Puppy days
Provide frequent toilet opportunities after sleep, meals and play. Reward calm introductions to people, and supervise handling so a tiny puppy is never overwhelmed.
A possible best friend
Chihuahua
A confident, alert companion with a small body and plenty of personality. Chihuahuas often form affectionate bonds and can adapt well to city life.
Illustrated puppy and adult examples.
Personality at a glance
Breed tendencies vary between dogs. Supervise children and dogs together. Cats and small pets need an individual compatibility assessment.
About these ratings
Our three levels group the AKC’s published five-point ratings: 1–2 becomes lower, 3 moderate, and 4–5 higher. The child rating describes young-child tendencies. These are general tendencies, not safety or compatibility guarantees.
AKC Chihuahua breed traits · Reviewed 8 October 2026Meet connected mixes
Family connectionsShared backgrounds, individual dogs. A mix name does not predict traits.
Adult life
Keep walks, play and short reward-based lessons in the routine. Practise settling when visitors arrive rather than allowing every surprise to become prolonged barking.
Everyday care
Smooth coats need occasional brushing; long coats need weekly brushing to prevent tangles. Add daily walks or play, regular ear checks and careful nail maintenance.
Worth planning for: Their small size makes rough play risky; excited children and larger dogs require close supervision.
Sources & reading
- AKC: Is the Chihuahua a Good Fit for You?
- Dogs Trust: How to toilet or house train your dog
- Dogs Trust: How to train your dog to be calm, relax and settle
- Dogs Trust: puppy care and training
Reviewed 8 October 2026. Breed tendencies and mixed-background possibilities describe a starting point, not a promise about an individual dog.
