Before getting a Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix, it’s pertinent that you understand this breed better to provide the proper care, as all responsible or first-time Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix dog owners should embrace.

Also known as the Chiweiler, while not a purebred doggie, this Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix possesses some fine attributes you want in a furry companion. The Chiweiler has desirable elements of both Chihuahuas and Rottweilers while offering unique advantages only cross-breeding makes possible.

Mixing two dog breeds always carry some uncertainties.

There can be some exciting outcomes when you mix two drastically different breeds.

What color will they be? 

How big can you expect them to grow? 

How much will they take after each parent?

A Chihuahua Rottweiler mix is one of these instances where anything is possible.

One is the smallest dog breed, and the other is a tanky specimen of the canine world.

How do these two breeds combine?

Two different dogs with contrasting physiological and psychological features can come together to make a remarkable animal.

Maybe you’ve found a Rottweiler Chihuahua mix you’d like to adopt, or you’re already the proud pet parent of one of these dogs.

In either case, there are some things you should know about life with a Rottweiler Chihuahua hybrid.

In this complete Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix breed guide, I will address concerns like the average lifespan for your Chiweiler. We will cover Chiweiler’s common temperaments when to expect your pooch to calm down, and the best dietary measures to adopt. You will also learn whether your doggie sheds and by how much, as well as the recommended grooming routines and general best care practices.

Also Read: Great Dane Chihuahua Mix Puppies Breed: Pictures, Facts, and Information

Breed Basics

To understand the qualities of any mixed-breed dog, you have to break down what their genes are made up of.

Knowing about their personality to potential health concerns can help you decide if this is the dog for you or not.

So let’s take a look at each side of this hybrid.

Rottweiler History

What is currently ranked number 8 in the AKC list of the most popular dog breeds dates back to the times of the Roman Empire.

Due to the incredible endurance and strong herding instincts rottweilers possess, the Roman soldiers employed them to drive cattle which they fed on between their lengthy travels.

Rottweilers also protected the cattle from invaders and prevented them from going in the wrong direction.

The name “Rottweiler” was derived from the Rottweil city in Germany, where this dog was known as “Rottweil butcher’s dog” because they were used to pull carts laden with meat.

In 1931, the Rottweilers officially gained recognition by AKC and was once the second most popular dog breed for two years.

They’re a variety of mastiffs, and they’re big. You could say that Rotties put the mass in mastiff because males can weigh over 130lbs fully grown.

Females aren’t much smaller, and both genders tend to be bulky. They’re not very tall or lanky, but rather, built solid and muscular.

Their size can be intimidating, but they’re quite capable of being very loving pets.

They do tend to be confident and can be a little stubborn, which is why early training is vital to their obedience.

We’ll cover that more in a bit.

Rottweilers make great guide dogs for the disabled.

Like a “giant” breed, they don’t have a life span as long as smaller dogs. They typically live 9-10 years.

Their size and genetics also put them at risk for developing hip dysplasia. Some eye and heart conditions are also something Rottie owners should look out for.

What color are they?

All Rotties have the classic black-and-rust coloring, with distinct “eyebrow” markings.

Their coats are medium in length, and they have a moderate undercoat. The fur can sometimes be wavy rather than straight.

Overall, they’re loyal to their families, intelligent, and willing to work properly when trained.

Also Read: Are Rottweilers Good Service Dogs?

Chihuahua History (Survival of Twain Conquests)

You’ve probably seen them in bags, backpacks, and purses. They’re popular companions because they’re so portable.

Chihuahuas tend to be very attached to their primary caregiver.

Their spunky personality can sometimes border on combative if they don’t get their way – one reason why curbing unwanted behavior early on is essential.

They’re bright and tend to be willful, just like the other breed we’re discussing here.

It is unclear where what we have as the modern-day Chihuahua truly evolved from. But we know that in the late 1800s, US visitors to Mexico would purchase small dogs and bring them home as pets.

Different historians have proposed plausible theories concerning the origin of this dog breed.

Some believe that Chihuahua is a descendant of Techichi, a small, quiet dog domesticated by the people of Toltec in Mexico and goes back to the 9th century AD. The Toltecs sacrifice and bury this dog alongside their owners for spiritual purposes.

