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German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix- Everything You Need to Know

German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, also known as Shepchi or Shepherdhua, is a German Shepherd and Chihuahua hybrid, markedly different in personality and appearance. However, it appears to work wonderfully, completely matching the parents’ traits. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is one unique and surprising breed. These low-maintenance pups are lively and energetic, making them an excellent choice for an active family seeking a friendly, entertaining companion.

Shepchi’s appearance significantly varies and is not suitable for new pet owners since they have a stubborn streak. On the other hand, they could be very independent. However, if you are not a dominant owner, they will assume the alpha part. 

Shepchis are affectionate, playful, loyal, and protective. So, they need rigorous obedience training. But unfortunately, they can also be destructive. So, German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are not recommended for families with kids.

A Chihuahua German Shepherd mix sitting adorably and wearing a lime collar

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Affectionate and empatheticHigh prey drive
Rare mix with a unique lookUnpredictable temperament
Low MaintenanceTendency to be aggressive

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Basic Information

  • Name: German Shepherd Chihuahua mix
  • Height: 8–45 inches
  • Weight: 16–60 pounds
  • Size: Small or Medium
  • Color: Black, black and tan, sable, brown, red and black, black and silver, red hues
  • Coat: Short, smooth
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Energy: Medium
  • Activities: Obedience training, walking
  • Kid-Friendly: No 
  • Barking Level: Medium
  • Shedding Level: Daily/High
  • Group: Mixed breed
  • Litter Size: The breed is still new to estimate
  • Breed Recognition: Unrecognised
  • Other names: Chiweenie, Shephardchihuahua, Shepchi, Shepherdhua, Chi-German Shepherd
  • Lifespan: 12–20 years

German Shepherd vs. Chihuahua: A Comparison

FeaturesGerman ShepherdChihuahua
Image
OriginGermanyMexico
Height24-26 inches (male), 22-24 inches (female)6 – 9 inches
Weight65-90 pounds (male), 50-70 pounds (female)3 – 6 inches
Size LargeSmall
GroupHerding Companion dogs
Breed TypePure breedPure breed
Children CompatibilityHighHigh
Family CompatibilityHighLow to medium
Pets CompatibilityWith supervisionLow to medium
Barking LevelLow to mediumMedium
Shedding LevelHighLow to medium
HypoallergenicNoNo
Grooming NeedsAverageHigh
Overall HealthHighLow to medium
Complication in BreedingNoNo
EnergyHighMedium
Exercise NeedsHighLow
TrainabilityHighMedium
ActivitiesAgility training, obedience training, and swimmingWatchdogs, companion dogs
Litter Size6-10 puppies1 – 3 puppies
Life Span12-14 years10 – 18 years
Other NamesAlsatian Wolf Dog, Berger Allemand and Deutscher Schäferhund

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Personality

A German Shepherd and Chihuahua mix’s size and appearance will differ depending on which parent gene the dog inherits. Shepchis typically have short, comprehensive, and strong bodies proportional to their height. In addition, many Shepchis inherit the Chihuahua’s long ears, short feet, and thin nose.

The German Shepherd’s characteristic dome-shaped head is sometimes mistaken for the Chihuahua’s apple-shaped head. They have small almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, short snouts, and strong jaws.

In most cases, coat length is dependent on the Chihuahua parent, indicating that they could have a long or a short coat. The coat coloring tends to come from the German Shepherd lineage. So, the Shepchi can be any combination of:

  • Black
  • Black and tan
  • Sable
  • Brown
  • Red and black
  • Black and silver
  • Red hues

German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes have unpredictable behavior, and thus, it is advised to keep them away from kids.

Friendliness Overview

Affection level High
Family-CompatibilityMedium
Kid-CompatibilityUnder Supervision
Pet-CompatibilityUnder Supervision
Strangers-CompatibilityReserved

Adaptability Overview

Good for New Pet Owners No
Good for Apartment Living Low
Tolerates being alone Low
Heat ToleranceMedium
Cold ToleranceLow to Medium

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Temperament

A German Shepherd Chihuahua mix’s overall character and temperament are unpredictable, like their appearance. If they have inherited the temperament from their Chihuahua parent, they would have larger-than-life dispositions. They exhibit a bit of aggression towards strangers or can be reserved. They would also be harmful when bored, so you need to consistently engage them in different activities. The main characteristic is that they unite with a single person. Chihuahuas dedicate their lives to their owners. So, expect your German Shepherd Chihuahua to manifest this quality. 

