Chihuahuas, the smallest dog breed in the world, are popular for their tiny build, spunky personality and devotion to their owners. Lively, smart and affectionate, this breed is as content to run and play as to snuggle on the couch. Learn what to expect when welcoming a Chihuahua into your home. Our guide includes tips on training, grooming, nutrition and exercise, helping you give your pet the best possible life.
Lively, smart and affectionate, this breed is as content to run and play as to snuggle on the couch.
Chihuahua Facts Overview
Male: Weight: Less than 6 lbs; Height: 5-8 inches
Female: Weight: Less than 6 lbs; Height: 5-8 inches
Compatible with dogs if socialized early, but may be intimidated by large or aggressive breeds
Compatible with cats if socialized early
Good with older kids but may feel threatened by younger children
Requires consistent, positive reinforcement when training
Short coats should be brushed weekly; long coats require more frequent brushing
14-16 years
Lively and alert with a tendency to assert itself to establish dominance
Quick learner, playful, highly attached to their owners
Black, chocolate, tan, fawn, cream, white, red
Small for both males and females
Chihuahua Size and Physical Characteristics
With an average height of 5 to 8 inches, Chihuahuas fall into the toy breed category. The American Kennel Club lists the weight standard for both males and females as no more than 6 pounds, although individual Chihuahuas can weigh up to 9 pounds.
Their coats are commonly black, chocolate, tan, fawn, cream, white or red. There are short- and long-haired Chihuahuas and variations in markings and patterns. Some have masking around the eyes, brindle coats (stripes), sabling (different colored tips) and splashes of other colors.
Chihuahuas have round eyes that seem large in proportion to their face, giving them a bright expression. Their large ears point straight up when they’re alert and fold slightly when relaxed. Chihuahua puppies are born with droopy ears that develop cartilage as they grow. Their ears usually stand on their own around 6 months of age.
This breed has two different head shapes: apple and deer. To distinguish between them, look at the contour between the dog’s forehead and muzzle, also known as a stop. An apple head features a rounded skull, short nose and well-defined stop. In contrast, a deer head is more elongated, with a longer nose and muzzle and less defined stop.
Training Tips and Techniques
This intelligent dog learns fairly quickly but has a tendency to exert its dominance. You can guide its behavior with early socialization and training. This helps your pet understand you’re the leader of the household and it should follow your cue.
Training Your Chihuahua Puppy
Start setting expectations when you first bring your Chihuahua home. Your puppy will appreciate a dependable routine for meals, walks and naps. Socialization is important for all dogs — especially toy breeds as the world seems especially daunting. Introduce your pet slowly to people, other pets and the neighborhood. You should also get it used to having its coat and teeth brushed to make these tasks easier later on.
Some of the early behaviors to work on include potty training, responding to its name and commands like sit and stay. Never use intimidation to get your pup to behave, as it can cause distress and damage your bond. Instead, be clear and firm when training your Chihuahua and praise it generously. Many dogs respond to a reward-based training approach and eventually understand that good things happen when they perform. For example, teach your pet to sit by holding a treat above its head. As it looks up at your hand, its bottom naturally lowers to the ground. Once it’s in the sitting position, immediately give it a treat and praise. Repeat this a few times in each session.
Training sessions should be just a few minutes long but fun and relaxed. It’s usually more productive if both you and your dog are well-rested and in a positive frame of mind. Because of its size, you might find it easier to train your Chihuahua when you’re closer to eye level. Try sitting on the floor with it or placing it on a table in front of you. For consistency, train in the same quiet place each time.
Training Adult Chihuahuas
The same training approaches apply with older dogs. If you’re adopting an adult Chihuahua, give it time to get used to you and its new home to build trust. Set a routine and be consistent with training. It won’t learn if you let days pass by without practicing a command. Use the same cue for every task and provide plenty of positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
As it may take more time to train an older dog than a puppy, patience goes a long way toward helping your pet create new habits. You may want to look into obedience classes for professional support if you’re having a challenging time training.
A wireless GPS dog fence can be a great tool for training a Chihuahua. You can set up a perimeter that lets your dog have some freedom while keeping them safe. Monitored by an app on your phone, these devices are versatile and give you peace of mind whether you are at home or you’re taking your dog on vacation or to the park.
Chihuahua Grooming and Haircut Styles
Chihuahuas with short, smooth coats are fairly low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Brush them weekly to remove loose hair and keep their coat glossy. Long-haired breeds need brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles from forming. Both types of dogs tend to shed more in the spring and summer as they prepare for the warmer weather. You’ll need to brush more frequently during this time to help keep the stray hairs under control. Chihuahuas don’t need haircuts, but you may want to trim longer-haired dogs around their ears, paws and rear end to help them stay clean.
Bathe your Chihuahua every 4 to 6 weeks or as needed. Long-haired Chihuahuas may need baths more often than those with short coats. Both types of dogs will get cold easily because of their low body fat and thin coats, so towel-dry them thoroughly after bathing. Some may tolerate a blow-dryer on a very low setting.
