Choosing a pet is a very important decision, and it requires a great deal of time and effort. In fact, doing a little research and perhaps spending some time with an adult dog of the breeds you’re considering can help you to truly make a wise choice when it comes to a dog breed. Both the Chihuahua and the dachshund are small dogs, but they are vastly different in their temperament and physical needs. Knowing a little about each breed and what makes them unique will help you to make the right choice about your new canine friend.
Chihuahuas: The Basics
The Chihuahua is a very small dog typically weighing in at six pounds, but some Chihuahuas are as small as three pounds. You’ve heard the adage “dynamite comes in small packages” – this is the perfect description of the tiny Chihuahua. They are typically “one-person” dogs; they will tolerate other members of the family, but they tend to primarily favor one person over others in the household.
Chihuahuas are small, but also quite alert. They gleefully let you know if someone strange is on the property; they tend to be aloof or suspicious of strangers and may appear unfriendly.
When it comes to the health of the Chihuahua, they are typically healthy dogs. A dog that is marketed as a “toy” or “miniature” Chihuahua, however, may be prone to more health issues than a traditional Chihuahua. Therefore, you need to steer clear of breeders promoting their “toy” variety.
Often, “toy” or “mini” versions of an already small dog are either the “runts” of the litter, or the product of two “runts.” The “runt” of the litter is often very small and may already be born with some health problems. Therefore, the “toy” or “mini” that you get (and may be encouraged to pay more money for) may be unhealthy.
The only health issue that seems predominant among the Chihuahua breed is patellar luxation. As a Chihuahua ages, it may experience some heart disease. Otherwise, the Chihuahua is a healthy and happy little dog.
The Chihuahua is fairly easy to train (including housebreaking), and they do not require a great deal of daily care. Grooming is also fairly easily, especially if you choose a short-haired Chihuahua.
Dachshunds: The Basics
The Dachshund is also small dog, but may weigh between sixteen and thirty-two pounds. The chief physical characteristic of the Dachshund is its elongated back, something needed as a badger hunter in the early days of the breed. Hunters would often allow the Doxie to dig a burrow in an attempt to get at badgers, but would then pull the Doxie out by his tail before taking the prey.
The Dachshund, also known as the “Weenie Dog,” is a friendly and easygoing dog that loves to be around people. Those who have no experience with dogs may choose the Doxie because they will literally “train you.” They are very affectionate, and they are also highly intelligent. However, special care will need to be taken so that the Doxie’s spine does not experience any trauma.
The Doxie is not as easy to housebreak as some other breeds, so you’ll need to commit to consistency and a certain amount of patience as Dachshunds can be somewhat stubborn. They do not require a great deal of grooming unless you choose a long-haired Doxie.
Chihuahua Temperament
The Chihuahua tends to bond to one person in the family. At times, the Chihuahua may seem unfriendly, even toward members of the family. They tend to be very protective of their “person,” and they may become snappish around other family members. However, most Chihuahuas will tolerate other family members or friends of their “person” who come around frequently.
The key to making sure your Chihuahua tolerates other people and behaves as she should is to invest in socialization when your Chihuahua is young. Give your dog many positive experiences with other people outside the family. Plan for socialization experiences! Enlist some of your friends to come over, pet your young Chihuahua and interact with her. Have some of them give her treats from time to time. Do this frequently. The more positive experiences she has, the less likely she is to be wary of other people.
Dachshund Temperament
The Doxie has consistently appeared on the “most popular dog breed” list for over five decades, and the fun and frisky temperament of the dog is the chief reason. The Dachshund walks along with his head held high, depicting an independence that many owners love. However, this same independent spirit can make the Doxie tough to train.
The Dachshund is highly intelligent, and often, he wants to do things his own way. This can make training slightly difficult. However, modify your training to include treats and other rewards so that the Doxie does what you want over time.
The Dachshund also tends to bond to one person in the family, so, you’ll need to carry out proper socialization when he is a puppy. However, the Dachshund tends to tolerate others interacting with their “person” than the Chihuahua.
The Dachshund is not typically shy, and he will interact with others on a regular basis.
Which dog is better for a family with children?
When it comes to personality, the Dachshund is much more likely to accept young children. The Chihuahua may bond to a young child instantly, choosing not to socialize very often with other children in the family. However, there is something to consider when choosing either breed if young children are present in the family.
The Chihuahua is a very small dog, and she should not be brought into a family with very young children who have no experience with dogs. If one does decide to choose a Chihuahua, parents should supervise very young children to insure that they do not play to roughly with this small dog and possibly injure her.
On average, Chihuahuas are naturally good with children, and they provide great companionship for kids. Simply be sure to supervise younger children with the tiny Chihuahua so that they know how to play appropriately with the pup.
The Dachshund is also naturally a good companion to children. They see children as playmates and will play for long periods of time without tiring. The only caution with children and Doxies is to teach kids to be careful with the spine of these unique pups. The Doxie will need his back supported as he is carried, so spending time with your child to teach this is time well spent.
Which dog tends to be more pet-friendly, the Dachshund or the Chihuahua?
The Dachshund wins this contest, paws down! The Dachshund is more apt to accept other pets while the Chihuahua naturally tends to prefer being the one and only pet.
However, never fear. The Chihuahua can be socialized to other pets, including other dogs and cats. You’ll need to commit to working on this at an early age. Chihuahuas will accept other pets in the household best if they grow up with these animals. However, if your older Chihuahua is given a chance to be around other dogs and cats with positive outcomes, she will eventually accept other pets in her household.
The Doxie, however, tends to be more willing to accept other dogs. Cats, on the other hand, may not be as easily accepted by the rambunctious Doxie. Remember, the Dachshund is naturally a hunter, and he may see the cat as something to be chased. Again, here’s where socialization is important! Take time to introduce any new pets and encourage positive experiences. In no time, your Doxie will accept the new pet into his household.
What can I expect in price range for each breed?
The Chihuahua may range in price from $800 to nearly $3,000.
The Dachshund may cost anywhere from $200 to $3,500.
Grooming Chihuahuas and Dachshunds
Both the Dachshund and the Chihuahua can be found in short-haired varieties as well as long-haired versions. The short-haired Dachshund sheds next to never, as does the short-haired Chihuahua. Both of these dogs make excellent dogs for those with allergies as they are less likely to produce the dander in longer-haired dogs.
The long-haired Doxie requires a good bit of grooming time, with baths at least once a month, brushing weekly, and more often if the little Doxie rolls around in something he shouldn’t.
The long-haired Chihuahua still does not tend to encourage allergic reactions. Even with longer hair, the Chihuahua will need less grooming than a long-haired Doxie. Weekly brushing will keep dirt and debris out of your pup’s coat, and a monthly bath can be stretched out to six weeks when the Chihuahua is otherwise clean.
Ultimately, both the Dachshund and the Chihuahua are great dogs for families, but they aren’t great for novice owners. Neither tends to shed, so either is great for those with allergies, although one should steer clear of the long-haired versions of either breed. Both the Chihuahua and the Doxie are great with children, if properly socialized. The Chihuahua tends to accept other pets more readily than the prey-driven Doxie.
Here’s to happy searching for you, and the promise of a loyal pup, no matter which breed you choose!