Havanese Chihuahua Mix

Havanese Chihuahua Mix

The Havanese Chihuahua mix is also known as the Cheenese. It is a hybrid breed. Typically, the breed has characteristics of both breeds, with a long straight coat and an independent spark. Cheenese owners often describe their dogs as being friendly, sensitive, frisky, and happy pets. 

Havanese mixed breeds are becoming more and more popular because they pass on their hypoallergenic genes.

History 

The Havanese is a breed that comes from the Bichon family and was brought over to Cuba by Spanish farmers and noblemen in the 1500s. It took little outside influence for the dogs to develop into the modern-day Havanese breed, becoming popular family pets in Havana– hence the name. The Havanese dogs that were brought over by the Spanish became the foundation stock of the breed today. Now, the Havanese is known as Cuba’s national dog!

Chihuahuas, on the other hand, have a slightly more complicated history, as there is more than one theory when it comes to the parent breed of the modern-day Chihuahua. It is believed by some that the Chihuahua’s ancestors came to Egypt around 3,000 years ago.

Others believe that they were brought from China by Spanish traders and then crossed with other small dogs that were native to the area. Then, there is a third theory!

This theory states that the ancestors of the Chihuahua breed descended from a native dog in Central and South America called the Techichi.

We do know for sure that the dogs were found in 1850 in Mexico and first brought to America, where they did not receive much attention until Xavier Cugat began bringing his Chihuahua around in public. 

Appearance

These dogs are typically small in stature and lightweight, too. Average weight ranges from 4-16 pounds, while height fluctuates between 6-9 inches tall.

Obviously, colouring depends on which parents’ genes are more dominant, and there are a few different options for coat colour. Possible colours include gold, brown, white, black, chocolate, and cream.

Their coats typically appear long, straight, and silky. Depending again on the dominant genes, the dog’s eyes might be bulging like the Chihuahuas. Its ears can be either erect or floppy and furry.

Health

The Cheenese breed does not have any major health concerns, but there are a few different things that may pop up and are important to be aware of. Patellar luxation, which is a condition where the kneecap will ride outside the femoral groove when flexed, may occur.

Other health concerns include cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (the degeneration of the eye’s retina), and otitis externa (infection of the outer ear canal). Thus, it is very important to ensure that you are having checks on your pet’s eyes, ears, and knees specifically during their vet visits.

Maintenance

Like other Havanese mixes, the Cheenese does require some additional maintenance. This includes its brushing and aesthetic maintenance, as well as maintenance in terms of physical activity to stimulate its body and its brain. 

You will also need to keep up with your obedience training. Other breeds may or may not need as much training. Most Chihuahuas are great, but they need training. Food rewards work, consistency works, and lots of love works, these little guys make great companions.

Aesthetic

There are some grooming requirements for this breed, but they are considered to be low to moderate requirements. Weekly brushing is one such requirement.

Part of the requirements will also depend on how your Cheenese looks– for instance, if it takes after more of the Chihuahua side of its mix, it will shed a moderate amount and require regular brushing three times a week. If your dog takes after its Havanese side more, it will shed very little.

Bathing, on the other hand, should only take place when absolutely necessary, because too frequent bathing can be harmful to your pet’s natural skin oils.

Teeth should be brushed a few times a week, and ears should be checked at least weekly.

Activity (Cheenses Puppies and Cheenese Dogs)

As for activity, this is a breed that is fairly active and will therefore need regular exercise. Since it is a small breed, it is perfect for apartment living and does not necessarily need a fenced-in yard, though an outdoor space can still be nice!

Several regular walks per day or trips to a dog park can be the perfect amount of stimulation and physical activity that your dog needs. Of course, you should also be doing your best to provide not only physical stimulation but mental stimulation for your pet, too.

This can be done through treat puzzles or other activities that let your dog use its brain. Chinese are spunky and alert, so they especially need this mental stimulation. 

