Yes, but shedding is generally low and manageable with regular brushing.

Breeds / Chihuahua

Breed guide

Chihuahua

Q: How big do Chihuahuas get?

Most Chihuahuas weigh 6 pounds or less and stand approximately 5-8 inches tall.

Q: Are Chihuahuas easy to train?

Yes. Chihuahuas are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training.

Q: How long do Chihuahuas live?

The average Chihuahua lifespan ranges from 14-16 years, with many living even longer.

Q: Are Chihuahuas good with children?

Yes, particularly with older, respectful children who understand how to handle smaller dogs safely.

Q: How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?

Most Chihuahuas benefit from 20-30 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation.

Q: Why choose a Chihuahua from Redtop Canine?

Redtop Canine focuses on responsible breeding, health, temperament, and early socialization to help raise confident, healthy, and well-adjusted Chihuahua puppies.

The Chihuahua may be the smallest recognized dog breed in the world, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in confidence, intelligence, and devotion. Known for their expressive eyes, alert ears, and larger-than-life personalities, Chihuahuas have become one of the most beloved companion breeds worldwide. At Redtop Canine, we love Chihuahuas because they bring affection, entertainment, and endless personality into the homes they join.

At a glance

Breed overview

Tiny size, tremendous personality — confident, loyal, and surprisingly brave, with roots tracing back to ancient Mexico.

Breed groupToy Group

SizeUp to 6 pounds

Height5–8 inches

Lifespan14–16 years

TemperamentLoyal, confident, alert

Energy levelModerate

Good with kidsGood (older children)

Good with other petsGood

Honest fit check

Is a Chihuahua right for you?

A great fit if you want…

A small companion dog

A loyal lap dog

A highly portable travel companion

An intelligent and entertaining breed

Personality

Temperament

The temperament is the biggest reason this breed is so loved.

Loyal & devoted

Forms strong attachments to their families and thrives on companionship.

Confident & fearless

Carries themselves with the confidence of a much larger dog — alert, brave, and protective.

Intelligent & trainable

Responds well to positive reinforcement training.

Entertaining & playful

Full of personality, keeping families entertained with playful antics.

Appearance

Distinctive by design

Smallest recognized dog breed

Available in smooth coat and long coat varieties

Expressive eyes and alert ears

Compact size ideal for apartments and travel

Recognized coat colors

Fawn

Warm tan to golden

Black & Tan

Black with tan points

Cream

Soft, pale cream

Chocolate

Rich solid brown

Grooming & care

Keeping a Chihuahua healthy

Weekly brushing

Long-coated Chihuahuas need slightly more brushing than smooth-coated ones.

Occasional baths

Keeps the coat clean without excess maintenance.

Dental care

Regular dental care is especially important for this breed.

Ears & nails

Routine ear cleaning and nail trimming round out the routine.

Training

Trainability

Eager to learn

Intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training.

Early socialization

Helps them develop into well-mannered, confident companions.

Big personality

Their fearless nature means training benefits from consistency and structure.

Health considerations

Why responsible breeding matters

Every breed carries its own strengths and its own things to watch, and no honest breeder will tell you otherwise. A family deserves the whole picture before they choose a puppy — not a sales pitch.

We would rather you ask us hard questions than wonder later. Here are the ones worth asking any breeder, including us. You can see each puppy’s parents, and their health testing, on the puppy’s own page.

What health testing do you do on the parents?

Every breeder should be able to answer this plainly and without hesitating. Ask what’s been done, and ask what hasn’t — some evaluations can only be done once a dog is fully grown, and a straight answer about that tells you more than a perfect one.

Can I see the results?

Testing means little if nobody can look at it. A breeder who publishes results, or hands them over when asked, is a breeder who expects you to check.

Can I meet the parents?

The parents show you the temperament and condition your puppy is growing into. Meeting them in the home where the litter is raised tells you things no document can.

What happens if something goes wrong?

Ask what’s guaranteed, for how long, and who picks up the phone in a year. The answer to this question is where good breeders and quick sales part ways.

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