MyEmbrace Login 
Some canine breeds have huge followings of devoted fans, and there’s no doubt that the Chihuahua is one of them! This breed is beloved for its miniature stature and feisty temperament. This particularly difficult-to-spell dog—often known as Chiwawa or Chiuaua—seems to delight in the challenge it poses to spellers, just as it delights in playfully testing the patience of its human companions.
Chihuahuas are tiny dogs that pack a lot of energy into their small frames. Precocious and exhibiting affectionate personalities, this breed has become popular over the last century. If you’re interested in adopting a Chihuahua dog, read on to see whether this adorable breed is right for you!
Quick Chihuahua Facts
Name: Chihuahua (also sometimes spelled Chiwawa or Chiuaua)
Origin: Mexico
Size: 3-6 pounds, 5-9 inches tall at the shoulder
Lifespan: 14-16 years, occasionally up to 20 years
Appearance: white, black, fawn, chocolate, cream, gold
Temperament: friendly, mischievous, playful, stubborn
Compatibility: can be good fits for seniors or families with older children
Intelligence: very intelligent and loves to learn
Exercise & Energy: energetic and love to play
Grooming Needs: moderate grooming needs depending on coat length
Training: easy to train
Health: susceptible to some eye problems and joint issues
Highlights: lovable, cuddly, protective, adventurous, sweet
Who Is a Good Fit for a Chihuahua?
Seniors looking for a companion: Chihuahuas make excellent lap dogs for older folks.
Families without young children: This breed does best with older kids who won’t accidentally trample a Chihuahua’s little legs.
Individuals in apartments: Because they’re so small, these dogs do great in compact homes like apartments and townhouses.
Less-active people: Although Chihuahuas are bursting with energy, they can usually get all their wiggles out inside the home, all on their own.
Experienced dog owners: These guys have a stubborn streak, so firm training is necessary to keep them from nipping at other animals and humans outside the family.
People without other pets: Chihuahuas love being the center of attention and thrive when they’re the only furry friend in the home.
What Do Chihuahuas Look Like?
Chihuahua puppies are a sight to behold, and it’s not surprising that so many people gravitate to them. These impossibly tiny canines can fit in your palm and have big, round eyes that are set far apart. The breed’s coat can be a single color or multi-colored, while the hair is either long or short. Their thin tails usually curl up over their backs, sometimes lightly touching the back. Chihuahuas have naturally small frames but are often overweight. Feeding this breed too much is notoriously easy to do!
How Big Are Chihuahuas?
Healthy Chihuahuas normally weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. At their shortest, these dogs are about 5 inches tall, while some are 9 inches tall at the shoulder. If your Chihuahua is mixed with another breed, they might be substantially larger (or longer, as is the case with the Chiweenie, a Chihuahua-dachshund crossbreed!). Their heads are sometimes referred to as “apple-shaped,” since they’re significantly rounded at the forehead.
What Kind of Coat Does a Chihuahua Have?
Your Chihuahua will have one of two types of coats: long or short. The long-haired varieties likely resulted from breeding with Pomeranians and Papillons, both of which have distinctively furry coats. Chihuahuas with long coats need a little more care than those with short hair, but neither type requires extensive grooming. Short-haired Chihuahuas have glossy, smooth coats, while long-haired ones have wavy hair.
What Is a Chihuahua Like?
The stereotypical Chihuahua is a dog who loves its humans and wants to be at their side no matter what. They’re also on the hunt for the next great adventure and will likely stir up (mild) trouble whenever they can. This breed is known for snuggling, and thanks to its pint-sized frame, it can easily fit into your lap while you’re enjoying a TV show or chatting with family members.
Chihuahuas aren’t exactly aggressive, but they can definitely become possessive of their pet parents if not properly trained. That’s why it’s especially important to enforce boundaries with your pup. Even though they’re tiny, Chihuahuas can still nip when they’re afraid or feel like they need to protect a loved one. That said, they’re more commonly known for their tendency to bark than any propensity for biting.
Do Chihuahuas Have Friendly Personalities?
For the most part, yes! When your Chihuahua looks at you with those oh-so-innocent eyes, you’ll feel like you’re the only person in the whole world that matters to them. And, for the most part, this is entirely true. While they may be a bit wary of strangers first, they’ll likely warm up to frequent visitors. Don’t expect them to be best friends with all the other toy dogs in your neighborhood, though. At best, you can rely on them to merely tolerate the presence of others unless they’re feeling particularly sociable.
Are Chihuahuas Good for Families with Kids?
Families who have older children will likely find that a Chihuahua fits right in. That said, always supervise your Chihuahua if they’re around small children. Young kids don’t always know how to interact safely with dogs, especially ones as miniature as the Chihuahua. It’s better to wait until a rambunctious toddler is a few years older before bringing such a delicate dog into the home.
