Are you looking into welcoming a Saint Bernard and Chihuahua mix dog? If yes, there are definitely a few things you need to know in order to be prepared for this new pet.
While Saint Bernards and Chihuahuas separately have their own set of characteristics and care requirements, a mix of the two will entail some special instructions to ensure a smoother transition to its new home – your home, to be exact.
Read on ahead to know the details you need to prepare for!
The 411 on the Saint Bernard and Chihuahua Mix Dog
If you don’t already know it, the Saint Bernard Chihuahua mix breed is a popular choice for pet owners in these modern times.
This cross-breed is considered as a designer dog, marrying the characteristics of playfulness, alertness and energy (among other things) into one compact pup.
Is It Possible to Breed a Saint Bernard with a Chihuahua?
Can a St. Bernard mate with a Chihuahua? While Chihuahuas and other compact dogs typically mate with other breeds of the same size, it is still possible to breed a Saint Bernard with a Chihuahua by way of artificial insemination.
This is a safer process compared to natural mating, where the toy dog is at risk of injury because of the bigger dog.
A successful insemination will also usually be followed up with a C-Section birth, as it is likely the Chihuahua will be carrying a much bigger puppy due to the mix breed.
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Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mix Breed Health Concerns
Every mixed dog breed will come with its own set of health concerns due to genetics, and it is important to be aware of these so you can be a more informed pet owner who can give your dog the best care possible.
Here are a few health problems you can expect when raising and caring for a Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mix Breed:
1. Entropion
A form of eye irritation, it occurs when the eyelid makes an inward roll that causes the eyelashes (and any surrounding hair) to rub against the sensitive area of the cornea.
One or even both eyes may be affected, as well as the upper and lower eye lids. If not treated with urgency, it can quickly progress to corneal ulceration.
2. Allergies
An assortment of allergic reactions may be apparent, such as the presence of hives, itchiness, facial swelling, inflamed skin, sneezing, diarrhea, and the like.
3. Shivering
This may be due to the cold, which is something that smaller dogs are more susceptible to compared to bigger dogs and will thus have involuntary shivering in order to generate heat to ward off the chill.
4. Hydrocephalus
This occurs when there is excess cerebrospinal fluid in a dog’s skull. Left untreated, it will progress to brain swelling and permanent brain damage or something fatal.
5. Epilepsy
Epilepsy in dogs may be triggered by various factors. It can be because of a change in environment or routines. Car rides, trips to the vet, or even thunderstorms may be a trigger for epilepsy, as well as certain medications or foods.
6. Collapsed Trachea
This condition may be a congenital one, and as the windpipe continues to collapse (as it is a progressive condition) your dog may develop more complicated breathing problems later in life.
7. Heart Murmurs
While generally seen as a condition that requires no intervention, it can still become a concern when an extracardiac disease is diagnosed.
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Price Estimate of a Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mixed Breed
While prices will vary depending on location and quality of pups, a Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mixed Breed often has the going rate of $700 to $1200 in the market.
When considering one, it’s always best to check with the local reputable breeder to ensure that the pups have been well cared for to ensure they have a better chance of growing up healthy and with as few health problems as possible.
Best Place to Purchase a Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mixed Dog
A Saint Bernard Chihuahua Mixed Dog is becoming easier to find in many dog markets today due to their popularity – both online and in brick-and-mortar stores.
The best place to purchase it is from a well-established breeder in your area. This way, you can drive to the location and check out the pups for yourself.
A breeder with a good reputation is less likely to sell you one that is unhealthy or has been living in dismal conditions.
If you cannot find one, your next best recourse is to import one from another country or even as near as another state.
READ MORE: Pitbull Bloodhound Mix: What You Should Know about this Rare Dog Breed
Conclusion
A Saint Bernard and Chihuahua mix may seem like a fun new breed to bring home and love, but more than the trendy nature of this mix is being aware of what it needs in order to live and to thrive.
Now that you know its possible health concerns, you are in a better position to be prepared for them if ever they happen.
Know of any reputable breeders for a Saint Bernard and Chihuahua mix? Share your sources in the comments section below!
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