The Chihuahua Husky mix is an odd hybrid, which adds to its appeal.
It is the result of a cross between the lovable Chihuahua and the wild-looking Siberian Husky.
What do the Chihuahua and the Husky have in common? Very few elements, and yet their traits are combined in this Mix.
The latter is also known as a Chi-husky or the Huskyhuahua. Its origin is uncertain, and it is rare.
The reason for this rarity could be the criticism of some breeders over the crossing of these two breeds.
If you like being out of the box, this breed certainly is distant from any box.
It is even harder to predict how this breed will turn out or behave compared to other designer dog breeds with similar parents.
This distinction and some health issues are some concerns critics raised.
In this guide, we will clear the air over the Chihuahua Husky mix by pointing out facts and other important information.
Siberian Husky Chihuahua Mix Information
| Height | 6 to 15 inches |
| Weight | 7 to 15 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 years |
| Coat | Short or medium |
| Colors | White, black, tan, grey |
| Temperament | Devotion, loyalty, boldness |
| Ideal For | Owner with experience |
| Puppy Price | $1000 – $2000 |
Chihuahua Husky Mix Puppy – Before You Get One
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium to high |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
Parent Breed
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one breed almost everyone recognizes, even those who have never owned a pet before.
It has roots in Mexico and is known as the smallest recognized dog breed.
While its ancestry remains unclear, a theory links it to a South American dog named Techichi.
The Toltec art had paintings of dogs that resembled the Chihuahua, which was the Techichi.
Modern forms of Chihuahua developed in Chihuahua, a Mexican state.
It remained rare till the 20th century when the American Kennel Club recognized it (1904 specifically).
The standard weight for a Chihuahua is 3 to 6 pounds with a height that falls between 6 to 9 inches.
It has two different coat types. Some members of this breed have a long, soft coat, others have a shorter, smoother coat.
The colors can be solid like black, white, chocolate, gray silver, etc.
In personality, this breed doesn’t act like it is a small dog. It is bold, sometimes overly so.
This adds to its appeal, but owners should be careful lest it injures itself. It loves bonding with a single person in the family.
Proper socialization will reduce its tendency to be timid as it is usually reserved around strangers.
Siberian Husky
If you’re a fan of movies and popular TV shows, you’ve no doubt come across the Siberian Husky.
Many ‘wolves’ we see in these movies are Huskies. These include the dire wolves in Game of Thrones.
Its wild look, beautiful coat, and unique eye color have given it many fans.
The Siberian Husky originated in Siberia, where it was a simple sled dog for the Chukchi nomads. It also served as companions for the families when it wasn’t working.
In 1908, the Husky found its way to America where it further developed to the modern version we know today.
It was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
This breed acts differently from the fierce canine some erroneously expect it to be.
The only frightening aspect of this breed is its look. Besides that, the Husky breed can try to befriend intruders.
Its love for humans and outgoing nature makes for a solid companion, but an unsuitable guard dog.
It is also energetic and somewhat difficult to train, so it is not recommended for new owners.
Fascinating Facts About the Chihuahua Husky Mix You Should Know
1. The Chihuahua parent is the smallest recognized breed in the United States
Some unrecognized dog breeds could contest with the Chihuahua for this position (like the Teacup Poodle).
However, on the list of registered dogs under the American Kennel Club, the Chihuahua is the smallest with a weight of fewer than 10 pounds.
Its size contributes to its popularity.
2. The Husky parent has strong endurance
Huskies are known to run for hours on end without food or even using up stored glycogen in their bodies.
While it does make sense due to their role as transport dogs, it still is fascinating how their bodies function.
Their endurance is strong.
3. The Mix can become aggressive
Without proper socialization and firm training, the Husky Chihuahua can become aggressive.
It gets this mainly from the Chihuahua which can develop fear-based aggression as a result of timidity.
The latter can also suffer from Small Dog Syndrome, a behavioral problem that happens when a small dog is over-pampered.
4. It is not fit for younger kids
Though both parents are kid-friendly, the mix isn’t recommended for a family with smaller kids.
It may not have the patience or tolerance for kids’ excesses and may snap if roughly handled.
5. It has a long life span, but unknown health issues
The mix can live for a long time, way longer than many other dog breeds.
Nevertheless, it is very rare and unusual. It also has parents that are vulnerable to many diseases.
It is difficult to tell which health issues it may have.
Chihuahua Husky Appearance
General Appearance
Designer dogs of the same breed usually have different looks.
