What is a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix, Anyway?
The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix is a dog that you wouldn’t think exists. However, many owners have discovered that this mixture of one of the world’s biggest dogs and the world’s smallest dog makes a fascinating mix.
What are the most important things you need to know about this designer cross? We’ll jump right in and take a look at some of these most interesting facts. After reading more about this mix, you’ll be able to make a decision.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix
- Such a rare cross that little is known about the dog’s health
- Unpredictable size, but likely to be a bigger dog
- If smaller, somewhat more likely to develop hypoglycemia
- Arthritis, elbow or hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation are likely
Reasons Why You Should Get a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix
- Probably less likely to be as massive as a purebred Mastiff
- Easier to learn which health problems are from this mother, as most of these crosses involve female Mastiffs impregnated by male Chihuahuas
- May avoid some health issues typical of purebred Mastiffs
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix
A Chihuahua Mastiff is likely to resemble a smaller version of the Mastiff. The appearance will be alert, as though the dog is ready for an adventure. Crosses between dogs of such different sizes are rare, so there is no uniform appearance.
The news-making pairing between a Chihuahua cross and a Mastiff in the same household resulted in an unusual puppy.
Mixes between these breeds are likely to resemble the dog previously referenced. Their appearance may resemble one or both of the parent breeds. Puppies from the same litter might look different from each other.
Chihuahuas and Mastiffs have different types of personalities. Both breeds are “people dogs,” but the Chihuahua is more outgoing and willing to make friends. Mastiffs are usually reserved dogs who are hesitant about accepting strangers.
Owners should expect these dogs to be a little more reserved than Chihuahuas but less inclined to guard than purebred Mastiffs. You can trust these dogs to be good around unfamiliar people whom they have had a chance to get used to.
Most of these dogs will have short, smooth coats. However, the exception is when the Chihuahua part of the ancestry comes from a long-haired dog. When these dogs have long-haired coats, their coat appearance is best described as fluffy.
These dogs can have a variety of coat colors. Some of the colors that are possible include:
- Apricot
- Black
- Brindle
- Brown
- Cream
- Fawn
- Red
- Tan
There are several unique color patterns that you might see with these dogs, too. Bi-color and tri-color patterns are shared with Chihuahua mixes. Mixes of any color are also a possibility with these dogs.
The lifespan of these dogs may vary significantly. Chihuahuas are among the longest-living dogs, often living 15-20 years. Mastiffs, on the other hand, may live 6-10 years.
In most cases, because these dogs are likely to be somewhat small, the lifespan will be on the longer side. These dogs may make it into their teens very easily. Although the dogs may not live as long as purebred Chis, they will live longer than full Mastiffs.
These dogs may have a block or square head from the Mastiff side. One trait inherited from the
Chihuahua side is the possibility of a yappy bark. These dogs will let you know when someone is around, but not with the deep woof of a Mastiff.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Puppies for Sale
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix puppies are relatively rare crossbreeds, often resulting from the mating of an ambitious male Chihuahua and a receptive female Mastiff.
There is more information available about the parent breeds than the designer cross. However, because this designer mix is rare, breeders may charge more. Prices of $1,000 or more are not unusual because of the rarity.
However, the same principles apply to buying a puppy of this mix and buying other puppies. Responsible breeders who are more concerned with the quality of their dogs than profit alone are always a wise choice.
Some of the things that you should think about include:
- Choosing a breeder who allows you to make appointments to see the dogs in person
- Using a breeder willing to make sure the puppies have their first shots
- Going to a breeder who wants to know more about the homes where the puppies will go
Despite being somewhat rare, sometimes these dogs are available as rescues. Dogs of all kinds may end up in shelters, especially in larger cities. Foster-based rescues often take in dogs of any breed or mix.
Grooming Your Chihuahua Mastiff Mix
The Chihuahua Mastiff will most likely have a short coat requiring minimal grooming. Shedding will occur in the spring and fall, requiring brushing about twice a week. Otherwise, these dogs require one brushing per week and baths every two months.
A pin brush designed for dogs will help remove most of the dead hair. You can also use a grooming mitt after brushing for a smoother look. Tooth-brushing, nail-trimming, and ear-cleaning should take place monthly.
If your mix has a long coat, there are a few extra steps you may need to take that include:
- Trimming the hair and the legs and paws, as well as in between the paw pads and on the tail tip
- Trying a “lion cut” during the warm weather to keep your dog cool
- Investing in a set of high-quality dog clippers for better-quality trims
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Health Problem
Chihuahua Mastiff Mixes are usually healthy dogs, without some of the health problems that are common in purebred Mastiffs.
However, there are some health problems that may arise in these dogs. Some of the conditions to be aware of include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Arthritis
- Elbow/hip dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
Hypoglycemia is a condition more likely inherited from the Chihuahua side of the dog’s family. However, other factors include overexertion.
