Chihuahua
Also known as Chihuahueño, Short-haired Chihuahua, Long-haired Chihuahua
- Height at the withers
- 15 to 23 cm
- Weight
- 1.5 to 3 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 18 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Mexico
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
Overview
The smallest dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua has an apple-shaped head, large upright ears and a compact body that weighs no more than 3 kg. Lively, brave and very attached to its owner, it tends to be wary of strangers and does not hesitate to bark. The companion dog par excellence, it comes in two varieties, short-haired and long-haired, covered by a single standard.
History and origins
The Chihuahua is named after Mexico’s largest state, where it was noticed in the mid-19th century. It is linked to the Techichi, a small dog of the Toltecs whose images decorate the ruins of Tula, although its exact ancestry is still debated. American breeders made it popular from the late 19th century, and the FCI recognizes it as standard no. 218, with Mexico as its country of origin. In France, it is one of the small breeds most often registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF), with nearly 2,900 births in 2025, the long-haired variety being the more common.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Periodontal disease and early tooth loss
- Puppy hypoglycemia
- Tracheal collapse
- Hydrocephalus and open fontanel (molera)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Medium-length, silky coat. Moderate shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: fawn, cream, black, chocolate, blue, white, black and tan, tricolor, parti-color (all colors except merle).
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Reserved, 2 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Chihuahua FAQ
How big does the Chihuahua get?
The Chihuahua stands 15 to 23 cm at the withers and weighs 1.5 to 3 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Chihuahua shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs little care.
Can the Chihuahua live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Chihuahua need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Chihuahua good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Chihuahua live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 18 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation, as well as periodontal disease and early tooth loss.
