On first thoughts, this seems like a strange combination, a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix. The German Shepherd is a medium to large dog where the Chihuahua is a tiny breed, a very odd couple.
It will always be the female German Shepherd with a male Chihuahua that will do the deed. A female Chi couldn’t biologically carry or give birth to the puppies. Even then, the Chihuahua male is probably going to need some help.
No-one has bothered to come up with a cute name for one, yet. Maybe Shepchi or Shepherdhua might work. If any breeder uses those names, remember you saw them here on this site first.
Read on where we discuss the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix at length.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix – Everything You Need To Know
This is a designer dog breed mixing the German Shepherd and The Chihuahua dogs. From the dog’s lifespan, it could be a splendid idea. We have known the Chihuahua to live for up to 20 years, whereas the German Shepherd, being a medium to large dog, has a much shorter lifespan of 12-14 years.
You would expect the mix to fall somewhere between the two around 16 years, which is still not too bad. To have your loving pet with you for a few more years is more than reason enough to get one.
Chihuahuas needs no introduction. Everyone knows a Chi when they see him. He’s cocky, self-assured, bossy to the extreme, and has not looked in a mirror for the whole of his life. Based on the way he’s happy to ‘have a go’ at any dog he bumps into, regardless of size. You just have to admire this plucky little guy.
But there’s a dark side. They can be yappy and snappy when they don’t get their way. And many owners make matters worse by spoiling them and encouraging this unpleasant behavior.
German Shepherds are also a very popular dog breed. Famous for their outstanding intelligence and eye-catching good looks. The German military used them during the first world war for ferrying supplies and messages through the lines. So bravery is up there with their other considerable attributes.
They become incredibly popular in the US following TV series like Rin Tin Tin.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament
Let’s look at the two dog breeds involved here. On the one hand, you have a dog who is very loyal, intelligent, somewhat territorial, used by police and military for what he brings to them. On the other hand, you have a tiny, bossy, can be a yappy dog that can also snap at people he doesn’t care for.
At the same time, the Chihuahua is also a wonderful companion dog. They love their owners with a fierce intensity that few other dogs match. And as I mentioned, the German Shepherd is also very loyal.
It’s impossible to second guess the traits any puppies will inherit. So, in theory, you might have a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix who is a wonderful family dog, loyal, intelligent, willing to please, and easily trained.
The worst-case scenario is a dog that barks constantly, guards his food and territory, aggressive with people and other dogs. Will not accept strangers and a dog you cannot trust around children.
How To Train Your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Dog
It’s going to be super important that you get involved with training and socialization with this breed as early in their life as possible. If not you’re going to regret it because both these dogs are very stubborn. Not due to a lack of intelligence, but because they are independent thinkers.
You will also need tremendous amounts of patience and understanding, positive reinforcement is the only way to train them.
Because both parent breeds are very clingy with their owners, you will need to use crate training. This helps them get accustomed to being on their own. A crate is a safe place for a young dog, and it makes dealing with any separation anxiety much easier. And will also aid in potty training.
Remember what we mentioned earlier, they will have a reluctance to be around strangers. Socialization is the key here. The younger they are, the better, if you don’t want your dog growing up to be aggressive.
Exercising Your German Shepherd Mix
Because of their genetics, they will only likely need moderate exercise. Two walks each day should suffice.
You might consider a secure fenced-in area of your yard, or even construct a dog run, would be good ideas. We don’t believe they are a suitable breed for an apartment.
German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Health Issues
Being a crossbreed dog, the hope is they inherit better genes which will reduce the number of health issues. But this doesn’t take into account everyday life, the food we give them to eat, health check-ups, and general care they will receive from their owners.
If we overfeed them, they will become obese, and that brings with it many health problems.
Chihuahuas are prone to patellar luxation, which is a dislocation of the knee bone. German Shepherds suffer from hip dysplasia.
A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix could inherit either or both those diseases from the parent breeds. The breeder should make clear to prospective owners that the parents of both breeds are free of those illnesses before they mate them. They should be able to prove that by a health certificate issued by a qualified vet.
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The Final Word
In some ways, it can be a little controversial to breed these two dogs to create a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix breed dog. Their personalities, looks, and size are so far removed from each other, it begs the question of why breeders want to do this?
We see the case for similar size and temperament dogs being crossbred because you have a reasonable expectation of what you will get.
But with this particular mix, until the puppies come along and mature, you are in the dark.
Is the dog going to suffer from these breeding practices? What if the puppy you ordered and have been excitedly waiting for turns out to have a personality you are unprepared for? For example, if you have a very young family and a puppy you get dislikes being around children? What happens next?
