FCI allows 1-3 kg with 1.5-2.5 kg as the ideal; AKC says not to exceed 6 lb (about 2.7 kg); UKC gives an ideal of 3-6.5 lb (about 1.4-2.9 kg). No sex difference is set in the standards.
A tiny, compact dog that is a little longer than it is tall, topped by the breed's trademark rounded 'apple' skull, big upright ears, full round eyes and a short, slightly pointed muzzle. The tail is carried up in a curve over the back. Smooth coats are short, glossy and close to the body; long coats are soft and flat or gently wavy, with fringed ears, a plumed tail and feathering on the legs. Either variety may or may not have an undercoat. The kennel club standards judge the breed by weight rather than height.453
Coloursany colour, solid, marked or splashedall shades and combinations are accepted except merle (FCI, UKC)435
Personality what they are like
Quick, bright and bold, the Chihuahua carries itself with far more confidence than its size suggests. It tends to attach closely to one household and loves both lap time and lively games, while often staying a bit reserved with strangers. It learns fast, has an independent streak and responds best to patient, reward-based training, and its watchful nature makes it a keen little alarm bell at home.4376
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Around 30 minutes of exercise a day, ideally split into two short walks, plus indoor play and puzzle toys to keep the mind busy. The breed can also take part in agility and obedience.968
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to keep. Brush smooth coats about once a week and long coats two or three times a week; both shed more in spring and autumn. Regular tooth brushing is part of the routine. A coat or jumper helps on cold days because such a small body loses heat quickly.679
Home where they are happiest
Happy in a flat or a house as long as it has a safe space to play. It is an indoor dog that prefers warmth and company, and does best when it is not left alone for long stretches. Homes with older, calm children who will not constantly pick it up suit it best.967
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality dog food sized for toy breeds, usually split into two meals a day, with puppies fed small meals more often. Portions are tiny, so measure food carefully and keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories.67
Company who they like around
A true companion dog that wants to be with its owner most of the day. Early and varied socialising with people and places helps it grow into a relaxed, confident adult.67
The story where it all began
The Chihuahua is counted among the oldest breeds of the Americas. The FCI traces it to small dogs kept by the Toltec people, whose stone carvings at Tula show a dog called the Techichi that looks much like today's breed, and Britannica dates the Techichi to at least the 9th century CE. The Aztecs later kept little dogs of their own, and the AKC notes they were valued by the nobility and even buried with them. The breed takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where visitors noticed the dogs in the mid-1800s and began bringing them to the United States. Chihuahuas were shown in America from 1890, the AKC recognised the breed in 1904 with a dog named Midget as the first registration, and the Chihuahua Club of America followed in 1923. The long and smooth coats were split into separate show varieties in 1952. Today the FCI (from 1959), UKC (from 1948) and The Royal Kennel Club all recognise it, and it is often called the smallest dog breed in the world.4283101
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
The shortest living dog on Guinness World Records is Pearl, a Chihuahua from Orlando, Florida, who measured 9.14 cm (3.59 in) tall in 2022. She is a relative of the previous holder, Milly, another Chihuahua.11
2
Kennel clubs do not set a height for the Chihuahua at all. The breed is judged by weight, and the FCI ideal is just 1.5 to 2.5 kg.4
3
The rounded 'apple head' skull is a hallmark of the breed and is written into both the FCI and AKC standards.5
4
The first Chihuahua registered by the AKC, in 1904, was a dog named Midget, owned by H. Raynor of Texas.10
5
Carvings at the ancient Toltec city of Tula show a small dog, the Techichi, that looks strikingly like the modern Chihuahua.4
6
Marilyn Monroe had a Chihuahua called Choo-Choo, and a minor league baseball team in Texas is named the El Paso Chihuahuas.8
7
A Chihuahua named Caranza, imported by the author Owen Wister, founded two important early American bloodlines, Meron and Perrito.8
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was discovered in the mid-19th century. The alternative name Chihuahueño is also used in Mexico.10
Famous ones stars of the breed
Gidget Famous as the Taco Bell Chihuahua in a popular advertising campaign in the late 1990s.10
Renâe A Chihuahua who was the smallest dog in the world according to the Guinness World Records, measuring 4.75 inches tall.10
Milly A Chihuahua who held the Guinness World Record for the smallest living dog by height, at 3.8 inches tall.10
Boo A Chihuahua who became an internet celebrity known as the 'World's Cutest Dog' with millions of social media followers.10
I wake up and stretch my tiny legs, then jump onto the bed to lick my human's nose. I'm the boss of this house, and I have important things to do. First, I patrol the living room, no intruders today. Then I demand a game of fetch with my squeaky ball. I'm fast and clever. After a nap on a warm lap, I do a little trick for a treat. My human laughs, and I feel proud. Later, I curl up in my cosy bed, keeping one eye open. I may be small, but I'm mighty. Goodnight, world.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 218 (Chihuahueño), Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs; definitive acceptance 12 Apr 1959; current standard published 9 Apr 2019; long-haired and smooth-haired varieties1
AKC
Toy Group; recognised 1904 (first registered dog 'Midget'); long and smooth coats formally separated as varieties in 1952; current standard approved 12 Aug 20088
Toy Group; registered as two varieties, Long Coat and Smooth Coat, which share the same standard apart from coat9
Popularity Ranked 24th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chihuahua. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Cold care winterA jumper or coat on cold walksevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Chihuahua tip
Chihuahuas are prone to obesity and dental disease, so choose small, low-calorie treats and consider dental chews to help reduce plaque. Always monitor treat intake, as even a few extra calories can add up in a toy breed.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chihuahua, and at what times?
Feed a complete, good-quality dog food sized for toy breeds, usually split into two meals a day, with puppies needing smaller meals more often. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding, and general guidance recommends at least two meals for adults, so pick consistent times that suit your routine.6713Pet Wiki plan
What should a Chihuahua eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Stick to a complete, good-quality dog food for toy breeds, measuring portions carefully and keeping treats under 10 percent of daily calories. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially risky for dogs.6714
How often should I bathe a Chihuahua?
Bathe your Chihuahua about every two months, as Furry Diary's plan suggests, though general guidance says at least once every three months or more often if needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and keep baths brief to avoid drying their skin.15Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Chihuahua need brushing?
Brush smooth coats about once a week and long coats two to three times a week, as both shed more in spring and autumn. Furry Diary's plan suggests weekly brushing, which suits smooth coats well.67Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Chihuahua's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor, as Furry Diary suggests. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and if unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demo.15Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?
Around 30 minutes a day, split into two short walks, plus indoor play and puzzle toys, though Furry Diary's plan suggests about 60 minutes daily. This breed can also enjoy agility and obedience for extra fun.968Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Chihuahua's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily, as Furry Diary suggests, using dog toothpaste never human, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything inside. Regular tooth brushing is key to prevent issues, and ask your vet for ear cleaning tips if needed.156Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas typically live between 12 and 18 years, making them a long-lived companion. Senior years often start around age 10, so plan for regular vet checks then.967Pet Wiki plan
Is a Chihuahua good with children and other pets?
Chihuahuas suit homes with older, calm children who won't constantly pick them up, as they can be reserved with strangers and prefer gentle handling. Early socialising with people and places helps them get along with other pets, but supervision is wise.967
Can a Chihuahua be left alone?
Chihuahuas are true companions and do best when not left alone for long stretches, as they want to be with their owner most of the day. If you must leave them, keep it short and provide toys, but consider a pet sitter for longer absences.67
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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