Chihuahua fun facts
Chihuahuas are fun and playful, but more than that, they are really interesting.
A Chihuahua named Spike holds the record for the longest-living dog. When Guinness World Records recorded his age, he was a whopping 23 years and 7 days old [1]. Another record-holding Chihuahua is Pearl, who is officially the smallest dog in the world, standing not so tall at 3.59 inches [2].
Other Chihuahua fun facts that may surprise are [3]:
- They have a clannish nature, meaning they prefer the company of other Chihuahuas over other breeds
- Folklore has it that Chihuahuas could cure respiratory illnesses like asthma by absorbing the condition from their owners
- The name Chihuahua means ‘Two Waters’
History and origin of the Chihuahua
It’s broadly accepted that Chihuahuas originate from the Mexican state that shares their name. However, there’s lots of speculation as to whether these dogs were brought over from Europe or China. One thing is for sure: Chihuahuas have had a long and varied history to become the pups we know and love today.
Descendants of the Techichis, a small breed that shares many characteristics with the modern breed, Chihuahuas held a great deal of importance to ancient Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. It is believed they were bred as holy animals and that the way people treated them would directly impact their experience in the afterlife. Chihuahuas were often sacrificed to ferry spirits to life beyond. Needless to say, they were held in very high regard.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that Chihuahuas became popular pets. In 1904, the American Kennel Club officially recognised the breed, and Chihuahuas quickly began to be seen as luxury companions. Small enough to be comfortable in busy, bustling cities and crowded family homes, their sweet nature means they’ve consistently been popular family pets for centuries.
Although they may not have ‘jobs’ today, they’ve made it their role in their family to be the ultimate furry friend. Often referred to as ‘velcro dogs’, they’re quick to bond with their owners and will always stick right by your side.
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Get Your Personalised PlanLifespan of a Chihuahua
Many people ask, “How long do Chihuahuas typically live?” While there is no cut-and-dry answer, they are typically very healthy breeds and can live long and happy lives, averaging between 12 and 20 years. But you never know if your Chihuahua could beat Spike’s (the world’s oldest dog) grand age of 23 years.
Like with other small breeds, Chihuahuas are fast maturing, often reaching full size at around 9-12 months. They are generally considered senior at around 11-12 years of age. While many remain fit and healthy well into their old age, it’s worth keeping in mind that your Chihuahua may live for many years after getting their senior title, and so their care requirements may change to keep them healthy and happy.
Temperament and personality traits of a Chihuahua
Although every dog is unique, there are some commonalities that you can expect from your Chihuahua:
Attention lovers
Although they make great first-time dogs, Chihuahuas are prone to separation anxiety and can also be protective and very vocal if they aren’t socialised correctly.
Thriving in households where there’s always someone around, if there are times when you need to leave your Chihuahua alone, you should build up to this in longer and longer increments, as well as provide lots of toys and distractions to help reduce anxiety.
Fit in with family life when socialised
To minimise reactivity, all dogs should be socialised properly from an early age. Exposing them to as much of the world as possible, whether that’s new sounds and smells, new dogs or people outside of the immediate family. All these experiences will ensure that they become well-rounded pets who can act appropriately in all kinds of situations. Don’t forget that Chihuahuas are very small dogs; if they feel threatened, they may feel like they have no choice but to lash out to protect themselves, which is why proper socialisation is key.
Fun, independent, and loving
They love to be the centre of your attention, but when it comes to training, the Chihuahua is an independent little breed that likes to take things at their own pace. With this in mind, it’s recommended that you start training from around four months old to ensure they become well-rounded pets.
Even though they are considered lap dogs, Chihuahuas need to be kept active and occupied. They love to play, whether it’s sniffing out their favourite tasty treat or toy, spending time figuring out a new puzzle toy, or learning new tricks. When playtime is over, they’ll enjoy nothing more than cuddling up for a snooze with their owner.
But what about their health and diet?
Learn about Chihuahua health issues and how to best support their health.
The Best Dog Food For ChihuahuasThe typical size, height, and weight of a Chihuahua
As the smallest breed in the world, it’s no surprise that Chihuahuas don’t grow into giants. Let’s see what size Chihuahuas can get.