When the Aztecs overthrew the Toltec civilization, they also absorbed their culture. The Spanish conquered the Aztecs following this event, and the Techichi dogs were considered extinct.

Carvings and skeletal remains of the dog have been discovered in the Aztec temple and gravesite, respectively.

Another theory concerning the origin of chihuahuas is that they were formed from a cross between Techichi and the Chinese crested.

Also, stunning canine actor Bruiser Woods, who was a chihuahua, played a commendable role in a movie titled, Legally Blonde.

Move across the size spectrum of canines, and there it is – the Chihuahua.

The tiniest of all breeds, AKC standards expect them to weigh 6lbs or less.

As a toy breed, they have a long lifespan. On average, the lifespan is 14-16 years, but many Chihuahuas have been known to reach their late teens.

A Chihuahua named Megabyte holds the record for longest lifespan, making it an impressive 20 years.

This breed can also be at risk for eye and cardiac conditions, as well as joint issues.

Chihuahuas come in many colors and coats – solid, fawn, and spots are among the markings you can see. There are short-haired and long-haired varieties of Chihuahua.

Since they are so small, they’re popular as companions. They thrive in cities and small spaces with minimal exercise requirements.

If socialized early on, they can become friends with just about anyone.

Also Read: Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix: 3 Little-Known Facts About Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix

Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix History

When these two breeds were first crossed still is unknown. However, in recent years, mixed breeds have become increasingly common.

While there is no record of the history of the chihuahua rottweiler mix, we can get some insight into their past by looking at the histories of both parents.

Puppies from this cross may exhibit traits from either parent, such as height, coat, and personality.

Mating two separate purebred dog breeds, on the other hand, is fraught with controversy.

Although this has been around for a long time, many people believe they do not make great pets because you can never predict the result.

Others still argue that hybrids are better than purebreds due to a process known as hybrid vigor.

More or less, hybrids have a greater gene pool than purebreds.

What Does This Mean When Your Combine the Two?

Appearance-wise, you can never know exactly what you get when you mix two breeds. When dealing with two very different dogs, this is especially true.

They could take after the larger parent, and you might have a dog too large for riding around in a purse.

On the other hand:

They could always inherit genes from the smaller parent to keep them small.

In general, if you’re considering this breed, expect something in the middle. You probably won’t have a compact dog, but you probably won’t have a giant one, either.

The same can be said for their coats. They could take after the Rottie side, and have the typical black and rust coloring.

Since Chihuahuas have many more variations in color, it’s impossible to predict how their coloring will look.

Coat length will also depend on the type of genes each parent carries. A long-haired Chihuahua and a Rottweiler could produce a fluffy or short-haired dog.

Rotties have floppy ears – they don’t stand up on their own. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have naturally erect, pointy ears.

A puppy that’s half of each could have floppy ears, upright ears, or something in the middle.

Rottweilers have more “boxy” facial features, while those of Chihuahuas are sharp. Again, a mix of the two could result in the puppy favoring one parent or being a mix of each.

In any case, the features of each breed can have some beautiful and adorable results when mixed.

Since the lifespans vary, you can expect an average of the two when it comes to a Chihuahua Rottweiler mix.

Each breed’s health concerns should be taken into account. Early screening for genetic conditions can help increase lifespan and quality of life.

How Big Does A Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Get?

Your Rottweiler Chihuahua puppy has the composite genes of its parents, including those responsible for physical growth. It is impossible, therefore, to foretell how big a given puppy will become.

So how big does this mixed breed get? A Rottie Chi Mix puppy often grows into a small to medium-sized dog, with the huge physique of a Rottweiler canceling out the nimbleness of a Chihuahua.

Though rare, given the presence of both genes in the offspring, it is not uncommon for a Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix doggie to be as small as a Chihuahua. This is because the size of a cross-breed dog may sometimes favor one parent over the other.

A mature Chihuahua grows to about 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder, the highest point, and weighs between 3.5 and 7.5 lbs. On the contrary, Rottweilers are big, muscular canines ranging between 22 and 27 inches high at their shoulder, measuring about 77 and 130 lbs.

Temperament

First and foremost, you can expect this particular hybrid to have a very robust personality bordering on agility, courage, and willfulness. They, however, become more engaged when active, displaying high intelligence levels.

