How much does a Chihuahua cost to own?

Chihuahuas may be small, but they sure know how to steal the spotlight! We’re here to find out exactly how much it costs to bring one of these little bundles of energy into your life, from the initial Chihuahua price to ongoing expenses, so you know exactly what to expect. Plus, we’ve got some tips to help keep your Chi’s costs from taking a big bite out of your budget, here goes!

How much does a Chihuahua cost?

The initial price for your pint-sized pup can vary depending on whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, and it also depends on where you live, the puppy parents’ history (if known), and the color and size of your chosen Chi. If medical expenses like vaccinations or spay/neuter surgery have already been covered, this might bump up the price a bit too. 

If you decide to buy a baby Chihuahua from a breeder, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500. Reputable breeders might be a bit pricier, but it’s totally worth it to know your petite pooch has come from a place that prioritizes health and ethical breeding practices.

Adopting a Chihuahua from a shelter is almost always cheaper than buying from a breeder, with fees ranging from $50 to $300 depending on the facility. As well as giving a furry friend a second chance at a happy home, many rescue pups come already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, which can save you money later down the line.

How much does a Chihuahua cost to keep? 

When asking “How much is a Chihuahua?” it’s important to consider more than just the initial price tag. Bringing a pet into your life means committing to their care for the long haul, and sadly, your tiny Chi won’t be chipping in for rent or bills. Experts estimate that owning a Chihuahua can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 over their lifetime – here’s a breakdown of everything you may need to pay for: 

Veterinary expenses 

There will be a number of routine medical costs you’ll need to consider:

• Annual vaccines: $100 - $250
• Annual heartworm prevention: $25 - $132 
• Annual flea and tick prevention: $100 - $200
• Annual worming treatment: $20 - $50
• Microchipping: $60 - $80 (one-off payment)
• Neutering/spaying: $40 - $400 (one-off payment)
  

In addition, Chihuahuas can be prone to certain health issues, which might lead to some hefty vet bills. 

• Patellar luxation: $500 - $3,000 per knee
• Collapsing trachea: $350 - $4,500
• Hydrocephalus: $1500 - $8000
• Eye conditions: $150 - $750
• Dental cleaning and minor treatment: $400 - $800

Your Chi will also need to go to the vet for regular checkups, which can cost anywhere from $25 to $150. 

Supplies

Your tiny Chihuahua will need a bunch of supplies to stay happy and healthy. Most of these will be one-time buys, but some items (like toys) may need replacing every so often.

• Toys: $40 - $100
• Leash, harness, and collar: $25 - $75
• Grooming supplies: $15 - $100
• Food and water bowls: $10 - $20 
• Bed and blanket: $20 - $40
• Crate: $20 - $60

Grooming

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but they still need a bit of attention to stay looking fabulous! Short-haired Chihuahuas only need a quick brush about once a week, while long-haired pups might benefit from professional grooming, which can cost $25-$50 per session.

Remember, grooming isn’t just about the fur. It’s also a chance to trim nails, clean teeth, and give your petite pal a good wash, so if you’re not taking your Chi to the groomers, you’ll need to invest in some good tools for regular pampering sessions at home. 

Training

Every pet parent wants their furry family members to be well-trained, and that means more than just getting them to come when called. You’ll need to put in time and effort to ensure your little Chi is a well-rounded pooch, and group training sessions are a fantastic way to cover both socialization and basic obedience all at once. Expect to pay between $30 and $80 for group sessions or around $65 for one-on-one training. 

Food

It probably comes as no surprise that these little pups don’t eat much, making them pretty affordable to feed! Focus on giving them high-quality dog food, which will cost anything from $240 to $720 per year.

Pet care

There may be times when you need to leave your best buddy at home, and that’s why you’ll need to budget for doggy daycare or a dog sitter: 

• Doggy daycare: $15-50 per day 
• Pet sitting: approx. $45 per night 
• Dog walking: approx. $15 per hour

Pet care can be expensive, but getting a TrustedHousesitters membership is one of the best ways to cut costs. For the price of a single membership fee, you’ll get 365 days of unlimited in-home pet care, so you never have to worry about leaving your beloved Chi behind again. 

How much does a Chihuahua cost per month?

Once you’ve paid the initial price for your Chi, there are still monthly dog expenses to consider. Here’s a rough estimate of what to expect:  

• Veterinary care (routine/preventative care only): $25 - $65 
• Supplies: $10 - $40 
• Grooming: $5 - $50
• Training: $30 - $80
• Food: $20 - $60
• Pet care: $15 - $630
• Total: $100 - $1,000

Reducing the cost of a Chihuahua dog

When it comes to pet care, there are some corners where costs can be cut while others are worth spending a bit more on. Here are some tips to help you reduce the cost of owning a Chihuahua while ensuring they stay happy and healthy, so you can save your pennies for the fun stuff – like new toys! 

Adopt your Chi

You may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of Chihuahuas looking for fur-ever homes. By adopting a Chihuahua, not only are you giving them a second chance at the life they deserve, but you’re also significantly reducing the initial cost of getting a Chi. 

TrustedHousesitters membership

Cut the cost of pet care by paying an annual membership fee which gives you unlimited access to loving, in-home pet sitters for a whole year – no strings attached! 

Preventative care

Make sure your furry friend has a happy, healthy lifestyle by giving them regular exercise and feeding them a nutritious diet. Take them for regular checkups at the vet and keep them up to date with vaccinations. 

Pet insurance

It might seem like an extra expense at first, but pet insurance can usually save you money in the long run. If the medical costs mentioned above made your jaw drop, pet insurance can offer peace of mind by covering a good chunk of expenses like emergency vet visits, ongoing treatments, and even legal costs. 

Groom your Chi at home

Grooming your Chihuahua at home is a great way to bond with your furry friend and save money. While you’ll need to make a one-off investment in things like brushes, combs, and nail clippers, (and occasionally dog-friendly shampoo), it’ll save you money overall. 

Get creative with dog toys

We know you want to fill your fur baby’s life with fun toys, but they can be pretty pricey! Luckily, it’s super cheap and easy to make your own DIY toys at home, and you can also find great second-hand toys at charity shops to save money and keep your pup entertained.

So how much are Chihuahuas? The cost of owning a tiny Chi can vary widely and depends on several factors beyond the initial price tag. You’ll need to consider adoption or breeder fees, which can range from $50 to $2,500, and then think about ongoing expenses like food, grooming, vet visits, training, and pet insurance. All of these factors together give you a clearer picture of Chihuahua dog prices and what it takes to care for furry friends. 

Sources:

Wag Walking

Fi

Spot Pet Insurance

I Heart Dogs