Chihuahua

Coat and looks how to spot one

two varieties: smooth coat and long coat

A tiny, compact dog that is a little longer than it is tall, topped by the breed's trademark rounded 'apple' skull, big upright ears, full round eyes and a short, slightly pointed muzzle. The tail is carried up in a curve over the back. Smooth coats are short, glossy and close to the body; long coats are soft and flat or gently wavy, with fringed ears, a plumed tail and feathering on the legs. Either variety may or may not have an undercoat. The kennel club standards judge the breed by weight rather than height.453

Personality what they are like

Quick, bright and bold, the Chihuahua carries itself with far more confidence than its size suggests. It tends to attach closely to one household and loves both lap time and lively games, while often staying a bit reserved with strangers. It learns fast, has an independent streak and responds best to patient, reward-based training, and its watchful nature makes it a keen little alarm bell at home.4376

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Around 30 minutes of exercise a day, ideally split into two short walks, plus indoor play and puzzle toys to keep the mind busy. The breed can also take part in agility and obedience.968

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy to keep. Brush smooth coats about once a week and long coats two or three times a week; both shed more in spring and autumn. Regular tooth brushing is part of the routine. A coat or jumper helps on cold days because such a small body loses heat quickly.679

Home where they are happiest

Happy in a flat or a house as long as it has a safe space to play. It is an indoor dog that prefers warmth and company, and does best when it is not left alone for long stretches. Homes with older, calm children who will not constantly pick it up suit it best.967

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality dog food sized for toy breeds, usually split into two meals a day, with puppies fed small meals more often. Portions are tiny, so measure food carefully and keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories.67

Company who they like around

A true companion dog that wants to be with its owner most of the day. Early and varied socialising with people and places helps it grow into a relaxed, confident adult.67

The story where it all began

The Chihuahua is counted among the oldest breeds of the Americas. The FCI traces it to small dogs kept by the Toltec people, whose stone carvings at Tula show a dog called the Techichi that looks much like today's breed, and Britannica dates the Techichi to at least the 9th century CE. The Aztecs later kept little dogs of their own, and the AKC notes they were valued by the nobility and even buried with them. The breed takes its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where visitors noticed the dogs in the mid-1800s and began bringing them to the United States. Chihuahuas were shown in America from 1890, the AKC recognised the breed in 1904 with a dog named Midget as the first registration, and the Chihuahua Club of America followed in 1923. The long and smooth coats were split into separate show varieties in 1952. Today the FCI (from 1959), UKC (from 1948) and The Royal Kennel Club all recognise it, and it is often called the smallest dog breed in the world.4283101

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 218 (Chihuahueño), Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs; definitive acceptance 12 Apr 1959; current standard published 9 Apr 2019; long-haired and smooth-haired varieties1

AKC

Toy Group; recognised 1904 (first registered dog 'Midget'); long and smooth coats formally separated as varieties in 1952; current standard approved 12 Aug 20088

UKC

Companion Dog Group; recognised 19483

The Royal Kennel Club

Toy Group; registered as two varieties, Long Coat and Smooth Coat, which share the same standard apart from coat9

Popularity Ranked 24th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12