The Chihuahua originally hails from Mexico and is one of the smallest breeds in the world. These toy dogs may stand just 5 to 8 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 6 pounds, but they fit Great Dane-sized energy, spirit, and love into a small package.
“There is nothing that will love you like a Chihuahua,” says Kristi Green, American Kennel Club (AKC) Chihuahua breeder of merit and owner of Knockout Chihuahuas. “They were bred to be devout family dogs and offer companionship that can border on intrusive in the most amusing way.”
These compact companions thrive in smaller homes, such as apartments, especially when they receive a daily walk or regular playtime sessions. But don’t underestimate their feistiness. Pet parents experienced with the breed often describe them as pint-size watchdogs because of their vigilant (and sometimes very vocal) desire to protect their families.
Read on to learn more about this small, spunky breed and whether they might be the right fit for you.
Breed Characteristics
They may be adorably small, but Chihuahuas have big personalities. “Besides having the most fantastic ears you’ve ever seen, they are smart, sensitive, and fiercely loyal to their owners,” says Elizabeth Pierce, a volunteer with the Arizona Chihuahua Rescue.
Both males and females are typically 5 to 8 inches in height.
Chihuahuas typically weigh 6 pounds and under.
Due to their extra-small size, Chihuahuas are part of the Toy Group.
Coats can either be solid-colored or multi-colored.
Chihuahuas are moderate shedders. Their smooth coats can be short or long.
Although they can be spitfires during a play session, once they’ve gotten all their energy out, Chihuahuas are often content to have a good cuddle on the couch.
These dogs are very vocal. They may bark to alert their families of strangers, unfamiliar animals, or sounds.
Chihuahuas are affectionate, charming, and clever. They want to be included at all times and aren’t afraid to let you know with their boisterous “big-dog” attitude.
Like many smaller dogs, Chihuahuas live longer than other bigger breeds, with some even celebrating birthdays into their early 20s!
Obesity, dental disease, epilepsy, and slipping kneecaps are some of the health issues Chihuahuas face as they age.
Chihuahuas can be surprisingly strong pullers on a leash despite their petite frames.
Chihuahuas are friendly toward those they love but may be wary of unfamiliar people or animals.
Physical Characteristics
Chihuahuas are often defined by the shape of their heads, which can either be apple-shaped or deer-shaped. Applehead Chihuahuas have dome-shaped heads with short snouts and large, bulging eyes. Deer-head Chihuahuas are less common and have narrower heads with longer snouts. They’re also often larger than applehead Chihuahuas.
Both types of Chihuahuas have distinctive, large ears that stand upright when alert. They also have moderately long tails that may curl slightly at the end. Coat-wise, Chihuahuas come in two main varieties: short or long-haired. Their soft fur comes in a variety of colors and may be solid or spotted.
While some breeders use terms like “teacup,” “tiny toy,” or “pocket-sized” to describe Chihuahuas that are smaller than usual, these aren’t official breed-standard terms. It’s important to note that the AKC doesn’t recognize any size variations in Chihuahuas. The Chihuahua Club of America also recommends steering clear of breeders who use these terms to describe their puppies, since they may be using misleading marketing tactics for financial gain.
Breed History
The Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, although its origins are not entirely clear. Some breed experts believe the Spanish conquistadors first brought the dogs from Malta to Mexico, while others say they originated in China. Regardless of how they first arrived, there’s no denying their long history and significant impact, dating back to ancient Mexican tribes in the 9th century.
While Chihuahuas can be effective ratters, their primary—and most enduring—purpose is companionship.
Breed experts believe that the modern-day Chihuahua is derived from the Techichi, a small dog with a similar appearance. These companion dogs lived with the Toltec people of Mexico in the 9th century and later with the Aztecs, who came to power in the 11th century. Legend paints them as beloved hot water bottles and companions on cold nights.
American travelers discovered Chihuahuas in the mid-to-late 1800s and began bringing them back to the States. The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1904.
Temperament & Personality
Similar to Terriers, Chihuahuas are confident, self-reliant, and feisty. Because of their reputation as a lap dog, their high energy and strong play drive often come as a surprise to pet parents new to this small breed. They’re also incredibly loyal, tending to gravitate to one person in the household.
“Chihuahuas don’t know how small they really are,” explains Lynnie Bunten of the Chihuahua Club of America. “Just as other dogs love their owners, they will try to defend you against all dangers.”
Due to their protective nature and assertive behavior, Chihuahuas benefit from early socialization and ongoing training to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as excessive barking, bossiness, and anxiety. The good news is that these tiny pups are highly intelligent, eager to please, and do well with positive-reinforcement methods.
Health & Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is 14 to 16 years. But like any purebred dog, Chis are prone to certain genetic conditions that can affect their well-being and shorten their life, such as slipped kneecaps, collapsed trachea, eye problems, and neurological disorders. Because of their small size, Chihuahuas are also at risk for obesity and dental disease.
Limiting treats and providing ample exercise helps promote a healthy weight for these small dogs.
A common condition for small dogs, a luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of alignment.
