Chihuahua
Chihuahua: does it suit you?
11 quick questions, the same ones this page answers. After each answer you see what the breed needs, and at the end whether it fits your life.
Chihuahua: a good fit for you
Chihuahua: could work, with compromises
Chihuahua: probably not the right dog for you
Your answers match what the breed needs.
Most of your answers fit. Check the points below before you decide.
Some of your answers don't fit what the breed needs. The points below show where.
What to think about
What fits
A better match for your answers:
None of the 42 breeds on this site fits your answers better.
Named after the largest state of Mexico, its country of origin, the Chihuahua is regarded by its FCI standard as the smallest pedigree dog in the world.[1] It became fashionable in that state in the late 19th century, and from there its popularity spread to America.[2] The standard classes it as a companion dog and describes it as quick, alert, lively and very courageous.[1]
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 1–3 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
Chihuahua: origin and history
Chihuahuas are assumed, according to the FCI standard, to have once lived in the wild and to have been captured and domesticated by the native people at the time of the Toltec civilisation.[1] Representations of a toy dog called the Techichi, which lived in Tula, decorated the town’s architecture, and these statues are very similar to the present-day Chihuahua.[1]
The FCI accepted the breed on a definitive basis on 4 December 1959.[3] It belongs to FCI Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 6 (Chihuahueño).[1]
Fact sheet
- Origin
- Mexico
- Size
- Toy
- Height at withers
- 15–23 cm
- Weight
- 1–3 kg [1]
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Coat
- Short
- Colours
- Fawn, cream, black and tan, brown, white, black
- Low-shedding coat
- No
Character and needs
Rated on a scale from very low to very high.
- Exercise needslow
- Trainabilitymoderate
- Grooming needsvery low
- Sheddinglow
- Barkingvery high
- Good with kidsvery low
- Good with other dogslow
- Good with catsmoderate
- Apartment-friendlyvery high
- Copes with being alonemoderate
- Watchdog instinctmoderate
- Good for first-time ownersmoderate
- Affectionhigh
Chihuahua: questions and answers
Is it a good dog for first-time owners?
With good preparation. It rates 3 out of 5 for first-time owners. Training takes patience and consistency (3 out of 5 for trainability).
How long can it be left alone?
Up to 4 hours, once the dog is an adult and has learned to be alone step by step. A few hours alone work if you build up slowly (3 out of 5 for coping alone). More than 6 hours at a stretch isn't fair on any dog; plan for a dog sitter or daycare. Puppies need company: start with a few minutes and build up.
How much exercise does it need?
About 1 hour a day, spread over several walks. Relaxed walks are enough, and the dog is happy to doze at home for the rest of the day.
How long does it live?
12–18 years is the typical life expectancy. That is longer than the average of the 42 breeds on this site (12.6 years). Breed-typical health risks: luxating patella, dental problems, heart disease, weight gain.
How big does it get?
15–23 cm at the withers and 1–3 kg. Size class: toy.
Is it a good family dog?
Better in a home with older children or adults only. It rates 1 out of 5 with children. The small body is easily hurt in rough play, so toddlers need supervision. With other dogs it rates 2 out of 5, with cats 3 out of 5. Never leave young children alone with any dog.
Does it shed a lot?
Little: 2 out of 5 for shedding. Grooming is quick: a brush once a week is enough.
Male or female?
Males are usually larger: they sit at the top of the range (up to 23 cm and 3 kg), females at the bottom (from 15 cm and 1 kg). Character differences between the sexes are smaller than between individual dogs; upbringing matters more. Unspayed females come into heat about twice a year, and unneutered males can be restless around them.
Chihuahua or Dachshund?
Biggest difference: good with kids (very low vs. moderate).
| Chihuahua | Dachshund | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Weight | 1–3 kg | 4–12 kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–18 years | 12–16 years |
| Coat | Short | Short |
| Good with kids | Very low | Moderate |
| Exercise needs | Low | Moderate |
| Trainability | Moderate | Low |
| Grooming needs | Very low | Low |
Who it suits
A good fit if you…
- prefer relaxed walks to long hikes
- live in an apartment
- want an easy-care coat
Chihuahua: the downsides
Every breed has a flip side. Before you decide, check that you can live with these:
- Barks a lot
- 5 out of 5 for barking. With thin walls that can cause trouble with neighbours; training helps but rarely makes the dog quiet.
