Chihuahua: Mexican Toy Dog Breed Guide

The Chihuahua, also called Chihuahueño, is a Mexican toy dog and the smallest recognized dog breed in the world. It is mainly kept as a companion. The breed has a compact body, large erect ears and a rounded skull. Both short- and long-coated varieties occur, in many colors and patterns. Its listed weight is 1.5.

What it is

The Chihuahua, or Chihuahueño, is a toy dog from Mexico. It is mainly kept as a companion animal.

The breed is compact, with large erect ears and a rounded skull.

Getting to know the breed

Chihuahuas come in short-coated and long-coated varieties. Colors and patterns vary widely.

For a broader look at its home country, see dog breeds from Mexico.

Notable traits

Its small, compact form is central to the breed’s identity. The Chihuahua is described as the world's smallest recognized dog breed.

The breed offers both short- and long-coated varieties, with many colors and patterns.

Points to keep in mind

The Chihuahua is a companion breed rather than a breed described here for another working purpose.

Its listed weight is 1.5. No height or lifespan figure is provided in the available facts.

Pricing

The available facts do not state a purchase price for a Chihuahua.

Who may want another breed

Someone seeking a dog described primarily for work rather than companionship may want to compare other options in dog breeds.

Verdict

Choose the Chihuahua if you want a Mexican toy dog whose main role is companionship and whose recognized form is exceptionally small.

Look elsewhere if you need a breed with a documented working role in the available facts or want size and lifespan details stated here.

What stands out

Mexican origin is clearly recorded.
Kept mainly as a companion animal.
Available in short- and long-coated varieties.
Many colors and patterns occur.

Worth knowing

No height figure is provided.
No lifespan figure is provided.
Listed weight is 1.5 without a stated unit.

Suits

People seeking a Mexican toy companion dog
Readers interested in short or long coats

Think twice if

You need a breed described for a working role rather than companionship.
You require height and lifespan figures before choosing.

In short

The Chihuahua is a Mexican toy dog with a clear companion role and a notably compact build. Its large erect ears, rounded skull and choice of short or long coat give the breed a distinct look. The available record also notes many colors and patterns. This page does not provide height or lifespan figures, and its listed weight is simply 1.5 without a unit. It suits readers drawn to a very small companion breed with Mexican origins. Those comparing working purposes or fuller measurements should review other dog breeds before deciding.

Questions

Where does the Chihuahua come from?

The Chihuahua, also called Chihuahueño, comes from Mexico.

What type of dog is a Chihuahua?

It is a toy dog and is mainly kept as a companion animal.

How big is a Chihuahua?

The available facts list its weight as 1.5, without giving a unit. No height figure is provided.

What coats can Chihuahuas have?

The breed occurs in both short-coated and long-coated varieties.

What colors do Chihuahuas come in?

The breed has a wide range of colors and patterns.

Is the Chihuahua the smallest dog breed?

It is described as the smallest recognized dog breed in the world.

More dog breeds from Mexico

Calupoh Mexico Photo: Jenniffer1987 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Chamuco Mexico Photo: Nacasma · Public domain

Mexican lapdog Mexico Photo: John Gerrard Keulemans · Public domain

Xoloitzcuintle Mexico Height 25 cm Photo: Canarian · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo credits5 photographs on this page

Chihuahua — Caterinarufo · Public domain · file page
Calupoh — Jenniffer1987 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page
Chamuco — Nacasma · Public domain · file page
Mexican lapdog — John Gerrard Keulemans · Public domain · file page
Xoloitzcuintle — Canarian · CC BY-SA 4.0 · file page

Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under the licence each one names. How Animalso credits photographs.