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Chihuahua

The Chihuahua descends from the pre-Columbian Techichi dog of the Toltec and Aztec empires, documented in Mesoamerican burial sites back 2,000 years.

Calculate Chihuahua age
Lifespan11.8 yrrange 11–12
SizeToyToy Group
Weight6–6 lb2.7–2.7 kg
Senior at9 yrgeriatric at 13

Gallery (3)

About

About the Chihuahua

The Chihuahua descends from the pre-Columbian Techichi dog of the Toltec and Aztec empires, documented in Mesoamerican burial sites back 2,000 years. Modern type was standardized in 19th-century Mexico; AKC recognition dates to 1904.

Aging

How Chihuahuas age

RVC VetCompass gives a median 11.8 years (n=14,636). Patellar luxation is the defining orthopedic concern; hydrocephalus from the apple-dome skull, mitral valve disease, and juvenile hypoglycemia shape pediatric and late-life welfare.

Lifespan deep-divePublished breed median: 11.8 yrSenior careSenior at 9 · geriatric at 13Common health issues7 tracked conditions
Physical

Physical characteristics

Weight
6–6 lb(2.7–2.7 kg)
Height
5–8 in(12.7–20.3 cm)
Coat type
Short
Colors
BlackBlack & TanBlue & TanChocolateChocolate & TanCreamFawnFawn & WhiteRedBlack & WhiteBlack Sabled FawnBlack Sabled Silver
Temperament

Temperament

How Chihuahuas tend to show up around their people, other dogs, and the world.

charminggracefulsassyalert
  • Energy
  • Trainability
  • Good with kids
  • Good with other dogs
  • Shedding
Health

Common health issues

Full health profile
  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~2 yr

    Patellar Luxation

    Description and veterinary guidance for Patellar Luxation land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~7 yr

    Cataracts

    Description and veterinary guidance for Cataracts land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

  • Low prevalencetypical onset ~1 yr

    Congenital Cardiac Defect

    Description and veterinary guidance for Congenital Cardiac Defect land in Phase 4. Prevalence and onset-age figures above are drawn from https://ofa.org/diseases/disease-statistics/.

Exercise
60min
per day

About 60 minutes of activity per day keeps a Chihuahua physically and mentally satisfied. Split it between a structured walk and free play.

Related

Related breeds

Breeds with a similar size and group profile, for readers comparing options.

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References

Sources

Lifespan and health figures on this page are drawn from the peer-reviewed and organizational sources below.

  1. AKC breed standardAmerican Kennel Club breed page

    Breed size, weight range, height, AKC group, origin, coat type, and temperament baseline.

  2. McMillan et al. 2024Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death

    Multi-source UK companion-dog study. See the lifespan page for the matched statistic and its limitations.