Dog breed · Toy
Chihuahua
Devoted, bold, alert
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb)
- Height
- 15–23 cm (6–9 in)
- Life span
- 14–17 years
- Origin
- Mexico
The coat
Short · Patches
Stroke it to see how it lies.
At a glance
Are Chihuahuas right for you?
You will love
- Copes well in a flat
- Sheds little
- Next to no grooming
Be ready for
- Not the easiest match for young children
- May not share a home happily with other pets
- Barks or howls a lot
- Several inherited health problems — choose a breeder who screens
How big, really
Adult Chihuahuas weigh 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb). Shoulder height shown at the top of the range.
About the Chihuahua
The smallest recognised breed, the Chihuahua often bonds closely with one person and has the confidence of a much larger dog. Their size makes them fragile around rough play and small children, and easy to overfeed — a few extra treats can be a large share of their daily calories.
Health to know about
- Dental disease — crowded teeth
- Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)
- Tracheal collapse
- Low blood sugar in tiny puppies
- Heart valve disease with age
Care in short
- Daily tooth brushing
- Use a harness to protect the windpipe
- A warm coat in cold weather
- Socialise early to prevent fearfulness
Kit for a Chihuahua
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Best for short coats
Rubber grooming mitt
4.3Soft rubber nubs pick up loose hair and double as a massage.
- Works wet or dry
- Most pets enjoy it
Best for walks
Padded no-pull harness
4.5Front clip discourages pulling without pressure on the throat.
- Four adjustment points
- Reflective trim
Best for chewers
Natural rubber chew toy
4.6Tough, bouncy and stuffable; freeze it with food for longer.
- Several sizes
- Dishwasher safe
Similar breeds
Questions owners ask
How big does a Chihuahua get?
Adults usually weigh 1.5–3 kg (3–7 lb) and stand 15–23 cm (6–9 in) tall.
How long do Chihuahuas live?
Typically 14–17 years.
Are Chihuahuas good with children?
Need careful introductions (2 out of 5 on our scale). Every dog or cat is an individual; always supervise young children.
Do Chihuahuas shed?
Not much.
What health problems are Chihuahuas prone to?
Dental disease — crowded teeth; Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps); Tracheal collapse; Low blood sugar in tiny puppies; Heart valve disease with age.
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts