Australian Shepherds and Chihuahuas differ in so many ways that it's almost unimaginable to mix them. However, the possibilities are endless with designer breeds, and the Aussie Chi is proof of that.
Now, what happens when you combine an easygoing breed with a dog who thinks he's actually bigger than his size? You get a lovable, active energy called the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
This rare mix can intrigue anyone and perhaps convince them to own one. Read on to see if you and the Aussie Chihuahua mix are perfect for each other.
Aussie Chi (Australian Shepherd/Chihuahua mix) Info, photos, FAQ and more
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 12 – 16 inches |
| Weight | 8 to 26 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 – 17 years |
| Coat Colors | Tricolor or bicolor (combination of red, white, black, and/or brown), red merle, blue merle |
| Temperament | Active, attention-seeking, intelligent, caring, playful, alert, protective |
| Suitable for | Families with older children, active households |
What is an Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix?
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix, also known as the Aussie Chi or Aussie Huahua, is a cross between the Aussie Shepherd and the Chihuahua. Its appearance varies according to the parent breed it follows. One thing you can expect from this hybrid is that it is playful, loyal and intelligent.
Although the Aussie Chihuahua mix has been around for some time, this designer breed is still rare. But with people embracing mixed breeds in recent years, it's no surprise that they fall in love when they see this particular mix.
If you're looking for a relatively small, high-energy dog that's easy to train and gets along with the whole family, you might want to consider an Aussie Chi.
They often get the best characteristics from their parent breeds, so you're in for a pleasant surprise.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Origin and history: where does the Aussie Chi come from?
Crossbred dogs don't often have a clear, written history behind them, and the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is no different.
To better understand the mix, let's take a look at its parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd and Chihuahua.
The Australian Shepherd's name has little to do with its place of origin. They were thought to be of Spanish origin. The shepherds who brought them to Australia eventually moved to America, where they were given their name.
It wasn't until the 19th century that the breed gained in popularity. Nicknamed "rodeo dogs", they are known as breeding and herding dogs, hence the "Shepherd" label in their name.
Because of these qualities, Australians are often the winners of dog sport competitions today. Intelligent, attentive, active, affectionate, devoted and protective, the Aussie is also an excellent companion for adults and children.
Since the Australian Shepherd is a working breed, it is also trained as a search and rescue dog, therapy dog, guide dog, disaster dog and service dog.
Chihuahuas, the other parent of this hybrid, are considered the world's smallest breed.
But don't underestimate their size, as these dogs have a big-dog attitude. The Chihuahua breed is also a graceful, vocal, sassy and intelligent little pooch.
These Mexican natives have the personality of an excellent watchdog. They tend to be skeptical and aggressive towards strangers.
Unfortunately, they don't take well to rough play due to their size, making them incompatible with young children.
Breeding the Australian Shepherd and Chihuahua together results in the Australian Chihuahua mix, which goes by many names.
Some of the most popular include the Mini Aussie Chi or Aussie Chi, Aussie Huahua and Aussie Chihuahua.
Learning the history of its parent breeds is essential to anticipate the appearance, size and character traits of the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
That way, you can manage the potential benefits and challenges of owning this mix.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix appearance: what does an Aussie Chi look like?
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a unique and rare breed. Therefore, predicting what it would look like can be tricky.
However, puppies from this mix show dominant characteristics similar to those of one of the parent breeds.
For example, they are more likely to inherit the long, fluffy, smooth, iconic coats of their Australian parents. This becomes more obvious when they also have a long-haired Chihuahua parent.
However, some may have a short coat due to Chihuahua genes or if they have a short-haired Australian Shepherd parent .
Most puppies may also have the buggy eyes, large ears and small facial structure of their Chihuahua parent.
Their coats are available in a range of colors, including merle red, merle blue, tricolor or bicolor in red, white, black and/or brown combinations.
Aussie Chis can have an erect or curled tail. Occasionally, he can also adopt the drooping or bobbed tail of the Australian Shepherd.
In this video, you'll see what this mixed-breed puppy would look like and learn some useful information about him:
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix size and weight: how big do Australian Chihuahuas get?
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mixes measure from 12 to 16 inches and weigh between 18 and 26 pounds . Height and weight vary considerably, especially when one parent is much smaller than the other.
Typically, an Aussie Chihuahua puppy would be smaller than an Australian Shepherd but larger than a Chihuahua , whose size can also differ according to sex and variety .
Newborn puppies of this mix weigh around one to three pounds. The actual size of this designer dog will depend on the parent it takes after.
Their size makes them suitable for apartment living, especially if they take on a smaller size.
But if small spaces are enough for these puppies, they also love to play outside. Keep an eye on them, as they are easy targets for predators.
Australian Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament: Are Aussie Chihuahuas good family dogs?
Although an Aussie Huahua has a combination of different personalities, one thing you're sure to get is an active puppy. In addition to their high energy levels, they are excellent family dogs who love to bond with their families.
The Aussie-Chi is known for its intelligence, energy and affectionate nature. These dogs tend to develop a strong bond with their families and are known to be loyal and protective. They often inherit the Australian Shepherd's willingness to work, combined with the Chihuahua's vivacity and courage.
They are generally active dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation. They are generally easy to train and have a quick comprehension capacity, although their stubbornness can sometimes be a challenge.
