The smallest recognised dog breed, the Chihuahua descends from the Techichi of pre-Columbian Mexico and carries an outsized, self-assured personality in a two-to-six-pound frame.
The breed's ancestor is generally held to be the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltec and later the Aztec, documented in Mesoamerican art and burials.2 Genetic studies confirm a pre-Columbian American component in modern Chihuahua ancestry.
The modern breed was identified in the mid-nineteenth century in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where American visitors bought small dogs from local traders. The AKC registered its first Chihuahua in 1904.1 Long-coat and smooth-coat varieties are shown separately in some registries and together in others.
Named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which the first dogs were exported to the United States in the 1850s. The state name itself is of Nahuatl or Tarahumara origin, with "dry, sandy place" among the proposed meanings.2
| Life expectancy | 14–16 years |
|---|---|
| Height — male | 5–8 in (13–20 cm) |
| Height — female | 5–8 in (13–20 cm) |
| Weight — male | not exceeding 6 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Weight — female | not exceeding 6 lb (2.7 kg) |
| Coat type & colors | Smooth or long; any colour or pattern |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
| Exercise needs | Low — short walks and indoor play |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
| AKC group | Toy Group (AKC) |
| Prestige Breed size class | Small Breed · Under 25 lbs |
The AKC describes the Chihuahua as charming, graceful and sassy.1 The breed is intensely loyal, typically bonding hard to one person, and is alert and quick to announce anything unusual.
Much of the breed's reputation for snappishness is a product of handling rather than genetics: very small dogs are frequently picked up rather than trained, and are rarely socialised as thoroughly as large ones. A well-socialised Chihuahua is confident and sociable. They are genuinely cold-sensitive and seek warmth constantly.
Many Chihuahuas are born with a molera — an open fontanelle, a soft spot on the skull that may never fully close. It is accepted in the breed standard, though it warrants care in handling.3
The single biggest determinant of Chihuahua temperament. Puppy class, floor time, and manners — not constant carrying.
Small mass means rapid heat loss and serious injury from short falls or from being stepped on. Coats in winter; supervise around larger dogs.
Dental crowding and periodontal disease are the most common health problems in toy breeds. Daily brushing and regular veterinary cleaning.3
Patellar luxation and collapsing trachea are documented in the breed; use a harness rather than a neck collar.3
This guide is educational and is not veterinary advice. Breed standards, measurements and health information are drawn from the sources listed above; consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your dog.
Prestige Breed makes a small breed multivitamin designed for breeds like the Chihuahua — see the Chihuahua Multivitamin.