Chihuahuas: everything you need to know

Small, - but mighty! - the Chihuahua is one of the world’s smallest breeds of dog, named (you guessed it) after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. 

Thanks to their classic little domed heads, large round eyes and pint-sized bodies, these little pups are almost instantly recognisable. This, coupled with their fiercely loyal and lovable nature means it’s no wonder they make such popular, well loved companions across the United States and beyond!

Full of personality, these cute and spunky canines come with serious big-dog attitude! With the right pet parent and lots of love, time and socialisation, Chihuahua dogs make great pets, and we guarantee they’ll be forever loyal to their new mom, dad, or person. 

If you’re wondering if these adorable tiny dogs might be the perfect dog for you, read on! In this in-depth guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know, from the main characteristics of a Chihuahua to appearance, grooming, training tips and more…

Chihuahua breed characteristics

So, what can you expect from these lively bundles of joy? Here are some quick fire Chihuahua facts:

Origin: The Chihuahua dog originates from Mexico, and is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. They were officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904.

Size: 6 to 9 inches tall; weight is typically between 3-6 pounds.

Good with children: These dogs are best suited to homes without small children.

Good with other pets: Most prefer to be the only pet in the home, however they can get along with other pets if introduced at an early age. 

Breed characteristics: Chihuahuas are easily recognised thanks in part to their small stature, pointy ears and expressive eyes. There are two main body types: apple head and deer head. They’re a vocal breed, so keep in mind these dogs are prone to barking. 

Character: Protective in nature, the little cuties are fiercely loyal to their humans. They are incredibly playful and affectionate once they get to know (and love) you. Many are confident and bold, but others can be timid in nature.

Health needs and grooming: They are mostly healthy little pups. That said, like other small breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions. More on that later!

Training: Good news! Chihuahuas are fairly easy to train, which makes them a great choice for new pet parents.

Energy levels: Despite their size, these lively pups love to run and play, and need regular exercise and lots of playtime to thrive. 

Intelligence: Despite what you may have heard, Chihuahuas are intelligent dogs! They may not be the Einsteins of the canine world, but they are fast learners... and certainly know how to get their own way!

Lifespan: 14-16 years.

What does a Chihuahua look like?

These adorable pint-sized companions are typically categorised into one of two main body types: apple head and deer head. Apple head Chihuahuas tend to be shorter, with close-set eyes and the classic round head that is so characteristic of the breed. Deer headed Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are taller, with wider set eyes and a flatter head.

Another key feature of these adorable pups is their fur - and the list is (almost) endless! The Chihuahua's smooth coat comes either short-haired or long-haired, and in a variety of color combinations: black, tan, blue, chocolate, cream, fawn, and red and mixed. They can also have white, merle, black or spotted markings. Basically, they’re an incredibly varied breed! 

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds. They tend to grow no larger than a petite 6 to 9 inches tall, and weigh in around 3-6 pounds. 

Chihuahua personality

While Chihuahuas may be small, their personality packs a punch! It’s often said the breed has textbook ‘small dog syndrome’ - basically, they have all the bravado of a big dog, wrapped up in an itsy-bitsy package - much like Morkies! 

In general, this breed is loyal, lovable - and seriously cute. Chihuahuas are big ‘people dogs’, and love spending time playing with their humans, making them excellent companions. They are notoriously protective of their humans, however, which can mean they are wary of strangers. 

Chihuahuas are, on the whole, vocal dogs. This means they can be prone to barking, however, training methods or consulting a behaviourist can help with this.

Chihuahua health

Chihuahuas are, for the most part, healthy little pups. That said, like other small breeds, they are predisposed to certain health conditions, including hypoglycemia, eye infections, heart conditions and patellar luxation (loose kneecaps). They're also prone to dental problems, so dental chews and daily brushing are a must.

Toy and teacup Chihuahuas, which are smaller versions of the typical Chi, are prone to even more health concerns as a result of their tiny size. As well as the above health problems, these small pups can suffer from bone fragility and growth issues, bladder problems, cranial soft spots, cleft palates, skin and neurological problems. Something to keep in mind, if you’re the pet parent of one of these little critters. 

What's the ideal home for a Chihuahua?

As a small and highly adaptable dog breed, Chihuahuas can thrive in almost any type of home. They’re pretty happy in most places, as long as they have their pet parents around!

