Chihuahua Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

1.3-2.7 kg

Height

8-23 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Chihuahua

Reviewed by:

Dr. Julia Brassel

Veterinarian

A tiny dog with a big personality, the Chihuahua is an incredibly popular pet. Although these miniature lapdogs can be loving and affectionate, you may have heard stories about them, such as their Small Dog Syndrome and being short-tempered with strangers.

In this Chihuahua breed guide, we’ve got all the information potential owners need to know, including training advice, breed origins, and any health issues they may be susceptible to. To find out more about this teeny dog breed, just read along for tips and advice!

What is the history & origin of the Chihuahua?

The Chihuahua originally comes from Mexico, getting its name from the state of Chihuahua. In 1904, the American Kennel Club recognised the first Chihuahuas, but the breed’s history runs far deeper than this.

Although it’s not completely clear, this breed is thought to descend from Techichi dogs, an ancient companion breed from the Toltec civilisation, which were pets possibly as early as the 9th century.

What is a Chihuahua breed?

The smallest breed in the world, the Chihuahua is instantly recognisable with its pointed ears, tiny body and huge expressive eyes. You’re probably familiar with short-haired Chihuahuas, complete with a fine smooth coat that doesn’t look capable of keeping the pup warm.

But they do also come in a long-haired variety. Among short and long-haired Chihuahuas, there are two body types – the deer head and apple head. The deer head Chihuahua is tall with a flat head and wide-set eyes. Whereas the apple head Chihuahua is short with close-set eyes and a round head.

You may also have heard of toy and teacup Chihuahuas, however, they’re not officially recognised breeds and are instead simply smaller versions of the same breed.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Colours

Who is a Chihuahua best for?

Although Chihuahuas are popular family pets, they’re not suitable for families that have larger dogs or young children. Chihuahuas are fragile little dogs and can easily be hurt by small children.

Kids may not realise how tightly they’re gripping the dog and may hurt it. Large dogs can also hurt a Chihuahua even by accident due to their tiny size. But, for a family with older kids or no children that’s willing to put effort, love, and time into training this little dog, it could be the perfect breed to pick.

Chihuahua Grooming & Shedding

A Chihuahua’s grooming requirements depends on whether it has a short or long coat. Typically, the occasional bath is enough to keep it clean. When it comes to brushing, short-haired Chihuahuas only need brushing occasionally to maintain a healthy coat.

Long-haired Chihuahuas will need at least one brushing session per week to prevent tangles, which can be uncomfortable for the dog. Be sure to detangle your Chihuahuas fur before you give it a bath too. Both Chihuahua types should have their nails trimmed and teeth brushed weekly as well.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Grooming Tips & Styles

Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?

They may be small in size, but Chihuahuas have loud voices, and they know how to use them! As with other small breed dogs, your Chihuahua may be prone to barking and howling, especially if it becomes overstimulated or bored.

They’re also known to be very protective and territorial and may bark at anyone they see as a threat. To a Chihuahua, this could be any stranger that comes into the home, even your friends and family. Keep this in mind if you think your neighbours may complain!

What is the average weight & height of a Chihuahua dog?

Typically, Chihuahuas weigh just 1.3-2.7kg. Some Chihuahuas are smaller but these tend to be sickly, poorly-bred dogs. They can also be bigger, weighing 5kg or more. As for height, Chihuahuas generally reach around 8 to 23cm in height.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Size & Weight Chart

Are Chihuahuas easy to train?

The way a Chihuahua is raised is very important. Being consistent and thorough with socialisation means you’ll have a well-adjusted, stable, and friendly pet.

Positive reinforcement (for example no shouting or scolding) will help to prevent your puppy from turning into a grumpy, snappy adult dog.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Training Guide – Crate, Toilet & More Tips!

How do Chihuahuas behave? A look at their temperament and personality

A Chihuahua’s temperament makes them great companion dogs. They’re extremely loyal and love attention but they do also have a sassy streak.

They often bond with just one person, but as long as they’re introduced properly, they’re usually willing to get on well with new people. They may be a bit reserved at first and can be shy and timid if they’re not socialised as puppies.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Temperament & Personality Traits

Does the Chihuahua have any common health issues?

