Chihuahua Growth Chart: Size, Weight Calculations

For the smallest breed of dog, the Chihuahua just might have the biggest attitude. Considered a symbol of Mexico, this toy breed is known for exhibiting a large and feisty personality. The Chihuahua is also one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, and can make a good family dog, but preferably with older children.¹ Contrary to trending beliefs, there are only two types of Chihuahuas – short- and long-hair. Terms such as Apple Head, Deer Head, Teacup, or Fawn describe a physical trait of the original Chihuahua breed.²

The Chihuahua is a high-energy dog that requires regular exercise and good nutrition and has an average life expectancy of 14 to 16 years. Our Chihuahua size chart and puppy to dog growth calculator (which works for any breed) as well as our specific answer to the question “how much does a Chihuahua weigh?” guide you through the various puppy stages as your Chihuahua progresses to adulthood.³

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Chihuahua Growth Chart

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Text Transcript of the Chihuahua Growth Chart

Chihuahua – Age	Weight
8 weeks 10 weeks 12 weeks 14 weeks 16 weeks 20 weeks 24 weeks 26 weeks 36 weeks One year	11 – 33 oz 13 – 38 oz 15 – 45 oz 17 – 52 oz 19 – 59 oz 23 – 70 oz 26 – 78 oz 27 – 80 oz 32 – 96 oz 32 – 96 oz

Chihuahua – Age	Weight	Height
Fully grown	2 – 6 pounds (32 – 96 oz)	5 – 8 inches

Though the Chihuahua is the tiniest breed of dog, they’re big in heart and soul. Great for the city, apartment life, or a comfy lap, the Chihuahua is fiercely loyal and protective. Whether you’re considering adopting a Chihuahua puppy or already have one, it helps to know all about your little one so you can provide the best life possible. Our Chihuahua growth chart shows you the multiple stages of your puppy’s growth, for both males and females. From 8 weeks old to a fully grown adult, the chart tracks an average Chihuahua puppy’s weight in ounces.

For instance, a healthy 3-month-old puppy weighs between 15 and 45 ounces. The weight is roughly the same for males and females. At this point, most Chihuahua puppies are half of their adult size. A fully grown Chihuahua weighs between 2 and 6 pounds, or 32 and 96 ounces, and stands about 5 to 8 inches high at the withers, the highest point of the shoulders. You can also get a better sense of the best weight for other breeds with our dog breed weight chart.

What Age do Chihuahuas Stop Growing?

Chihuahuas go through a puppy, adolescent, and young adult phase, like all dogs, but tend to reach their full adult size faster than most breeds. By the time they’re 6 months old, they’ve reached about 75 percent or more of their adult size.⁴ Measured in ounces from the beginning of life, the Chihuahua doesn’t typically weigh more than 6 pounds in adulthood.⁵ However, adult Chihuahuas may weigh anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds.⁶ So how do you know when your Chihuahua stops growing?

Our Chihuahua weight chart shows you an average Chihuahua’s growth timeline, but veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Coates warns, “There certainly will be individuals who fall outside of the ranges due to being overweight or because of ‘unorthodox’ breeding decisions.” These numbers are a helpful tool, however, as you work with your veterinarian to determine your Chihuahua’s appropriate size for his age. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers you fill-in puppy growth charts to record your puppy’s age and weight, noted by date. ⁷ In reference to the accompanying puppy growth curve chart, Dr. Coates explains, “Moving higher can indicate unhealthy weight gain and moving lower can be associated with unhealthy weight loss.”

A number of factors may affect your growing Chihuahua puppy. Though Chihuahuas are a healthy breed with a long life expectancy, there are some things that might affect their development. Issues to be aware of include genetics, nutrition, activity levels, hormones, and underlying health conditions.⁸ Chihuahuas are sensitive to chilly temperatures and are also quick to become obese.⁹ Other concerns to watch out for include:¹⁰¹¹

Mitral valve disease
Patent ductus arteriosus
Patellar luxation
Eye disease, injuries, and infections
Epilepsy
Toy dog hypoglycemia
Molera (soft spots on the head)

What is the Smallest Chihuahua?