The difference is even more here with parents that have no physical resemblance, except pointed ears.
Take two Chi-Husky pups and you may think you are holding different dog breeds.
Often, its appearance depends on which gene is dominant.
If that is the Chihuahua, it will have ruby-colored eyes, a head that’s described as ‘apple dome’, and large ears.
If the Husky dominates, then its eyes will be either blue or brown with triangular ears and a black nose.
Both genes may also be co-dominant, in which case you’ll find a combo of traits.
Size
Usually, the mix appears like a mini Husky. This is good for those who would like to own a Husky but don’t have the space for it.
With a common weight range of 7 to 15 pounds, the mix falls in between both parents.
Colors and Coat Type
This mixed breed’s coat could either favor the Husky or the Chihuahua. Either way, it will have a lot of furs.
The coat is often of short to medium length and comes with colors like white, black, tan, grey.
Temperament, Behavior & Intelligence of the Siberian Husky Chihuahua Mix
As the critics of this hybrid pointed out, it has an irregular pool of temperament to draw out from.
Its behavior is unpredictable, and the only way you can know what to expect is to be familiar with both parents’ traits.
The Husky Chihuahua with more Chihuahua will have the same bravado as its smaller parent, the personality that makes the Chihuahua act like a bigger dog.
It can be reserved towards strangers or show aggression if not well trained.
It will also have velcro tendencies, bonding to a single family member.
The mix with more Husky will be friendlier and less keen on being aggressive.
Huskies love humans and are always ready to make a friend. Your mix can inherit this trait.
It may get destructive, however, and would need firm training to prevent it from being dominant.
Both parents are energetic, the Husky more so.
Expect to have an energetic designer breed, and exercise it regularly to keep it from getting bored.
Are Chihuahua Husky Mix Good Family Dogs?
The Mix has every necessary trait to be a good household pet and a family dog.
Both parents have played the role of companionship for a long time.
Thus, the mix should be loving and affectionate towards family members. It will be devoted and loyal too, sticking to its family over anyone else.
It is good with kids, though more suitable for older kids.
Having said that, it is more ideal for some families than others.
It may not be a good family dog for you if you have never owned a dog before and have no idea how to train one.
It is also not advisable for people who don’t fancy a long exercise routine.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
The Husky loves being around other dogs as it is a pack animal that worked with other dogs.
It is highly recommended for a house with multiple dogs. The Chihuahua is also good with other dogs, but it may try to challenge bigger ones.
The mix can display any of these qualities.
As for other pets, the Chihuahua has no issues if you introduce it at a young age.
The Husky has a high prey drive, though, and may see other pets as prey.
You should keep a close eye on any interaction the crossbreed has with a cat or any other small animal, even if you’ve socialized it well.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Husky Mix Puppy Cost
Unlike some other designer breeds that are cheaper than the purebred parents, the Siberian Husky Chihuahua mix costs more.
This could be because of its unusual nature and the expensive processes of creating it.
While a Chihuahua is sold at a price range of $500 to $1500 and the Husky at $600 to $1500, the Chihuahua Husky mix price is at $1000 to $2000.
Also, budget an amount for initial needs like dog foods, collar, and insurance.
It is always advisable to buy from a reputable breeder with proper documentations and websites than a backyard breeder who may offer nothing more than guarantees.
The latter may sell at a cheaper price, but you’ll benefit better in the long run from a quality breeder.
Shops with purebred Chihuahuas or Huskies sometimes have a Husky-Chi. However, it won’t be easy to find one for sale.
You can also search in rescue shelters to adopt. Though a designer breed, Chihuahua Huskies sometimes find themselves up for adoption.
While bearing in mind the risks of adopting, it has more moral values than shopping and will cost less.
Caring for a Husky and Chihuahua Mix
Food & Diet
Like other dog breeds, this crossbreed requires a rich diet filled with the right nutrients.
There are many dog food products out there but not all are good for this breed.
For instance, those with a high amount of grains should be avoided. Additives are also bad for this breed, even in treats.
The major nutrient for the Chi-Husky is similar to other dogs. It needs a high amount of protein both as a puppy and an adult.
A low amount of fat and carbs is good as well, because of its energy level.
Meet your veterinarian before you make any conclusions, but the suggested ratio for this breed is often 3 cups for the puppy and 2 for the adult.
Treats and snacks are good too, but not regularly. It should be kept for special occasions.
