua mix for example. Also, you may not find a puppy, but adult dogs. All of them still need a home and will be very happy to be adopted. There isn’t a shelter specializing in this mix, but you can find specialized rescues for the purebreds.

Photo by @3pnwpups

Final thoughts about the Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix 

This mixed breed combines the best traits of two very popular dogs. From the Rottweiler, it inherits its sturdy build and bold demeanor. From the Chihuahua, it inherits its energy and protective behavior.

The hybrid is very loving and can fit in most families. Being so intelligent, it can easily be trained to follow commands. Its beautiful coat can come in different colors and doesn’t require too much grooming to keep it clean.

If you like the personality traits of this mix, you can get it from a breeder or pick the adoption option. Just make sure to have the means to properly care for the pup.

FAQ

Are Rottweiler Chihuahua Mixes good with kids?

These dogs can be great with kids considering their playful and energetic behavior. However, supervision is still important to prevent any accidents from happening.

Does the Rottweiler Chihuahua mix get along with other dogs?

This dog can get quite territorial and aggressive toward other dogs at first. This can be fixed with early socialization and training though. You may still see some herding behavior from time to time though.

Does the Chihuahua Rottweiler pick a favorite person?

This hybrid dog is very loyal and loving to its family members. But it does have the tendency to choose one person that it trusts the most. This doesn’t mean that it doesn’t like the other members of the family though.

More dog breed resources

Here are a few other resources that introduce other dog breeds you may be interested in or haven’t heard of yet.

You can find a lot more information on other dog breeds on our site Dogisa!

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