The Cheenese is a hybrid breed created by breeding a Chihuahua and a Havanese. This little dog has a long, straight coat. However, training a Cheenese can be quite challenging due to their independent nature. It requires a lot of patience from the owner. Despite their independent streak, Cheeneses actually enjoy socializing and being around their family. They are known to be sociable, devoted, and receptive to their loved ones. Owners describe them as cheerful, kind, sensitive, and playful.
Below, we look at Cheenese dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Cheenese, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Cheeneses!
| Dog Breed | Cheenese |
| Size | Small |
| Weight | 4-16 lbs (average) |
| Height | 6-9″ (average) |
| Location | Unknown |
| Ancestry | Chihuahua and Havanese |
| Date of Origin | Unknown |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 14-18 years |
| Price | $600 – $800 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
There are several theories about the origin of the Chihuahua breed. One theory suggests that it originated in Egypt 3,000 years ago. Another theory is that the Chihuahua came from China and was brought to other places by Spanish traders. It is believed that the Chihuahua was then crossbred with local small dogs. A third theory suggests that the Chihuahua descended from a Central and South American dog called “Techichi,” which was small and mute. The Techichi was sometimes used in sacrificial ceremonies, as it was believed that a small red dog could guide the soul to the underworld.
What is certain is that around 1850, three tiny dogs were discovered in Chihuahua, Mexico. Only a few of these dogs were brought to America, and they received little attention. However, when Xavier Cugat regularly appeared in public with his Chihuahua, the breed began to gain popularity among Americans.
The Havanese is known as the national dog of Cuba and is related to the Bichon Frise breed. It originated in the Mediterranean and was brought to Cuba by Spanish traders as a gift to Cuban women, in an effort to promote trade relations. The Havanese became a symbol of wealth and was specifically bred for the ruling class. Some of these dogs were trained as performers and craved attention, which further increased their popularity.
During the Cuban Revolution, many wealthy families migrated to the United States but were unable to bring their dogs with them. In the 1970s, a dog breeder named Mrs. Goodale searched for Cuban refugees in Florida who had brought their Havanese dogs with them. She started breeding them and was able to continue the breed using six dogs from Cuba and five dogs from Costa Rica. The Havanese breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996.
🐕 Cheenese Appearance
The Chihuahua and Havanese breeds were crossed to create the Cheenese. These little, affectionate dogs normally weigh between 4 and 16 pounds and are between 6 and 9 inches tall. The typical coat is long, silky, straight, and comes in a variety of colors, including brown, gold, white, black, chocolate, and cream. The Cheenese can have either upright or drooping, hairy ears. Depending on whether parent’s genes were more prominent, the eyes may be protruding like Chihuahuas or they may be black and round.
| 👀 Eye Color | Brown |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brown, White, Black, Cream |
⚡ Fun Fact: Cheenese dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Cheenese
The Cheenese is usually a devoted, outgoing dog who enjoys interacting with people. The hybrid breed favors intelligent, receptive, and generally content dogs. The Cheenese is not too difficult to train because of his autonomous temperament, which is often tempered by an even nature. The majority of Cheenese are sensitive people who dislike being left alone. Being extremely vigilant, he may bark to warn you of oncoming visitors. Most Cheenese should live in families with adults and older children since they don’t get along well with small children. Small children must be trained to be kind with this small dog in order for the dog to succeed in a home with them if he is reared with them as a puppy. Early socialization will be beneficial, and adult supervision will be required when around small children. The Cheenese gets along well with dogs and other animals, especially if socialized early.
🤝 Are Cheeneses Friendly or Aggressive?
The Cheenese breed is known for being extremely friendly towards humans and other animals. They are particularly welcoming to strangers, making them a great choice for those who enjoy socializing and meeting new people. Additionally, Cheenese dogs are generally friendly towards children and are known to coexist well with cats and other dogs.
If you are looking to expand your furry family or participate in dog meetups, the Cheenese breed can be a wonderful addition. They are also typically comfortable around elderly individuals, making them a suitable choice for older people who are seeking a companion. Overall, the Cheenese breed is known for their friendly nature and ability to get along with different age groups and species.
