How long does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 13–16 years, the midpoint of the Chihuahua (14–16 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).

Is a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?

Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

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Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix

A Chihuahua Australian Shepherd mix is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Australian Shepherd. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 20–35 lb and live 13–16 years.

Chihuahua, a purebred dog — ChihuahuaPhoto: Caterinarufo, Public domain, source

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight20–35 lbcan be 3–65 lb

Height12–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan13–16 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix get?

Chihuahua3–6 lb

The mix20–35 lb

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 12–16 inches at the shoulder, against 5–8 in for the Chihuahua and 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd. The parents differ a lot in size, so litters vary more than usual. Breeders normally use the larger breed as the mother to keep whelping safe.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Low to very high

The Chihuahua rates low and the Australian Shepherd very high; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Chihuahua is usually described as charming, graceful, sassy. The Australian Shepherd as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Chihuahua vs Australian Shepherd vs the mix

Trait	Chihuahua	Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix	Australian Shepherd
Weight	3–6 lb	20–35 lb	40–65 lb
Height	5–8 in	12–16 in	18–23 in
Lifespan	14–16 yr	13–16 yr	12–15 yr
Shedding	low	moderate	moderate
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Toy	mixed	Herding

Questions about the Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix

How big does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix get?: Most grow to 20–35 pounds and 12–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 3–65 pounds.
How long does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 13–16 years, the midpoint of the Chihuahua (14–16 years) and the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years).
Does a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Chihuahua Australian Shepherd Mix easy to train?: Trainability is low to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Chihuahua mixes

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.