The overarching Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix temperament is a combination of:

• Aggressive
• Intelligent
• Willful
• Loyal
• Affectionate
• Courageous
• Protective

They could border on willful and stubborn, which means training is vital.

Since Rotties thrive when they have something to do, they’ll behave best if they’re not bored.

A bored dog with Rottweiler DNA can become defiant, hyper, and could be your furniture’s worst enemy.

But Chihuahuas are nearly the opposite when it comes to stimulation. Some like to play with toys, but they don’t need as much mental or physical exercise.

So understanding which side the hybrid takes after the most is the first step in understanding their personality.

Even if they take more after the Chihuahua mix side, they will still need firm training.

They could become aggressive and territorial if not given proper obedience training.

Rotties can be a little imperious if they’re not given adequate guidance, so a Rottweiler mix might need someone who can patiently show them the ropes.

Each breed in this equation can be very sweet and become quite close to their families.

Exposing them to children and other pets from an early age gives them excellent chances to be gentle, trustworthy pets.

If you have plenty of time to dedicate to training, this could be the ideal mixed breed for you.

Anyone who doesn’t have the resources for good training might find themselves in over their heads.

Training

Basic manners are the first thing you’ll want to teach this type of mixed breed – especially if they’re on the bigger side.

Leash training is a great place to start, whether they’re big or small.

A larger dog with bad leash manners can make dog walks stressful situations instead of quality time.

A small dog breed that is aggressive on the leash or likes to antagonize other dogs on walks is a different type of problem. No one wants their dog to gain a reputation as an ankle-biter.

Since they could be territorial, they’ll need to be desensitized to guests. Otherwise, they might bark and become frenzied whenever someone rings the doorbell.

But the good news?

Both breeds in this mix are smart and can learn quickly.

Reward-based training, also known as positive reinforcement, is widely accepted as the best way to train any dog.

Puppies can pick up commands easily when you reward and praise them for succeeding.

This doesn’t work just for basic obedience – it can also be helpful with potty training.

Rather than punish bad behavior, redirect it to something appropriate.

Instead of scolding a dog for having an accident, for example, take them outside as soon as possible.

And remember to praise each time they eliminate outdoors.

Is barking an issue? Don’t raise your voice – they’ll either think it’s a game (who can bark louder) or become anxious at your anger.

Distract a barking dog with a favorite toy or some mental games.

Aside from stopping barking, it teaches them that if they stop any unwanted behavior, they’ll be rewarded.

Remember, corporal punishment does far more harm than good, and a dog can’t connect it with them misbehaving.

They can become anxious and aggressive, exacerbating the problem and straining their relationship with you.

Overall, this hybrid shouldn’t be particularly hard to train as long as you have time to dedicate to them.

Just remember the unique challenges you could face due to their personalities.

Also Read: Doberman vs. Rottweiler: Which is a Better Family Pet?

Care and Grooming

The care requirements of Rotties and Chihuahuas are different. So a combination of them can be difficult to know until you’re dealing with an individual dog.

Here are some things you can expect:

Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Rotties and Chihuahuas can be very cuddly. They might want to share your bed with you, and their favorite napping spot could be your lap.

A Chihuahua mix with Rottweiler DNA is especially prone to separation anxiety.

So keeping them close at bedtime can help avoid stress for everyone involved.

Tricky grooming routines aren’t needed with either breed – but long-haired Chihuahuas will require more frequent brushing to prevent matting in their hair.

So if the hybrid inherits long hair, they will need weekly brushing at the very least.

Occasional baths are needed for any dog. But Rotties can be quite slobbery.

While this doesn’t require a bath, they might need their mouths wiped down with a damp cloth from time to time.

There’s more:

Anyone around a drooly dog knows that if they shake, you might be in for a shower.

If you’re easily grossed out, you might want to consider a dog who isn’t as likely to spray you with drool.

Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Health

Before you take any mixed breed home, do your due diligence to ask the breeder to provide a certification for the health screening performed on the parent dogs to ensure they are free of any genetic defects their offspring can inherit.

Both breeds are predisposed to numerous health problems due to their genetic makeup, diet, or age, like any other dog. What are these problems? Let us find out.

