Chihuahua

— Feisty. Loyal. Big Personality.

Named after the Mexican state where the breed was first documented, the Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed but carries a personality far bigger than its size suggests. Fiercely loyal to their chosen person, alert, and often wary of strangers, many Chihuahuas live well into their teens with good dental and heart care.

MexicoOrigin

Toy GroupBreed Group

14 - 16 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Apartment or small-space living

Single-person or quiet households

Owners who can protect from cold/falls

Homes with very young children

About the Chihuahua

Last updated: September 21, 2026 · Written by Sam, Founder

Read Full History

Key Facts

Named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where the breed was first documented

AKC life expectancy of 14-16 years, though large UK studies record shorter medians

Tends to bond intensely with one primary person over the whole family

Very sensitive to cold due to their small size and short coat

Is Chihuahua Right for You?

Apartment or small-space living

Single-person or quiet households

Owners who can protect from cold/falls

Homes with very young children

Explore More Breeds →

Photo Gallery

View All Breeds →

The Chihuahua has smooth or long coat in wide variety, including fawn, black, white, chocolate, with a low to moderate pattern year-round.

A Chihuahua puppy with a curious expression

A Chihuahua resting in a cozy indoor setting

Personality

FeistyOften unaware of their small size, Chihuahuas can be bold and assertive, even toward much larger dogs.

LoyalTends to bond very closely with one person, sometimes becoming protective or wary of others as a result.

AlertNaturally watchful and quick to vocalize at new sights or sounds, making them effective (if small) watchdogs.

SensitiveCan be easily stressed by rough handling, loud environments, or cold weather given their small, delicate build.

Care & Needs

TemperatureHighly sensitive to cold due to their size and short coat — a sweater or coat is genuinely necessary in cool weather, not just fashion.

HandlingTheir small, delicate frame is prone to injury from falls or rough play, so supervised interaction with young children matters.

Dental CareToy breeds are especially prone to dental crowding and periodontal disease — regular brushing and vet dental checks are important.

ExerciseModest daily walks and indoor play are usually sufficient; their small size means exercise needs are lower than most breeds.

A Chihuahua wrapped in a soft blanket on someone's lap

Did You Know?

Chihuahuas are believed to be descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltec civilization in Mexico centuries before European contact.

Chihuahuas have been serving humans in many important roles including: Companion Dogs and Lap Dogs .

Health & Common Issues

Dental DiseaseTheir small jaw often causes overcrowded teeth, making them highly prone to periodontal disease without regular dental care.

Patellar LuxationA common small-breed joint issue where the kneecap slips out of place, ranging from mild to requiring surgical correction.

HypoglycemiaEspecially in puppies and toy-sized adults, low blood sugar can occur quickly if meals are skipped — regular small meals help prevent this.

Training & Exercise

Start socialization early to reduce the breed's tendency toward wariness or reactivity with strangers and other dogs.
Use consistent, gentle positive reinforcement — Chihuahuas can become anxious or stubborn with harsh handling.
Avoid over-carrying; letting a Chihuahua walk and explore on its own builds confidence rather than dependency.
Manage "small dog syndrome" behaviors (excessive barking, guarding) with the same consistent boundaries used for larger breeds.

History & Origin

1850s Small dogs resembling modern Chihuahuas were discovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, believed to descend from the Techichi dogs kept by ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

Late 1800s American tourists began bringing the breed back from Mexico, introducing it to the US.

1904 Officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

Today One of the most popular toy breeds worldwide, known for its outsized personality relative to its tiny frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chihuahuas good with kids?

They can be, but their small, delicate size makes them more prone to injury from rough handling, so supervision and teaching gentle interaction matters more than with sturdier breeds.

Why do Chihuahuas shake so much?

A combination of their small size (which makes them lose body heat faster), sensitivity to cold, and sometimes anxiety or excitement — persistent shaking unrelated to cold or excitement is worth mentioning to a vet.

How long do Chihuahuas live?

The AKC gives 14-16 years, and a study of three US primary-care clinics found a median of 16 years. A 2024 UK study of more than 584,000 dogs recorded a shorter median of 11.8 years, so many Chihuahuas reach their mid-teens but it isn't guaranteed — dental disease and mitral valve heart disease are the main conditions to stay ahead of.