Unfortunately, the Chihuahua dog breed is susceptible to some health problems, and most of them are because of their small size. They include:

Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause pain and mobility issues.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, leading to weakness, lethargy, or even seizures.
Heart Murmurs: Abnormal heart sounds that may indicate underlying heart problems.
Collapsed Trachea: A condition where the trachea weakens and collapses, causing breathing difficulties.

Not every Chihuahua will suffer from these diseases, but being aware of them will help you stay informed when you search for breeders.

Buying from an ethical breeder means the dog’s health will be as good as possible. A puppy that comes from a reputable breeder will be dewormed and vaccinated too before you can take it home.

Learn more about: Common Chihuahua Health Issues

What is the lifespan of a Chihuahua?

Generally, small dog breeds like the Chihuahua live much longer than larger dogs. They typically have a life expectancy of 14 years, but some can live longer if they’re properly looked after and cared for. The oldest Chihuahua on record was called Megabyte, who passed away at an impressive 20 years of age in 2014.

Giving your dog regular vet checks, a healthy diet, and exercise can all help to prolong its life so he has many happy years with you.

How much does a Chihuahua need to be fed?

Because of their tiny size, Chihuahuas typically only need around half a cup of dry food each day. But, your dog’s food requirements will depend on his age, activity level, and size. Always consult with your vet to make sure you’re giving your dog the proper nutrition it needs to stay fit and healthy.

You’ll also need to watch your dog’s food intake so it doesn’t become overweight. Chihuahuas tend to have weak teeth thanks to their small jaws and will need regular dental attention. Providing your dog with a diet that encourages chewing and dental chews will help to reduce plaque build-up.

Like other small breeds, Chihuahua’s may need teeth cleaning and extractions from the vet to keep their teeth and mouth pain-free and healthy.

Learn more about: What to Feed a Chihuahua? Diet & Feeding Chart

How much can you expect to pay for a Chihuahua in Australia?

These tiny dogs come with rather big price tags! Expect to pay up to $1500 for your new furry friend. Finding either a puppy or adult Chihuahua usually only takes an internet search but be very wary of scams and puppy mills.

There are plenty of ways to find a reputable Chihuahua breeder and it’s a good idea to ask around as word of mouth is a reliable method. When you do come to meet with breeders, always trust your instinct before committing to anything.

Steer clear of so-called “teacup Chihuahua” breeders as these dogs tend to have many health concerns because of their unnaturally small size.

Learn more about: Chihuahua Prices In Australia

Chihuahua FAQs

Are Chihuahuas protective of their owners?

Yes, Chihuahuas can become fiercely protective of their owners. Although this might seem like a good thing, this devotion can lead to aggression and snappiness towards other people if it’s not managed properly.

Like all dogs, Chihuahuas need to be socialised as early as possible – being exposed to lots of different sights, sounds, people, and experiences when they’re puppies. This will help to ensure your Chihuahua puppy grows into a happy and stable adult.

How intelligent are Chihuahua dogs compared with other dogs?

We’ve established that Chihuahuas are sassy and smart but how clever are they when compared to other breeds? Chihuahuas have the largest brain to body ratio of any breed, but they’re not ranked high for intelligence.

A Chihuahua’s stubbornness and their need to constantly protect themselves means they’re not as intelligent as other breeds such as the Border Collie or German Shepherd. This can make them challenging to train and may need extra patience from you.

I’ve heard that small dogs sometimes can have an attitude, is this true?

It can be. If not raised correctly, it’s true that a Chihuahua can turn into a snappy, opinionated little monster! However, this typically only happens if the dog doesn’t receive the right training and education.

You can prevent bad behaviour and attitudes in your Chihuahua by providing firm but fair training and not allowing bad habits to carry on just because it’s small and cute!

Where’s the best place to look for a Chihuahua puppy?

Although the internet makes it easy to search for anything, it can also be a place full of scams and dishonest sellers. Try to find breeders that come highly recommended or through word of mouth.

When you find prospective breeders, always research them to find out as much as possible about their breeding practices. Above all, trust your gut and don’t buy a dog if you have a bad feeling about the breeder.