Chihuahua

Personality

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big opinions. They tend to bond intensely with one person or a small circle and can be reserved, suspicious or even snappy with strangers. Many act far braver than their size suggests, which can land them in trouble with larger dogs.

At home they are loyal, alert and often entertaining, and they love snuggling under blankets. They are good watchdogs in the sense that they will bark at every noise. Without training, that habit becomes constant.

Chihuahuas are not usually the best match for young children, who may handle them roughly, and a frightened Chi may bite. They often do better with adults and older kids who respect their space. Early, positive socialization makes a major difference in whether a Chihuahua is confident or fearful, and it should be an ongoing project throughout their long lives.

History

The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The AKC describes it as a national symbol of Mexico and one of the oldest breeds in the Americas, with a lineage reaching back to the ancient kingdoms of the region before European contact. Its exact origins are debated: documents cited by PetMD say sixteenth-century Spanish conquistadors found many small dogs in the area that became the state of Chihuahua, and genetic studies have found some pre-colonial ancestry in the modern breed, though estimates vary widely.

The American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua in 1904, a dog named Midget, and the breed became popular as a house pet in the early twentieth century.

The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923 and became the AKC's national breed club in 1924. Both smooth and long coat varieties are recognized. Today the breed is a staple of apartment life worldwide, and its deep roots in the Americas are part of the appeal.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Chihuahua is a tiny, compact dog with a rounded apple-shaped head, large erect ears, bright dark eyes and a sickle tail carried up or over the back. The AKC standard calls for a well-rounded apple dome skull, with or without a molera, a soft spot in the skull that can stay open into adulthood. PetMD notes that pet Chihuahuas may have an apple head or a deer head shape.

The AKC standard calls for a weight of no more than 6 lb (2.7 kg), and dogs usually stand about 5–8 in (13–20 cm) tall. Many pet Chihuahuas weigh under 6 lb (2.7 kg), though oversized dogs exist. The standard describes two coats: smooth, which is soft, close and glossy, and long, which is soft with feathering on the ears, legs and tail.

Any color is accepted, whether solid, marked or splashed. The standard sets a single weight limit of 6 lb rather than size categories, so terms like teacup or micro are marketing words, not recognized varieties.

Training

Chihuahuas are smart and can learn quickly, but they can also be stubborn, and many owners let them off the hook because they are small. Treat a Chihuahua like any dog that deserves clear rules: use reward-based training with tiny, high-value treats and keep sessions short.

Housetraining often takes patience. Small bladders, dislike of cold or wet weather and the ease of hiding accidents all make it harder. A consistent schedule, frequent trips and a crate or pen can help; see our crate training guide. Some owners add an indoor potty spot.

Priorities include socialization, polite greetings, handling practice and teaching a calm response to the doorbell to curb barking. Carrying a Chihuahua everywhere can make fear and aggression worse, so let your dog walk and explore on a harness. Avoid yelling or physical corrections; fear tends to make this breed more reactive, not more obedient.

Exercise

Chihuahuas need less exercise than most dogs, but they still need daily activity. A couple of short walks and indoor play are usually enough, around 20 to 30 minutes total for many adults. See our guide on how much exercise a dog needs for general principles.

They chill quickly, so dress them in a coat or sweater in cool weather and avoid long outings when temperatures drop. Hot weather and humidity are also a risk, so choose cooler parts of the day.

Mental stimulation is just as valuable. Snuffle mats, puzzle toys and short training games burn energy and help prevent boredom barking. Use a harness instead of a collar, since PetMD lists collapsing trachea among the breed's conditions and a harness avoids pressure on the neck. Keep an eye on larger dogs when you are out, and never let a Chihuahua off leash in an unfenced area, because traffic and larger animals are real hazards for a dog this small.

Grooming

Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need only a weekly rub with a soft brush or grooming mitt. Long-coated dogs need brushing a few times a week to prevent tangles, especially behind the ears and around the feathering. Both types shed moderately and year-round.

