Good care starts with getting to know your dog.

Know your dog · Pedigree breed

Chihuahua care guide.

Smooth and long-coated Chihuahuas both need exercise, training and careful handling. The coat and the individual matter more than tiny-dog labels.

General education · See individual source dates below

Original editorial illustration of an adult Chihuahua
Original editorial illustration. An illustrative example. Not a breed identification or health assessment.

A Mexican companion with uncertain ancient roots

The modern Chihuahua became widely known through dogs brought from Mexico in the nineteenth century. Earlier ancestry is less certain than neat origin stories suggest. This guide avoids treating disputed links to ancient dogs as settled fact.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua standard — United Kennel Club

A dog, not an accessory

Chihuahuas can be alert, active companions. Small size does not remove their need for choice: avoid repeatedly picking up a dog that wants space. Individual behaviour and experience matter, and interactions with children need supervision.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua standard — United Kennel Club · Chihuahua — PDSA

Short or long is only part of the picture

Chihuahuas may be single or double coated. When present, the undercoat is soft and close to the body. Long-coated dogs have extra feathering, so do not assume that all Chihuahuas need the same brush or grooming routine.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua standard — United Kennel Club

Small steps, worthwhile rewards

Reward coming when called and comfortable handling. Keep practice achievable and gentle; tiny dogs still need opportunities to learn.

Read the evidence: Reward-based training — Australian Veterinary Association

Food and portions

Choose complete life-stage food. Review portions, body condition and treats with your vet.

Read the evidence: Nutrition — Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Let little legs explore

Small dogs still benefit from walks, sniffing and play. Keep the pace suitable for your Chihuahua rather than carrying them everywhere or matching a larger dog’s stride. Adapt the routine to health, age and comfort.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua — PDSA

As your dog grows older

Growing puppies need growth-appropriate food; older dogs need individual dietary review, especially with illness.

Read the evidence: Nutrition — Virginia Tech Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Knees and eyes deserve attention

PDSA highlights slipping kneecaps and several eye problems among possible concerns. Ask your vet about family history and appropriate checks. Limping or a painful eye warrants assessment; these risks do not mean that every Chihuahua will be affected.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua — PDSA

Work with coat length

PDSA suggests more frequent brushing for long coats than smooth coats. Check loose hair and tangles gently, with extra care around feathering.

Read the evidence: Chihuahua — PDSA

Bathing is separate from brushing

Use lukewarm water and suitable dog shampoo, then rinse thoroughly. Keep water and shampoo away from eyes and ears.

Read the evidence: Dog grooming tips — ASPCA

Comfort comes first

Avoid cotton buds. Pain, redness or unusual ear odour needs veterinary advice rather than more cleaning.

Read the evidence: How to clean your dog’s ears — Cornell University

Sources & scope

Source retrieval dates are recorded individually below. Written as general owner education by Good Dog; not clinically reviewed or endorsed by the organisations linked below. Breed standards describe ideals, not guarantees. Screening advice can change. These are selected considerations, not a complete list of conditions.