Originally from Mexico and considered the smallest recognized dog breed in the world, the Chihuahua makes up for its tiny size with a bold temperament and a personality that has nothing to envy in the far more imposing breeds covered in our previous articles.

Physical characteristics

  • Height: 15-23 cm at the withers
  • Weight: 1.5 to 3 kg depending on the standard
  • Coat: short- or long-haired varieties, all colors accepted

Temperament

Sharp, courageous to a fault and deeply attached to its owner, the Chihuahua often forms a strong, exclusive bond and can become wary or even aggressive toward strangers or other dogs if not properly socialized — the same early socialization principles covered in our dedicated article apply fully, regardless of breed size.

A misconception worth correcting

Contrary to the widespread image of a "passive lapdog," the Chihuahua remains a dog like any other, with real needs for mental stimulation and exercise — scaled to its size, certainly, but not to be dismissed.

Roles and disciplines

Primarily a companion dog, the Chihuahua occasionally takes part in disciplines suited to its build, such as small-category agility, though its representation remains marginal compared with the more athletic breeds covered in our dog sport articles.

Health and lifespan

A remarkable lifespan of 14 to 18 years, one of the longest in the dog world. Specific vigilance needed for patellar luxation, dental issues (see our article on dental hygiene, particularly relevant for this breed given its proportionally large number of teeth for such a small jaw), and the bone fragility linked to its small size.

A small size that calls for special care

Contrary to popular belief, the Chihuahua's small size doesn't necessarily make it easier to care for: heightened bone fragility in a fall, markedly greater cold sensitivity than large breeds, and a real risk of injury from overly rough handling, particularly by young children.

Also available in English: choosing the right dog club or trainer, the therapy and assistance dog: the calming power of canine presence and the bed bug detection dog: a little-known detection specialty. More translations are added over time.