Chihuahuas love to race around the yard, but they can quickly overexert themselves. Make sure everyone in your family knows the signs of a dog getting too much exercise. These signs can include excessive panting and keeping their head lowered. Both actions are signs your dog needs to rest.
Do Chihuahuas Get Along with Other Pets?
The short answer to this question is “sometimes.” Just as with humans, some Chihuahuas are more extroverted than others. Many dogs of this breed get along just fine with other pets, including dogs and cats. Keep in mind, however, that even friendly large breeds can accidentally hurt a smaller breed when playing. The same applies when it comes to cats. While most dog parents have to worry about their pup accidentally hurting their cat, in the case of a Chihuahua, the opposite can be just as big of an issue. Your cat will likely weigh more than your Chihuahua, so it’s important to make sure both pets are comfortable with each other before making any permanent decisions.
How Do You Take Care of a Chihuahua?
Even though this breed is much smaller than, say, a Great Dane, a Chihuahua needs just as much attention as a large dog. Before welcoming one into your home, have an honest conversation with yourself. Are you willing to take care of your pet’s coat every week (especially the long-haired Chihuahua)? Is your living space a good fit for this breed? If your fence has wide gaps, it will do no good at keeping the free-spirited Chihuahua in your yard. They can slip through and be on their merry way in a heartbeat!
Early socialization and training are crucial to prevent behavioral issues. While they may be small, Chihuahuas need daily exercise. Regular vet check-ups and vaccinations are essential, as they are prone to certain health issues. Provide a high-quality dog food formulated for small breeds and avoid overfeeding. By addressing these aspects of Chihuahua care, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry companion.
How Do You Groom a Chihuahua?
Consider bathing your pup once a month to keep their skin in good condition. Chihuahuas with long hair may need more frequent bathing, as those precious locks can become easily tangled if not squeaky clean. Introducing your dog to bathtime when they’re still young (around 2.5 months old) can make bathing them easier when they’re an adult. You can also perform what’s known as a hygiene cut on your dog, to keep the area around the dog’s genitals clean.
Remember that brushing your dog’s coat is about more than just appearance! A well-groomed dog is less likely to develop infections as well as wounds that can lead to circulation issues. Grooming your dog is also a chance to bond with them. If you choose to have a professional groom your Chihuahua instead, the process can help them behave better around strangers.
Is It Difficult to Train a Chihuahua?
Fortunately, Chihuahuas are known for being fairly easy to train. They are exceptionally intelligent, sometimes using those mental powers for sneaking an extra treat or two after dinner. When training, keep in mind that dogs should never be punished. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage your pup. Verbal praise, gentle pats on the head, and low-calorie training treats all work well to instill good behavior. There’s nothing a Chihuahua appreciates more than loving attention from their humans!
How Much Space Does a Chihuahua Need?
There’s a reason more than 20 states have chosen the mighty Chihuahua as their favorite dog. That minute body requires very little space, and they are perfectly content in a studio apartment or other space-efficient home. When you let your pup outside, make sure to keep them in sight at all times. Their small size can make them targets for larger predators, including birds of prey.
What Do Chihuahuas Eat?
That nearly-microscopic stomach doesn’t need a lot of food to keep your Chihuahua’s hunger at bay. Feed your pup the amount of food recommended by their vet and stick to those guidelines. Otherwise, your dog could be at risk of gaining too much weight, a problem that could have a huge impact on their heart and joint health. Always feed your Chihuahua high-quality, nutritious dog food and keep the human food for yourself.
Are Chihuahuas Typically Healthy?
Happily, most Chihuahuas will go on to live long, trouble-free lives. However, it’s important to note that the breed is prone to developing certain health conditions. Speaking with your dog’s veterinarian about any concerns early on can help you identify issues before they progress.
What Health Issues Do Chihuahuas Have?
Before bringing that sweet Chihuahua into your life, make sure you’re equipped to handle any of these health issues if they should come up. Many Chihuahuas live 14 years or even longer. While you certainly want to hope for the best when it comes to their health, you should be prepared to navigate the most common Chihuahua concerns.
Patellar Luxation
This condition is commonly found in small dogs and is characterized by dislocated kneecaps. As you can imagine, patellar luxation can be painful in its more serious stages. Some dogs alert their owners to a problem because they have trouble walking, but a vet may identify the issue during a physical exam. Surgery is sometimes advised, as is monthly pain medication.
Legg-Perthes Disease
Legg-Perthes disease is another ailment that is more often seen in smaller breeds, including the Chihuahua. Unlike patellar luxation, Legg-Perthes affects the hips. It often occurs when the femoral head (the end of the femur bone which connects to the hip socket) doesn’t get enough blood, eventually leading to the “death” of the bone.