Round out your dog’s grooming routine with regular trims to keep its nails short and daily tooth brushing. Use a canine toothpaste and toothbrush and wipe its teeth with a damp cloth when you’re finished.
Chihuahua Health
Chihuahuas have a lifespan of 14 to 16 years. To help keep your pet healthy, make sure it eats nutritiously and has daily exercise. Regular veterinary visits are important to ensure it’s vaccinated for preventable illnesses and monitored for health problems.
Due to their size and genetics, this breed is susceptible to certain conditions, which are outlined below. This doesn’t mean your Chihuahua will get sick, but it’s important to be aware of potential health issues so you can seek medical attention if necessary.
Hypoglycemia
Chihuahua puppies are at risk of low blood sugar due to their small build, metabolism and energy levels. Hypoglycemia occurs when their blood glucose drops, causing weakness, trembling and lethargy. Make sure your puppy eats frequent nutritious meals and avoids overexertion or stress.
Luxating Patella
This orthopedic condition is common in small dogs and occurs when the kneecap shifts out of alignment. This can be painful and cause a dog to favor the affected leg or hop when trying to walk. Depending on severity, your vet may treat luxating patella with joint supplements, physical therapy or surgery.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
PDA is a congenital heart defect that occurs when a blood vessel that should close remains open. Veterinarians can usually detect this condition by listening for a heart murmur during physical examinations. PDA can lead to congestive heart failure, so be sure to let your veterinarian know if your dog is showing any symptoms such as exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing and poor growth.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is a genetic condition that affects the retina and can cause vision loss and blindness. Dogs with PRA may bump into things when in unfamiliar surroundings or have trouble seeing at night. Their eyes may also appear dilated. Chihuahuas can inherit PRA when both parents have the defective gene. Responsible breeders can test dogs for the gene and remove ones with PRA from their breeding programs.
Chihuahua Feeding and Nutrition
Just like their human companions, Chihuahuas need the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and health. These dietary requirements change throughout their life.
Puppies need more fat, protein and calcium than adult dogs to help their bodies grow. Once they mature into adults and have strong bones and muscles, a proper diet helps them maintain their weight and health. Senior dogs usually need less calories than adults as their metabolism and activity levels slow. They can also benefit from certain nutrients to help with digestion and joint support.
Choosing the Best Food for Your Chihuahua
Commercial dog foods are a convenient way to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. Look for foods formulated according to life stage, whether you’re feeding a puppy, adult or senior dog. The food should be labeled as complete and balanced, which means it provides the necessary nutrients in the optimal ratio.
As your tiny dog has small jaws compared to other breeds, consider a dog food specifically made for small breeds or toy breeds. Regular-sized kibble can be hard for Chihuahuas to chew and swallow. A small-breed dog food is appropriately sized and nutrient dense, taking into account their smaller stomachs and faster metabolisms. Some pet food brands also manufacture formulas specifically for Chihuahuas.
How Much to Feed Your Pet
Like many small dogs, Chihuahuas metabolize their food quickly and benefit from several small meals a day to keep them energized. You can feed your puppy 4 to 6 meals a day, transitioning to 2 or 3 daily feedings when they’re about a year old. Follow the recommended feeding guidelines and divide the suggested daily amount by the total number of meals your Chihuahua is getting.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Chihuahua
While Chihuahuas are content to cuddle in your lap, they’re also energetic and need at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day. Take your pet on regular walks, but adjust the length of the walk based on your dog’s age and endurance. It’ll let you know if its little legs are tired. Owners should be mindful on outings, as their toy dog’s size makes them vulnerable to larger canines and even birds of prey. Chihuahuas also get cold easily, so dress them in a sweater or coat in chillier weather.
Chihuahuas are curious dogs and need enriching activities to keep them stimulated. This can help alleviate boredom that often leads to misbehavior, especially for those in small indoor spaces where they can’t explore much. Keep your pup busy with puzzle feeders, squeaker balls and small toys sized for their jaws.
Living With a Chihuahua: What to Expect
When you adopt a Chihuahua, you’re bringing a spunky yet loving dog into your life. These loyal dogs are usually highly devoted to their owners and make wonderful canine companions. They’re also highly portable. You can take these toy dogs with you on your daily outings and carry them if needed. Due to their small size, however, they shouldn’t be left outside alone.
Chihuahuas love to make their presence known and bark when nervous or excited. They’re often suspicious of strangers, but proper socialization and training can teach them good manners. They can share living space with children and other pets if socialized early. Be sure to provide supervision around larger dogs and ensure both are properly trained.
These pint-sized pups don’t require much living space and can adapt to a variety of environments. All they need is access to the outdoors for bathroom breaks and walks. Once playtime is over, they’re happy to curl up on a cozy bed or warm lap.