Rottweiler Health Problems

Subaortic Stenosis

In this condition, the heart’s aorta narrows, increasing the resistance to blood flow. This often begins as a mild heart murmur and progresses to a fatal stage.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia is the most common disease of the joint in larger dogs. It occurs when ligaments become weak, leading to a loose connection between the thigh bone and the socket of the pelvic bone. This disorder is often exacerbated by obesity. Hence, excess calorie intake should be avoided.

Elbow Dysplasia

Recently, elbow dysplasia has become an increasingly common problem in many dog breeds. This refers to abnormalities in the formation of the elbow joints due to osteochondrosis, fragmentation, and more.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

A hereditary bleeding disorder involves the loss of the blood clotting function due to insufficient amounts of specific proteins responsible for blood clotting.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is an inherited retina disorder that leads to complete loss of vision in dogs. It has a gradual progression, which begins with night blindness before cataracts eventually form, leading to total blindness.

Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by the under-secretion of the thyroid gland leading to deficiency of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include coat changes, weakness and increased weight.

Chihuahua Health Problems

Kneecap Dislocation

Also known as patella luxation, a knee injury occurs more frequently among small dog breeds. It is caused by the patella not being properly aligned with the hip bone(femur) and calf bone (tibia). This may cause chihuahuas to limp while walking or lose their walking ability.

Collapsed Trachea

When the trachea cartilages become weaker, rapid inhalation of air causes the trachea to flatten, leading to difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, and honking coughing.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a common condition among toy dogs. It occurs when the blood sugar levels become very low. For a purse-sized dog like a chihuahua, this is potentially fatal if left untreated.

Tooth and Gum Disease

Toy dogs, such as chihuahuas, are vulnerable to dental issues. Food, saliva, and bacteria are often trapped in the gum line, causing the formation of tartar. This can be prevented by brushing and cleaning your dog’s teeth daily.

Heart Murmur

Just like in humans, heart murmurs in dogs involve the disruption of blood flow through the heart’s chambers. Though heart murmurs are harmless, they may provide clues to a more serious underlying cardiovascular disorder.

Pulmonary Stenosis

It is a congenital disorder where the malformation of the pulmonary valves causes abnormal blood flow through the heart. To make up for the extra workload, the heart has to work harder to pump blood out of the heart.

Hydrocephalus

In this condition, cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the brain causes the intracranial pressure to increase, leading to permanent brain death.

Is the Chi-Weiler for You?

One thing is for sure; these dogs will need adequate training to become good housemates.

This breed could be an amazing companion if you have the time and can exercise your dog frequently.

This hybrid could be a good middle-ground for large dog enthusiasts if you live in an apartment.

They will still need space to exercise, but a smaller home is less likely to make them uncomfortable.

Another thing to consider:

The evidence that it’s safe to breed these two dogs naturally is virtually nonexistent.

What does that mean?

If you encounter one of these dogs for adoption, the mother was most likely artificially inseminated. It’s almost impossible for them to procreate naturally.

And if a Chihuahua was the mother?

She probably had to have a Cesarean section to deliver the puppies safely – even purebred.

Chihuahuas often have difficult births due to their tiny stature.

So be cautious when shopping for one of these hybrids.

A more ethical approach would be to rescue one from the shelter.

You won’t be contributing to a puppy mill or irresponsible breeder.

Plus, rescuing will probably cost less than purchasing a “designer dog.” It’s a win-win.

Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix Puppy Price and Breeders

On average, the price of a rottweiler chihuahua mix puppy will range anywhere from 1000 to 1500 dollars.

However, different factors can influence the price, including the breeder’s reputation and the demand within a specific location.

When buying pups, it is wise to avoid puppy mills and pet stores for the well-being of the breed and others.

If you are not willing to spend hundreds or thousands buying a puppy, you can consider adopting it as this practice is human and tends to reduce the number of dogs in shelters giving them a family of their own. They are still fees attached when adopting to cover the time they spend at the center.

Conclusion

The Rottweiler Chihuahua Mix has many qualities that endear people to dogs. With the animal’s playful, affectionate, loyal, and loving nature, you will find the dog a suitable addition to your family should you decide to get one.

However, it would help if you are prepared to do the work you need for the animal to turn out well. This work includes adequate training right from when you bring the dog into your home, adequate feeding, exercising, sheltering, and all other things the dog needs to thrive and live a long, healthy life.