The original pocket-sized pup, Chihuahuas pack a big personality into their tiny frame. Feisty, affectionate, and deeply loyal, these little dynamos bring endless joy — and a touch of sass — to their families.
Parenting this bold breed comes with lots to consider. Whether you’re lucky enough to share your life with a Chihuahua or just thinking about adopting a pup, this guide is here to help you navigate the joys (and quirks) of raising these spirited pups.
Our holistic approach covers all the essential aspects of your dog's health, from selecting the best food for your Chihuahua to supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
The Chihuahua has a rich and fascinating history, tracing its roots back to ancient Mexico. These pint-sized pups likely descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog cherished by the Toltec civilization. The Aztecs refined the breed, treasuring Chihuahuas as sacred animals, believed to guide spirits to the afterlife.
The modern Chihuahua was discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 19th century. American travellers fell in love with their charm and took them home, sparking their rise to international popularity.
Key characteristics
Chihuahuas are intelligent, alert, and devoted. Despite their tiny bodies, they have the confidence of a much larger dog — sometimes even acting like they run the household!
They’re fiercely loyal to their families and often form a particularly strong bond with one person.
Their spirited nature means they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Chihuahuas aren’t afraid to voice their opinions — whether it’s greeting strangers, asking for treats, or protesting a bath! They’re great watchdogs, but their size makes them rather useless at guarding.
Health considerations
Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to dental disease, joint conditions, and heart conditions.
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in phytonutrients and ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can support joint and heart health and contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Appearance and size
The Chihuahua is a small, compact dog with a well-balanced frame. Their signature features? An apple-shaped head with big, expressive eyes, and alert ears. Be cautious when out and about as their distinctive protruding eyes can be susceptible to injury or infection.
Their coat can be either short-haired or long-haired, coming in a variety of colours, including fawn, black, white, and chocolate.
Chihuahua personality and temperament
Lively, affectionate, and clever, Chihuahuas are famed for their sassy, big-dog attitude. Some are the life of the party, while others prefer to stay tucked behind their human’s legs — either way, they know exactly how to get what they want!
They thrive on companionship and adoration. While they love a cuddle, they also have an independent streak — so don’t be surprised if they demand attention one minute and strut off the next
And don’t be fooled by their size, Chihuahuas are smart dogs. If they’re not trained consistently, they can become the boss of the household.
Plenty of stimulation is a must, otherwise they may find other channels for their energy, like excessive yapping or destructive chewing. Snappy or bitey behaviour should be nipped in the bud with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
A Chihuahua can make a good family dog but they're more suited to households with older children who know how to handle their delicate body with care.
Chihuahua size guide
A full-grown Chihuahua weighs between 1-3 kg and can grow between 15-23 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics.
They tend to stop growing in height by 9 months of age when they reach adulthood.
Chihuahuas are the ultimate city dog: apartment-friendly and compact enough to be carried in your arms or pet carrier — perfect for exploring the concrete jungle.
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How long do Chihuahuas live?
Chihuahuas have an impressive lifespan, often living between 14-17 years with proper care, some have been known to live to the ripe old age of 20.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible — and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
"Toy breeds, like Chihuahuas, can be susceptible to developing dental disease, affecting their teeth and gums. You can look after their oral health with regular brushing and dental chews, like Lyka’s Pig Twigs and Busy Beefies."
— Dr Alexander England, Lyka Veterinarian, BVetMed MANZCVS (Small Animal Veterinary Practice)
Learn more about Dr Alexander England and his veterinary experience.
What does a Chihuahua eat?
These pocket rockets have sharp minds and assertive personalities that deserve to be fuelled with the right nutrition.
The best diet for a Chihuahua is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Chihuahua’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Chihuahua puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Chihuahua puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Chihuahua health issues
Chihuahuas from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Chihuahuas can be genetically predisposed to developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
Chihuahuas have small mouths making them predisposed to tartar and plaque build-up leading to gum disease. All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Heart conditions
Mitral Valve Disease1 (MVD) is the most common cardiac illness in dogs, though it tends to be more prevalent in smaller breeds, like Chihuahuas.
