An iconic breed, the Chihuahua is known for its tiny build but big personality. Recognised as one of the smallest dogs in the world, Chihuahuas sprung to popularity in the early 2000s, notably by celebrities like Paris Hilton and Madonna.
Chihuahuas are usually a loyal, quirky, and playful breed that can thrive in the company of their owners. While they tend to be vocal, their hyper-vigilant nature could make them great watchdogs, alerting you if they sense something’s off.
If you want to know more about this small but mighty breed, read our guide below to see if Chihuahuas are the pet for you.
If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Chihuahua:
Chihuahuas have a lifespan of 10 - 12 years.
Chihuahuas usually reach their full weight and height by 9 months. Healthy male and female Chihuahuas are between 15 - 22cm tall and weigh between 1.3 - 2.7 kg.
Chihuahuas only shed small amounts, mostly around spring and autumn.
If you’re looking for a fun, bold pet that doesn’t take up too much space, the Chihuahua might be the perfect match for you. Chihuahuas usually form close bonds with their owner/s and tend to get quite attached, which is shown through their affection and desire to play.
Intelligent and fast learners, Chihuahuas can easily trainable through positive reinforcement and food. Due to their size, a family with younger children might not be the best fit for a chihuahua, as there may be a higher risk of young children injuring them through play.
Chihuahuas might be small, but they’ve got larger-than-life personalities. Sometimes they can forget their size and aren’t afraid to square up to dogs that are much bigger than them. That’s why they should be socialised from an early age and keep a watchful eye on them at the dog park. Tiny dogs require training just as much as larger dogs. Chihuahuas can make great companions and are easily transportable, so if you want company sitting on the couch or while running errands, you’ll always have a friend by your side.
Chihuahuas have two distinct coat types - long and smooth. Long coated Chihuahuas (like the name suggests) have long and slightly curly flat hair that’s prominent around their ears, chest, and tail. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have shorter and more even hair that covers their whole body.
Chihuahuas should be brushed once a week with a grooming mitt or brush, which only takes a few minutes. Chihuahuas may develop build-up around their eyes, so regularly wiping down their faces can help curb this from happening. If you create a grooming routine around brushing and wiping, you should only need to bathe a Chihuahua every 1-2 months.
Chihuahuas don’t have high exercise needs, but still have a lot of energy and can sometimes exert themselves too much. Their small size makes them ideal city pets or beloved pets for owners without much yard space. But if they don't have a yard to run around in, you might need to take these little dogs out for walks—a 20 to 30-minute daily walk helps keep this tiny dog happy.
Chihuahuas have fast metabolisms, so opt to feed small meals several times a day. It’s recommended to buy high-quality food for Chihuahuas as they can susceptible to dental diseases and obesity. A combination of lean meat like chicken or beef with small-sized kibble offers a balanced meal that could keep a Chihuahua full.
Like most dog breeds, Chihuahuas are susceptible to certain health conditions. Here are some examples:
Luxating Patella is a common hereditary condition that can affect a Chihuahua's kneecaps, causing them to dislocate or slip out of place. If your Chihuahua starts limping or avoids using a specific leg, that’s a sign they may be experiencing pain from this condition. The good news is Luxating Patella doesn’t usually cause on-going pain for dogs and is a manageable condition if treated correctly.
Smaller breeds can suffer from tooth and gum complications due to overcrowding in their mouths. With teeth close together, food can easily get stuck and cause build-up and tartar. It’s important to regularly brush Chihuahua's teeth to ensure good dental hygiene and avoid the risk of disease forming.
If you’re thinking about getting Pet Insurance for your Chihuahua, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.
Claim up to $30,000 a year
Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills
Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life
Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims=
# Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.
* Exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply.
‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.
= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).
Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.
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