Chihuahua Puppy FAQ: Buying, Care and Health Questions

Chihuahuas are one of the longest-lived dog breeds, commonly living 14 to 16 years and sometimes longer. Good dental care, a lean body weight and protection from falls and larger dogs make the biggest difference. Many of the health problems that shorten a Chihuahua's life start in the mouth, so daily tooth brushing matters.

Chihuahuas do best with calm children aged about 8 and older who can sit on the floor to hold the puppy. A 3 pound puppy can be badly hurt if dropped or stepped on, and a frightened Chihuahua may snap. With toddlers in the home we usually suggest waiting, or choosing an older, sturdier adult dog.

Yes, a Chihuahua is one of the best apartment dogs because it needs little space and gets much of its exercise indoors. The challenge is barking: Chihuahuas are alert and will announce hallway noises. Early socialization and teaching a quiet cue from the first week keep neighbors happy. Many apartment owners also use indoor pee pad areas.

Our puppies eat a premium small breed puppy kibble, softened with warm water until about 10 weeks. We send a starter bag home so there is no sudden change. Toy puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals a day and should never go more than about 4 to 5 hours without food in the first months.

Your puppy goes home with the vaccines due for its age, usually the first one or two rounds of the core puppy series, plus deworming. Every date is written in the vet record we send. Your own vet completes the series, normally every 3 to 4 weeks until about 16 weeks, then rabies at the age your state requires.

Expect a sleepy, slightly unsure puppy for two or three days, then a bold one. Keep visitors few, feed on the schedule we give you, and take your puppy to your vet within the window in our health guarantee. Our Chihuahua puppy checklist covers the first 48 hours step by step.

A young Chihuahua puppy should eat four to five small meals a day, roughly every three to four hours. Teacup size puppies need that full schedule until they hold their weight well between meals. Most move to three meals at about 4 months and to two as adults. A tiny puppy should never skip a meal.

Yes, both coats shed. Smooth coats shed lightly all year and the short hairs cling to fabric. Long coats shed more in two seasonal bursts. A weekly brush for smooth coats, and twice a week for long coats, keeps most of it off your furniture.

Most Chihuahuas finish between 3 and 6 pounds, and our teacup size puppies are projected at 3 to 4 lbs. A rough guide is about three times the weight at 8 weeks, and the parents' adult weights refine it. Our Chihuahua weight chart shows weight by age.