Suppose your German Shepherd Chihuahua exhibits German Shepherd traits. In that case, they will make great family pets as long as owners can regularly spend time for consistent obedience training and an hour or more vigorous exercise to channel their herding skills. German Shepherds are playful dogs who prefer spending plenty of quality time with their owners. They rarely let their owners out of sight. So, they shouldn’t be left alone since their separation anxiety can become destructive if left alone for a longer time.  

Shepchis make excellent family companions, but only for qualified owners with adult children. They can find children too playful and exuberant, making them snap and bite. Additionally, small dogs are more sensitive. If you want to get this charming dog, you should know to deal with aggressive, headstrong breeds indicating destructive inclinations. Starting early training and proper socialization with your Shepchi is strongly recommended to help avoid multiple personalities and behavioral problems.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Training

Regardless of which parent trait your Shepchi inherits, you should start the training sessions as soon as you get them home. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a brilliant dog that needs adequate socialization and training to avoid becoming extremely dominant at home. You can start training your Shepchi as early as 7-11 months of age. Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach them. However, when combined with the German Shepherd’s power and enthusiasm and Chihuahua’s stubbornness, they may be a challenging mix to train. As a result, the German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is not suitable for first-time dog owners. They are exceptional guard dogs and bark aloud when they speculate a stranger’s threat or presence. Make sure to discourage any overprotective inclinations they may manifest towards you. 

Here are some training activities for your German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix:

Trainability Overview

Easy to TrainMedium
Intelligence High
Prey Drive High
Wanderlust AbilityMedium to high
Tendency to Nip, Chew, and Play BiteHigh
Tendency to Bark or Howl High
Attention/Social NeedsMedium

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Exercise

German Shepherd Chihuahua mix will require 30 to 60 minutes of exercise every day, depending on their size, age, and energy levels. However, they are typically not as athletic or energetic as full-bred German Shepherds; so vigorous exercise is not recommended. In addition, owners need to be cautious and keep a close eye on them while training since they are predisposed to hip and knee issues. Exercising your Shepchi will limit health risks and lessen behavioral struggles through fun activities. However, they need regular and proper exercise to improve their physical, mental, and emotional health. They can become destructive and harmful if their exercise needs are not fulfilled.

You can meet your Shepchi’s exercise requirements by:

  • Walking
  • Jogging 
  • Fetching
  • Chasing
  • Playing hide-and-seek
  • Agility training
  • Hiking in a moderate climate 
  • Teaching new tricks
  • Playing with puzzle toys

Shepchi’s are intelligent, wise, and clever. Therefore, they will highly value your time with them training or playing. Just be careful not to over-exercise them.

 Exercise Needs Overview

Energy LevelMedium to high
Exercise NeedsMedium 
PlayfulnessMedium to high
Intensity Medium 

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Grooming

The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix’s coat is usually shiny and short, and it doesn’t need much maintenance. Brush them twice a week to eliminate excess and loose hair with a stiff-bristled brush. However, despite their short hair, Shepchi is a moderate shedder. Hence, they are not suitable for allergy patients. Bathe them twice a month to maintain their coat soft and silk. This limits the removal of essential natural oil from their coat caused by regular baths. Other grooming essentials include brushing the teeth, regular clipping of nails, and cleaning ears and eyes.

Grooming Overview

Amount of Shedding    Low
Easy to Groom Medium to high
Tendency to DroolLow
Tendency to SnoreLow


German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Health

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is a healthy dog as they are crossbreeds. Usually, designer breeds are more nutritious than their purebred parents. Still, Shepchis have risks of having similar health situations like their parent breeds.

Health Overview

Basic Health  Medium to high
Weight Gain Possibilities  High
Size  Medium

Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition is caused by an improper development of the elbow and hip joints, which drives to grinding of the cartilage and bones, eventually resulting in arthritis and mobility concerns. When dogs have hip or elbow dysplasia, their body tries to correct this disorder by stabilizing the joint. Unfortunately, this condition often leads to osteoarthritis, where the joint freezes and becomes painful. 

Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a debilitating condition that hits the spinal cord. This disorder makes the white matter in dogs’ spinal cords degenerate, resulting in limb weakness and paralysis. 

Patellar Luxation: Chihuahuas are predisposed to patellar luxation. This condition happens when the kneecap is dislocated.

Hydrocephalus: This is a comparatively rare disease experienced by smaller canines. Dogs with this disease have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) inside their heads that cannot drain. This puts a lot of pressure on the brain, leading to lousy vision or blindness, seizures, restlessness, trouble learning commands, and coma.

