Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix [rare and unique dog that can be a great pet]

Both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas are excellent breeds that make wonderful pets. However, you may wonder what are they like when they’re combined as a mixed-breed hybrid dog. German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are totally unique animals and not often seen but with the right training, they can make excellent family pets.

Some call this special dog a Shepherdchihuahua. Keep reading to learn all about these amazing dogs and if you should have one as a pet.

History of the Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix

The origin of the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a blurry one.

Because the crossbreed is so rare, there is little to no information about the “first” German Shepherd Chihuahua to be born. 

The only information we know is that there has been an increase in this breed in recent years, likely due to owners of both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas having accidental litters. 

With so much curiosity around these hybrid puppies, some individuals have begun breeding these pups on purpose to experiment with new breeds. 

As of now, there is no official name for a German Shepherd Chihuahua hybrid, but a term may be in the works by some dedicated breeders. 

Still, families seeking a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix can mostly find them in animal shelters and rescues rather than from breeders.  

How Does a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Even Happen?

This is the million-dollar question! How does a very small dog and a very large dog create a puppy together? If you think about it, this is exactly why you don’t see many of these dogs!

Is the Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix an Accident?

Ok, sure, it is possible a male Chihuahua and a female German Shepherd just happen to meet one day and it was love at first sight but come on! Is that physically even possible?

And we know it is probably not feasible for that type of situation to occur with a male German Shepherd and a female Chihuahua. So what is the real answer here?

Chances are good there was human intervention in this magical match made in heaven to occur!

Artificial Insemination to Create a Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix

The most plausible way to create a Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix hybrid dog (in my humble opinion) is via artificial insemination.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Characteristics

German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are part of an incredibly rare mixed breed. As a result, it can be difficult to describe it as having specific physical or behavioral characteristics. 

However, we will take a look at some of the varieties and combinations you may find in a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix. 

Remember, being a mix of a German Shepherd dog and a Chihuahua dog, your particular hybrid can have any combination of those unique characteristics. 

What Characteristics Are German Shepherds Known For?

German Shepherds are best known for their work as police dogs, military dogs, and guard dogs but they are also highly popular family pets. 

A German Shepherd is a very intelligent dog. They are bold, brave, and loyal which makes them perfect for the tasks assigned to them by law enforcement officers. 

These traits make them great pets.

GSDs also make excellent guard dogs and can be great family dogs if given the proper training and socialization. 

What Characteristics Are Chihuahuas Known For?

Chihuahuas are small dogs known for being feisty, loud, high-strung, dogs that are full of life and personality! But some can be the opposite with a shy personality.

They are smart dogs and fairly easy to train if you can hold their attention. It takes a lot of patience and positive reinforcement to be a good Chihuahua trainer and owner.

What Does a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Dog Look Like?

German Shepherd Chihuahua puppies are one of the most unpredictable puppies in terms of physical appearance. 

Because German Shepherd dogs are a large breed while Chihuahuas are a small dog breed, mixed puppies can turn out anywhere between these sizes. 

Their coloration is also random as they may come out black, brown, beige, or patterned depending on the coats of the Chihuahua parent and the German Shepherd parent dogs. 

Most German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes will have perky ears as both breeds have this physical trait naturally. 

They may also have short hair rather than long hair as short hair is a dominant trait amongst the breeds. 

Ultimately, the exact size and appearance of these hybrid dogs depend on the parent breeds and how genetically similar the puppies are to each individual parent dog. 

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Unique Traits

Behaviors in German Shepherd Chihuahuas can also be mixed depending on which side they take most after. 

Between German Shepherd behaviors and Chihuahua behaviors, these puppies are almost guaranteed to be intelligent as well as very protective over their owners. 

If on the larger size, they may make good guard dogs, while if on the smaller size, they may make good lapdogs. 

Ideally, German Shepherd Chihuahua pups end up as a combination of bold and loving while also protective and intelligent. 

Training will be a must with this hybrid dog as it can have any combination of genetic and behavioral traits. 

Plus, they may need additional training for barking, as both German Shepherd dogs and Chihuahuas love to bark!

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament

As previously mentioned, German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes can be extremely random in their combination of genetics and inherited traits. 

