Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Breed Overview

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Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Breed Overview

Are you considering having a chihuahua mastiff mix? Chihuahuas and Mastiffs are two very unique and different dog breeds, in terms of appearance and temperament.

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with small legs very popular for their sassy personality, while Mastiffs are large dog breeds that are known to have a calm and gentle demeanor. So what will be the outcome when these very unique breeds are crossbred?

The result will be a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix, otherwise known as a Mastihuahua. In this blog post, we will explore the answer to some common questions about this special crossbreed, which includes their appearance, care requirements as well as their temperaments.

READ ALSO: Blue Heeler Husky Mix: Everything You Need To Know About The Ausky

What Is A Chihuahua Mastiff Mix?

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix is a crossbreed that you won’t know actually exists. This hybrid is a mix between one of the world’s biggest dogs and the smallest recognized dog; what an interesting hybrid.

This is a mix between the Chihuahua and the Mastiff. This designer crossbreed is rare and you would think it doesn’t exist, but they do. They are loving and friendly.

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix might look like a small Mastiff. Their appearances are not always the same since both parent breeds have different sizes. Their appearance looks like one or both parent’s breeds so this means their puppies won’t look the same. This is a rare hybrid.

Both parents do not have the same personality type and are family dogs. Chihuahuas are more friendly but find it challenging to accept strangers immediately.

This mix tends to inherit the reserved personality of the Chihuahua and even more. They are less likely to be guard dogs like the purebred Mastiff. You can be sure they will behave well around strangers they eventually get used to.

Their coats are usually short and smooth. When they eventually have long coats it’s best known as being fluffy.

They have different coat colors which include red, cream, black, brindle, brown, tan, apricot, and fawn. They can also come in some quite outstanding colors like tricolors and colors.

This crossbreed comes with different life spans because Chihuahuas have a long lifespan of 15 to 20 years while Mastiffs on the other hand have a short lifespan of 6 to 10 years. These dogs may not live as long as the Chihuahuas, meanwhile, they can also live longer than Mastiffs.

This mix may inherit the square shape of the Mastiff head. One trait inherited from the Chihuahua is the yappy bark. If you are looking to adopt this mix then this article will help you in making a decision.

History Of Chihuahua Mastiff Mix

When we talk about the history of this cross, we talk about its origin. And as you know this breed developed from the mix between the Chihuahua and the Mastiff. Now we would look into each parent breed to know what to expect from the mix.

chihuahua lying on white textile
Chihuahua Dog Breed. Photo by nishizuka on Pexels.com

1. Chihuahua

The origin of Chihuahua is quite unexplainable, and there are lots of beliefs about where it came from. There are some archaeological findings in Mexico that claim to know the origin of this breed, and it was first noticed during the mid-19th century.

One of them is that they originated from the Techichi. Thechichi is a small family dog from Mexico living with the Toltec people. Thechichi seems to be a very old breed since its origin was dated back around the 9th century. It’s a small alert dog that is stockier than it looks. 

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that have a height of 5 to 8 inches (about 13 to 20 cm) and weigh around 1 to 6 pounds (0.5 to 3 kg). It has big upright ears, a round apple face, a stocky body, and defined eyes. It has a variety of coat colors that can either be smooth and shiny or long and soft.

This breed is good for apartment living. The Chihuahua was officially approved by the American Kennel Club in 1904. It is among the oldest breeds dating back to the ancient kingdoms of pre-Columbian times.

2. Mastiff

The Mastiff is an old ancient breed developed in the mountains of Asia, perhaps in Tibet or northern India. The Molossus which happens to be its ancestor has been in existence for about 5000 years. They were strong dogs and were used for wars.

Mastiffs are also known as Old English Mastiffs. It’s a purebred dog that is a very friendly and loving companion.

They are working dogs that have a height of 27 to 32 inches and weigh around 130 to 220 pounds. They have a short life span of 6 to 10 years.

English Mastiff

Grooming An English Mastiff Chihuahua Mix

The Chihuahua Mastiff mix has the possibility of having a short coat so grooming might not always be necessary. Meanwhile, they usually shed during spring and fall, so this means brushing twice a week is a must.

Use a pin brush made for dogs to remove unwanted hair, and to achieve a shiny look, use a grooming mitt afterward. Bathing them twice a month is required as well and don’t overdo it to avoid drying out their skin. Get a good shampoo recommended for dogs.

Ensure you keep their mouth and ears clean regularly and don’t forget to always get their nails trimmed. This should be done every month. There are some extra measures you should take if your pooch has a long or fluffy coat;

  • Go for good-quality dog clippers for a smooth trim. Also, invest in a good vacuum to keep everywhere neat.
  • Give your mix a ‘lion cut’ during summer to avoid smelly fur.
  • Trim down their hair in places where necessary like the legs, paws, and tail tip.

Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Diet

The diet of a Chihuahua Mastiff Mix is quite difficult because each mix has its own feeding requirement. The food they eat depends on their size. But they should be fed at least two times every day. Feed them high-quality food and high-fiber food.

The perfect method to use in figuring out the feeding requirement of each mix is by giving them 50 calories per lb. for litters and 40 calories per lb. for adults. Do not give them food that contains artificial colors and flavors. Give them food containing fats, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein.

Changing diet should be done gradually to prevent indigestion and stomach upset. Start with 3/4 regular and 1/4 new food, then gradually increase the new intake. This way their stomach will accommodate the new food intake well.

Eating grains is said to have a high risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). But if you must feed your hybrid food containing grains, then it should be of high quality and non-gluten based.

Some grains that fall into these categories are brown rice, oats, barley, and quinoa. You can also choose to feed them sweet potatoes and chickpeas.

You can feed your Chihuahua Mastiff Mix with meats like chicken, goose, and duck. Other foods your crossbreed can eat are fruits and vegetables. Feed them food that has lots of fiber and glucosamine.

Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Exercise And Training

A Mastiff Chihuahua Mix does not really need much exercise, but exercising them will depend on their size. Chihuahuas were used to chase rats out of grain stores while Mastiffs were used to guard.

Exercise them for at least 20 minutes per day. Exercises like walking, running, flyball, hikes, and swimming will help promote mental stimulation. Avoid tying your dog to a single spot, that is frustrating to them.

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix needs special training, due to their blends. Chihuahuas are very stubborn just like Terriers. Mastiffs on the other hand are independent dogs and they work on their own. They sometimes find it difficult to adhere to instructions.

Positive reinforcement is therefore required for training in order to yield good results, although it’s a bit challenging it’s possible. Make sure you commend your dog when they do well and discourage bad behavior. Always keep the training session short so your dog doesn’t lose focus.

Generally, all dogs need proper socialization, so take them out regularly to associate with people and other animals as well.

Mastiff Chihuahua Mix Health Problems

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mixes are generally healthy, but some of their health concerns are inherited from the Mastiff breed. Some health problems include Hypoglycemia, Arthritis, Patellar luxation, and Elbow/hip dysplasia.

Hypoglycemia is a health problem mostly gotten from the Chihuahuas. Overexertion is another health factor as well.

Dogs originating from Toy breeds are more likely to have diabetes, and hypoglycemia becomes a complication. If your dog is starved for a long period of time, it might result in a low blood sugar problem. Veterinarians should look out for underlying health issues contributing to low blood sugar.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include weakness, seizures, tremors, and collapse. This health concern requires immediate attention and treatment. 

Since this mix comes with a large bone structure, joint problems are not avoided. Arthritis is another health issue that affects this hybrid causing them pains in their joints. They might also develop elbow or hip dysplasia which has to do with displaced joints.

Patellar luxation is another health concern found in the Chihuahua Mastiff Mix. This condition looks like joint dysplasia because it has to do with the joint being displaced from the kneecap. Surgery is required to treat this condition.

Is The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix The Right Dog For You?

Before you buy or adopt a dog, the first question that comes to your mind is if this dog is right for my family and me.

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mixes are generally good family dogs and companions. Since both parent breeds are known for being good with children, then their mix won’t be any different.

Another good side is that this mix rarely reaches the size of a purebred Mastiff preventing accidents at home like running over a toddler.

If you want your dog to be an Ideal family pet then early socialization with every member of the family is important. Train your dog to associate well with new people to avoid lots of problems. Also, train them to take orders from other family members.

When it comes to other pets, this crossbreed usually gets along pretty well. However, you might need to carefully introduce the new pet into the family. It sometimes takes time for both animals to get used to each other. Small pets like rabbits or reptiles should be kept away from this dog.

Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Puppies For Sale

The Chihuahua Mastiff Mix Puppies are generally rare. This mix is formed by mating an ambitious male Chihuahua and a submitted female Mastiff. Since this crossbreed is rare, the prices might be high.

You should expect a price of $1000 and above. Look out for breeders who are genuine and responsible for getting a quality breed.  This mix can sometimes be available as rescues since almost all dogs end up in shelters.

Wrapping Up

While this mix breed is relatively rare, a lot of dog lovers are still attracted to their appearance and personality. Chihuahua mastiff mixes are a great addition to the family as they are loyal and devoted companions.

Make sure to acquire this dog breed from a reputable and genuine dog breeder, and also ensure that you render all the love, care, and support that this dog requires.



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