Chihuahua
Toy dog (under 5 kg), typically living 14–17 years.
Typical adult weight
Males: 2–3 kg
Females: 1–3 kg
Individual pets vary. Body condition matters more than the number on the scales.
At a glance
Typical lifespan
Median lifespan for a Chihuahua is around 13 years, based on a 2024 UK study of over half a million dogs. Try our dog lifespan calculator for a figure adjusted to your own dog.
Life with a Chihuahua
The Chihuahua needs a good daily walk plus some off-lead time to feel settled. As a toy dog (under 5 kg as an adult), it is reasonably easy to train with positive, reward-based methods, which matters most in the first year while good habits are being formed. It also is a notably vocal breed and neighbours may notice if it's left alone.
Coat care is a big part of day-to-day life with this breed: its coat needs almost no work beyond an occasional wipe-down, and it sheds lightly for most of the year. Around the home, the Chihuahua can do well with children when introduced carefully and given space and can be selective about which other animals it gets on with, though every individual dog is different and early, positive socialisation makes a real difference.
Weather is worth planning for too – this breed copes well with warm weather compared with most breeds. Whatever your plans for exercise, feeding or budgeting, the tools below are pre-loaded with typical figures for the Chihuahua so you can get a quick, personalised estimate.
Puppy growth chart
Estimated weight by age, based on an adult weight of around 2.3 kg (the midpoint of typical males and females) and a standard toy-breed growth curve. Real puppies vary by ±15% or more.
| Age | % of adult weight | Expected weight |
|---|---|---|
| 12 weeks | 50% | 1.1 kg |
| 16 weeks | 60% | 1.3 kg |
| 26 weeks | 80% | 1.8 kg |
| 39 weeks | 95% | 2.1 kg |
| 52 weeks | 100% | 2.3 kg |
Feeding guide by weight
Rough daily amounts for a neutered adult Chihuahua of average activity, using the standard 70 × weight0.75 formula and a typical dry food energy density of 3600 kcal/kg. Always check the exact figure on your own food's packaging.
| Body weight | Daily calories | Roughly dry food |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kg | 112 kcal | 31 g |
| 2.3 kg | 209 kcal | 58 g |
| 3 kg | 255 kcal | 71 g |
For a figure tailored to your dog's age, activity and neuter status, use the dog food calculator.
Daily exercise needs
As a toy and flat-faced breed-type dog, the Chihuahua typically needs about 20–40 minutes of exercise a day, split across one or two walks plus some off-lead time or play where possible.
Puppies, seniors and dogs recovering from illness need much less – see how much exercise does my dog need for a plan by age and health.
Estimated UK costs
Ongoing costs (food, insurance, routine vet care, flea/worm treatment, grooming and extras) for a Chihuahua typically run to around £59–£80 a month, or roughly £8,850–£12,000 over an average 12.5-year lifetime, not including one-off costs like purchase price, neutering or equipment.
These figures are UK averages and will vary by region and lifestyle. See our cost-of-ownership guide for a full breakdown you can adjust yourself.
Health conditions to be aware of
Like all breeds, the Chihuahua has its own set of conditions vets keep an eye out for. Knowing about them ahead of time means you can ask the right questions, consider health screening, and choose insurance cover that suits.
- Luxating patella
- Dental disease
- Heart murmurs
A breed being prone to a condition does not mean your pet will get it. Ask your vet about screening and insurance.
Calculators for your Chihuahua
Guides to read next
Estimates only – not a substitute for advice from your vet.
Last reviewed: 22 September 2026