🐕 Dogs

Chihuahua

The tiniest dog with the biggest attitude.

Chihuahuas are devoted, sassy and portable. They often bond strongly with one person and do best with gentle handling.

Lifespan14–17 years
SizeToy · 2–6 lb
Care levelEasy
Typical cost$60–120 / month
Great for
ApartmentsSinglesSeniorsDevotedSassyAlert
Chihuahua

Photo: Bonnie van den Born, http://www.bonfoto.nl. The original uploader was Cwazi at D · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Care guide

Daily care

Indoors; sweaters in cold weather.

Toy-breed food in small, frequent meals.

20–30 minutes of play and short walks.

Minimal for smooth coats; brush long coats weekly.

Health

Common health concerns

Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.

  • Dental disease
  • Patellar luxation
  • Tracheal collapse
  • Heart disease
  • Hypoglycemia
Veterinary care

Vet visits

Annual exams; dental cleanings are especially important.

Find a vet near me