That said, they do best in calm, quiet homes and are best suited to families without small children. They tend to prefer being in a single-pet household, however they can get along with other dogs and cats provided they are introduced in the right way and at an early age. 

Thanks to their compact size, they can usually get all the exercise they need in a very small space - so with daily walks and regular playtime, a smaller city apartment should be a fine abode for these little cuties. 

What's the ideal human for a Chihuahua?

With the right human, Chihuahuas can be a perfect pet for both first-time or seasoned dog parents alike! As we mentioned, they love being around their humans, so they need someone who will be around a lot and can provide them with lots of love, care and attention (as well as the patience to ensure they get the right socialisation and training, too). 

As people-loving dogs, Chihuahuas don't like being left alone. As such, home/remote workers, part-time workers or those who tend to be around a lot during the day are ideal pet parents for this breed. 

It’s important to note that a lack of adequate socialisation can result in aggressive or anxious behaviour in these pups. So, if you’re planning a holiday, it’s best to look for dog sitters who can spend lots of time with them in your absence. 

Tips for training Chihuahuas

Thanks to their high intelligence, Chihuahuas thrive on mental stimulation - which is great news when it comes to training!

Training is essential for this breed - otherwise you’ll soon be wrapped around your Chihuahua little paws! Luckily, these little pups are fairly easy to train, making them one of the easiest dog breeds to take care of. 

They respond well to positive reinforcement, thrive on variety and will benefit from a firm, but gentle approach to training. Short training sessions are best, and be sure to give them lots of praise (and treats). It’s also worth considering puppy training classes or socialisation classes. 

One thing you should know about Chihuahuas? They are notoriously difficult to house train. Sorry. Luckily, crate training can help with this, as well as outside regular potty breaks during the day and lots of praise and encouragement when they do their business in the right place.

Grooming Chihuahuas

Easy to train, easy to groom… Could Chihuahuas be the perfect pooch? We wouldn’t like to make such a bold claim, but they are certainly pretty low maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Short-haired Chihuahuas need little more than the occasional brush and bath to keep them looking tip-top. Long coat Chihuahuas, on the other hand, need a little more maintenance - brush them at least once a week to avoid their luscious locks getting tangled or matted. 

This breed can be prone to poor dental hygiene - so consider brushing your Chi’s teeth with a pet-friendly toothpaste, or give them regular dentals chews as part of their diet. And that’s it! 

Chihuahua history & origins

Any good Chihuahua dog breed guide should tell you all about where these cute little critters originated - so let’s delve into it! 

The Chihuahua breed originated in Chihuahua, Mexico - no prizes here for guessing where they got their name from. They were first noted in Mexico in the late 19th century, and some years later, in 1904, they were officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

They have a long, somewhat mysterious history. As one of the oldest breeds, there are many theories as to where they first came from. But one likely theory is that they are a direct descendant of the Techichi - an ancient, mute dog kept by the Toltec people as early as the 9th century. However, artefacts from around 300 BC that depict Chihuahua-like dogs suggest they may have been around even earlier than this. 

So, who knows? All we know is that we’re very glad to have them here today in the good ol’ 21st century. And if you'd like to learn about another Mexican pooch with a long-standing history, check out our breed guide on the Xoloitzcuintli.

Getting a Chihuahua

There are many rescue centres and shelters with pets in need of a home, so while there are reputable breeders out there, the best way to bring one of these adorable pups into your home, is to adopt!

As well as opening your heart (and home) to a pup in need, you’ll also find that when you adopt, they’ll already have many of the necessary health checks and vaccinations in place. That’s less money and less trips to the vets! 

When it comes to cost, you’ll usually only need to pay an adoption fee if going through a shelter - this tends to range from $50 to $350. Compare this to the cost associated with a breeder, which can range from anywhere from ​​$400 to $1,500 or more. 

And if you do welcome a Chihuahua into your home, make sure you check out these Chihuahua names to help you name your new pint-sized pup!

We hope our Chihuahua breed guide has helped you to get to know these adorable pint-sized companions a little better! There’s a lot to consider when it comes to adopting a new four-legged friend, so why not check out our puppy training guide or new puppy checklist, to make sure you’re fully prepared to welcome your new pal home!