Chihuahua Dog Breed: Size, Personality and More

This smallest of breed has a rich history steeped in legend and lore. Originally known as the Techihi, it was a larger, heavier ancestor of today’s Chihuahua, favored by the Toltecs in Mexico about a thousand years ago. 

In the mid-19th century, the Chihuahua was officially recognized in Mexico City, specifically in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the Aztecs further refined the Techihi into the smaller, lighter dog we know today.

The breed first arrived in the United States in the 1800s when Mexican merchants sold them to tourists who brought them back as pets.

The Chihuahua was recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1908 and is ranked as the 32nd most popular in the U.S.

Chihuahua’s are known as a toy breed and can be considered a ‘lap dog’ however they are still fairly active and have big personalities.

This breed requires high-quality food appropriate to their age and weight and size. Get advice from your veterinary surgeon, and read more about what to feed your Chihuahua on our best foods for Chihuahuas page, collated by our expert team.

General Characteristics: 

• Origin: Mexico
• Size: Small
• Height: 5 to 8 inches
• Weight: Up to 6 pounds
• Lifespan: 14 to 16 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: Long or short coats in many patterns and colors. 
• Colors: There are many colorings the most popular being black, cream fawn and chocolate. 
• Build: Small build with a rounded ‘apple’ head, large erect ears and very prominent eyes.

Chihuahua Temperament: 

• Loyal: Chihuahua develop strong connections with their family, which makes them very loyal.
• Big personality: They are known for being vocal and alert companions and although small they need as much care and attention as larger breeds.
• Confident: Chihuahuas can be confident dogs, but they may also be wary of strangers and unfamiliar situations due to their small size. Socialize your Chihuahua from a young age with various people.

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: An intelligent and alert dog, they are eager to please and respond well to training. They excel in obedience training and various canine sports.
• Exercise: They love to run and play, and being a tiny breed, they can get enough exercise in small spaces. Short, slow walks will keep them happy and healthy.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: Brushing is key; while they are light to moderate shedders, regular brushing will help manage their shedding and maintain a healthy coat.

Interesting Facts:  

• Chihuahua dogs are the smallest recognized dog breed.
• The dogs were bred to thrive in Mexico’s warm climate. Inside the house, Chihuahuas tend to find warm places as they do not cope with the cold.
• The Chihuahua serves as the mascot for a minor-league baseball team in Texas. If you find yourself in the Lone Star State during baseball season, you can enjoy a game played by the El Paso Chihuahuas.
• Chihuahuas are clever little dogs known for their loyalty, charm, and big-dog attitude. Despite their small size these dogs are brimming with personality. They are quite vocal and, despite their diminutive stature, serve as alert companions who will notify you if someone is approaching.
• Chihuahuas are known for their trademark large, pointy ears, but they are born with floppy ears. These ears usually begin to rise to a pointy position between five to fifteen weeks of age, sometimes one ear at a time.
• They have gained popularity among celebrities. Famous Chihuahua enthusiasts include Madonna, Paris Hilton, Demi Moore, Johnny Depp, and Britney Spears. It’s no surprise, as they are small enough to fit in a purse for a stroll down the red carpet!

Chihuahua Price:

The average cost of a Chihuahua in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Chihuahua:

Price Range: $800 to $2,500

If buying a Chihuahua puppy or specific breeds of Chihuahua, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $200 to $350

A Chihuahua adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.