Bathing every month or two is generally plenty. Dry well afterward, since small dogs lose heat fast. Wipe the eyes if they tear, and check the ears for dirt or odor.

Dental care is a priority. PetMD lists periodontal disease among the breed's common conditions, so daily brushing is ideal; our guide to brushing your dog's teeth walks through the steps, and your vet can advise on professional cleanings. Trim nails regularly, because they can grow long and curl. Handle your puppy's paws, mouth and ears from day one so grooming is calm and routine.

Feeding

Chihuahuas have tiny bodies, so portions are small but nutrient needs are real. Choose a complete and balanced food formulated for small or toy breeds, with kibble small enough to chew easily. The dog food calculator gives a rough starting point to discuss with your vet.

Puppies and very small adults can be prone to low blood sugar, so avoid long gaps between meals and feed several small meals a day. If your dog seems weak, shaky, sleepy or wobbly, call your vet right away.

Excess weight is a common problem in small dogs. A few extra treats are a big deal for a 5-lb (2.3 kg) dog, so measure food and keep treats to about 10% of daily calories. Our guide to checking if your dog is overweight is a useful reference. Offer fresh water at all times, and ask your vet about dental care and diet.

Health

PetMD puts the Chihuahua's average life span at 14 to 16 years, among the longest of any dog breed, but small size brings risks. Periodontal disease is among the most common problems, and crowded teeth often need professional cleanings. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is frequent. Collapsing trachea is also listed for the breed.

Other concerns include heart disease such as mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus, hypoglycemia in puppies, hydrocephalus, eye problems such as glaucoma, dry eye and cataracts, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hip problem. Difficult births that require a cesarean section are also reported.

The Chihuahua Club of America's recommended tests for breeding dogs, as listed by the AKC, are patella, cardiac and eye exams, so ask breeders for those results. Use a harness, keep your dog from jumping off furniture, and schedule regular dental care and vet checks. Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away if your dog has trouble breathing, a seizure, collapse or severe weakness, or seems unable to use a leg.

Health conditions to know about

• Dental disease — Periodontal disease is among the most common problems in this small-mouthed breed.
• Patellar luxation — Kneecaps that slip out of place cause skipping or limping.
• Collapsing trachea — A weak windpipe can cause coughing and breathing trouble; a harness avoids neck pressure.
• Heart disease — Mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus are listed for the breed.
• Hypoglycemia — Low blood sugar can affect tiny puppies.
• Hydrocephalus — Fluid buildup in the brain is listed among the breed's conditions.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Cardiac exam
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist

Read more: luxating patella.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Chihuahua

Few breeds fit an apartment as easily as the Chihuahua. It needs little space, can get a lot of its exercise indoors and travels well in a carrier. A yard is optional but must be securely fenced and supervised.

Temperature control matters. A Chihuahua gets cold easily, so keep a warm bed, blanket and coat handy, and watch for shivering. Provide cool rooms and water in summer.

Homes with small children need rules: kids should sit on the floor to hold the dog, and never carry, drop or squeeze it. Big dogs can accidentally injure a Chihuahua during play. Many Chihuahuas are attached to their people and can be anxious when left, so build alone time gradually and give them a safe den. Barking may bother neighbors in shared buildings, so teach a quiet cue early.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Puppy prices for Chihuahuas vary widely, and the smallest puppies are sometimes advertised at the highest prices, which should raise concerns. Terms like teacup, micro or pocket are marketing words, not recognized varieties, and the AKC standard sets only a 6 lb maximum. Ask your vet about the health of any very small puppy, since low blood sugar is a known concern in the breed.

A responsible breeder will health-test parents, particularly for heart disease, patellar luxation and eye problems, let you visit and meet the mother, and keep puppies until at least eight weeks. Avoid pet stores and online sellers who ship sight unseen. The Chihuahua Club of America, the AKC parent club, can point you toward breeders who follow a code of ethics.

Chihuahua rescues are numerous, and many adults are already housetrained. Plan for dental care, vaccinations and a small-dog budget. Track growth with the puppy weight calculator.