Both parents are not voracious eaters, so this mix is not prone to obesity.
However, you should still avoid free-feeding it, if only to prevent overindulgence.
Have a schedule that your pooch can remember and look forward to.
Exercise
We’ve established earlier that this mix has energetic parents. Therefore, it will require regular exercise both physically and mentally.
Exercise is directly linked to training as it prevents your pet from getting bored and engaging in destructive behaviors.
It also allows you to socialize your hybrid, especially if it took more of the Chihuahua’s trait.
The adult Husky Chihuahua breed needs about 1 hour of exercise daily.
The Chihuahua lookalike with the apple dome skull should not be overexerted to avoid a breathing problem called brachycephaly.
Take them outdoors only when the weather is cool. The heat isn’t good for this breed, so it should be kept indoors during this period.
Puppies need only a few minutes of low-intensity exercise till they are grown enough to go for 60 minutes.
Like other puppies, Husky-Chi pups are fragile and shouldn’t be allowed to engage in any hard activity, including running.
When indoors, you can have some play sessions with your pet that would let it use up energy.
When outdoors, you have a myriad of activities to choose from. They include walking, fetch, ball toss, and Frisbee.
Some dogs may even play soccer.
This designer breed often has a small size, but do not underestimate it.
You may face the same challenges as when you train a purebred Husky. Even Chihuahuas aren’t easy to train because of their stubborn nature.
Thus, if you want this mixed breed, ensure you have enough experience.
Besides being stubborn, this mix also has dominant tendencies. It may challenge your authority and try to take over as Alpha of the pack.
You must establish your leadership and let it know you are in charge.
There are several ways to achieve this, including feeding it after you and your family members have eaten.
Establishing leadership should be done when your pet is still a puppy. Ditto for other forms of training.
Training will be more successful with this breed when you have a daily routine and interesting tasks to keep it occupied.
Take it through all forms of training, especially obedience training and socialization. Use positive reinforcements and treats to earn its trust.
Train it in an environment that’s void of distraction as this breed gets easily distracted.
Grooming Needs
Grooming depends on which coat your mix inherited. If it is that of the Chihuahua, you’ll have lesser problems than that of the Husky.
The latter sheds more and will require more brushing, especially during shedding seasons.
As you brush, get rid of tangles and mats. This act will make them more presentable.
Bathing should be done at least twice a month. If the mix inherits the Husky’s habit of self-cleaning, you may not have to do much in bathing. It will hardly get dirty.
Other forms of hygiene shouldn’t be overlooked if you want your pooch to stay clean.
Grooming is tied to good health, so the cleaner your pet is, the healthier it is likely to be.
These forms of hygiene include:
- Dental care
- Nail trimming
- Ear and eye cleaning
Dogs don’t always enjoy grooming, so give your Chi-Husky some motivation and encouraging words while you groom.
Also, start grooming it as a pup to get it accustomed to being touched.
Health & Conditions
When all the many factors that influence the life span of this hybrid are met, the Chihuahua Husky breed has a long life expectancy that gets up to 16 years.
As we hinted at before, there are few health records on the health of this mixed breed.
We will assemble some conditions the parents are prone to as they may pass it down to this offspring.
They include:
- Zinc Deficiency: Zinc deficiency in dogs is caused by a lack of zinc minerals in the system. It leads to drastic hair loss and leaves the affected canine vulnerable to infection.
- Hip Dysplasia: It is an inherited condition and is one of the most popular doggy illnesses. It occurs when the hip joint and socket are loose.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: PRA is an eye condition that is caused by the gradual destruction of the retina. It leads to blindness.
- Tracheal Collapse: The trachea is responsible for the passage of air to the lungs. When it collapses, it leads to breathing difficulties.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level is low. It makes the dog dizzy, weak, and even confused.
How big do Chihuahua Husky get?
The Husky-Chi is a small dog and often grows a bit bigger than the Chihuahua but smaller than the Husky. It grows as tall as 15 inches and weighs up to 15 pounds.
How long do Chihuahua Husky mixes live?
This designer breed is blessed with a long life span. If you have children when you get one, your kids will be all grown up if it lives a full life. It lives up to 16 years.
Final Thoughts
There are many disadvantages to this Husky and Chihuahua mix, and it is not surprising that some breeders are not enthusiastic about it.
When you think about it, it is strange to have a Chihuahua mixed with a Husky.
That said, there are advantages too, and you’re sure to get people’s interest in this peculiar breed.
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