As a result, it is difficult to label them with a specific temperament. However, it is important to note that both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas can make excellent family dogs.

Because of their background, German Shepherd Chihuahua dogs can become excellent family pets if given the proper training. 

They can also get along great with children when introduced properly and given lots of love and care. Finally, German Shepherd 

Chihuahua mixes will likely need a lot of exercise, as both dog breeds can have high energy levels. 

How Will a Chihuahua German Shepherd Get Along With Other Pets?

This is a great question and important to consider before bringing one of these special dogs home. Both parent breeds tend to be very protective and loyal in nature.

Due to this reason, it is probably a good idea to not already have other pets in your home if you are considering a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix dog. 

A Chihuahua German Shepherd would be better as a single-family pet, in my opinion, but every dog is different. They all have their own personality so keep that in mind.

Where Can I Find a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Breed Dog?

Because German Shepherds and Chihuahuas are such a rare combination, it is unlikely to find this hybrid puppy specifically from a breeder, though it isn’t impossible. 

Most of these mixes are born as a result of accidental mating and are found in animal shelters and rescues across the globe. 

If you do happen to find a reputable breeder, make sure to ask for referrals and visit their facility before you purchase a puppy. 

How Much Does a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?

This is a tough question to answer because there are so few breeders that produce German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix puppies!

If you find one by chance at a shelter there will usually be anywhere from a $50 to $250 fee to adopt the dog. The costs will vary by shelter.

Expect to pay between $500 to $2500 for a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix from a high-quality breeder. You may even have to go out of state to find one since they are fairly rare.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Care

The specific care you give your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix will depend on your dog’s biological needs. 

GSD Chihuahua mixes that are more similar to Chihuahuas will need smaller dog care (less food, shorter walks, etc.).

While those dogs more similar to German Shepherds will need larger dog care (brushing for long hair, plenty of exercises, more food, and water, etc.). 

Regardless of your German Shepherd Chihuahua dog’s size or shape, they will definitely need a great veterinarian, preferably one that is familiar with this different breed. 

An experienced veterinarian will know what genetic conditions or health problems to look for in this specific breed to keep your furry friend happy and healthy for a long time. 

Risks of the German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixed Breed

Though Chihuahua German Shepherd mix pups are cute and unique in their own way, they also come with their own potential risks and issues. 

Between breeding problems and potential health problems later in life, taking on a Chihuahua German Shepherd hybrid pup is a big responsibility. 

Take a look at the risks below to decide if getting a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is still the right choice for you.

Breeding Risks

One of the main reasons Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes are not a popular breed is because of the risks involved in breeding these puppies. 

Since German Shepherds are so much larger than Chihuahuas, natural breeding is not always feasible. 

Often, artificial insemination is used to impregnate a female German Shepherd, as a male Chihuahua would be too small to mount her.

It is incredibly dangerous for a female Chihuahua to become pregnant with a male German Shepherd’s puppies. 

Because of how large the puppies will be (due to genetics), a female Chihuahua could die in pregnancy or birth as its body is too small to carry such large pups. 

If you suspect your female Chihuahua is pregnant with large pups, take her to the vet immediately to determine a plan.

Common Health Issues for a Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix

Because of their unique physical structure and genetics, German Shepherd Chihuahua hybrids can be more prone to certain health issues than other breeds of dogs. 

Take a look at the most common conditions affecting the German Shepherd Chihuahua breed so you know what to look out for in your new dog. 

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a medical condition in which the skeletal structure of your dog’s hips is not formed correctly. 

In particular, the ball and socket grind against each other instead of smoothly gliding, causing irritation and mobility issues in your pup. 

This condition is more common in larger dogs such as German Shepherds, which makes German Shepherd Chihuahua hybrid dogs susceptible to this condition.

Treatments vary, but treatments for less severe hip dysplasia include glucosamine supplements, which assist in joint mobility. 

Physical therapy and anti-inflammatories are also common treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs. 

Finally, surgery is an option for more severe cases of hip dysplasia in which supplements, medication, and physical therapy do not help your pup’s pain or mobility. 

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include decreased activity, reluctance to run and jump, swaying gait, and limping. 

If you suspect your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix may have hip dysplasia, contact a veterinarian for a full assessment and treatment options. 

