Chihuahua breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Chihuahua
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Chihuahua breed
Chihuahuas are a small and lively breed of dog believed to originate from Mexico. They are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where they were first bred. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have big personalities. Chihuahuas are known for their distinctive large, round eyes and their prominent apple-shaped heads.
Weight, height and life expectancy
They typically weigh between 1.5 and 3kg and stand about 15-23cm tall.
Their life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years, although it is not abnormal to see one older.
What is the temperament of a Chihuahua like?
Chihuahuas are known for their bold and confident personalities. They can be quite independent and may exhibit a "big dog" attitude despite their small size.
They are often loyal and affectionate with their owners, forming strong bonds with them. However, they can be wary of strangers and may be reserved or even aggressive towards unfamiliar people or animals if not properly socialised.
Chihuahuas are generally not recommended for families with small children due to their delicate size and potential for injury. However, they can thrive in homes with older, considerate children who understand how to handle them gently.
Our Chihuahua Community
“Kiko is a tiny pup with a huge personality and will win over your heart within minutes of meeting her. She loves playing with her toys and having a good walk just as much as she loves snuggling up on the sofa and falling asleep on your lap.”
Kiko’s owners, Nicquitha & Maxwell from London
“Tutu is a white chihuahua and is quite the lap dog. Loves to curl up for a cuddle. She’s happy to go for walks but does not like the rain and gets frightened if it’s dark. In general, she is very easy to look after and very lovable.”
Tutu’s owner, Andie from Wiltshire
How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?
Chihuahuas have relatively low exercise needs compared to some other breeds. They typically require around 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. This can be achieved through short walks, play sessions, and interactive toys. Keep in mind that Chihuahuas are small dogs with delicate bones, so it's important to avoid excessive strain or high-impact activities that could lead to injuries.
When it comes to Chihuahua puppies, their exercise needs differ. Puppies have growing bodies and should not be overexerted. Short play sessions in a safe and controlled environment, along with socialisation experiences, are essential for their development. As they grow older and their bodies become more resilient, their exercise levels can gradually increase. By around 12 months of age, Chihuahuas can handle exercise at an adult level.
Your vet can advise on an exercise routine for your dog.
Need an extra hand exercising your Chihuahua? Find a local borrower today.
Do Chihuahuas need a lot of grooming?
Short-haired Chihuahuas have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Long-haired Chihuahuas will require more regular brushing and visits to a professional groomer as required.
Regular brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt can help keep their coat clean and remove any loose hair. Additionally, occasional bathing with a gentle dog shampoo can help keep their skin and coat healthy. Chihuahuas are moderate shedders, so expect some shedding throughout the year. However, their small size means that shedding is generally manageable.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Chihuahuas easy to train?
Training a Chihuahua can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Chihuahuas are intelligent and eager to learn. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key when training them. Keep training sessions short and engaging to prevent boredom.
Socialisation is crucial for Chihuahuas to help them become more comfortable around other people and animals. Remember to be patient, as Chihuahuas may have a stubborn streak. With love, patience, and consistent training, your Chihuahua can become a well-behaved and obedient companion.
Want to experience spending time with a Chihuahua to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Chihuahua near you.
What do Chihuahuas eat?
Chihuahuas should be fed a balanced and nutritious diet suitable for their size, age, and activity level. High-quality commercial dog food formulated for small breeds is generally a good choice. The recommended amount of food will depend on factors such as their weight, metabolism, and exercise routine. Most do well being fed twice daily as adults.
Chihuahua puppies have specific dietary needs for growth and development. They should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach approximately 12 months old. Most puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until they are 6 months old when it can be reduced to twice daily. These puppy foods provide the necessary nutrients and calories to support their rapid growth. As they transition into adulthood, gradually switch them to an appropriate adult dog food.
Your vet can provide specific dietary recommendations for your Chihuahua puppy. It's important to monitor their weight and adjust portion sizes accordingly to prevent overfeeding and obesity.
Are Chihuahuas healthy?
Chihuahuas are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they may be prone to certain health conditions. Due to their small size, they may be more susceptible to injuries, such as fractures or dental problems, if not handled or cared for properly. Some of the other health concerns that may affect Chihuahuas include:
Bones and joints
Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the thigh bone and pelvis do not sit together properly at the hip joint, which can lead to discomfort and arthritis
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Dental
Periodontal Disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Corneal Ulcers - open sores on the cornea of the eye
Dry eye - an ongoing condition where the tear glands in the eyes don’t produce enough protective tear film, which can lead to discomfort, infections and damage of the eye
Neurological
Hydrocephalus - where fluid builds up around the brain
Syringomyelia - where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord, which can cause pain and neurological signs
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your dog or if you want to discuss further if a Chihuahua is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Chihuahuas are small but can have big personalities, often being bold and assertive. Introduce your pup to various people, pets, and environments in a positive and controlled way to prevent fear-based behaviours. Combine this with basic obedience training to set boundaries and encourage good habits, ensuring your chihuahua grows into a well-mannered and confident companion.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