Chihuahua height ranges by age and sex
| Height of male & female | ||
|---|---|---|
| Age (months) | cm | in |
| 1 | 2.5 | 2 |
| 2 | 5 – 10 | 2 – 4 |
| 3 | 6.3 – 11.4 | 2.5 – 4.5 |
| 4 | 7.6 – 12.7 | 3 – 5 |
| 5 | 11.4 – 12. 7 | 4.5 – 5 |
| 6 | 11.4 – 15.2 | 4.5 – 6 |
| 7 | 12.7 – 17.7 | 5 – 7 |
| 8 | 12.7 – 17.7 | 5 – 7 |
| 9 | 12.7 – 17.7 | 5 – 7 |
| 10 | 12.7 – 17.7 | 5 – 7 |
| 11 | 15.2 – 25.4 | 6 – 10 |
| 12 | 15.2 – 25.4 | 6 – 10 |
Source: Loveyourdog
Chihuahua weight ranges by age and sex
| Weight of male & female | ||
| Age (months) | ounces | grams |
| 1 | 9 – 20 | 255 – 566 |
| 2 | 16 – 32 | 453 – 907 |
| 3 | 24 – 40 | 680 – 1133 |
| 4 | 32 – 64 | 907 – 1814 |
| 5 | 32 – 64 | 907 – 1814 |
| 6 | 40 – 72 | 1133 – 2041 |
| 7 | 40 – 96 | 1133 – 2721 |
| 8 | 40 – 96 | 1133 – 2721 |
| 9 | 40 – 96 | 1133 – 2721 |
| 10 | 40 – 96 | 1133 – 2721 |
| 11 | 40 – 112 | 1133 – 3175 |
| 12 | 40 – 112 | 1133 – 3175 |
Source: Loveyourdog
When do Chihuahuas stop growing?
On average, Chihuahuas stop growing between 9 to 10 months, but they may continue to put on a small amount of weight up until 12 months old, when they reach adulthood.
What is the size of a full grown Chihuahua?
Taking information from the above charts, a fully grown Chihuahua can be 6-10 inches in height and between 1-3 kilos in weight. There is little or no difference in the size of a male and female Chihuahua.
Are there different Chihuahua sizes?
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog, but if you want a pet that’s even smaller, consider a Teacup Chihuahua, or Micro Chihuahua as they’re also called.
Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a separate breed or crossbreed, they belong to the Chihuahua family. Fully grown, a Teacup Chihuahua will only be about 6 inches (15 cms) tall and weigh around 3 pounds (1.4 kg), but some may be slightly bigger than this, but it depends on their parents size.
Chihuahuas and Teacup Chihuahuas are very similar in appearance and personality – independent and feisty if they feel threatened. Because they are so small, they may be better suited to empty nesters or a family with older children.
External characteristics of a Chihuahua
Like other dog breeds, Chihuahuas vary in colour, coat type, and head shape, making each one unique in their own way.
Chihuahua colours
The most recognised colours for a Chihuahua are black, brown, cream/white, fawn, and red. Chihuahuas are typically one overall colour or a mix of two colours, for example, black and white.
Interestingly, The American Kennel Club has recognised 30 colours of Chihuahuas, many being mixed, and 11 recognised markings, such as black mask, spotted on white, and red markings [5].
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From top left to bottom right: Cream/White Chihuahua, Fawn Chihuahua, Red Chihuahua, Brown Chihuahua, Black Chihuahua, Brown and White Chihuahua
Types of Chihuahua
Breed organisations like The Kennel Club categorise Chihuahuas into Smooth (Short) Coat and Long Coat, unofficially Chihuahua lovers, sub-categorise them as Apple Head and Deer Head Chihuahuas.
There are slight differences that make these Chihuahuas individual in their own right:
- Smooth Haired/Short Haired Chihuahua: Have short-flat lying coats that don’t much grooming
- Long Haired Chihuahua: Have long, silky coats that cover their body and ears, with a ruff encircling the neck. Grooming once a week is recommended
- Apple Head Chihuahua: Have a broad, round head similar to an apple, with a short snout, and short jaw
- Deer Head Chihuahua: Have sloping facial features similar to a deer. Their head is slimmer and narrower than an Apple Head Chihuahua
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From top left to bottom right: Smooth Haired Chihuahua, Long Haired Chihuahua, Apple Head Chihuahua and Deer Head Chihuahua
Exercise needs of a Chihuahua
Though small in size and so not as demanding as larger breeds, Chihuahuas still require exercise to keep them fit, healthy and keep their minds active too. Exercise should be adapted to suit your dog’s age, needs, and personality.