- Not ideal with young children
- 1 out of 5 with children. The small body is easily hurt in rough play.
- Can be difficult with other dogs
- 2 out of 5 with other dogs. Early and ongoing socialisation matters.
- Breed-typical health risks
- Luxating patella, dental problems, heart disease. Choose a breeder who screens the parents, and consider health insurance.
- Prone to weight gain
- These dogs love food. Weigh out meals and count treats; extra weight strains the joints.
Chihuahua: puppy price and monthly costs
£500 – £1,700 for a puppy from a breeder in the UK (Agria Pet Insurance, 2026). From £69 a month in running costs in the UK (PDSA, 2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
| Country | Puppy from a breeder | Running costs per month |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | £500 – £1,700 [4] | from £69 [5] |
| United States | $800 – $2,000 [6] | $116 [7] |
| Canada | no data | CA$367 [8] |
| Australia | A$1,500–4,000 [9] | A$210 [10] |
| New Zealand | no data | NZ$100 [11] |
- Set-up costs at the start: £415 – £560 for basic equipment, first vaccinations, wormers and neutering (PDSA, 2024).
- Dog licence in Northern Ireland: £12.50 a year; England, Scotland and Wales have none (nidirect, 2026).
- Dog licence in the US: $5 – $20 a year, set by the city or county (American Kennel Club, 2021).
- Dog licence in Canada: CA$25–60 a year in Toronto, less for a neutered dog (City of Toronto, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in Australia: A$20–200 a year, depending on the council and whether the dog is desexed (Mozo, 2026).
- Dog registration with the council in New Zealand: NZ$78–182 a year in Auckland, depending on the dog (PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council, 2026).
- Puppies far below these prices often come without health checks or papers.
Health
Breed-typical health risks
- Luxating patella [17]
- The kneecap slips out of place, common in small breeds.
- Dental problems [18]
- Small jaws build up tartar quickly. Regular brushing helps.
- Heart disease [19]
- Breed-typical heart conditions. Regular heart checks are sensible.
- Weight gain [18]
- Loves food. Keep an eye on portions and exercise.
Health tests for the parent dogs
4 health tests appear in the breeding rules for the breed.
- No health test is required for breeding in the UK (The Royal Kennel Club); the table shows what is recommended.
- Needed for a CHIC number in the US (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals): kneecap check, eye exam, and heart exam.
- No health test is required for breeding in Australia (National Chihuahua Council); the table shows what is recommended.
- No health test is required for breeding in New Zealand (Dogs New Zealand); the table shows what is recommended.
| Test | United Kingdom [2] | United States [20] | Australia [21] | New Zealand [22] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kneecap checkPatella luxation | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Eye examInherited eye disease, by a certified vet ophthalmologist | Recommended | Required | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Heart examInherited heart disease, by a cardiologist | not in the rules | Required | not in the rules | Recommended |
| Breathing or fitness testBreathing problems from a short muzzle (BOAS) | Recommended | not in the rules | not in the rules | not in the rules |
● Required. ○ Recommended: advised, not required. – Not in the rules. The clubs and their rules are in the source list.
United Kingdom: the Royal Kennel Club’s Health Standard requires no test, so every test is ○ recommended.
United States: ● means the test is needed for a CHIC number from the OFA; taking part in CHIC is voluntary.
Australia: ● means the breed club’s code of ethics requires the test of member breeders; the kennel club registers litters without it.
New Zealand: the kennel club lists these tests as advice and requires none, so every test is ○ recommended.
What to ask the breeder
- Certificates for both parents: kneecap check, eye exam, and heart exam. A claim that the parents are “health tested” is not enough.
- To see the puppies with their mother, at the breeder’s home.