The smallest Chihuahua ever recorded was honored in The Guinness Book of World Records. The female Chihuahua who holds the title weighs in at about 20 ounces, or 1.25 pounds, and measures 3.8 inches tall. Previous winners of the record weighed roughly 23 ounces, or 1.4 pounds, and 24 ounces, or 1.5 pounds.¹² However, this isn’t typical for a small Chihuahua. Nor is there a type of Chihuahua that is specifically small. Those who are smaller than what’s considered normal might be called a Teacup Chihuahua, but this is an identifying marker, rather than an actual breed.¹³

Still the smallest breed of dog, the Chihuahua lives longer than most other breeds. Though experts are still scratching their heads trying to figure out why, size seems to be an important factor contributing to why small dogs live longer.¹⁴ Small dogs age slower while aging appears to accelerate at a faster rate in large dogs. Of course, this is an average, and proper nutrition, exercise, and body condition play a big role in a dog’s ultimate life span.

What is the Maximum Size of a Chihuahua?

If you’re wondering how big your Chihuahua will get or how much your Chihuahua should weigh, consider consulting our Chihuahua puppy growth chart (and if you just got your puppy Chihuahua home or are planning to in the future, check out our puppy checklist to make sure you have all the puppy supplies you need). This will give you an average size for certain age ranges. A healthy Chihuahua probably won’t weigh more than 6 pounds at full size.¹⁵ Since Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, it’s important to pay close attention to food intake and exercise levels to help your pooch maintain a healthy weight.¹⁶

Your Chihuahua puppy will reach her maximum size when she reaches adulthood. This end number can vary based on a number of factors including genetics and nutrition. On average, the American Kennel Club, or AKC, figures a small puppy who weighs between 0 and 20 pounds is finished growing between 9 and 12 months old, unlike some large breeds who continue growing right into their second year of life.¹⁷

Work with your vet to monitor the growth of your Chihuahua puppy. Most vets use the body condition score to help determine proper weights for all dog breeds. The body condition score rates a dog’s size based on the ribs, abdomen, and waist. A healthy, ideal body shape has minimal fat covering so the ribs are easily palpable. The waist and abdomen are tucked in when viewed from both the side and top of the dog.¹⁸ Regardless of your Chihuahua’s age, this score is used by veterinarians as a guide to track your puppy and her growth goals.

Chihuahua Puppy Size and Weight Calculator

You can also consult our puppy weight calculator to estimate your Chihuahua’s potential weight as an adult. The calculations are based on the American Kennel Club’s database of adult dog weights and heights. Fill in your puppy’s current age and weight details below.

Or, if you’re looking for information about a different breed, we’ve also created a Goldendoodle size chart, a Golden Retriever growth chart, Great Dane size chart, and Labrador growth chart.

Note: please don’t feed your dog more or less based on the results. For that advice, consult your veterinarian.

PUPPY WEIGHT CALCULATOR

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Fast Facts

Chihuahua Size Information:

Chihuahuas are renowned for their small stature, typically reaching a compact adult size.

Here’s a breakdown of how big Chihuahuas generally get:

Height: Adult Chihuahuas usually stand between 5 and 8 inches tall at the withers, which is the highest point of their shoulders.
Weight: Their weight can range from as little as 2 pounds up to 6 pounds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standard specifies that a Chihuahua should not weigh more than 6 pounds. A Chihuahua weighing 10 pounds would be considered large and potentially overweight.

Growth Timeline:

Chihuahuas are toy dog breeds and tend to reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight relatively quickly.

They grow rapidly within the first few weeks of life, often doubling in size.
They typically reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight within nine months.
They may continue to gain a little weight, often described as “filling out,” between 10 months and 1 year of age, or even up to 18 months, but this weight gain should not be significant. If a Chihuahua is growing considerably past 9-12 months, it could indicate overfeeding.

Factors Influencing a Chihuahua’s Size:

Genetics: The size of a puppy’s parents is a significant indicator of its potential adult size, although genes can skip generations.
Birth Weight: For Chihuahuas, birth weight is a more critical factor in determining final size than gender.
Nutrition: Adequate amounts of high-quality puppy food with essential nutrients are crucial for proper growth. A poor diet can lead to stunted growth or obesity.
Over-exercising: Excessive exercise in puppies can affect the growth plates in their legs, potentially causing premature closure or abnormal growth, which can impact their adult height.
Underlying Health Conditions: Illnesses or high parasite burdens can negatively affect a puppy’s development and growth.