Chihuahua FAQs
View all FAQsAre Chihuahuas good with children?
Even though Chihuahuas are small dogs, they’re not well-matched to young children. Unpredictable, boisterous little humans can be seen as threats, causing Chihuahuas to nip or bark to assert themselves. There’s also a risk your toy dog may be accidentally hurt during playtime because of its size. You should always supervise interactions between a Chihuahua and a young child.
Chihuahuas are more compatible with older children who know how to safely interact with them. Involve older children in caring for your dog, and teach them how to use verbal cues to manage behavior. This will help your dog understand the hierarchy of the household.
How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?
These energetic dogs need at least 20 to 30 minutes a day of exercise. They enjoy walks and exploring but, unlike other breeds, don’t always have to get their physical activity outside. They do well with indoor playtime, which makes them a good fit for less active households. If you want to track your dog’s activity, you can use a GPS collar monitored by a phone app that tells you just how much exercise your dog is getting every day.
What are the grooming requirements for a Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas with longer coats should be brushed a few times a week to stop tangles from forming. Smooth-coated dogs can be brushed once a week. Increase frequency when your dog is shedding to help remove excess hair.
Brush your Chihuahua’s teeth daily using a toothpaste specifically formulated for dogs. Its nails should be trimmed to keep them short. It should be bathed every month or two as needed, depending on how dirty it gets.
Is the Chihuahua easy to train?
Chihuahuas are smart dogs and capable of learning commands. A patient, consistent approach to training will set you up for success. Train your dog in a quiet space, and use the same verbal cue for each behavior. Practice daily to reinforce the behavior. Whether you have a puppy or an older dog, use positive training methods and give your Chihuahua a reward when it performs so it’s motivated to do it again.
What are the common health issues for a Chihuahua?
Your pet needs nutritious food, regular exercise and a safe environment to live a healthy life. Occasionally, however, some Chihuahuas inherit genetic disorders affecting their heart (patent ductus arteriosus) or vision (progressive retinal atrophy). Chihuahuas are also at risk of an orthopedic condition that causes misalignment of the kneecap (luxating patella). Small dogs are at risk of obesity because of their lower caloric requirements. It’s easy to overfeed them, and an extra pound makes a big difference to a Chihuahua as compared to larger breeds.
Take your pet for regular wellness checks to help detect health issues early. Your veterinarian can also monitor your pup’s growth and help with weight management.
How long do Chihuahuas typically live?
Chihuahuas have an average lifespan of 14 to 16 years, which is longer than most breeds. While genetic makeup plays a big part in determining a dog’s longevity, quality of life can also influence their lifespan. You can support your pet’s overall health by providing it with appropriate nutrition for its life stage, regular physical activity, a stress-free and nurturing environment and preventive health checkups.
Do Chihuahuas get along with other pets?
Some Chihuahuas accept having other animals around the house, but others may be scared or territorial. Their reaction depends largely on individual temperament and social skills. Chihuahuas that have positive experiences with other animals when they’re young are more likely to coexist peacefully with other pets.
The personalities of the other animals also come into play. Your Chihuahua is more likely to get along with animals that are calm and well-behaved. Large or aggressive dogs can be frightening. If you have more than one pet, introduce them slowly and make sure each has its own space. Always supervise their interactions.
What is the ideal living environment for a Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas need a safe, comfortable home with plenty of quality time to bond with their humans. The size of the home doesn’t matter — they can live in a high-rise in the city or a suburban house with a yard, as long as they get regular walks. These loving dogs thrive the most with proper care, including a healthy diet, physical activity, enriching activities and social interaction.
Are Chihuahuas suitable for first-time dog owners?
Chihuahuas can be great companions for first-time dog owners, as they have minimal grooming requirements and don’t require vigorous exercise. However, anyone considering adopting a Chihuahua should be ready to meet its unique needs. Chihuahuas are highly social, crave human attention and are happier with their owner than alone. These dogs can also be strong-willed and vocal. However, once they feel safe and protected, they’re relatively easy to train.
What should I feed my Chihuahua?
Your Chihuahua needs the right combination of vitamins, minerals and nutrients for its age. You can meet these requirements with a premium commercial dog food formulated for its life stage. Choose a dog food made specifically for Chihuahuas, small breeds or toy dogs, as the kibble will be smaller and easier to chew. These products also take into account the different caloric requirements of small dogs.
Keep Your Chihuahua Active and Safe With Halo Collar
Owning a Chihuahua is extremely rewarding, and as a Chihuahua’s “human” you will want to give them all the opportunities you can to let them be a dog, while ensuring their safety. Halo Collar is an innovative tool that allows you to do just that. Controlled by an app on your phone, this wireless GPS dog fence lets you create that safe perimeter nearly anywhere you go with your best friend, and it allows you to track their daily activity levels, so you know they are getting the proper amount of exercise. Shop Halo Collar today.
More breeds to explore
