The Husky Chihuahua mix comes from the small but mighty Chihuahua and the dramatic Siberian Husky. It’s also called the Huskyhuahua, Husky Chi, Chi Husky, or Chiwhawha Husky. This dog is bound to be a feisty little fella and is perfect for small-dog lovers who want a taste of that Husky drama.
Striking to the eye and charming to the heart, the Huskyhuahua is predictably appealing to many dog owners. It’s almost certain that you’ll barely have dull days at home with this little diva mix as part of your family.
However, as a responsible pawrent, you must know your dog inside out. This article will give you a background check on Husky Chihuahua mixes, answering all your questions about the dog.
So, What is a Chihuahua Husky Mix?
Husky Chihuahua mixes are an unlikely cross between two dog breeds with a significant size difference. This crossbreed is rare and may need artificial insemination between a Chihuahua male and Husky female to occur. Most Husky-Chis are a combination of more than two breeds. These are intelligent but independent dogs that are active for their size and often have one or two blue eyes.
History of the Husky Chihuahua Mix
Husky-Chis exist, but are not common and don’t have a clear history as to how they may have come about. Exploring both parent breeds’ history and initial purpose sheds light on what prospective owners can expect with this “hybrid breed”.
The Siberian Husky is best known for their striking blue eyes and unmistakable wolf-like appearance. Their history is even more amusing in Northeastern Asia, where the Chukchi people bred them as sled and companion dogs that were crucial to their survival.
So important were they that Chukchi culture dictated that two huskies guarded heaven’s gates and anyone that abused a dog was turned away. A team of huskies led by musher Leonhard Seppala also made history by delivering a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska.
Chihuahuas held the fancy of ancient peoples and are believed to have originated in Mexico. Here, the Toltecs owned similar dogs called Techichi that were mute and larger. The Aztecs conquered the Toltecs and refined the Techichi breed into a smaller, lighter dog that could bark.
It wasn’t long before Chihuahuas stole the modern-day’s spotlight. These natural performers stole shows like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “legally blonde” and are owned by some of the most famous people.
What are the Physical Features of a Husky Chihuahua Mix?
- Height: 9 to 15 inches (22 to 38 cm)
- Weight: 8 to 20 pounds (3 to 9kg)
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Color: gray, white, black, tan, or a combination
- Nose: black or light-colored nose depending on coat color
- Eyes: blue, brown, or heterochromia (two different colors)
The Husky Chihuahua comes from two breeds that vary greatly in size and appearance. This dog’s very existence is nearly inconceivable because a hardy medium-sized dog is bred with one of the smallest dogs in the world. But the magic of modern science like IVF makes this mixed breed possible. Other mixes, like the Jack Chi, are easier to breed because the Jack Russel is much smaller.
The Husky Chihuahua is a small, compact dog with the signature Chihuahua rounded “apple” head. They are often small-to-medium sized dogs, with a sleek coat, domed head and long nose. They tend to be a mix of white, tan, fawn, and cream, but can also be darker black, black and tan,red or fawn. They are either solid or bi-colored..
Their legs are often quite long for their bodies, and their ears stand erect, typical of huskies. They usually inherit sleeker coats than the thick Husky double coat, and can have brown eyes, blue, or both.
However, being a mixed breed, predicting what a Chihusky would look like can be impossible. They’re one of a kind, and you can get two wildly different puppies in the same litter, both in appearance and temperament.
General Care of the Husky Chihuahua Mix
- Hypoallergenic: No, because they have daily shedding
- Shedding: Moderate to heavy shedders with more shedding during spring and fall
- Exercise: 45 to 60 minutes of a daily walk
- Housing: Can adjust to apartments and small spaces. They are more vulnerable to cold than their Husky parents.
- Temperament: Loyal, attention-loving, charming, quick-witted
- Trainability: Easy to train but can be stubborn due to their independence streak
Energy levels
Huskyhuahuas maintain that high-strung energy typical of a Siberian Husky, and the Chi parents aren’t sedentary either. Therefore, these dogs are quite active for their size and need ample exercise to burn off some energy.
Exercise
These mixes have moderate exercise requirements, and two 15 to 30-minute walks will suffice. They’re quick-witted and impressively smart, so be sure to incorporate some mental exercises like obedience and food puzzles.
Housing Requirements
These dogs do exceptionally well in apartments due to their small size and moderate energy levels. They may get on your neighbors’ nerves if they inherit the talkative Husky genes and can be prone to barking.
Food & Diet Requirements
Most Husky Chihuahuas don’t have specific dietary requirements and do well with food for small dogs. These diets are calorie-dense as they usually have fast metabolisms.