Bloat: This condition happens when dog’s gut fills with gas and then twists, preventing blood from flowing through their abdomens to their other organs. 

Obesity: Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, exacerbating hip and elbow dysplasia. This disorder negatively hits a dog’s health and durability. Obese canines exhibit an increased risk of heart disease, digestive disorders, diabetes, joint problems, and hypertension.

Congenital Heart Defect: This is a severe genetic condition that pups are born with. Chihuahuas can experience Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). This is a disease that manifests after the puppy is born. It hits a blood artery in the heart and obstructs it from closing rightly. The challenge occurs when weaker heart valves let blood flow backward, putting the heart under a lot of stress. 

Epilepsy: This is the most prevalent neurological disease in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is characterized by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain defect.

Strokes: This condition is caused by a blood clot limiting blood flow to the brain. Symptoms of a stroke develop suddenly but differ extensively, including excess pain, dragging legs, loss of housetraining, a head tilt, and so on. 

Health Overview

Major Health ConcernsMinor Health ConcernsHealth Tests
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Bloat
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Cancer
  • Epilepsy
  • Cataracts
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Tooth Decay
  • Physical Examination
  • Eye Examination
  • Radiographs
  • Blood Tests
  • Dental Examination

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Diet and Nutrition

German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are predisposed to obesity, mainly if they inherit the Chihuahua’s short stature. Hence, the most reliable way to maintain your dog’s wellness is to feed them the best nutrients by serving high-quality kibble, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and minerals.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions

German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are active and energetic breeds. Hence, they require many activities to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Therefore, they need a house with a fenced backyard to play and roam.

Adding German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix to Your Family 

Things to remember before adding German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix to your family

When two pure breeds, German Shepherd and Chihuahua are crossed, the offspring might be facing terrifying outcomes. Moreover, crossbreeding can pass on the parents’ health problems to the pups. To avoid getting a weak Shepchi when crossing a German Shepherd with a Chihuahua, verify their parent’s lineage and health documents from a reliable breeder.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost

As German Shepherd Chihuahuas are a relatively new and unusual mixed breed, it is unclear how precisely the puppy costs. Still, it is anticipated that they will cost between $200 and $3000.

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Photos

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Videos

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix

Other German Shepherd mixes

  • Airedale Shepherd
  • Akita Shepherd
  • Alaskan Shepherd
  • American Bulldog Shepherd
  • German Anatolian Shepherd
  • Cattle Shepherd
  • German Australian Shepherd
  • Basset Shepherd
  • Beagle Shepherd
  • German Malinois
  • Tervard
  • Euro Mountain Sheparnese
  • Boxer Shepherd
  • Bullmastiff Shepherd
  • Chow Shepherd
  • Shollie
  • Corman Shepherd
  • Doberman Shepherd
  • Spanierd
  • Frenchie Shepherd
  • Dane Shepherd
  • Germanees
  • Greyhound Shepherd
  • Golden Shepherd
  • German Sheprador
  • Sheptese
  • Mastiff Shepherd
  • Min Pin Shepherd
  • Native American Village Dog
  • New Shep
  • Patterdale Shepherd
  • Shepherd Pit
  • Shug
  • Redbone Shepherd
  • Rhodesian Shepherd
  • Rottie Shepherd
  • Saint Shepherd
  • Shepherd Pei
  • Sheltie Shepherd
  • Gerberian Shepsky
  • Shepadoodle
  • Weimshepherd
  • German Yorkie Shepherd

Other Chihuahua Mixes

  • Cheeks
  • Affenhuahua
  • Chimation
  • Chispaniel
  • BoChi
  • Cheagle
  • Jach Chi
  • Chiweenie
  • Chigi or Chorgi
  • Cheenese
  • Chipoo or Poochi
  • Chorkie
  • Chug
  • Pomchu
  • Rat-Cha
  • Shi-Chi
  • Labrahuahua
  • Malchi
  • Chipin
  • Chion
  • Boxachi
  • Golden Chi
  • Italian Greyhuahua
  • Taco Terrier
  • French Bullhuahua
  • Toxirn
  • Chi Apso
  • Wire Chioxy
  • ChiChon
  • Eskimo Chi
  • Scotchi
  • American Bullhuahua
  • Chidale
  • Bolo-Chi
  • Chussel
  • Chi Chi
  • Chin-Wa
  • Chatterdale
  • Shiba-Chi
  • Chestie
  • Silkyhuahua
  • Chi Staffy Bull
  • Smooth Chisoxy

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