If your dog has this condition, their gait will be affected. You’ll probably first notice that they have a limp, but eventually, muscle loss can occur. When a vet suspects Legg-Perthes disease, they’ll typically order X-rays to diagnose it. Once the disease progresses, it can cause severe arthritis that can be quite painful.
Corneal Dystrophy
Some Chihuahuas experience corneal dystrophy, a genetic problem related to the cornea (the clear part of the eye that covers both the pupil and iris). This condition affects both eyes and causes them to cloud over. In the most severe cases, it can lead to blindness. While eye problems are often associated with older dogs, corneal dystrophy affects Chihuahuas of just about any age. Surgery is sometimes advised, but, sadly, even in the best-case scenarios, improvement isn’t usually significant.
Should You Get Pet Insurance for a Chihuahua?
Investing in Chihuahua insurance and an optional, non-insurance wellness plan is one of your best strategies for managing vet bills throughout the years. No one, including a breeder, can exactly predict what ailments your pup will experience. Planning ahead and investing in insurance can make unexpected vet fees easier to manage.
Chihuahua-specific health concerns, such as hydrocephalus, hypoglycemia, and dental problems, can incur substantial costs. While routine annual visits are often affordable, emergency surgery for corneal dystrophy or other illnesses could cost thousands of dollars. Pet insurance allows you to focus on getting your pup the best care possible, rather than on cost.
In addition to pet insurance, consider a wellness plan. While not insurance, wellness plans include preventive care services like routine check-ups, vaccinations, and even grooming services. These plans can help you budget for routine care and potentially save money in the long run.
What is the History of the Chihuahua?
The Chihuahua most likely descended from the Techichi, a small breed of dog that is now extinct. The Techichi lived in Mexico many centuries ago and was domesticated by the Toltecs. Unlike its yappy Chihuahua descendants, the Techichi didn’t bark. When the Techichi was later crossed with the terrier-type dogs of Spanish conquistadors, the modern Chihuahua was born!
The official breed name didn’t come about until sometime in the latter half of the 19th century. Up until then, the Techichi-terrier crossbreed was called the Texas dog, or sometimes, the Arizona dog. The wife of a Mexican emperor introduced the breed to the European continent in the same time period. As they say, the rest is history! Today, Chihuahuas are found across the globe, and the breed is finding new fans every day.
Where Can You Get a Chihuahua?
Chihuahua lovers are in luck! This popular breed is not only widely available, but it’s one of the cheapest dog breeds out there. The exact cost will depend on the breeder, but a Chihuahua usually costs much less than other breeds, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Labradoodles. But before you rush out to buy a Chihuahua puppy from a breeder, do your research.
Puppy mills are an unfortunate and growing problem in the canine world. These mills are owned by breeders out to make a quick buck and who don’t care about their dogs’ health. Instead, these breeders try to produce as many puppies as possible in unethical ways. Stick to reputable breeders with stellar reviews and who give you a full tour of their sites. That way, you can make sure the living conditions are top-tier for the dogs growing up there.
Heading to your local animal shelter or visiting a rescue are other wonderful options. Adopting a Chihuahua from one of these locations will usually cost you less, just a few necessary medical expenses for vaccinations and neutering or spaying.
Chihuahua Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chihuahuas shed a lot?
All dogs (minus the hairless ones) shed, including Chihuahuas. The good news is that this breed isn’t known as a heavy shedder. In addition, because these guys are so tiny, they have a lot less fur to leave around your home than, say, a Labrador Retriever or Husky!
Are Chihuahuas smart dogs?
Absolutely. Chihuahuas are known for being especially clever. Spend some time with your pup and you’ll soon learn that they often know more than they’re letting on!
Will Chihuahuas bite?
If provoked, they might. While Chihuahuas are not aggressive dogs by nature, they will defend themselves just as any dog might. That’s why it’s always necessary to watch kids and other dogs around your Chihuahua. Since this breed is so small, they may feel more easily threatened by someone larger than them and try to nip as a warning.
Do Chihuahuas make good pets?
Yes, for the right person! No dog is a good fit for every household. Spending some time researching the breed and being around Chihuahuas is a great way to see if this type of dog is right for you. All dogs need consistent training and plenty of attention to be happy and healthy, and this is certainly true for the Chihuahua.
Are Chihuahuas hard to potty train?
Since Chihuahuas are so intelligent, housetraining them is usually simple. Start training them as soon as possible, although very young puppies won’t be able to hold their bladder very long. Reward your pup every time they do their business outdoors, and it shouldn’t take long for your Chihuahua to catch on. If you experience any issues, you can always enlist the help of a professional trainer.
Is a Chihuahua a terrier?
Although not technically a terrier, some long-haired Chihuahuas may have terrier ancestry. Terriers are dogs that were originally bred to hunt small pests like rats, while Chihuahuas were bred mostly for companionship. Considering the breed is not much larger than a rat, it would be fairly difficult for a Chihuahua to successfully hunt!