Chihuahua: Temperament, Health, and Care

Size, coat and lifespan

The breed takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The FCI breed standard sets the weight at 1 to 3 kg, with 1.5 to 2.5 kg (about 3.3 to 5.5 lb) as ideal. The Royal Kennel Club in the UK allows up to 2.7 kg (6 lb). Height is not part of the standard. Many pet Chihuahuas are larger than this. In a large UK study of dogs under veterinary care, the median adult weight was 3.4 kg (about 7.5 lb). A slightly bigger dog is not a problem as long as it stays lean.

There are two coat types. The smooth coat is short, close and glossy. The long coat is soft and fine, with feathering on the ears, legs, feet and tail. Both shed, and a weekly brush suits most dogs. The Royal Kennel Club gives a lifespan of over 12 years.

Temperament

The FCI standard describes the Chihuahua as quick, alert, lively and very courageous, and the Royal Kennel Club calls it outgoing and confident. Individual dogs vary. Some are cautious with new people, and an alert little dog may bark at noises and visitors. Gentle handling and early, positive experiences help a Chihuahua grow into a relaxed companion.

Their small size shapes how they see the world. A large hand reaching down, a child grabbing or a bigger dog bounding over can be frightening. A scared small dog may growl or snap because it cannot get away. In a large UK study of Chihuahuas under veterinary care, aggression was recorded in about 4 percent of dogs, more often in males. Most of this can be prevented by letting the dog choose contact, never forcing it to be held and teaching visitors to wait for the dog to approach.

Socialization and training

Chihuahuas learn quickly with reward-based training. Short sessions with tiny treats work best. Teach a reliable recall, sit and settle on a mat, and practice gentle handling of paws, ears and mouth from the start, since this makes vet visits and tooth brushing much easier.

Socialize a puppy or a new rescue dog at its own pace. Let it watch people, traffic and other dogs from a comfortable distance, and pair each new thing with a treat. Avoid carrying the dog into every situation. It needs to walk, sniff and meet the world on four legs, while you protect it from rough play and crowded spaces. If your dog is shy, see How to Help a Fearful Dog.

Children and Chihuahuas can live together well, but supervision matters. A fall from a child's arms can badly hurt a dog this size, and a dog that is often grabbed may learn to snap. Teach children to sit on the floor and let the dog come to them.

Everyday care

• Exercise: the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day. Most Chihuahuas also enjoy play and sniffing games indoors.
• Harness: use a well-fitted harness rather than a collar for walks, to protect the windpipe.
• Food: portions are tiny, so weigh food and count treats. Obesity was one of the most common problems in the UK study.
• Teeth: brush daily with a dog toothpaste if your dog allows it.
• Cold: very small and short-coated dogs lose heat quickly, so a coat helps on cold walks.
• Safety: use steps or ramps for sofas and beds, watch where you walk, and supervise play with larger dogs.

Injury is a real risk for a dog this small. In the UK study, the most common recorded causes of death were heart disease, lower airway problems and traumatic injuries. For help with weight, see Overweight Dogs and Cats.

Teeth

Dental disease is the most common health problem in the breed. In the UK study, dental problems were recorded in 19 percent of Chihuahuas, and periodontal disease was the single most common diagnosis. Small mouths crowd the teeth, which traps food and plaque.

Retained baby teeth are also common in small breeds. If you see two teeth in the same spot in a puppy, ask your vet. Unless the baby tooth is very loose, removing it is usually the best treatment, and early removal can let the adult tooth move into place. Regular checkups and professional cleaning under anesthesia, when your vet advises it, keep the mouth healthy. Read more in Dental Care for Dogs and Cats.

Kneecaps

Many toy breeds, including Chihuahuas, are prone to a luxating patella, a kneecap that slips out of its groove. You may see a skip in your dog's step, or a few strides on three legs before it returns to normal. Mild cases may only need monitoring and a healthy weight. Frequent slipping can be corrected with surgery, and the outlook is best before arthritis develops. See Luxating Patella in Dogs.

Windpipe

Chihuahuas are among the breeds most often affected by tracheal collapse, a weakening of the rings that hold the windpipe open. The main sign is a dry, harsh cough that sounds like a goose honk. It often gets worse with excitement, pulling on the leash, hot weather or eating and drinking. A harness, a lean body weight and a calm routine all help. Your vet may suggest medicines, and some dogs need surgery.

Heart

Chihuahuas are predisposed to mitral valve disease, a slow leak in one of the heart valves. The first sign is usually a heart murmur that your vet hears at a routine check, often years before any symptoms. Later signs include a cough and tiring quickly on walks. Your vet may ask you to count your dog's breathing rate while it sleeps, since a rising rate can be an early warning. Learn more in Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs.

Low blood sugar in puppies

Very young toy-breed puppies have little fat and muscle and an immature liver, so they cannot store much energy. If they miss meals, get cold or are stressed, their blood sugar can drop. Signs include drowsiness, weakness, trembling, wobbly walking and seizures. Feed small puppies little and often as your vet advises. A puppy showing these signs needs a vet immediately.

Other things to know

Some Chihuahuas have a molera, a soft spot on top of the skull where the bones have not fully closed. The FCI standard lists an open fontanel as a fault, and hydrocephalus, fluid on the brain, is among the reported problems in the breed. Handle the head gently, and mention the soft spot to your vet so it can be checked.

When to see a vet

Call your vet the same day, or an emergency clinic out of hours, if you notice any of the following.

• Breathing that looks difficult, blue or gray gums, or collapse
• A honking cough that does not settle, or that comes with gagging or fainting
• A puppy that is weak, trembling, wobbly or very sleepy
• A seizure, a head tilt or unusual eye movements
• A fall, a jump from height or being stepped on, followed by limping or pain
• Refusing food, especially in a puppy

Book a regular appointment for bad breath, red gums, dropping food, a skipping hind leg, a cough that comes and goes, or faster breathing at rest.

Chihuahuas in rescue

The UK study described a popularity boom for the breed, with concern about impulse buying by owners new to dogs. Chihuahuas have also been reported among the ten breeds most often given up to shelters. Many rescue Chihuahuas are healthy, loving dogs that simply need a calm home. Some arrive shy or anxious, and a few need dental work or help with house training. Patience, routine and gentle handling go a long way. For the first weeks, see Life With a Small Rescue Dog: The First 30 Days.

At Paw Squadron, we rescue dogs and cats, and small dogs are part of that work. After every rescue, the first stops are the vet and a bath, with a checkup, deworming and treatment against fleas and other parasites. If you are thinking of adopting a small dog, look at our Adopt page.

For more breed guides and care tips, browse PawPedia. Questions about adopting from us are answered in our FAQ.