Exercising a Chihuahua puppy
Until the age of around three months, short bursts of play will help build up their endurance without overexerting growing bones and muscles. Try hiding their favourite treat or toy around the room to sniff out, playing fetch or keeping them busy with a puzzle game.
When your puppy is old enough to go out for walks, it’s important that you build up their stamina slowly with short walks that gradually increase in time or distance. Be sure to let them sniff and explore on their walks as this provides all important enrichment too. Due to their delicate backs, necks and small size, a harness is preferable over a collar when out on walks.
Exercising a senior Chihuahua
As a general rule, senior Chihuahuas, like any other breed, will require less exercise, however it’s still important to keep them active so they stay healthy, reduce the risk of obesity and associated health issues, as well as ensuring healthy joints and muscles.
Grooming needs of a Chihuahua
With both long and short haired breeds, your Chihuahua should be brushed weekly to keep their coats healthy and in top condition. Monthly bathing is also advisable, not only to keep them clean, but it also means things like fleas, skin issues, or lumps and bumps can be seen more easily.
You should be checking their ears and eyes regularly, looking out for signs of infection like redness, swelling, smells or discoloured wax. Be sure to check for things like soreness and irritation, or excessive licking of the paws that could be signs of allergies.
Chihuahuas should be brushed regularly, just like in humans, this keeps teeth and gums healthy, breath fresh and keeps tartar build up at bay. Small breeds in particular benefit from regular brushing as their mouths can become overcrowded and lead to plaque build up, which can cause a whole host of other health issues.
Chihuahua cross breeds
These little dogs with bags of personality are a popular choice for cross breeding with other small breeds. Here are some of the Chihuahua cross breeds you can find:
- Pomchi: Pomeranian and Chihuahua
- Chiweenie: Chihuahua and Dachshund, also known as a Mexican Hotdog
- Chi-poo: Chihuahua and Poodle
- Chugdog: Chihuahua and Pug, also referred to as Pughuahua
- Jack Chi: Cross between a Jack Russel and a Chihuahua, also called Jackhuahua
The price of a Chihuahua in the UK
If you long to snuggle up on the sofa with a Chihuahua, you’ll properly be interested in how much they cost? It’s hard to put a definite price on a Chihuahua as reputable breeders can charge different amounts, but a Chihuahua puppy can cost between £650 – £1000 [4].
Chihuahua rescue centres in the UK
Another option if you’re interested in owning a Chihuahua is getting a rescue. Giving a dog their forever home is the best feeling, and you’ll find they’ll be your best friend for life.
Places that are dedicated to rehoming Chihuahuas include:
You may also find places like the Dogs Trust have Chihuahuas for adoption.
References
- Meet the 23-year-old chihuahua who was named the world’s oldest dog, abc News: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/meet-23-year-chihuahua-named-worlds-oldest-dog/story?id=96561192#:~:text=A%2023%2Dyear%2Dold%20chihuahua,years%20and%207%20days%20old
- The title of shortest living dog in the world belongs to a Florida chihuahua named Pearl, USA Today News: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/04/12/pearl-chihuahua-shortest-living-dog/11649898002/#:~:text=Pearl%2C%20a%202%2Dyear%2D,but%20taller%20than%20a%20teacup
- 60 Amazing Facts About Chihuahuas That You Didn’t Know, Chihuahua Wardrobe: https://www.chihuahuawardrobe.com/60-amazing-facts-about-chihuahuas/
- Chihuahuas, ManyPets: https://manypets.com/uk/breeds/dogs/chihuahuas/
- Chihuahua colours, PetChiDog: https://www.petchidog.com/chihuahua-colors
- Chihuahua breed information, PDSA: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua
FAQs
What is the average Chihuahua weight?
On average, you can expect your dog to weigh between 1-3kg. If you notice your Chihuahua is very over or under weight then you should schedule an appointment with a vet to rule out any underlying issues and get advice on how best to lose or gain weight.
Are Chihuahuas easy to train?
Chihuahua training should begin slowly, and from a young age, around 4 months old. They are independent little dogs, and often prefer to take training at their own pace, so be sure to pay attention to when they are telling you they have had enough. Patience is important!
Are Chihuahuas good pets?
Chihuahuas are affectionate little dogs who bond well with their owners, so they can make good pets. However, as they are independent, it’s important to train and socialise them from an early age.
Chihuahuas can form a strong bond with their owners but will connect with all family members if they pay them attention. They don’t cope well with being left alone for long periods and need someone around them most of the time; otherwise, they could develop separation anxiety.
Is a Chihuahua a good family dog?
Chihuahuas can be good family dogs and are suited to living in houses or apartments because of their size. Being small means it can be tempting for young children to pick them up and play with them, which Chihuahuas may not enjoy. They may be better suited to a family with older children who understand that they have an independent nature.
Is a Chihuahua a good house dog?
Yes, Chihuahuas make good house dogs. Being small means they don’t need a lot of room to run around, but they will benefit from having an outdoor space. While they have an active side to them, Chihuahuas also love snuggling up on the sofa with their owners.
Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?
This depends on the dog’s personality. Some Chihuahua owners say their pet barks, while others say they are quiet. Luckily, Chihuahuas are incredibly smart and can be trained from a young age not to bark.
Are Chihuahuas easy to take care of?
Like any dog, Chihuahuas have needs that must be met, but overall, they are relatively easy to look after. They need a weekly brush, a monthly bath, and regular teeth brushing.
How many walks a day does a Chihuahua need?
Being small, Chihuahuas don’t need to exercise as much as larger dogs, but they still benefit from exercise daily. A Chihuahua needs at least 30 minutes of walking each day, which can be split between 2 walks [6].
In addition, Chihuahuas require mental stimulation through play. Choose toys suitable for their size, and look for signs that they’ve had enough playtime or want to spend some time on their own.
Why do Chihuahuas skip when they walk?
Skipping (lifting the back leg for a few seconds) is often seen in smaller dogs, and it can be down to Patella Luxation, a dislocating knee cap.
The severity of it is graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe and the most difficult to treat.
If you suspect your Chihuahua has Patella Luxation, consult a vet, as the sooner it’s treated the better the outcome.
Can you leave a Chihuahua at home all day?
Chihuahuas form strong bonds with their families; some do not like being left alone for long periods. You can train your Chihuahua to be left alone for a few hours, but try to avoid leaving them alone all day.
Why do Chihuahuas sploot?
Splooting, if you don’t know what it is, is when an animal, particularly a dog, lies on their stomach with their front and back legs stretched out. Here’s an image of a Corgi puppy splooting on the floor:
Why Chihuahuas sploot we don’t really know. Some think it’s a great way to stretch the joints, it helps to cool the dog down, or it could be because it’s fun to do!
How expensive is a Chihuahua in the UK?
It’s hard to say precisely how much a Chihuahua costs as breeders can decide how much they want to charge for a puppy, but the average cost seems to be between £650 – £1000.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Chihuahuas?
If you’re on the fence about owning a Chihuahua, these advantages and disadvantages may help you make up your mind.
Advantages of owning a Chihuahua
- Loyal, caring, and fun
- Suited for house or apartment living
- Intelligent and easy to train
- Don’t require much grooming
- Have a long lifespan, up to 20 years
Disadvantages of owning a Chihuahua
- Being small, they can easily get injured
- Don’t like being left alone
- They are independent and can be hard to train later in life
- Can bark if they feel threatened
- They get cold easily, so you have to keep them warm in winter
Should I get a male or female Chihuahua?
Each Chihuahua has their own personality and you should choose one that will fit with your personality and lifestyle. If buying a puppy, spend time at the breeders looking at how the puppies interact. Are they relaxed or dominant? If getting an older Chihuahua, ask the owner or rescue staff lots of questions and spend time building a connection before making a decision.
Do Chihuahuas have behavioural issues?
Dogs are individuals and act differently, but some behaviours are associated with Chihuahuas.
Chihuahuas form strong bonds with their owner and can struggle to accept new people into their family. Socialising your Chihuahua from an early age is important so they get used to other people. They are also prone to separation anxiety, so don’t do well being left alone for extended periods. Giving your Chihuahua quiet time and gradually increasing the time they are left can get them used to being alone, but leaving them all day is not an option.
Even though Chihuahuas are playful and independent, some can be fearful. You can’t blame them as they are so small. Socialising your Chihuahua so they get used to being around people and other dogs and the sights, sounds, and smells of their neighbourhood, can help them be less fearful.