Mild cases of MVD may not show any noticeable signs in your pup and it’s usually identified during a routine health check by your vet. The disease is degenerative, but it progresses slowly. However, it can lead to congestive heart failure (CHF). Always, check with your vet if you have any concerns about your Chihuahua’s health.
Dogs with MVD and CHF are usually advised to eat a low-sodium diet as too much salt increases their blood pressure and puts their heart under more stress.
Support your dog’s heart health by feeding them a fresh, wholefood diet that contains powerful ingredients known for their cardiovascular benefits:
🍄 Mushrooms: Bursting with vitamins, minerals and antioxidant properties for cardiovascular health.
🥦 Broccoli: A rich source of potassium for a strong heart rhythm and optimal blood pressure.
🌱 Chia seeds: Small but mighty, these tiny seeds have antioxidant properties to combat oxidative stress, and are high in fibre to promote satiety and support weight management.
Chihuahua coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
A well-groomed Chihuahua doesn’t just look good; proper coat care plays a vital role in their overall well-being.
A consistent grooming routine helps maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Chihuahuas can have two types of coats: smooth-haired or long-haired. They’re low-moderate shedders, so aren’t regarded as hypoallergenic.
Grooming
Both types of Chihuahuas benefit from regular brushing to distribute natural oils, keeping their coat soft and shiny. Long-haired pups may require more frequent grooming to prevent mats and tangles, especially around the ears and legs.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks unless they get particularly dirty. Always use a gentle, dog-friendly shampoo to protect their delicate skin.
Support your dog’s skin and coat health with skin-loving ingredients like chia seeds (containing zinc), and hemp seeds (containing omega fatty acids) You’ll find these in our Kangaroo and Lamb bowls.
Hygiene tips
A Chihuahua’s nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums — vital to prevent dental disease, common in Chihuahuas.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Remember to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Chihuahua exercise requirements
Despite their lapdog appearance, Chihuahuas have plenty of energy and require regular exercise. While they don’t need as much as larger breeds, up to an hour of daily activity and mental stimulation will keep them fit and healthy.
Due to their small stature, Chihuahuas can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions, so it’s best to avoid excessive heat or cold during outdoor activities. Interactive toys and puzzle feeders are great to prevent boredom.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are intelligent but can be strong-willed, so patience, consistency and positive reinforcement training are key.
Training should start early and continue throughout their life — because if you don’t set the rules, they’ll happily set their own!
Controlled socialisation develops confidence and social skills and helps to prevent excessive barking or nervous behaviour around strangers and other animals. Due to their small size, leash training is also important to ensure safe and enjoyable walks.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them mentally stimulated. For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Chihuahua breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Chihuahua is the perfect sassy companion. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like patellar luxation.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Chihuahua breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Chihuahua puppy?
You can expect to pay around $1,500 to $4,000 for a Chihuahua puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
Adoption from a shelter is also a wonderful option if you’re looking to give a Chihuahua a second chance at a loving home. Try to find out as much information about them as possible but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got some Chihuahua questions? Check out the answers to our FAQs below:
Are Chihuahuas hypoallergenic?
No, Chihuahuas are not considered hypoallergenic. They do shed, though their small size means they produce less dander than larger breeds. Regular grooming can help manage shedding and reduce allergens in the home.
When should I desex my Chihuahua?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Chihuahua pregnant?
The Chihuahua gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
What’s the difference between a Chihuahua and a teacup Chihuahua?
There is only one recognised breed and that is the Chihuahua. Other variations that might be advertised are not separate breeds, but descriptions of size.
What is a deer-head Chihuahua?
Chihuahua’s that have more angular features can resemble a deer’s head — a trait that some dogs have been bred for. The favoured Chihuahua breed standard is the apple-shaped head.
Why do Chihuahua’s shake?
There can be several reasons for your Chihuahua to quiver — cold temperatures, nervousness or anxiety, or it could be linked to their fast metabolism. It’s always worth checking with your veterinarian, if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.
Do Chihuahuas get along with cats or other pets?
If they’re introduced to the other pets carefully and gradually, yes, they can share a household. Always supervise early interactions to make it a positive experience for everyone.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Chihuahua comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Chihuahuas across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
