Expert Tips for Raising Chihuahua Puppies

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, but they don’t act like it. These pint-sized pups are full of intense energy and curiosity. They’re often unaware of their small and fragile nature, especially as puppies. Even their ears are floppy to start with, gaining strength and becoming more pointed as they get older. It’s not surprising that Chihuahua puppies need attentive guardians to help prevent accidents and injuries.

While their puppy energy slightly tapers off as an adult, Chi pups never completely lose their desire for a quick dash across the backyard or a playtime session with their favorite squeaky toy. While it’s true they sport a big attitude and may have no shortage of barks for anyone or anything they deem a threat, consistent training can help build their confidence and curb unwanted behavior.

Depending on whether you adopt a Chihuahua puppy from a rescue or bring one home from a reputable breeder, the initial cost of a puppy can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, making raising a Chihuahua a considerable investment. With that in mind, here’s everything to know about Chihuahua puppies so you can determine if the breed is the right fit for you.

Key Chihuahua Puppy Facts

• Litter size: Chihuahua litters are on the smaller side, with an average of 3 to 4 puppies per litter.
• Puppy weight: These adorable little pups weigh a mere 1 to 1.5 pounds by the time you can bring them home at 8 weeks.
• Puppy temperament: Chihuahuas are known for their bold and zesty personalities, which are often present even as puppies.
• Energy levels: Despite their small size, Chi puppies require guardians who can meet their high mental and physical needs.
• Maturity: Though Chihuahua puppies typically reach their full height by nine months, they may take up to a year or a year and a half to reach their full weight and mental maturity.
• Unique traits: These intensely loyal pups are highly adaptable to a variety of living spaces, even smaller homes like apartments. (They do have a tendency to bark, however, and can be more difficult to potty train.)
• Bonding likelihood: Chihuahuas have a strong tendency to form close bonds with one person, but they can be a little anxious in social settings and suffer from separation anxiety if not properly socialized at a young age.

Where To Find Chihuahua Puppies

Whether to adopt or to work with a breeder for your new Chihuahua puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help you with your decision.

Rescue groups

Chihuahuas are such a well-known breed that you can often find purebred and mixed Chis in shelters and dedicated breed rescues. These breed-specific organizations are at the national (Chihuahua Rescue & Transport), state (Texas Chihuahua Rescue), and local (Ay Chihuahua! Rescue, Austin) levels.

While it’s more common to find purebred adults at shelters and rescues, it’s possible to find puppies; you might just need to add a bit more time to your search. Younger Chihuahuas in shelters are often there because their previous guardian underestimated the breed’s energy, vocal nature, strong personality, or specific health needs.

Breeders and show breeders

When it comes to looking for a reputable breeder, the Chihuahua Club of America is a great place to start your search. (You can also scope out their Facebook group, but keep in mind that not every person who advertises in the group may necessarily be a reputable breeder.) Be wary of any breeder who advertises “teacup” or “miniature” Chihuahuas, as these are not official breed classifications and may just be a ploy to sell puppies that are unhealthy or underweight.

Online marketplaces

AKC Marketplace and Good Dog are both reputable sites. The AKC Marketplace is backed by the American Kennel Club and features breeders who meet AKC standards. Similarly, Good Dog screens all breeders on its platform for criteria such as breeding practices, the physical and mental health of the breeding dogs and puppies, and buyer education. In contrast, websites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist lack oversight, making them vulnerable to scams and fake ads.

Recommended health tests

Knowing which health issues your Chihuahua puppy is more likely to develop is an important step in being a responsible pet parent. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is an excellent resource on recommended health screenings for your Chi. These screenings can help you identify any potential health problems early, ensuring your pup has the best possible start to their new life with you.

If your breeder has not already done the following screening tests, you may want to consider purchasing them yourself:

• OFA patella evaluation to screen for luxating patellas (i.e., slipped kneecaps)
• OFA cardiac exam to check for heart conditions like mitral valve disease (MVD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
• OFA/ACVO-certified eye exams to screen for any congenital or early-onset eye problems
• Liver shunt screening (also known as portosystemic shunt or PSS) to screen for serious liver disease

Chihuahua Puppy Physical Characteristics

Chihuahua puppies tend to develop quickly, typically reaching their full growth by around the eighth or ninth month mark. At this time, they’ve usually reached their full height (6-8 inches) but may take up to a year and a half to completely fill out to their full weight (6 pounds and under).

Age	Approx. height	Approx. weight	Tips
8 weeks (2 months)	3-4 inches	1-1.5 pounds	Offer your young Chihuahua puppy frequent meals (four times a day) to help decrease the risk of hypoglycemia. Keep them warm and cozy from cold drafts and weather while their coat grows in.
12 weeks (3 months)	4-5 inches	1.5-2.5 pounds	At this point, your pup will have more energy. Be sure to supervise play to avoid injury.
16 weeks (4 months)	5-6 inches	2-3.5 pounds	Decrease meals to three times a day, and limit jumping on furniture. Your Chihuahua puppy will likely be more curious and bold at this stage.
26 weeks (6 months)	6-7 inches	3.5-4.5 pounds	Switch to two meals a day, and maintain an active routine to keep your Chi pup healthy and engaged.
34 weeks (8 months)	6-8 inches	4-5.5 pounds	At this stage, your Chi likely has stopped growing in height. Monitor puppy food portions to avoid unhealthy weight gain as they finish filling out.
1 to 1.5 years	6-8 inches	4-6 pounds	Your pup will reach their full adult size and weight. Switch to adult small-breed food and maintain consistent vet care and dental cleanings.

