Mixing a Golden Retriever with a Chihuahua is no mean feat, as it combines two somewhat contradictory breeds. But it produces an adorable companion pet! The “Golden Chi”, as its known is a rather peculiar breed with a short history, despite coming from completely different backgrounds and parts of the world, this mixed breed couldn’t produce a more adorable little pet.
Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix – At A Glance
| Weight: | 15 – 30 pounds |
| Height: | 10 – 16 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Golden, Tan, Fawn, White (Or a mixture thereof) |
| Temperament: | Loving, friendly, loyal, energetic |
| Most Suitable For: | Families with or without children, the elderly and other single individuals |
What Does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Look Like?
The Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix combines the best of both their parent breeds to create a beautiful little dog that’s got the size of a Chihuahua, but the heart and temperament of a Golden Retriever. You’re likely to find that your Golden Chi will be the size of a Chihuahua, but have the physical appearance of the Golden in every other respect. Long hair, brown nose, flowing long-haired tail. The ears will also resemble the Golden Retriever, being floppy and having hairy ‘bloomers’.
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The History of the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix
Being a designer dog breed, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix doesn’t have much by way of official history and is unrecognized by the American Kennel Club. However, we can glean that it was probably the result of a recent crossbreed, likely sometime between the 1980s and early 2000s, when crossbreeding peaked in popularity in the United States.
Let’s look at its parent breeds to gain a better understanding of why one might want to mix the two!
The History of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the product of a purchase by Major Dudley Marjoribanks, allegedly from a cobbler on the street in Brighton, England, in 1865. Major Marjoribanks was searching for a dog as a companion and a guardian of his luxury mansion. This Golden Retriever was named Nous, and in 1868 was bred to Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel that Marjoribanks had kept as a gift him his cousin. Thus, the first Golden Retriever litter was born.
How Popular Are Golden Retrievers in the United States?
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, coming in third place on the American Kennel Club’s 2021 popularity rankings.
Who Are Golden Retrievers a Good Dog For?
Golden Retrievers are fantastic dogs for just about anyone! Their friendly and loving nature makes them great family pets, though they may have a little too much energy for an elderly owner.
How Did The Golden Retriever Come About?
The Golden Retriever was first bred in England in 1868, as a result of a cross between a golden-colored street dog named Nous and a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Golden Retriever?
The popularity of crossbreeding in the United States began in the 1960s, peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s. Though the exact date when Golden Retrievers began to be crossbred is unknown, we can safely assume that people began to cross Goldens with other dogs during this time.
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua’s history, in comparison to the Golden Retriever’s, couldn’t be more different. The Chihuahua begins in Mexico and is a descendant of the ancient Techichi dog, a mute dog that was kept as a pet by the Toltec people, an Aztec tribe.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas in the United States?
Despite their impish size, the Chihuahua remains a moderately popular pet among Americans, with the American Kennel Club putting their 2021 popularity ranking at 37th.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their size, the Chihuahua is a great pet for elderly people, without the strength to control a larger animal. However, they’re also fiercely loyal pets to all potential owners – though they’re fairly averse to strangers and do have a shrill bark. They’re best typified as the “Small, yappy-type dog.”
How Did The Chihuahua Come About?
They were a result of crossbreeding of unknown origin in Mexico, beginning as descendants of the Techihi dog, an ancient breed belonging to the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
The crossbreeding history of the Chihuahua is almost unknown, though, given their small size, not many people tend to cross-breed them, as there are numerous physiological boundaries to doing so. Therefore, their cross-breeding history is somewhat spotty.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is what sets it apart from the pack – and what can make or break its place in a family unit. If you’re considering getting a dog, it is imperative that you conduct thorough research on the possible base temperament of the dog you’re considering adopting. Then, you’ll need to consider what environment your family home is like and whether or not such a dog would be a good fit for you.
Making sure that you get a temperament match for you, your family and your potential adoptee will only make things easier once the dog arrives. Failure to do so will result in a whole lot of unnecessary issues and the potential for you and the dog to have to go through extra trauma if you’re forced to rehome or return the dog to its breeder/kennel.
What is the Temperament of the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix?
The Golden Chi adopts some of the temperaments of both of its parent breeds. Expect an active and sometimes hyperactive dog with a small frame but feisty nature. Though it is loving and loyal to its owners, it may be somewhat standoffish with strangers.
Is the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
In general, yes, the Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix tends to adopt the friendly, loving nature of it’s Golden Retriever parent breed.
Is the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
Despite their stubborn nature, the Golden Chi should be relatively easy to train, with some time and patience.
How Much Can The Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The Golden Chi is a little heavier than your average Chi, weighing between 15 and 30 pounds.
How Tall Can The Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Get?
Being of Chihuahua DNA, the Golden Chi will be around 10 – 16 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
Given that the Golden Chi will inherit the size of the Chihuahua, similar-sized breeds include the Japanese Chin, the Papillon, the Pomeranian, the Brussels Griffon, and the Affenpinscher.
Does the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Shed?
Given that it has Golden Retriever genes and will likely be long-haired, you can expect a light to moderate amount of shedding throughout the year. A weekly brush will help mitigate this significantly.
How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Require?
Despite being small, they are rather energetic dogs, requiring roughly 45 minutes of exercise per day. They’ll also appreciate a free running session on the weekends.
How Long Can a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Live?
The average life of a Golden Chi is roughly 10-12 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Have?
How Can You Find a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
While it is possible to find a Golden Chi puppy for sale, we first recommend that you consider adopting a Golden Chi! You can look for puppies up for adoption at your local veterinary clinic, or your local animal shelter.
If both of those fail, then consider checking out AdoptAPet.com, to find a local Golden Chi up for adoption!
How Much Does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
While adoption can be a route to finding your own Golden Chi pup, so too can breeders. If you’re going through a breeder, expect to pay a whopping $3000 – $3500 USD.
If you’re going the breeder route, be sure to read and follow the AKC’s advice on finding a reputable breeder.
Is the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for an adorable, small dog that won’t run you ragged, but is fiercely loyal and loving – and are of the elderly persuasion – then the Golden Chi might indeed be your perfect dog!
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.
