Chihuahua

Temperament

A Chihuahua usually picks one most important person and follows them everywhere. It is affectionate with the family and loves sitting on laps, but it often barks at strangers, and a hand reaching out suddenly may earn a warning snap. Much of this comes down to size: for a 2 kg dog the world is full of threats, so a Chihuahua that was never socialized easily becomes nervous. A puppy that gets used to people, other dogs and noises usually grows into a confident, curious companion. It is smart and quickly learns tricks for food, but it can be stubborn, and house-training takes patience. It can be feisty with bigger dogs, which is a real risk given its fragile build. It loves warmth: in winter it happily burrows into blankets.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Barking

quietvocal

With other dogs

difficultgreat

Protectiveness

lowhigh

Drooling

hardly anya lot

Cold tolerance

feels the coldexcellent

Heat tolerance

strugglescopes well

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Chihuahua for?

The Chihuahua suits an adult or a couple who wants a small, deeply attached dog and is ready to put time into socialization. It is comfortable in an apartment and can come along on trips. We don't recommend it for families with small children: the dog can easily get hurt, and defensive snaps happen. If barking bothers you or you're looking for a dog that will calmly stay alone all day, consider another breed.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

A Chihuahua doesn't need long walks: according to the Royal Kennel Club, up to 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough, but daily outings and time to sniff matter for its mental well-being. In winter and rain a dog coat comes in handy, because this dog gets cold quickly. The smooth coat needs brushing once a week; the long coat needs more careful combing behind the ears and on the “trousers,” where mats form. Teeth need the most attention: daily brushing and regular vet checkups are standard for this breed. Feed puppies small meals often to prevent drops in blood sugar. Use a harness instead of a collar to protect the windpipe, and teach everyone at home to be careful: a fall from the couch or being stepped on can end in a broken bone. Training works best in short, reward-based sessions.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Chihuahua is one of the longest-lived breeds: many dogs reach 14–16 years. Typical problems include patellar luxation, periodontal disease caused by crowded teeth, tracheal collapse and myxomatous mitral valve disease in older dogs. Hydrocephalus and an open fontanelle are also described in the breed, and puppies are prone to hypoglycemia. The large head and narrow pelvis mean births often end in a C-section. The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye exams for breeding dogs, and from August 2026 it also recognizes BOAS breathing assessment for the Chihuahua. Avoid breeders advertising “mini” or “teacup” dogs below the standard weight: these animals are especially fragile.

• patellar luxationThe kneecap slips out of its groove, causing a skipping gait and, over time, degenerative changes in the knee.
• periodontal diseaseCrowded teeth and retained baby teeth encourage tartar buildup and early tooth loss.
• tracheal collapseWeakened cartilage in the windpipe causes a characteristic honking cough.
• myxomatous mitral valve diseaseA common cause of heart failure in older dogs of this breed.
• hydrocephalusA buildup of fluid in the brain; it can cause seizures and balance problems.
• hypoglycemiaDrops in blood sugar happen especially in puppies that eat too infrequently.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

The breed is named after Mexico's largest state. According to the FCI standard, its ancestors were small dogs domesticated by local people in the time of the Toltec civilization. Images of a dog called the Techichi decorated buildings in Tula and closely resemble today's Chihuahua. From Mexico, the little dogs made their way to the United States and Europe, where the breed found success as a companion dog. Today's Chihuahua comes in two coat varieties judged under a single standard, which considers only body weight, not height at the withers.

Fun facts

• The FCI standard judges the Chihuahua by weight alone: the ideal is 1.5–2.5 kg, and dogs under 1 kg or over 3 kg are disqualified.
• The FCI accepts every color except merle.
• The breed is named after Chihuahua, the largest state in Mexico.
• According to the Royal Kennel Club, smooth-coated parents can have long-coated puppies in their litter.

Frequently asked questions

This breed also appears in

• Small dog breeds
• Best dogs for apartments
• Dogs that don’t shed (much)

Sources

1. 1FCI standard nr 218 – Chihuahuafci.be
2. 2Royal Kennel Club – Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)royalkennelclub.com
3. 3PetMD – Chihuahuapetmd.com

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.