Skull Shapes and Size:

Chihuahuas have two different skull shapes:

Apple Head: Characterized by a short snout, prominent forehead, and a rounded skull, like an apple. This shape is associated with a higher risk of serious health problems due to an extremely compact facial structure. Only apple head Chihuahuas meet the AKC’s breed standard, which even allows for an open fontanelle (a soft spot on the head that never closes), making them more susceptible to brain injury.
Deer Head: Features a longer snout and a sloped forehead. Deer head Chihuahuas’ longer heads and more natural proportions can reduce the risk of some medical problems faced by apple head Chihuahuas, typically being healthier, though these labels primarily reflect human preferences.

“Teacup” Chihuahuas:

The term “teacup” Chihuahua refers to an identifying marker of a Chihuahua that is smaller than typical, rather than an actual breed type. Breeders who claim to sell “teacup” Chihuahuas often prioritize size over health, leading to dogs with increased health problems. Full-grown Chihuahuas are already very tiny.

Weight Management:

Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, which can be difficult to notice, especially in long-haired varieties. Obesity can lead to various health issues like diabetes, joint problems (aggravating conditions like patellar luxation), and heart and respiratory diseases. It’s crucial for owners to monitor their Chihuahua’s diet and exercise levels to maintain a healthy weight. Even small fluctuations in meal size can significantly impact their weight.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a full size Chihuahua?

A full-size Chihuahua typically stands between 5 and 8 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 2 and 6 pounds. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard, a Chihuahua should not weigh more than 6 pounds. They usually reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight within nine months, though they may continue to “fill out” slightly until 12-18 months of age.

Can a Chihuahua weigh 15 pounds?

A 15-pound Chihuahua would be significantly overweight and outside the breed standard. The AKC specifies that Chihuahuas should not exceed 6 pounds, and even a 10-pound Chihuahua would be considered large and potentially overweight. A 15-pound dog claiming to be a Chihuahua is likely either:

A severely overweight Chihuahua with serious health risks
A mixed breed rather than a purebred Chihuahua
Mislabeled by a breeder or previous owner

Such excess weight in a true Chihuahua would cause significant health problems including diabetes, joint issues, heart disease, and respiratory problems.

Why is my purebred Chihuahua so big?

Several factors could explain why a purebred Chihuahua appears larger than expected:

Overfeeding/Obesity: Even small increases in food can cause significant weight gain in such tiny dogs
Mixed breeding: The dog may not be purebred despite claims, possibly mixed with a slightly larger breed
Genetic variation: While rare, some purebred Chihuahuas can fall outside typical size ranges due to recessive genes from previous generations
Age factor: If the dog is still under 12 months, it may still be growing
Body type: Deer head Chihuahuas tend to be slightly larger than apple head varieties
Poor breeding practices: Some breeders may not follow strict size standards

If your Chihuahua is significantly over 6 pounds, consult a veterinarian to rule out obesity and discuss appropriate diet management.

Are Chihuahuas high maintenance dogs?

Chihuahuas can be considered moderately high maintenance, but in different ways than larger breeds:

Higher maintenance aspects:

Temperature sensitivity: Require sweaters/coats in cold weather and protection from overheating
Fragility: Need careful handling and protection from injuries due to their tiny size
Dental care: Prone to dental issues requiring regular teeth cleaning and professional care
Training challenges: Can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak
Socialization needs: Require extensive early socialization to prevent aggressive or fearful behavior
Frequent feeding: Need small, frequent meals due to risk of hypoglycemia

Lower maintenance aspects:

Exercise needs: Require minimal exercise compared to larger breeds
Space requirements: Suitable for apartments and small living spaces
Grooming: Smooth-coat varieties need minimal grooming
Food costs: Eat very small amounts of food

Additional Resources

If you’re looking for more information about dog growth in general, we’ve created a series of growth charts for different breeds (and dogs and mixed breeds in general):

Article Sources

Puppy Growth Calculator uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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Chihuahua Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits. Hillspet.com. Accessed December 23, 2021.
Waltham Puppy Growth Charts. Waltham.com. Accessed December 23, 2021
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Dr. Jennifer Coates
Dr. Jennifer Coates was valedictorian of her graduating class at the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced in Virginia, Wyoming, and Colorado. She is also the author of numerous articles and books including the Dictionary of Veterinary Terms: Vet-Speak Deciphered for the Non-Veterinarian.