There are different breeds of dogs in the world, and each one of them has distinct features, but humans have the urge to experiment with everything. In the process, several efficacious discoveries are made. However, sometimes experimenting may, unfortunately, become a recipe for disaster. It may also disrupt the natural flow of things. The same happens when breeders try to breed designer dogs and come up with impossible breeding combinations. The Great Dane Chihuahua Mix is one of the many examples of rare designer breeds.
As the name implies, this designer dog is a combination of a Great Dane and a Chihuahua. Now, if you already have a vast knowledge of different breeds of dogs with their characteristics, you may understand how impossible breeding these two dogs would be. Before going into further detail, we will first go through the history and origin of the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix.
History and Origin: Where Did the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Come from?
As with other designer dogs, there is not enough information about the origin and history of this dog, but there are several shreds of evidence that prove the initial attempts of breeding this unusual designer dog have been unsuccessful. The breeders first tried mating a male Great Dane with a female Chihuahua. This was unsuccessful due to the difference in their sizes.
After a few failed attempts, the breeders tried artificial insemination— that didn’t work either because a female Chihuahua couldn’t carry or give birth to big puppies. Attempting to deliver the puppies through a C-section also didn’t work as the puppies would die, followed by the mother.
Even if the puppies and mother were to survive, feeding the puppies would become the next hurdle. Due to the small size of a Chihuahua female, the puppies wouldn’t be able to latch onto her and get nursed. In such cases, the human owner has to hand-feed the puppies.
The only possible breeding setting for the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix is artificially inseminating a female Great Dane.
Appearance: What Does a Chi-Dane-Dane Dog Look Like?
As most puppies do not reach their full term, we still lack a vast knowledge of the designer dog. A few that survive are born healthy and known to have large heads, resembling those of a Greyhound.
They have long, slender bodies and short legs. The coat’s length and color are inherited from their parents. If a parent Chihuahua has long hair, the puppies may also have them. They have straight, pointy ears and a short snout. When referring to the size, they fall halfway between their parents’ size. An average Chi-Dane-Dane is smaller than a Great Dane and twice the size of a Chihuahua.
With their short fur and silky coat, they require minimal grooming. Like other dog breeds, their nails should be trimmed, and their ears should be cleaned regularly.
Temperament: Do they Make Good Pets?
The Chi-Dane-Dane dogs inherit an impressive personality trait from their parents—loyalty. They are friendly, playful, and affectionate. They also love cuddling with their owners.
But with the fierce personality traits of a Chihuahua, we should expect this designer dog to exhibit aggression and boldness. When provoked, they may become fierce and do whatever it takes to safeguard their owner.
Chihuahuas are known to have the Small Dog Syndrome, due to which they believe they can do things otherwise impossible for their size.
If trained and socialized from a young age, the Great Dane Chihuahua Mix can become a good family dog.
Additionally, the mediate size makes it suitable for living in apartments. However, as a dog owner, you must make sure they get plenty of exercise and playtime. If they get bored, they may burst out the frustration and pent-up energy on your prized possessions and furniture.
Exercise Requirements
These dogs are not hyper-active and are considered lackadaisical dogs. This means they only need scant exercise every day. A 30-minute-walk, short hike, or a run around the block would suffice. Other than taking them out for physical activities, you can also keep them active inside your house by giving them chewy toys or the indestructible ones. It will help them release their boredom or aggression healthily.
Health and Wellbeing: What are the Possible Health Risks?
The Great Dane Chihuahua Mix is not registered by Kennel Clubs. This fact makes it difficult to know much about the health-related issues of the designer breed. We have to rely on our inferences based on studying their parents’ health. Additionally, due to artificial insemination, they may go through genetic mutations, resulting in diseases.
As there are only a handful of dogs from this breed, we don’t have enough information about the health risks they may face. Below, we have listed down some of the most common health issues the parents go through.
The Great Dane Health Risks
- Bloating (GDV)
Heart Diseases
Bone Cancer
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies and Infections
The Chihuahua Health Risks
- Hypoglycemia
Cardiovascular disease
Gum disease
Oral Infections
Epilepsy
Dislocating Knees.
Life Expectancy: How Long do They Live?
A Chihuahua can live from 12 – 20 years, whereas the Great Dane has a life span of around 7 – 10 years. If the Chi-Dane-Dane gets the required proper care, healthy food, and regular vet check-ups, it can live and enjoy life within the range of its parents’ expected lifespan.
Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Characteristics
| Height | 6 – 10 inches |
| Weight | 3.5 – 7.5 pounds |
| Coat | Short and silky |
| Life Expectancy | 8 – 12 years |
| Temperament | They are playful, affectionate, and loyal, but if provoked, they can become fierce and aggressive. They can be great watchdogs |
| Socialization | They are friendly and playful. If trained to socialize from a young age, they become comfortable around new faces as well |
| Intelligence | Medium level |
| Activity Levels | Not hyper-active. They need scant exercise daily |
| Relationship with Children | They are joyful and calm around children and are gentle towards them. But they need to be supervised to keep them safe from being provoked |
| Grooming Requirements | They need low to moderate grooming |
| Health Concerns | Not enough information is available. They may inherit some diseases from their breed parents, such as GDV, Heart diseases, Bone cancer, Hip dysplasia, Oral infections, Hypoglycemia, Dislocating knees |
Owning this rare designer breed comes with a set of troubles. Although it may seem fascinating to own a designer dog, controversies still surround it. Many people believe that forcefully mating two dogs with a huge size difference for the mere purpose of getting a rare breed is unethical and against animal rights. The breeding cost of this dog is also high because of the artificial insemination involved.
Additionally, there is very limited information available about the breed, which makes it difficult to know about the health risks it may face.
If, however, you are lucky enough to own a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix, then hold it dear and nurture it. Take it out for walks, play with it, and spend your evenings cuddling with this affectionate and loyal canine pal.