The aussie-chi is an energetic, intelligent and affectionate dog that makes an excellent companion. With proper care and training, these dogs can thrive in both active and quiet homes. Their loyalty and protective instincts make them excellent family dogs, while their intelligence and eagerness to please make them a pleasure to work and train with.
Understanding the Health of Australian Shepherd/Chihuahua Mixes (Aussie Chi)
An Australian Chihuahua, a mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Chihuahua, typically enjoys a long lifespan of 12 to 17 years. As a designer dog breed, Aussie Chis are generally healthier than their parent breeds. However, they may inherit some common health issues from both Australian Shepherds and Chihuahuas.
Common Health Conditions in Aussie Chis
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Larger Aussie Chis may be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. These are skeletal conditions where joints become unstable due to uneven growth, leading to discomfort and mobility issues.
Patellar Luxation Common in smaller Aussie Chis, patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. This can be managed through medication, physical therapy, or surgery, depending on severity.
Allergies Both parent breeds are susceptible to allergies, and so are Aussie Chis. Allergies can be triggered by environmental factors, genetics, or food, leading to symptoms like coughing, vomiting, runny eyes or nose, diarrhea, rashes, hair loss, and itching.
Skin Problems These can arise from various factors including dry skin, external parasites, excessive licking or chewing, and stress. Most skin issues are treatable at home, but persistent problems may require veterinary care.
Dental Problems Over 80% of dogs over three years old suffer from dental diseases. Signs include bad breath, wobbly or discolored teeth, and broken teeth. Regular dental checks are crucial as dogs often hide their pain.
Ensuring a Healthy Life for Your Aussie Chi
Awareness of these health issues is key for early detection and effective management. Regular veterinary visits and choosing a responsible breeder are also vital steps in ensuring the health and happiness of your Aussie Chi.
How to care for your Aussie Chihuahua mix
The health of an Aussie Chihuahua mix depends on more than just regular visits to the vet. A puppy's well-being and overall health depend on its quality of life.
As the owner, you must meet their daily physical, mental and nutritional needs.
A dog's life is not as long as ours, and you should take this into account. To maximize your dog's lifespan and give him a happy, healthy life, here's a guide to caring for an Aussie Chihuahua mix.
Food and diet
The Aussie Chi has parent breeds with different dietary requirements. For this reason, their diet can be difficult to determine. Your best option is to consult a veterinarian for advice on your puppy's dietary needs as he grows and develops.
Your puppy will need a quantity of food adapted to his size, age and activity level. For example, a dog that sleeps more in a day will need less food than a more active puppy.
When choosing dog food, select high-quality foods that are free from fillers, preservatives and other ingredients that could put your dog's health at risk.
A good balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats should also be present.
Cleaning and grooming
This designer dog has long hair and sheds all year round, even more so in spring. To minimize damage, tangles and matting, they need frequent brushing.
A minimum of 3 to 5 times a week will suffice, but daily brushing is also recommended.
From time to time, their coats should be trimmed to keep their fur manageable. Bathe them only when necessary to avoid skin irritation and remove their natural body oils.
Prevent nail proliferation by trimming their nails regularly. You can take them to the groomers if you can't do it yourself. Brush your dog's teeth every day, and clean his eyes and ears too.
Training and exercise
Australian Chihuahuas are fairly easy to train, given their high level of intelligence. They thrive on mental stimulation and can learn tricks and skills almost immediately.
They are also people-pleasers and do well with positive reinforcement training.
However, because of their bold, stubborn and dominant personality, you'll need to set limits as soon as you bring them home.
If this seems unmanageable, you may need to enroll them in puppy classes or hire a professional trainer.
With the energy these puppies have, they'll benefit from plenty of exercise. However, they can tend to push themselves to the limit, so be very careful and make sure there are rests between activities.
Their daily exercise requirement is 20 to 30 minutes, divided into two sessions. In addition to walks, you can also incorporate agility exercises.
How much does an Australian Shepherd/Chihuahua mix cost? Puppy prices and expenses
The Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix is so rare that it's hard to estimate the average price of a puppy. However, in most cases, the price of an Aussie Chihuahua puppy ranges from $750 to $1,000.
For reference, let's take a look at the prices of its parent breeds.
An Australian Shepherd puppy costs between $600 and $900, while the price of a Chihuahua puppy ranges from $500 to $1,500.
Mixed breeds tend to have lower prices than purebred puppies, so you can expect Aussie Chis to be the same.
However, they are still rarely available on the market, so these values are subject to change.
In addition to the main cost of the puppy, here are some of the things you should prepare a budget for when you bring your new puppy home:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Food and Treats | $50 – $80 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $10 – $25 |
| Bed | $30 – $150 |
| Crate | $30 – $200 |
| Leashes and Collars | $15 – $50 |
| Toys | $20 – $30 |
| Grooming Essentials | $30 – $150 |
| Deworming, Fleas, and Tick Medications | $50 – $200 |
| Initial Veterinary Visits | $100 – $300 |
| First Vaccinations | $75 – $200 |
| Spaying or Neutering | $50 – $500 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Microchip | $40 – $60 |
| Miscellaneous Supplies | $15 – $30 |
| Total Initial Cost | $525 – $1,995 |
Keep in mind that these are just the initial costs. As your Aussie Huahua ages, its needs change along with the expenses you may encounter along the way.
Investing in high-quality products and pet insurance is a smart option if you own this dog. Not only will it save you a fortune in the long run, it will also prepare you for emergencies that may arise.