Grooming

Havanese dogs do require some grooming, even though they don’t shed. This is a low to moderate grooming breed, meaning that weekly brushing is needed as well as bi-monthly baths (unless they are very dirty, then it would be more like every month). Teeth brushing should happen at least 3 times a week and ears should be cleaned once a week.

Chihuahua dogs also require some grooming, but not as much as the Havanese. They should be brushed at least once a week and their nails trimmed when needed.

So when you mix the two dogs, you can assume that the required grooming will be somewhere in the middle. Typically the hypoallergenic nature of the Havanese will pass on to mix dogs. This also means that there won’t be a whole lot of shedding.

With these types of little dogs, they are more prone to getting dirty when the weather is not very good, so you will need to bathe them more often if this is the case.

The temperament of the Cheenese Dog

Most Cheenese are friendly and loyal dogs that are great with people. They have an independent spirit, but an even nature– this makes them tend to push boundaries when you try to train them, but if trained young, it is not too difficult to work with.

They are also bright and responsive. However, they are also sensitive dogs and do not like to be left alone.

Typically, the Cheenese dog does well with other dogs and older children or adults. However, most of them do not do well with young children, though if raised in that household from puppyhood, you may see an exception to the rule!

Regardless of the household in which you expect your Cheenese to live, socialization from a young age is crucial to your dog’s emotional success. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Parent Breeds For the Havanese Chihuahua Mix?

The parent breeds for this mix are the Havanese dog and the Chihuahua dog. Other dogs can some time be in the mix, but usually these are the two.

Can you Take a Cheenese to a Dog Park with Other Dogs?

Yes, your Cheenese mix dog can go to a dog park with other dogs. They typically do well with other dogs and enjoy playing. However, it is important to note that each dog park has its own set of rules so always be sure to check before taking your pet.

What is the Life Expectancy of the Havanese Chihuahua Mix?

The life expectancy for this mix breed is around 10-13 years old. However, it can vary

What is the best Havanese mix?

Some fan favourite Havanese mixes are the Havashu (which is a Havanese and Shih Tzu mix), Ewokian (a Havanese and Pomeranian mix), and the Cheenese mix (which is a mix between the Havanese and a Chihuahua).

Are Havanese dogs aggressive?

Havanese dogs are known to be mild-mannered dogs that are great for families. They are not aggressive, but can be very mischievous and like to test boundaries, especially if they are not trained early on in their life. 

What is the best breed to mix with a Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are usually mixed with other smaller breeds, such as Pugs, Beagles, Poodles, or Boston Terriers. Papillons are another popular breed to mix with Chihuahuas. 

Are Havamalts hypoallergenic?

Havamalts are hypoallergenic breeds. They have low shedding levels but require weekly grooming to maintain their long hair. 

Can you Get Pet Insurance for Mixed Breed Dogs?

Yes, you can get pet insurance for mixed breed dogs. However, the coverage and rates may vary depending on the provider. It is always a good idea to compare rates before selecting a policy. A small dog brings different issues than a big dog, and because cheenese dogs are a small dog breed you need to be aware of these issues. Other pets may not have the same concerns. Designer dogs, and cheenese puppies are part of a different classification when it comes to insurance.

Just like with everything else it is always best to do your research and ask a lot of questions. If you are interested in owning a Cheenese dog, be sure to ask breeders about the temperament of the parents and how the dog has been socialized. Also, be sure to ask about health concerns that may be common with this breed. Proper research will help make your experience with your new Cheenese a good one!

You will also want to check out a couple of different insurance providers to see what they offer and what their pricing is. Then you will know the issues you may run into from the breeder and the cost of those issues from the insurance provider.

Are Cheenese Good with Young Kids?

Both the chihuahua parent and the Havanese parent are great with young kids. Like with any dog or even other pets you need to be careful and make sure you watch for certain behavioural traits. You need to work on early socialization and make sure your new puppy is socialized early. Separation anxiety can be an issue, and positive reinforcement will go a long way to helping.