How long does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Chihuahua (14–16 years).

Is a Golden Retriever Chihuahua 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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Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix

A Golden Retriever Chihuahua mix is a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Chihuahua. Most grow into medium-sized dogs of 30–40 lb and live 12–14 years.

Golden Retriever, a purebred dog — Golden RetrieverPhoto: Janneke Vreugdenhil, derivative work by Anka Friedrich, Public domain, source

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

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

Weight30–40 lbcan be 3–75 lb

Height13–16 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeMedium-sized

How big does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix get?

Golden Retriever55–75 lb

The mix30–40 lb

Chihuahua3–6 lb

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

Height runs 13–16 inches at the shoulder, against 21.5–24 in for the Golden Retriever and 5–8 in for the Chihuahua. 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

Moderate to very 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 Golden Retriever rates very high and the Chihuahua low; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

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

Temperament

The Golden Retriever is usually described as friendly, intelligent, devoted. The Chihuahua as charming, graceful, sassy. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Golden Retriever vs Chihuahua vs the mix

Trait	Golden Retriever	Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix	Chihuahua
Weight	55–75 lb	30–40 lb	3–6 lb
Height	21.5–24 in	13–16 in	5–8 in
Lifespan	10–12 yr	12–14 yr	14–16 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate	low
Energy	very high	moderate to very high	moderate
Group	Sporting	mixed	Toy

Questions about the Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix

How big does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix get?: Most grow to 30–40 pounds and 13–16 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 3–75 pounds.
How long does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Golden Retriever (10–12 years) and the Chihuahua (14–16 years).
Does a Golden Retriever Chihuahua 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 Golden Retriever Chihuahua 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 Golden Retriever mixes

Other Chihuahua mixes

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