Chihuahua

Chihuahua dog

Tiny Mexican companion with an alert nature, bold personality, and ancient roots.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Toy Under 6 lbs 5 - 8 inches 14 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Mexico



Own a Chihuahua? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Chihuahua? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
  • Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.

The Chihuahua takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where small dogs resembling the modern breed attracted the attention of visitors during the 19th century. Its earlier history is less certain, but the breed is generally linked to small companion dogs kept by civilizations of pre-Columbian Mexico. One frequently cited ancestor is the Techichi, a small dog associated particularly with the Toltec civilization and later with the Aztecs. Archaeological art and artifacts from Mexico depict small dogs with similarities to the Chihuahua, although the exact relationship between those ancient animals and the modern breed cannot be reconstructed as a simple pedigree. During the 1800s, American visitors to Mexico began acquiring small dogs and bringing them north across the border. The name Chihuahua eventually became attached to them. The American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua in 1904, and organized breeding helped establish the tiny size and distinctive appearance familiar today. Both smooth- and long-coated varieties developed within the breed. Despite becoming famous as a fashionable lapdog, the Chihuahua retains an alert, confident temperament that often seems strikingly out of proportion to its very small body.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Chihuahua tends to shed relatively little, although coat care is still important.

The Chihuahua generally has relatively manageable grooming needs.

The Chihuahua generally has a moderate energy level.

The Chihuahua generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The Chihuahua has moderate trainability and generally benefits from patient, consistent training.

The Chihuahua may be less naturally suited to homes with children, so careful introductions and supervision are important.

The Chihuahua may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Chihuahua is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Chihuahua generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.