Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is a crossbreed between the Golden Retriever and Chihuahua breed dogs. They are designer dogs bred to bring the combined qualities of the parents. The Golden Retriever is a popular breed, and the Chihuahua is a small, big personality dog, a perfect blend of qualities to create a mixed breed. Also called Golden-Chi, they are intelligent, loyal, devoted, and kids-friendly. The two interesting facts about this breed are that they are not naturally bred, and the mother is always the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is created by inseminating the female Golden Retriever with the male Chihuahua. These pups are known to be one of the best family companions.
The Chihuahua Parent breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua and is the world’s smallest dog. Chihuahuas are also the national dog of Mexico. Although a toy breed, they are aggressive and alert. They are also called “purse dogs.”
Golden retrievers originated in Scotland and are the most popular breeds in the USA. They are beautiful, sweet, social, and affectionate, making them excellent companions. The result of these two purebred dogs is the spunky, lovable, and much celebrated Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix.
Table of Contents
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Intelligent
Stubborn
Energetic
Difficult to train
Kids-friendly
Aggressive
Affectionate and loving
Rare and expensive
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Basic Information
Name: Golden Retriever Chihuahua
Height: 10-16 inches
Weight:15-30 pounds
Size: Medium
Coat: Thick, double-coated
Color: Golden, white, tan, fawn, red, cream, chocolate, and black.
Flat-coated Retriever, GoldenYellow or Golden Retrievers
Nil
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Personality
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix will combine the characteristics of both the parents or inherit the dominant traits from the parent breed. Therefore, the overall appearance depends on the gene game. However, there are certain common traits this breed inherits. Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is a medium-sized dog breed that grows up to 10-16 inches and weighs around 15-30 pounds. The coat is thick, wavy, and double coated. The coat color includes golden, white, tan, and fawn. They have floppy, fuzzy ears that are golden and a tiny muzzle. The skull is round. The eyes are large, which adds to their cute appearance.
When a Golden Chi pup pops out, its features are sure to be a pack of surprises.
Friendliness Overview
Affection level
High
Family-friendly
High
Kid-friendly
Moderate to High
Dog-friendly
Moderate to high
Stranger-friendly
Medium to high
Adaptability Overview
Suitable for apartment living
Medium to high
Good for new owners
High
Sensitivity level
High
Tolerates being alone
Medium
Cold tolerance
Medium
Heat tolerance
Medium
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Temperament
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is an affectionate, gentle, and friendly dog that makes them great family companions. They are versatile working dogs and serve as rescue dogs, guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs. Golden Chis are social and get along with everyone. They are best suited for new owners and families with older children.
Golden Chis get along with other dogs and animals when socialized early. They are trustworthy, calm, and are excellent watchdogs. Golden Chi pups are stubborn, and training can be difficult. They are generally gentle and sweet-natured but sometimes aggressive if they take after the Chihuahua gene.
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Training
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix dogs are stubborn, aggressive, and need to start training at a puppy stage. However, they are intelligent and respond to positive reinforcement. Early socialization with humans and other animals makes them well-rounded dogs. Treats and praises work great during obedience training. Proper Socialization does not make them well-mannered but also boosts their confidence.
Trainability Overview
Easy to train
Low to medium
Intelligence
High
Prey to drive
Low to medium
Mouthiness tendencies
Low to medium
Barking and Howling tendencies
Medium
Wanderlust tendencies
Medium
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Exercise Needs
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is averagely energetic and requires 15-45 minutes of daily exercise. Playtime that includes canine games makes them occupied and happy. Daily walking with some backyard space to run is ideal for keeping them fit and healthy.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy level
Medium to High
Exercise needs
High
Intensity
Medium
Playfulness
medium
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Grooming
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is double-coated and shed all around the year. They can be brushed and bathed once a week. However, daily brushing helps to keep the fur from knots and tangles. Ears should be cleaned and regularly checked as they are prone to ear problems. Brush their teeth daily to prevent plaque and other dental problems. Also, clean their eyes and trim their nails as a part of everyday grooming needs.
Grooming Overview
Easy to groom
medium
Drooling tendencies
Low
Amount of shedding
High to medium
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Health
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix-breeds are healthy dogs and may not develop any health concerns. Still,it always helps to know when to take your pup to the vet.
General health
Medium
Weight gain tendencies
Medium to high
Size
Medium
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is outwardly a painful disease that occurs when the bones of the back legs do not fit properly in the joints. While some dogs will exhibit symptoms, the majority of canines will not. Hip dysplasia is primarily genetic, although other causes such as accidents, excessive weight gain, and inappropriate training can also cause it. Even though this disease is fatal, therapies range from medicine to hip replacement surgery. This condition causes defects or damage to the hip bones and joints and worsens without treatment. To avoid this problem, avoid breeding dogs with hip dysplasia parentage and get annual examinations.
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a disorder that can affect several tiny dog breeds, including Chihuahuas. When a dog’s blood sugar level drops too low, hypoglycemia occurs. This occurs most frequently after an exercise session, when the dog skips a meal, or when the dog witnesses an exciting occurrence. If you suspect your dog is suffering from hypoglycemia, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Osteochondrosis of Knees and Shoulders isthe condition of improper cartilage growth in the elbow, knees, and shoulder joints. The stiffness of the joints makes it unable to move or bend its elbows and knees. Osteochondrosis can be detected in puppies as early as four to nine months. Overfeeding of formulae causes this disease.
Hypothyroidism is when a dog’s metabolism is slowed due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Symptoms include:
Lethargy
Gaining weight
Reluctance to work out
Hair Loss
Epilepsy: This is the most prevalent neurological disease in canines, concerning about 0.75 percent of the population. Epilepsy is a broad name for disorders characterized by repeated, uncontrollable seizures caused by a brain defect.
Dental Issues: Dental issues like bleeding gums, gum inflammation, tartar buildup, bad breath, cavities are common in Chihuahuas. Regularly brushing their teeth can prevent oral infections, gum diseases, and other dental problems.
Elbow Dysplasia: This disorder occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t fit appropriately. This condition generates abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and painful osteoarthritis.
Symptoms
Mild to moderate pain
Lameness in the forelimbs
Recommended test for Golden RetrieverChihuahua Mix
X-Rays
CT Scan
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Blood Work
Vet-certified proof of genetic testing
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix Diet and Nutrition
Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is a high-bred dog and needs a large quantity of high-quality food. They should eat 1-2 cups of food every day. Each Golden Chi is distinctive, and the correct amount and quality of food depends on their age, weight, activity level, health, and more. The meals should include probiotics and proteins. These dogs can be given dry food, wet food, or both. Never hesitate to consult a vet to meet your pet’s dietary requirements to keep them happy and healthy.
Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix Living Conditions
Golden Retriever Chihuahuas are affectionate and love to be around their humans. They can adapt to apartments or homes with bigger yards as long as they are with their family. They can be left alone for 3-6 hours but not more than 8 hours. Golden Chi pups are lively dogs and do not require much daily exercise.
Adding a Golden Retriever Chihuahua pup to Your Family
Things to remember before adding a Golden Retriever Chihuahua to your family
It is best to get a Golden Retriever Chihuahua from a reputable breeder to prevent unavoidable circumstances like health disorders and provide you with vaccination certificates. It is best to check with the puppy’s parents to ensure his health and happiness.
