The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd is an unusual and rare mixed-breed dog created by combining the Mexican Chihuahua and the American-developed Australian Shepherd. The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd is a small to medium-sized pup known for being active, loyal and territorial.
To learn more about the Aussie Chi, we’ll explore the histories, temperaments, popularity, and suitability of each parent breed to learn more about the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix.
Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 8 – 26 pounds |
| Height: | 12 – 16 inches |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Coat Colors: | Brown, white, tan, grey, merle |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, energetic, active, loyal |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families, active single individuals, not suitable for the elderly |
What Does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Look Like?
Like most designer dog breeds, the Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix will inherit different parts of their physical appearance from each parent breed. It’s likely that your Aussie Chi will be a medium-sized dog, despite their Chihuahua parent being a toy breed, they will likely stand between 12 and 16 inches tall, weighing between 8 and 26 pounds.
Despite the Aussie Shepherd having a double coat, your Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix will likely have a single coat, making them no friend of cold weather climates. Their coat colors will likely be black, white, and brown. This tricolor coat is in line with the Aussie Shepherd genetics. It is also possible, though unlikely, that your Aussie Chi will inherit the double coat of the Australian Shepherd. This will mean a white coat underneath with a black coat as a top layer, or that tricolor coat combination.
Your Australian Shepherd Chihuahua mix will likely inherit much of the facial features of the Chihuahua, including almond-shaped eyes, a short snout and upright ears. It will have longer legs than your typical Chihuahua and a downward-facing tail, similar to the Aussie Shepherd.
As with many hybrid breeds, it can be difficult to accurately predict their physical appearance, as it is largely depend on the predominant genes. Their genetic makeup is even more difficult to predict when they are conceived via artificial insemination, as the Shepherd Chihuahua mix is.
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The History of the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix
As is the case with many mixed dog breeds, the Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a new breed mix with a short history, who’s origins are largely unknown. They were likely developed in the 1990s and early 2000s as the United States saw the popularity of designer breeds increase dramatically.
Luckily, we d know plenty about the history of each parent breed, the American-developed, misnomer Australian Shepherd Dog and the Mexican Chihuahua with an ancient history of its own. To learn more about the Aussie Chi, we’ll explore the histories of these two breeds to understand better how the Aussie Chi came to be.
The History of the Australian Shepherd
Despite being called an Australian Shepherd, the Aussie was actually developed in the United States. The Australian Shepherd has origins in the 16th century in the Basque region of Spain. This medium-sized breed is thought to be of Spanish descent and landed on American shores in the 16th century, used as a herding breed for Spanish flock that roamed North America during this period.
It is thought that the Aussie Shepherd has roots in several sheepdogs including the Pyrenean Sheepdog and Basque Shepherd Dog. Despite their Basque origins, the modern Aussie was developed in the 19th century in California from collies and herding dogs imported from Australia and New Zealand – this is how it acquired the name “Australian Shepherd.”
The Australian Shepherd was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
How Popular Are Australian Shepherds in the United States?
Given that they were developed in the United States during the 19th century, the Australian Shepherd has fast become one of America’s most popular companion dogs, renowned for as a medium-sized breed with high energy levels.
In 2021, the AKC ranked the Aussie Shepherd as the 12th most-popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Australian Shepherds a Good Dog For?
Australian Shepherds are fantastic dogs for those who live on farms or have a house and yard – well-suited as rodeo dogs. They’re perfect family pets for those with grown children (due to their herding heritage), or for those seeking an active companion.
Unfortunately, due to their need for lots of exercise, the Aussie Shepherd isn’t ideal for the elderly, or for those who live in apartments.
How Did Australian Shepherds Come About?
The Australian Shepherd was first developed in California in the 19th century from imported sheepdogs from Australia and New Zealand. Used as a farm dog and herding breed, the Aussie Shepherd and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Australian Shepherd?
The Australian Shepherd has long been a popular crossbreed for those looking to add a little energetic flair to their beloved family dogs, or for those seeking to add some of the physical beauty of the Australian Shepherd to their pack.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Australian Shepherd became a popular parent breed, mostly for crossbreeding with dogs of a similar size. Several popular crosses include:
- Australian Shepherd Pitbull Mix (Aussie Pit)
- Australian Shepherd Chow Chow Mix (Aussie Chow)
- Australian Shepherd Blue Heeler Mix (Texas Heeler)
- Australian Shepherd Cocker Spaniel Mix (Aussie Spaniel)
- Australian Shepherd Beagle Mix (Aussieagle)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua has a history that stretches back to the 9th century, heralding from an ancient dog known as the Techichi, a revered dog kept by the Aztec Tribe known as the Toltec Peoples. The Chihuahua’s ancestor was likely considered an animal of religious significance, as there were hieroglyphs found that denoted it’s significance.
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the Chihuahua was first properly noted in the Mexican state of the same name. This small dog was anything but mute and was traded and sold to American tourists in Mexican-American border towns. The American Kennel Club didn’t recognize the Chihuahua until 1904 when it was categorized as a toy breed.
Kept as an adorable family pet, the Chihuahua’s accidental Napoleon complex (big bark for a little dog) accidentally makes them the world’s smallest family protector!
How Popular Are Chihuahuas in the United States?
Despite only arriving in earnest in the United States in the first part of the 20th century, the Chihuahua has quickly become a popular pet for many Americans.