Congenital Heart Defect

Heart problems are common in German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes. 

In particular, congenital heart defects such as aortic stenosis, pulmonic stenosis, and endocardial fibroelastosis can be found in German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes, but they are all still quite rare. 

These conditions need to be tracked and determined early for treatment.

Dogs with congenital heart defects may experience shortness of breath, an inability to exercise, lethargy, and other related symptoms. 

If you believe your dog may have a congenital heart defect, contact a vet immediately. Congenital heart defects may be treated by surgery if severe enough. 

Weak Kneecaps

Patellar luxation is a common condition amongst smaller or mixed-breed dogs. This occurs when the femur does not develop properly or as kneecaps weaken with age. 

Since German Shepherd Chihuahua puppies may have a short but stocky stature, their kneecaps are prone to weakening over time. 

Dogs with patellar luxation may carry their weakened leg(s), lay more frequently than before, or appear bowlegged.

If you suspect your German Shepherd Chihuahua hybrid has patellar luxation, take them to a veterinarian for a full assessment. There are varying degrees of severity in patellar luxation. 

More severe cases may need surgical treatment to help your furry friend walk correctly again.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Names

So if you have such a unique and wonderful pet German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix dog you need a unique and wonderful name for it!

Here is a list of popular German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix names.

• Buttercup
• Clover
• Drake
• Farrah
• Gizmo
• Nico
• Princess
• Shadow
• Zander
• Zoe

Related German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Questions

Is the German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Recognized by the American Kennel Club?

Because German Shepherd Chihuahuas are so rare, they currently have no official status with the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

They are not recognized as an official breed, nor do they even have a unique hybrid name, like Schnoodles or Shih-poos. 

There is also a reluctance to recognize them as their own breed because of the dangers that breeding such different dogs can present in the dog’s parents.

However, this is not to say that AKC registration is fully off the table. 

Many now-recognized breeds were once without AKC status, which means German Shepherd Chihuahuas could earn breed status someday in the future. 

Until then, breeders would have to carefully select traits to pass to offspring and carefully monitor all dog pregnancies performed to develop more GSD Chihuahua hybrids. 

How Long do German Shepherd Chihuahua Puppies Live? 

Both German Shepherds and Chihuahuas have pretty long lifespans. As a result, a hybrid breed of the two would also result in a fairly long lifespan. 

Though more research needs to be done, the most recent information available shows that German Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppies typically live approximately 13 years. 

A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix lifespan will usually vary depending on its size. 

What Type of Care Does My New German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy Need?

A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppy needs the same type of care as any other dog breed. Puppies will need puppy food for the first several months before switching to healthy adult food. 

Puppies will also need access to water at all times and one-on-one training for obedience and housebreaking. 

Why Can’t a Female Chihuahua Carry Male German Shepherd Puppies? 

Female Chihuahuas are too small to carry German Shepherd puppies. 

Because her puppies will likely be larger than she is, a pregnancy like this would pose many dangers for the health and well-being of the Chihuahua mother. 

Large-breed Chihuahua pregnancies often turn lethal, so it is important to always make sure a female German Shepherd carries any Chihuahua German Shepherd hybrid puppies. 

How Big Will My German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy Get?

Because Chihuahuas and German Shepherds are so different, it is not always possible to tell just how large a German Shepherd Chihuahua hybrid will get. 

Some may stay smaller in size, similar to their Chihuahua dad, while others may grow to be mid to large-sized dogs, more similar to their German Shepherd mother. 

Large paws on a puppy may indicate that it will grow larger in size than other pups. 

What Makes a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Dog Special?

German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are so special because every puppy is extremely unique in size, shape, color, and personality! 

Because Chihuahuas and German Shepherds are so different, a puppy between the two can have a number of different trait combinations, meaning no two puppies are ever quite the same. 

How to Decide if a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is Right For You?

Though German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes can be rare to find, they are definitely a diamond in the rough. 

Because of their unique traits, everyone will find something to love about this hybrid breed. 

If you’re considering a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix for your family, reach out to your local animal shelter to inquire about their availability. 

Or just take a trip to your local shelter or dog adoption organization and see for yourself all the beautiful pups available to be saved. You may just find the pet of your dreams!