Chihuahua or Dachshund?
Ok, so you know that little dogs are hard to potty train and you are ok with that.  We like to think our puppies are easier to potty train than the average small dog, since we start them on potty pads as soon as they are able to eliminate by themselves, but you, as the new owner, truly have to be diligent for success, and you are prepared.  You like the fact that little dogs take up less space, eat less food, and you don't need a running or frisbee partner.  You are prepared for barking at strange noises - because both breeds can do that.  If you have noisy neighbors with thin walls in an apartment building, both of these breeds are probably not a good choice for you, although certain dogs can be an exception.  (note, you can't tell a barky one from a quiet one at the puppy age.  Some dogs don't turn into barkers until they are a year old.)  These things are all the same regardless of which breed you choose.  So, how to decide if you want a Chihuahua or a Dachshund?  Besides the obvious appearance differences, here are the differences we have seen:

1.  This is by far the biggest difference:  Chihuahuas pick a favorite person, dachshunds do not.  All dogs like their own families the best, but chihuahuas can do this to a fault.  It is very endearing if you always wanted something to depend on you and only you, but annoying if you want a dog who will go to anyone.  If you want a dog who loves everyone, get a dachshund.
2.  Dachshunds have touchier stomachs and are more prone to being overweight.  They eat anything and everything - they are not picky.  But many of the things they get into give them diarrhea.  Chihuahuas, at least my brood, seem to have stomachs of steel and nothing gets them sick no matter what they eat.  Some of them can be quite picky, though, and won't eat certain dog foods.  As long as you feed a constant diet of a quality food, though, this is not an issue.  Just be careful with table scraps and treats.  Never feed either canned or wet food - the chihuahuas will then refuse all dry food, and the dachshunds will get either sick or fat.
3.  Energy level - chihuahuas seem to have a rather constant level of energy.  They are generally alert and active (well, the first 6 months they can be a bit hyper, but they always seem to tone down after that).  Dachshunds play hard and rest hard.  So chihuahuas seem to always run at speed 2, where dachshunds alternate between speed 3 or off.
4.  Hunting instincts - Miniature dachshunds were bred to hunt rabbit, and it shows.  They love to chase wildlife such as squirrels, to dig holes, and roll in stinky things to hide their scents.  None of my chihuahuas do these things, well, except the digging, but not as intensely as the dachshunds.
5.  Sense of humor - dachshunds seem to portray themselves as clowns.  They seem to think things are funny and like to do them for those reasons.  Chihuahuas come off as more of a proud breed, some are even saucy.  Dachshunds are clumsy.  Chihuahuas are generally graceful. 
6. Maintenance - you have to clean dachshunds ears more often, and in general they can become a stinky dog more easily than a chihuahua, so they may need more frequent baths.
7. Fragility - chihuahuas are more fragile with their skinny little legs, but you do also have to watch out for back injuries in dachshunds.

As far as chiweenies, I have known one.  He had the high energy of a dachshund, but it was constant - so he was speed 3, all the time.  He would run with our dachshund, then bug the others to play with him when she would tucker out.  He could go all day.  With the legs of a chihuahua, but the desires of a dachshund, he could really jump!  He could have been a frisbee dog with training.  He had the touchy stomach of a dachshund.   He did not get overly attached to any one person, but personality-wise was something in between both breeds.  As my husband put it, he was much more dog-like than our other dogs. 
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Molly and Cricket taking a nap.
Gizmo, the chiweenie foster dog
The chihuahuas
Gracie as a puppy
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