Dog breed - Chihuahua
Chihuahua
A tiny dog with a big personality, the Chihuahua is bright, loving and loyal.
Chihuahuas at a glance
Playful, loyal, alert
Up to 1 hour of exercise a day
Life expectancy of 12+ years
Small, between 2kg and 3kg
The personality and temperament of Chihuahuas
Expect a confident, larger-than-life attitude from this little dog! The Chihuahua is a fiercely loyal little breed who prefers to be around their owners at all times.
This means they can be more prone to separation anxiety, so do best in households where they won't be left alone for long periods.
On the other hand, they do like their own space and may let you know if you cross their boundaries.
The world can be a scary place for such a small dog, so training and confidence building are key in the early stages of a Chihuahua's life.
A dog this size should be treated the same as any other dog, with lots of good walks, social interactions, a high-quality diet, etc. Some owners are tempted to pop them in bags, but this is a bad idea and often comes with undesired behaviour traits!
How to train and exercise your Chihuahua
Ideally, you should start training and socialising your Chihuahua as early as possible.
They sometimes prefer to take things at their own pace but be patient, give them lots of positive reinforcement and they'll get there.
They need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. It's a good idea to give them lots of mental stimulation too as they're intelligent dogs.
As they're prone to separation anxiety, this could lead to barking, whining or even destroying things.
It's possible to train them out of this to a certain extent, by slowly building up the time you leave them and considering crate training.
If you know you will have to leave them alone for long periods, a Chihuahua might not be the right dog for you.
Common health conditions in Chihuahuas
Some common health conditions that Chihuahuas are prone to are:
- patella luxation - this is when the kneecap moves out of its regular position and causes them to limp
- heart problems - they can either be born with heart issues, or they can develop later in life
- dental issues - like all toy breeds, Chihuahuas are more prone to dental issues like gum disease
- tracheal collapse - this is when their windpipe collapses and causes them to cough or struggle to breathe
- eye problems - their prominent eyes can make them prone to eye infections and injuries
Whether they're born with issues or develop them later in life, there's lots you can do to manage and treat these conditions. In some cases, they may need surgery.
If you see any symptoms in your Chihuahua you're concerned about, speak to your vet right away for their advice.
Feeding and nutrition
Chihuahuas need two meals a day of nutritious dog food.
As they're so small, overfeeding them can have a bigger effect so keep a keen eye on their portion sizes and be careful not to feed them too many treats.
Grooming your Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are either short or long haired, but both types need to be brushed weekly.
Whenever you brush your dog, check their eyes for any redness and their ears for any dark-coloured wax or a strange smell.
These things may be a sign of an infection and might mean you need to take them to the vet.
You can clean their outer ears with damp cotton wool, and your vet may recommend you use some ear cleaner drops.
Things to know before you buy or rehome a Chihuahua
Bringing home your Chihuahua, regardless of its age or history, is a big commitment. Get ready for it by considering the following:
- Make sure your dog has a safe environment and somewhere warm to sleep – Chihuahuas tend to feel the cold.
- Whether you're getting a puppy or adult rescue, these dogs are small and fragile, so make sure everyone knows to handle them with care and give them space to adjust.
- Secure your garden - a tiny Chihuahua could be easy to lose!
- Figure out what to feed them and buy some food and treats.
- Buy your essentials, including a collar, ID tag, lead and dog bowls.
- Look up their exercise needs and plan their socialisation. This is important for Chihuahuas to prevent any defensive behaviour.
- Learn about separation anxiety and what to look out for.
- Make sure you understand their grooming needs. Chihuahuas need regular brushing, nail trimming and dental checks.
- Have a look at pet insurance options.
Did you know?
Insuring your Chihuahua
Find out more about protecting your Chihuahua.