Dogs descended from Toy breeds are somewhat more prone to diabetes, and hypoglycemia is sometimes a complication. If your dog goes without eating for prolonged times, this may also contribute to low blood sugar incidents.
Symptoms include tremors, weakness, collapse, or seizures. These symptoms are a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment. Veterinarians treating dogs for low blood sugar will also look for underlying conditions contributing to low glucose.
Because these dogs may have a large bone structure for their size, joint issues are possible. Arthritis is a painful condition affecting many older dogs’ joints. These dogs may also face elbow or hip dysplasia involving displaced joints.
Patellar luxation is a condition often found in dogs with partial Chihuahua ancestry. This condition is similar to joint dysplasia because it involves the kneecap being displaced from the joint. Surgery is a common remedy for such conditions.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Food Requirements
The food requirements for a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix are often a bit of a challenge. Although these dogs require the same food quality, the amounts fed will depend on the size. Regardless of the amount, the dogs should eat at least twice daily.
An excellent way to figure out how much these dogs should eat is by feeding 50 calories per lb. for puppies and 35-40 calories per lb. for adults.
Some of the criteria to look for when selecting a dog food include:
- Avoid artificial colors and flavors that these dogs tolerate poorly
- Essential carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein need to make up the bulk of the diet
- Foods should be easy for these dogs to digest
This needs to be a gradual process to avoid digestive upsets whenever you need to switch foods. For best results, starting with a 3/4 old food and 1/4 new food ratio, increase the amount of the new food being fed over three weeks.
Whether dogs that are partially Chihuahua should eat grain-free food has been controversial. Some grain-free foods have been associated with a risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Chihuahuas and mixes, as well as Mastiffs, were affected.
The food these dogs eat, if it contains grains, should use higher-quality, non-gluten-based grains.
Examples of grains that meet these criteria include barley, brown rice, oats, and quinoa. Grain alternatives include chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
Meat ingredients great for these dogs include chicken, duck, and goose. Other helpful components include healthy fruits and vegetables, added fiber, and glucosamine. Foods that contain these ingredients help provide more well-rounded nutrition.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Exercise Requirements
A Chihuahua Mastiff Mix will usually have minimal exercise requirements, although puppies and young dogs are more energetic than their older counterparts. Finding activities for mental stimulation can require creativity.
Chihuahuas were likely originally used to keep rats and mice out of grin stores, while Mastiffs were used as guard dogs. Although both breeds are primarily companions now, these breeds and their mixes have retained many of the original instincts.
Your dog’s exercise requirements will depend on its size. At a minimum, a daily 20-minute walk will be helpful.
These dogs will probably enjoy playing fetch with a squeaky ball that mimics the sounds of a small prey animal. Although playing outside in the yard is great, most of these dogs adapt well to playing games indoors, too.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Training
The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix often has unique training needs because of the breed blend. Chihuahuas have a lot of Terrier traits that cause stubbornness. Mastiffs are used to working independently and are not known for taking commands unquestionably.
Positive reinforcement is the best training method for dogs that are a unique blend. Your dog will be more responsive with much of the focus on rewards.
Some of the goals of training include:
- Crate-training your dog to avoid accidents in the house
- Sitting and staying when told
- Coming when called inside or outside
- Leaving objects or animals alone on command
- Ceasing barking or whining on command
- Walking politely on a leash without pulling
If your dog learns to expect treats for good behavior, she will be more responsive to commands. Keeping training sessions short will help your dog keep focus.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix and Families
Chihuahua Mastiff Mixes are usually good family dogs. Both parent breeds have reputations for being good with children, and these mixes are generally a size that prevents accidental injury by children.
Another advantage is that these mixes seldom reach the same size as purebred Mastiffs. Because of their reasonably compact size, they aren’t as likely to knock over a toddler in the house or a visiting grandparent.
However, there are a couple of issues specific to the parent breeds that owners should be aware of. One is that many Chihuahua mixes bond more with one person.
For these dogs to make ideal family pets, they need proper socialization around all household members, even those not involved with their care. These dogs should obey commands given by other household members and live harmoniously with them.
Although affectionate, these dogs might get somewhat overprotective. Training dogs to accept new people will prevent a lot of problems.
Chihuahua Mastiff Mix and Other Pets
Chihuahua Mastiff mixes customarily get along with other pets. However, careful introductions will make all the difference.
New pets in a household may need to have their space-restricted until the introductions have been made.
Some animals will take more time to get used to each other than others will. There is nothing worse than forcing animals to get used to each other.
These dogs may not be reliable around small animals like rabbits or reptiles. For best results, these animals should stay confined when the dog is in the room.
