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Breed profile

Chihuahua

The smallest breed, with a loyal, one-person streak.

Black and tan Chihuahua with large ears and tongue out, smiling on a lawn
Big ears, bigger personality.Photo: Robert Simmons / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Weight
1.5–3 kg3–7 lb
Height
15–23 cm6–9 in
Lifespan
14–17 yrs
Group
Toy
Origin
Mexico
Popularity
#24 US#29 UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendlyLap dogs

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Loyal, Alert, Sassy, Devoted.

Health problems to know about

  • Dental disease
  • Luxating patella
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Hydrocephalus

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

Short walks and indoor play. Dental care is essential. Keep warm.

A good fit for

Apartments, older owners, single-person homes.

Probably not ideal for

Homes with toddlers, owners wanting a quiet dog.

Sources

  1. Royal Kennel Club: Chihuahua (Long Coat)
  2. VCA Animal Hospitals: Chihuahua
  3. Wikipedia: Chihuahua (dog)

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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