Small dogs have a knack for low-sugar levels hypoglycemia if they don’t eat regularly.. Because of this, we recommend feeding this mix 3 to 4 times a day when they are puppies and at least twice a day as adults.
A Chi-Husky’s diet should be protein-dense with at least 25% protein matter and proper minerals, vitamins, and fats. A vet will advise you on the proper diet if your Huskyhuahua has any pre-existing medical issues like kidney problems and diabetes.
Grooming
Grooming a Huskyhuahua should be a breeze, especially if they have a short coat. Short-coated Huskyhuahuas need a quick brush through with a rubber glove or pin brush once a week. Longer-haired ones need brushing twice weekly to avoid matting.
Most Huskyhuahuas don’t catch odors as fast as other breeds, thanks to their Husky heritage., Nonetheless, monthly washes with a gentle shampoo maintain their hygiene and coat. They also need their ears cleaned when they bathe and their tear stains wiped off with eye wipes. As small dogs, these mixes are particularly susceptible to dental issues and need brushing 2 to 3 times a week.
Health Concerns of a Husky Chihuahua Mix
Thankfully, both parent breeds are impressively healthy and sturdy dogs, but each has common medical issues. Hip dysplasia is common in both parents, so the chances of the mixed breed inheriting the disorder are high. Buying a puppy from a reputable breeder reduces the chances of these medical issues but doesn’t eliminate them entirely.
Common Medical Issues Include:
Severe Medical Issues
- Hip dysplasia;
- Hypoglycemia;
- Seizures and epilepsy;
- Tracheal collapse;
- Heart conditions like patent ductus arteriosis, or PDA, and valvular disease;
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD);
- Luxating patella;
- Hydrocephalus;
- Cancers; and
- Eye problems like cataracts.
Mild to Moderate Health Issues
- Dental problems due to overcrowded teeth;
- Temperature regulation issues due to high metabolism resulting in the well-known “Chihuahua shiver”;
- Food Sensitivity due to chemicals;
- Obesity; and
- Allergies.
Occasional Health Issues
- More susceptible to viral conditions like distemper; and
- Vision loss.
What is the Lifespan of a Husky Chihuahua Mix?
Husky Chihuahuas enjoy a long life of 12 to 15 years, with some even going strong for 20 years. Genetics, diet, exercise, and vet checkups are the biggest determiners of lifespan.
Temperament and Trainability of a Husky Chihuahua Mix
A Husky Chihuahua is a small dog with a big personality and is loyal, friendly, and affectionate, with all the spunk and sass to go with it. Some of these dogs are bossy but still manage to maintain an eagerness to please.
Like all small dogs, Husky Chihuahuas are often misunderstood, especially if they inherit the Chi yappiness and anger. So many people disrespect a small dog’s boundaries and then turn to complain about having a mean dog. A Huskyhuahua that’s respected and loved will reciprocate all the affection.
These dogs are quite intelligent. However, the Husky independence and the Chihuahua sassiness can ask for more patience and creativity due to stubbornness. Contrary to popular belief, all small dogs need proper training and socialization from a young age, even though they aren’t imposing. These dogs can be a bit hard to housetrain like the Bichons Frises, but they’ll get the hang of it.
Sociability with Children and Other Pets
Husky Chihuahuas tolerate children well, but their small sizes make them unsuitable around small kids. Mixes that lean toward the Chi side may yap and nip around rowdy children, but those with more Husky are quite friendly.
These dogs can display some sort of a Napoleon complex and take on much bigger animals at their expense. Other pets can also seriously injure tiny Huskyhuahuas and need close monitoring. Safe interaction with both children and other animals depends on early training and socialization.
The Ideal Home for a Huskyhuahua
- Apartment life because they’re small dogs that need their owners’ company;
- People with a mildly moderate lifestyle;
- Can do well in either warm or cool climates depending on the coat;
- Households where no one is allergic to dogs; and
- A home without rowdy children that can hurt them.
How Much for a Husky Chihuahua Mix?
A Chi Husky puppy may cost you up to $1000 to $3000. The steep costs are because these are specialty mixes that may require IVF to reproduce, not to mention the genetic tests involved if they are bred on purpose. However, in the unlikely event that this mixed breed happens by accident, you may find them in shelters or locally for around $300 or less.
Final thoughts
Husky Chihuahua mixes have big-dog courage and personality in their tiny bodies. Most have apple-shaped heads and maintain a general Husky look but in a miniature package. These dogs are pretty healthy but can experience health issues like hip dysplasia and heart problems.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.