The Chihuahua is a tiny but confident dog who loves giving and receiving attention. Despite their petite and fragile appearance, the breed is quite bold—even brave. They boast distinct features, like wide eyes and ears that are usually erect and very large in relation to their small head and body. The Chihuahua has a unique personality and can be an affectionate and loyal companion dog as long as they don't feel threatened.
Learn more about the history, care needs, and temperament of the Chihuahua.
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 5 to 8 inches
WEIGHT: Not exceeding 6 pounds
COAT: Smooth and short or longhaired
COAT COLOR: Black, black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, fawn, fawn and white, red
LIFE SPAN: 14 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Loyal, alert, lively, attentive, bright, companionable
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Mexico
Beloved for their spunky (and sometimes sassy) nature, Chihuahuas make up for what they lack in size with larger-than-life personalities. These dainty dogs need owners who are respectful of their space and tiny, fragile bodies, so if they are going to be in homes with kids, they need to be taught how to properly interact with dogs. Because of their small size, cold weather is not their favorite, so take special care with warm jackets and sweaters during the cold months. They love snuggling and playing with their people.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Low |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Low |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico in the state for which it was named. A likely ancestor of the breed was the Techichi, a sacred dog of the ancient Toltecs. The ancestors of the Chihuahua may have been present earlier than the ninth century—some believe that the smaller size of the breed may have resulted from crossing with Chinese crested dogs.
First registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1904, the Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds on the American continent and one of the smallest breeds in the world. They're highly recognizable, thanks to their tiny size and big personality. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Taco Bell ad campaigns starring the breed boosted its popularity as well as Paris Hilton's well-documented love of the breed and the popular film series Beverly Hills Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua's affectionate and attention-loving nature makes them a snuggly dog that enjoys being carried around and pampered. When raised and handled appropriately, the Chihuahua can make a wonderful companion for many kinds of families. Not all Chihuahuas will automatically get along with children, but they can be trained and socialized to get along with kids.
Many people underestimate the exercise needs of smaller dogs, but it is essential for Chihuahuas to get regular exercise. Chihuahuas have a moderate to high energy level and may develop behavioral problems if not given enough activity. Exercise and mental stimulation will help maintain your dog's mental and physical health—and you'll reap the benefits, too. Just don't overdo it on exercise—if they seem tired and overexerted, pick them up and head home.
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas need little more than basic routine grooming due to their short hair. However, the long-coated Chihuahua varieties require more frequent grooming, especially routine hair brushing. Don't forget to trim their nails regularly and brush their teeth as often as you can.
Because they tend to have a sassy attitude, Chihuahuas need proper socialization and positive reinforcement-based training. Without adequate socialization, the breed can become fearful and defensive, especially around new people or animals. Though stubborn at times, the breed is smart and can become well-behaved with dedication and consistency. It's also essential that you teach your Chihuahua to tolerate being handled at a young age, especially for things like nail trims and grooming.
Chihuahuas are prone to some genetic health conditions, including:
Illustration: The Spruce / Emilie Dunphy
Feed your Chihuahua a high-quality, complete, and balanced dog food. Your vet can help you determine the best food and portion sizes for your particular dog. Monitor their weight to ensure they don't become overweight, which can lead to various health issues. Always provide clean, fresh water.
The small size of a Chihuahua's jaw makes their teeth weaker, so you will need to support your pet with daily dental care, including brushing. You should provide dental chews and a diet that requires chewing, which will naturally help reduce plaque. Good dry dog food for Chihuahuas will have large and dense pieces.
If you want to add a Chihuahua to your home, you can either find a reputable Chihuahua breeder or go to your local shelter or rescue organization. Work with a breeder who can provide medical records and references for their dogs, allow you to visit their facility and meet the puppy's parents. Alternatively, there are plenty of specialized Chihuahua rescue organizations around the country. Start your search with the below organizations:
Chihuahuas can be great dogs for some people, but might not be the best for families who have young children who don't know how to respectfully interact with dogs.
If you'd like to share your life with an adorable Chihuahua, take the time to do your research first. Talk to your veterinarian, other Chihuahua owners, reputable Chihuahua breeders, and Chihuahua rescue groups to learn more.
If you're interested in similar breeds, check out:
Yes—Chihuahuas are great apartment dogs thanks to their small size and easy care. It's important to train your Chihuahua properly so you keep the noise and barking to a minimum.
Unlike working dogs or service dogs, Chihuahuas are thought to be bred for companionship and religious ceremony. They have a long noble history as a "lap dog" and are thought to be descendants of the ancient Techichi.
Chihuahuas can be great family dogs with a few stipulations. First and foremost, they should be brought into the family young, so they grow up surrounded by the members of the household and are not overwhelmed. Additionally, any children in the household should be a bit older and taught how to properly hold and play with a pet, as is very important with a dog as small as the Chihuahua.
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