Chihuahua breed guide

The Chihuahua is famous for packing a big personality into a teeny tiny frame!

Read our guide to find out more about the characterful Chihuahua breed…

Chihuahua breed history

Although named after the Mexican state within which the breed became popular in the 19^th century, the Chihuahua is believed to have originated long before that…

This gorgeous little dog was said to have been important to ancient Aztec cultures, since they believed Chihuahuas had sacred powers that helped guide souls safely through the underworld.

Images on artifacts from ancient civilisations suggest that the Chihuahua we know today was a cross between an ancient breed, called the Techichi, and small, hairless dogs from Asia.

The Chihuahua breed has soared in popularity over the last several decades, thanks to their association with celebrities, like Marilyn Monroe, and famous films, such as Legally Blonde.  

Common characteristics of the Chihuahua breed

Please remember that the following characteristics are considered ‘average’ for Chihuahuas, and since each dog is a unique individual, your Chihuahua’s characteristics may differ. 

Average height for a Chihuahua

Sources suggest the average height for a Chihuahua is approximately 15-23cm (at the shoulder).

Average weight for a Chihuahua

Due to being such a small dog, the Chihuahua tends to weigh just 1.5-3kg.

Average lifespan for a Chihuahua

While the average lifespan for a Chihuahua tends to be around 8-12 years, some Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years!

Typical Chihuahua appearance

Their large, rounded eyes, combined with an apple-shaped head and bat-like triangular ears, make it easy for a Chihuahua to enchant everyone they meet.

Chihuahuas usually have a compact frame, with short legs and dainty paws – along with a medium-length, high-set tail that often curls up and over their back. 

This breed can have either a smooth coat or a long coat. Long coated Chihuahuas may have flat or slightly wavy hair and a fluffy tail, as well as a wispy feathering of hair on their ears, legs, and paws.

A smooth coated Chihuahua requires less grooming than a long coated Chihuahua, whose long hair can become matted easily if not brushed every day.

Although they can have a coat of any colour, pedigree Chihuahuas don’t have merle coats (with mottled/dappled patches of colour).

Typical Chihuahua temperament

Known for being outgoing and confident, the Chihuahua has a huge presence – despite their small size!

Although they tend to be devoted to their primary pet parent, Chihuahuas are fiercely territorial because many are very wary of strangers. For this reason, if you’re owned by a Chihuahua, you might find they like to bark at anything and anyone! Check out our article about how to manage barking for helpful training tips.

It’s essential that your Chihuahua is introduced safely to any other pets you may have, while also dedicating plenty of time to socialisation from a young age.

Thankfully, since Chihuahuas are so clever, they’re often quick to learn, which makes them excellent to train. However, you’ll need to find the right reward to motivate them, as some Chihuahuas are known to be quite stubborn!

Exercising a Chihuahua for at least 30 minutes each day is important, to help them stay happy and healthy.

Chihuahua health conditions

It’s not unusual for pedigree breeds to be prone to certain health concerns, and Chihuahuas are no exception. Here are a few health conditions commonly seen in the Chihuahua:

• Dental disease.
• Patellar luxation.
• Eye problems (like dry eye).
• Heart disease.
• Hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid around the brain).

Remember: Keep an eye out for any health issues your Chihuahua may develop, and get your canine companion checked by a vet if you have any concerns.

Fun facts about Chihuahuas

Fact 1 – Despite their reputation for making their voice heard, the Chihuahua’s ancestors were originally known to be mute!

Fact 2 – Chihuahuas are in the ‘toy’ group of dog breeds.

Fact 3 – The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world  

Fact 4 – Some Chihuahuas shiver a lot when they’re excited or nervous, and not just because they feel the cold.

Fact 5 – When measured against all other dog breeds, the Chihuahua has the biggest brain in comparison to their body size.