Raising a Well-Adjusted Chihuahua Puppy

Because Chihuahuas are so small, it may be tempting to forego puppy training, as they’re easy to pick up when displaying unwanted (and spicy) behavior. However, little dogs deserve agency, too. Taking the time to teach your Chihuahua puppy what you prefer them to do and then reinforcing those behaviors at a young age can lead to a well-adjusted and confident adult dog.

Breed-specific training needs

Chihuahua puppies are prone to nipping. Although this mouthy behavior may seem harmless when a Chi is young, it can lead to more serious biting or snapping when they’re older. Implementing bite inhibition training early on can help prevent this behavior in adulthood.

Additionally, loose leash walking is an essential skill for Chihuahua puppies. While they aren’t powerful enough to injure the person walking them by pulling hard on a leash, they can cause damage to themselves. Their trachea is particularly delicate and vulnerable to collapse. Teaching your Chihuahua proper leash techniques from puppyhood can help protect their dainty frame.

Socialization

Socialization with people (and other pets) is a must for Chihuahua puppies. While they’re known for forming strong bonds with one particular person in a household, Chihuahuas are often wary of strangers and can become defensive of the ones they love.

This “big dog in a small body” attitude can lead to fear-based barking, nipping, or aggressive behavior if not properly socialized. “Even though they are small, Chihuahuas believe they are big and will want to protect you and their territory,” says Lynnie Bunten of the Chihuahua Club of America.

Similarly, getting your puppy used to being handled can help make routine vet visits go smoothly. Desensitizing them to having their teeth brushed and looked at is especially useful, as Chihuahuas are at risk for dental disease.

Potty training

Given their tiny bladders, high metabolism, and independent spirit, Chihuahua puppies can sometimes be a challenge to potty train. However, establishing a consistent routine and using positive words and praise throughout the process are the most effective strategies for mastering potty training, says Bunten. More frequent breaks can also help your Chi since they have limited bladder control compared to larger dogs. Consider taking them out every hour at first, until they catch on.

Getting your puppy accustomed to going out to potty in all types of weather will also be a helpful skill, as many Chis hate the wet and cold. To help them out, put them in a sweater or jacket to protect them from the elements. They’ll feel more comfortable and look adorable, too. A win-win!

Crate training

Because Chihuahuas are companion dogs who are incredibly loyal to their people, they are prone to separation anxiety. Practicing intentional separation early on can help curb this behavior. Getting puppies accustomed to being alone in a crate and establishing positive associations with it can also aid in your preventative training. Just remember, slow is fast, and you’ll want to build their time alone and in the crate gradually.

Lifestyle exercise and activities

Don’t be fooled by their extra-small size! Chihuahua puppies have high physical and mental needs. You don’t have to run them hard with intense exercise, though (and shouldn’t as their tiny joints are still developing). Instead, incorporate short but intentional bursts of activity that work their body and brain throughout the day. Play games with them in the yard, work on foundational training techniques, practice your leash skills, or give them a mentally stimulating puzzle to solve.

Grooming Routine for a Chihuahua Puppy

Chis typically have thin, smooth coats that need minimal grooming maintenance. However, long-haired Chihuahua puppies will require more frequent brushing—at least once a week—and regular trimming around their grinch feet. Establishing a habit of brushing your puppy’s teeth daily will also help reduce their risk of dental issues as adults.

Health Considerations

Chihuahua puppies are generally healthy. However, their tiny size and fragile heads can make them more susceptible to injury, so it’s important to handle them with great care (and maybe consider adding them to a pet insurance plan). Bunten even recommends doing a “Chihuahua shuffle”—shuffling your feet while you walk past your pup to avoid accidentally stepping on them.

As far as medical conditions go, Chihuahua puppies have delicate tracheas, so opting for a harness instead of a collar while loose-leash training is always a good call. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hydrocephalus (fluid build-up in the brain) are also common conditions to monitor for in Chihuahua puppies. Additionally, these pups often retain their puppy teeth, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on their tiny chompers and consult your vet if extractions are needed.

Essential Chihuahua Puppy Checklist

With a bit of planning, you can feel confident that you’re prepared to bring your new Chihuahua BFF home. Here are a few recommended puppy supplies to have ready when the big day arrives:

• Proper walking gear: Opt for harnesses that won’t add pressure to your Chi’s trachea and a light leash that won’t weigh them down.
• Appropriately sized toys: Choose toys that are small enough for your Chihuahua puppy to carry and handle, but large enough to prevent them from becoming a choking hazard.
• Puzzle toys: Chihuahua puppies are curious and smart, making puzzle toys a must-have on your list!
• Warm beds and sweaters: Chis tend to get cold easily, so make sure you have all the items to keep them warm, from snuggly beds and blankets to cozy sweaters and coats.
• A training plan: Consider group lessons for socialization (focusing on classes that group pups by size) or private lessons for more focused bite inhibition training.