Original Article: https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/great-dane-chihuahua-mix

Mixing large dogs with small dogs is a controversial topic, especially if it’s done intentionally. So, while many people may be curious if it’s possible to breed a Great Dane and Chihuahua, the answer is it is possible; however, that doesn’t mean it’s an ethical or safe combination. Let’s learn more.

Great Danes and Chihuahuas Can Technically Breed

Great Danes and Chihuahuas certainly have the capability to breed, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Because of the insane difference in size between a Great Dane and a Chihuahua, the sex of the Chihuahua and Great Dane parents matter.

A female Chihuahua wouldn’t be able to carry the size of puppies that a Great Dane cross could produce. It could be a risk to her health as well as the puppies. If your Chihuahua is accidentally bred by a giant breed, like a Great Dane, speak to your veterinarian about the safest option.

Now, if you’re looking at it the other way around, it should be possible for a Great Dane female to carry and whelp a litter of Chihuahua cross puppies. However, it may be very difficult for the male Chihuahua to get her bred in the first place due to the differences in size.

The best option be by artificial insemination of a Great Dane female.

Great Danes and Chihuahuas Shouldn’t Mix

Just because a Great Dane and Chihuahua could create life doesn’t mean it’s ethical to do so, especially intentionally. Many designer dog crosses have become very popular due to their uniqueness, but creating a cross that puts one of the parent dogs at risk shouldn’t be done.

Avoid breeders that say they have produced a Great Dane/Chihuahua cross, even if the breeding was done through artificial insemination. This may be just another gimmick to sell dogs rather than a responsible way of producing animals.

Also, when getting a crossbreed dog, you really don’t know what you’re going to get. The size and temperament can be a range between what the two parent breeds are typically like. So, when you’re dealing with dogs as different as a Great Dane and Chihuahua, it can very much be a wildcard.

What to Expect from a Great Dane Chihuahua Mix

If you have a dog that definitely has some Chihuahua and Great Dane in their DNA, what could they possibly be like? There are tons of possibilities, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer..

Size

As far as size goes with this combination, they can range anywhere from slightly bigger than a Chihuahua to slightly smaller than a Dane. However, most generally, they would fall somewhere in the middle.

Personality

Chihuahuas are fiery, feisty, and free. They are often very selective of who they get close to and they can be aloof or even aggressive with others. These little dogs can be both loving to those they know and nippy to those they don’t.

Great Danes are typically fun-loving, goofy dogs with protective undertones. They tend to be very close to every member of the household but might be a little suspicious or standoffish with strangers.

When you combine the two, aggression could definitely be at the forefront of concerns. It’s highly crucial to properly socialize your dog as they will need exposure to all sorts of new situations to desensitize them and make everything go smoothly.

DNA Testing for Dogs

If you think your crossbreed dog has a little of both Great Dane and Chihuahua in them, there is one way to know for sure. DNA testing is quite possible on dogs. Knowing what breeds make up a dog can help you to understand potential health conditions or behavioral problems that could develop so that you can get a jump on them.

There are different means of testing you can do, some of what you could do from the comfort of your own home. You can also contact your vet to see if they offer any type of DNA service.

Conclusion

Since both Great Danes and Chihuahuas are canines, they are capable of producing offspring, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Due to their vast size difference, breeding these different dogs can create some real health issues for the parents and is likely best done through artificial insemination. The outcome of the breeding can be vastly different as well, with a decreased ability to estimate size and temperament of the offspring.

---

Featured Image Credit: pixshots, Shutterstock

Source: Dogster