- The pedigree papers (United Kingdom: Royal Kennel Club registration certificate; Canada: CKC certificate of registration; Australia: Dogs Australia pedigree, issued by the state body; New Zealand: Dogs NZ certificate of registration). [23] [24] [25] [26]
- 8 weeks: the youngest age at which a puppy may leave its mother in the UK, in Canada (Quebec), and in Australia (New South Wales). [27] [28] [29]
- Advice on buying a puppy: The Royal Kennel Club, The Canadian Kennel Club, Dogs Australia, and Dogs New Zealand. [30] [31] [32] [33]
Similar breeds
Sources
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Breed standard No. 218: Chihuahua (2019)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) | Breeds A to Z
- FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale): Chihuahua (FCI nomenclature)
- Agria Pet Insurance (UK): Chihuahua Pet Insurance - The UK's Most Trusted Pet Insurer (2026)
- PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, UK veterinary charity): The cost of owning a dog (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, other costs.
- PetMD: Chihuahua Dog Breed Health and Care (2024)
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Cutting Pet Care Costs (2021). Covers food, vet visits, preventive medicine, insurance, toys and treats, boarding, dog licence, grooming supplies.
- Pets Plus Us (Canadian pet insurer; figures from OVMA 2024 Cost of Care research): HOW MUCH IS THAT DOGGY? (EN-DOG_PPU_Cost-of-Care_Aug2024_v3.pdf) (2024). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, dog tax, accessories.
- Lyka: Chihuahua breed insights: care, personality & expert tips (2026)
- Animal Medicines Australia (survey by Sweeney Research/SNR): Pets in Australia: A national survey of pets and people (Pet Ownership Study 2025) (2025). Covers food, vet visits, insurance, parasite treatment, vet medicines, supplements, grooming, training, accessories, dog walking, boarding, transport, memberships, alternative healthcare.
- Companion Animals New Zealand (NZ Companion Animal Council): Companion Animals in New Zealand 2016 (section 6.3 Dogs, Fig 50) (2016). Covers food, vet visits, dog tax, boarding, equipment, grooming, healthcare products, insurance, training, other costs.
- nidirect (official government website for Northern Ireland): Dog licensing and microchipping (2026)
- American Kennel Club: Are You Financially Prepared for a Puppy? Explore Costs of Owning a Dog (2021)
- City of Toronto: Pet Licensing Fees (2026)
- Mozo: How much does it cost to own a dog or cat in Australia? 2026 (2026)
- PetMall NZ, citing Auckland Council: Auckland Dog Registration 2026–27: Late Fees Now Apply — Full Fee Table (2026)
- Canine Genetics and Epidemiology (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (2016)
- BMC Veterinary Research (O'Neill D.G. et al., VetCompass): Demography and commonly recorded clinical conditions of Chihuahuas under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016 (2020)
- Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Mattin M.J. et al., VetCompass): Prevalence of and risk factors for degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England (2015)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): CHIC Program Requirements: Chihuahua
- National Chihuahua Council (Australia): Health & Welfare
- Dogs New Zealand: Accredited Breeder Health Tests for the CHIHUAHUA (SMOOTH COAT) (former Accredited Breeders Scheme test list)
- The Royal Kennel Club: What should the breeder give me?
- The Canadian Kennel Club: By-Laws (incl. Code of Ethics (2025)
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Importance of Pedigree Papers
- Dogs New Zealand (New Zealand Kennel Club Inc.): Registration Regulations (Section 4, Reg. 24: Litter Registration Limitations (2026)
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/486), Schedule 6 (breeding dogs) and Schedule 3 (selling animals as pets) (2018)
- Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ): Guide d'application du Règlement sur le bien-être et la sécurité des animaux domestiques de compagnie et des équidés (reproduces CQLR c. B-3.1, r. 0.1, art. 36) (2023)
- NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), State of New South Wales (fact sheet hosted by Dogs NSW): New laws for dog breeders in NSW (fact sheet on the 2024-25 amendments to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and Companion Animals Act 1998) (2025)
- The Royal Kennel Club: Questions for the breeder
- The Canadian Kennel Club: Finding an Accountable Breeder
- Dogs Australia: Getting a Dog: Choosing a Breeder
- Dogs New Zealand: How do you go about purchasing a pedigree pure bred dog?
Breeding rules, health sources and breed standards checked October 8, 2026.
Prices as published by the sources; collected October 8, 2026.
Breed traits describe typical tendencies. Every dog is an individual, shaped by genes, upbringing and training.