Falling In Love With Our New Chiweenie

We have a new addition to our family. His name is Hercules. He is a Chiweenie. Hercules has moved in and won the hearts of the entire family.

I know you are asking, what the heck is a chiweenie?

Chiweenies are a new dog that is quickly gaining popularity. Chiweenies are a product of a Chihuahua and a dachshund, or weenie dog as they have been called  over the years. Hence the name.

Seeing our record with dogs, we needed to do a lot of research before welcoming a new dog into our family. Hercules has been a perfect fit. Chiweenies are one of the most loving, smart and cutest little dogs.

Chiweenies are great dogs because they gain characteristics from each parent. They are small dogs and some have the ears that stand up or the floppy ears. Our little man has the cutest floppy ears. They do not shed at all or at most a little which makes them great dogs for those with allergies.

Because of the color difference, they can produce completely different colors all in the same litter. Hercules' mom was a white chihuahua and his dad was a brown dachshund. He is black and white with patches of brown and black. He had a sister that was all black, brothers that were all brown and all white and then some with patches. They can really be pretty colored.

I have to admit I was worried my husband would not take to the chiweenie since he tends to like bigger dogs and refers to the small dogs as "yip yaps." The good thing about chiweenies is that they are not yappy, but are very protective and loyal dogs.

Despite paying an insane amount in vet bills over the last two weeks, my husband and the dog are hilarious to watch. They are inseparable.

It is hilarious to hear him come through the door every night. Hercules sounds like a herd of mice running to get to him and welcome him home. Yes, my hubby has quickly became a softy when it comes to this little dog.

Chiweenies are great around kids too. I think it is because my kids can pick him up and carry him everywhere. He is, after all, a whopping 1.6 pounds. They will stay small.

The vet did say that chiweenies can suffer from "Little Man Syndrome" mainly because they are carried around everywhere. The best thing is to establish dominance early with this breed which could mean having them on the floor sometimes.

They also love to burrow and snuggle in covers. Therefore, it is necessary to watch your laundry room. In fact, our little Hercules is sleeping in a blanket by my washer right now.

If anyone is looking for a good family dog, chiweenies are the perfect choice. The only downfall we have found so far is that because of their size, they require more vet visits. They can not have all their vaccines at one time and are at higher risks to have allergic reactions to the vaccines.

If you can find a vet that allows monthly payments like the PetSmart vets do, you are better off. Otherwise, you will spend a fortune in vet bills. Although the amount of food they eat is so small, you could make it up over time.

This breed also has a higher risk of hyperglycemia, so more frequent meals is required. Treats are also considered a meal since their stomachs are so small. Ask the vet about feeding times and amounts.

The only other advice I have is to make sure the breeder deworms or take to the vet immediately. Also, they should not leave their mom until 8 weeks. We got Hercules at four weeks and have been frustrated with the breeder ever since.

We have been blessed by our little Hercules. I am including a picture of the little man.