Chihuahuas are prone to retaining their baby teeth, which usually need to be extracted by a vet to prevent pain and difficulty eating. Chis are also at risk for dental disease, so a regular brushing practice is a must.
This respiratory condition is common among Chihuahuas and occurs when the cartilage rings in the windpipe weaken, obstructing the airway and causing a honking cough and difficulty breathing.
The Chihuahua’s characteristic big, bulging eyes and slightly flattened face put them at greater risk for eye trauma, such as corneal ulcers. Chis are also at risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
Toy breeds are prone to this neurological condition, where excess fluid leaks inside the skull, causing the brain to swell. It can occur at birth or develop from an infection, tumor, or swelling.
Care & Maintenance
Depending on their coat type, Chihuahuas will need minimal to moderate grooming. When it comes to training, socialization is particularly crucial for this breed. For instance, desensitizing them to a variety of sounds and situations can help prevent excessive vocalization. Additionally, getting them used to people while still giving them agency (i.e., not picking them up and forcing them to greet strangers) can curb the need to escalate to biting.
Potty training might also be a challenge as these dogs have small bladders and strong personalities. Still, it’s not an impossible task, so long as you have plenty of patience, start slow, and stay consistent, Green says.
And though these dogs are small, they have big mental and physical needs, requiring plenty of play, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Long-haired Chihuahuas require their coats to be brushed several times a week, while short-haired Chihuahuas benefit from brushing once or twice a week. Getting in the habit of brushing your Chi’s teeth early on can also help prevent dental issues.
Physical activity is an important part of a Chihuahua’s overall well-being. Expect to provide more exercise and mental stimulation than other extra-small breeds.
Chihuahuas should be exposed to a variety of people and places at a young age via thoughtful socialization. Other areas that will require consistent training include bite inhibition, curbing barking, and potty training.
Training sessions, daily walks, games, and puzzle toys are all ways to meet the high mental needs of this intelligent breed.
Due to their tiny size, Chihuahuas should eat dog food specifically formulated for small breeds that is easier for them to chew, swallow, and digest.
Ideal Living Environment & Compatibility
Whether your family lives in a tiny home or a sprawling property, a Chihuahua can adapt to your personal space. “Chihuahuas are very versatile,” says Tamie Parker of the Texas Chihuahua Rescue. “They’re great dogs for apartment and condo-living as they are small. But, don’t let that fool you; we have also had dogs adopted to farms who love to run, herd, and help out on a daily basis.”
Although highly adaptable, Chihuahuas still require extra protection and dog-proofing due to their small size. “In a multi-story home, care must be taken so the dog cannot get through the gaps in the banisters. Fencing must be such that the dog won’t fit through it and secure enough that bigger dogs can’t break through it,” says Bunten. “Chihuahuas are so small that hawks and owls might look on them as lunch, so they should never be left alone outside.”
Best suited to warm climates, this breed’s small size makes them particularly sensitive to the cold.
Chihuahuas don’t necessarily need their own yard, provided they get enough mental and physical exercise. Keep in mind that when living in close proximity to neighbors, they can be quite vocal.
These little balls of energy thrive on daily activities like neighborhood walks, trick training, and solving food puzzles.
Chihuahuas enjoy social time with family members but are particularly wary of strangers and unfamiliar animals.
Green says Chihuahuas prefer other Chis as canine companions, but they’re adaptable and can live happily in households with other dogs and cats—and kids! However, they should never be left alone with larger dogs or younger children, as their small frame may not withstand roughhousing.
Chihuahuas can be great pets for first-time dog guardians, provided potential pup parents are aware of their need for daily exercise and attention. This companion breed is also prone to separation anxiety and is best-suited for families that are often present.
Is the Chihuahua a Good Fit for You?
Chihuahuas can make devoted, playful, and affectionate companions for the right families. But they also require consistent training, socialization, and attention to help them truly thrive. This breed also does best with active and engaged guardians who can keep up with their daily mental and physical exercise.
To learn more about welcoming a young Chihuahua into your home and navigating your early stages together, explore our comprehensive guide: Chihuahua Puppies: Everything You Need to Know.
Resources
- Chihuahua dog breed information. (n.d.) https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
- Chihuahua History: From Aztec Treasure to Popular Companion. (n.d.) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/chihuahua-history/
- Chihuahua dog. (n.d). https://www.britannica.com/animal/Chihuahua-dog
- Chihuahua breed standard. (n.d.). https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/chihuahua-breed-standard
- The Chihuahua teacup myth. (n.d.). https://chihuahuaclubofamerica.org/chihuahua-breed-standard/teacup-statement
- Green, K. (2025). Personal interview.
- Pierce, E. (2025). Personal interview.
- Bunten, L. (2025). Personal interview.
- Parker, T. (2025). Personal interview.
- World’s smallest dogs prone to health problems despite rising popularity, according to latest RVC research. (n.d.). https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass/news/world-s-smallest-dogs-prone-to-health-problems-despite-rising-popularity-according-to-latest-rvc-research
- Hydrocephalus in Toy Breed Puppies. (n.d.) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hydrocephalus-in-toy-breed-puppies