In 2021, the Chihuahua ranked as the 37th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the AKC.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Chihuahuas are wonderful pets for the elderly, as their small size makes them easy to control on walks, and their loyal nature tends to make them obedient as well. They’re good for people with family homes, though not necessarily a great fit for those who live in apartments – Chihuahuas tend to suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behavior.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
The Chihuahua was first noted in Chihuahua, Mexico in the mid-19th century, although their ancestry stretches back to the 9th century in South America to a small, mute dog kept by the Aztec tribe, the Toltec Peoples.
Chihuahuas were sold and traded along the American/Mexican border to American tourists and were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua has long been a popular crossbreed in the United States, beginning in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, the Chihuahua was initially crossbred with the Jack Russell in the mid-19th century Those who perhaps wanted to inject a little spryness into their pet, or capitalize on the spunky, protective nature of the Chihuahua.
There are a few popular Chihuahua crossbreeds, including:
- Chihuahua Rat Terrier Mix (Rat-Chi)
- Chihuahua Cocker Spaniel Mix (Cocker Chi)
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix (Cairn Chi)
- Chihuahua French Bulldog Mix (French Bullhuahua)
- Chihuahua Beagle Mix (Beagle Chi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of dog ownership is finding a pup that matches as closely as possible with your family’s temperament and activity levels. If you’re an active family, searching for an adventure companion, then that needs to factor into any decision you make regarding your newest family pet. Likewise, if you’re looking for a dog that’s going to be a gentle playmate for your children, that needs to factor into your decision-making.
Finding a dog that will be a temperamental match for your family can only be done through adequate research. Take the time to research the temperamental tendencies of the breed you’re looking to adopt. Doing so will save you time, energy, and money in obedience training and other associated costs, let alone the possibility of having to re-home the dog, if it doesn’t work out.
What is the Temperament of the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix?
The Shepherd Chihuahua will likely need some socialization training, as they can be standoffish with strangers, but will be affectionate and friendly towards those they know – this standoffishness may be expressed with excessive barking.
Their Chihuahua genes makes them hyper-loyal to their owners, and as a relatively small dog, you can expect them to be part lap-dog. They have a high energy level, as per their Aussie Shepherd parents, so expect to be exercising them regularly.
Is The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Friendly?
In general, the Shepherd Chihuahua is a very friendly and affectionate toward those it knows. But it’s likely that your Shepherd Chihuahua will need extra time to get to know strangers.
Is The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Easy to Train?
Hopefully, your Shepherd Chihuahua will inherit the obedient nature of the Aussie Shepherd. However, it may also inherit the stubborn, independent nature of the Chihuahua. In this case, positive reinforcement training will likely be necessary. Reward-based training is also another option, if you find that your Shepherd Chihuahua responds better to rewards for following commands.
Working with a professional trainer during your Shepherd Chihuahua’s first few months is highly recommended.
How Much Can A Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Weigh?
The average weight of an Aussie Chi is between 8 and 26 pounds.
How Tall Can A Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Get?
The average height of the Chihuahua Shepherd mix is between 12 and 16 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Aussie Chi. These include:
- Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler)
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Beagle
Does the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Shed?
You can expect your Chihuahua Australian Shepherd mix to be a light or moderate-shedding dog year-round. Given that it is likely to inherit the single coat of the Chihuahua, you don’t have to worry about heavy shedding. However, regular brushing is encouraged to keep it’s coat healthy.
Trips to a professional groomer are also encouraged, perhaps once every quarter, or every six months, if you’re able to perform basic grooming at home.
How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Require?
The Chihuahua Australian Shepherd is sure to be a very active pet. They will likely require between 45 minutes to an hour of daily exercise. This includes physical exercise and mental stimulation. If you live near a dog park, it’s a good idea to take them there – this encourages socialization and gives them freedom to run!
If you find that you’re having to leave your Chihuahua Australian Shepherd mix alone for extended periods, it’s a good idea to get them a toy of some sort to encourage play, even when you’re not home. A KONG toy filled with their favorite treats is a great option.
How Long Can a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Live?
The life expectancy of the Aussie Chi is between 12 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Have?
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap Dislocation)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip Joint Inflammation)
- Skin Irritations (Sensitive Skin)
- Cataracts (Eye Issues)
- Obesity
- Glaucoma (Eye Condition)
How Can You Find a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before searching for an Aussie Chi to purchase, check out the process to adopt one instead! Unfortunately, there are of Aussie Chis that find themselves languishing in vet clinics or rescue shelters, just waiting to be adopted.
Alongside costing less than your typical purchase of an Aussie Chi, the adoption process would save a life and bring untold happiness to your own. If you’re unsuccessful in-person, try searching online at AdoptAPet.com, which allows you to search your local area.
How Much Does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd mix puppy is between $650 and $850. This is roughly double the cost of adopting one!
However, if you’ve been unsuccessful in your quest to adopt and wish to buy an Aussie Chi puppy, please ensure you deal with a reputable breeder. Reputable dog breeders can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
To learn more about how to separate the wheat from the chaff, read our guide on working with reputable breeders.
Is the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for a small to medium-sized pup that’ll keep you on your toes and has the ferocious nature of the Chihuahua, coupled with the athleticism, loyalty and affectionate nature of the Australian Shepherd, then the Aussie Chi mix might be your perfect family pet!
However, if you’re certain that the Aussie Chi isn’t for you, consider reading our dozens of other breed guides to learn more about other possibilities for your perfect companion.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