This breed is known for being:
- Playful
- Alert
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- Responsive
- Affectionate
- Quick
- Devoted
- Lively
- Gentle
- Companionable
- Sturdy
- Amiable
- Charming
🐩 Cheenese Care & Maintenance
The Cheenese has low to moderate grooming needs; if your dog’s coat resembles a Chihuahua, he will shed moderately and need frequent brushing (three times a week). He will shed relatively little if his coat is more like the Havanese’s. The pin brush efficiently removes tangles and makes the coat lustrous in both types of coat. No matter his coat, bathing should only be done when absolutely essential because frequent bathing might harm his natural skin oils. It is advised to wash his teeth two to three times each week and examine and clean his ears once each week. The Cheenese’s nails should be trimmed as necessary.
Cheenese dogs are known for their minimal shedding. If you have a puppy of this breed, you don’t have to worry about your furniture or car being covered in dog hair. They are a great option for those who cannot tolerate excessive shedding. These dogs typically need to be bathed every 3-4 weeks to keep them clean and maintain their coat.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.75 – $1.00 daily, or around $25.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Cheenese dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 6 miles per week, which equates to about 30 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Cheenese dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Cheenese Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Cheenese Dog Breed can be:
- None
While minor concerns include:
- Patellar Luxation
🤧 Important: Is Cheenese hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Cheenese.
⚡ Cheenese Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Cheenese a great choice for families with young children?
The Cheenese is a great choice for families with young children because they are generally loyal, friendly, and love socializing with people. However, it’s important to note that most Cheeneses don’t do well with young children and should be in homes with adults and older children. If the dog is raised with small children as a puppy and the children are taught to be gentle, the Cheenese may be successful in a home with them.
Is the Cheenese breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Cheenese breed is considered suitable for apartment living. They are small dogs and do not require a large amount of space to be happy and healthy. However, regular exercise is still necessary to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.
How much exercise does a Cheenese require compared to other breeds?
Compared to other breeds, the Cheenese requires a moderate amount of exercise. Daily walks and playtime should be sufficient to meet their exercise needs. However, it’s important to note that individual exercise requirements may vary based on the dog’s age, health, and energy level.
Is the Cheenese breed known for being good with other pets?
The Cheenese breed is known to be good with other pets and dogs, particularly if they are socialized early. They generally enjoy socializing and can get along well with other animals if introduced properly.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cheenese?
Other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Cheenese include the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Maltese. These breeds also have small sizes and require minimal grooming and exercise.
What are the common health issues that Cheeneses are prone to?
Common health issues that Cheeneses are prone to include dental problems, patellar luxation, eye problems (such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy), and allergies. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent and manage these health issues.
Are Cheeneses known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Cheeneses are generally considered to be moderately easy to train compared to some other breeds. However, they can have an independent side, which may require patience and consistent training methods. Early socialization and positive reinforcement techniques can help in their training.
Are Cheeneses more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Cheeneses are known to be more prone to separation anxiety compared to some other breeds. They prefer not to be left alone and can become anxious or exhibit destructive behaviors when separated from their owners for long periods. Proper training, gradual desensitization, and providing mental stimulation can help in managing separation anxiety.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Cheenese that are suitable for people with allergies?
The Bichon Frise and the Maltese are dog breeds similar to the Cheenese that are known to be suitable for people with allergies. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats and produce fewer allergens.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Cheenese are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Small-sized dogs similar to the Cheenese, such as the Shih Tzu and the Pomeranian, are best for individuals or families with limited space. These breeds can adapt well to apartments or smaller living environments.
Is the Cheenese breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Cheenese breed can be good with children, but they may not be the best choice for children with special needs. They are generally sensitive dogs and may not tolerate rough handling or excessive noise, which can be challenging for children with certain special needs. It’s important to assess the individual dog’s temperament and the specific needs of the child before making a decision.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Cheenese?
The grooming needs of the Cheenese are moderate. They have long, straight coats that require regular brushing to prevent matting. They are low to moderate shedders, which means they will still shed some hair but not excessively. Regular grooming, including nail trimming and dental care, is necessary to keep them clean and healthy.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Cheenese dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
