Chihuahua Size and Weight

There are two very different aspects to a Chihuahua's size and weight. There is the expected size as a breed in general and there is the size and weight of each Chihuahua as an individual. It is important to make this distinction since many pet Chihuahuas will not fall within the expected weight range of the breed standard. 

While the Chihuahua is indeed the smallest breed based on breed standard weight and expected height, some other toy breeds are tiny as well and some are much larger. Let's compare a few popular toy breed dogs to the Chihuahua: 

Chihuahua

Weight: 6 lbs. (2.72 kg) and under

Maltese

Weight: under 7 lbs. (3.17 kg)

Pomeranian

Weight: 3 to 7 lbs. (1.4 to 3.2 kg)

Yorkshire Terrier

Weight: 7 lbs. (3.17 kg) or under

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Weight: 13 to 18 lbs. (6 to 8 kg)

Pug

Weight: 14 to 18 lbs. (6 to 8 kg)

If you have a Chihuahua and are wondering if he or she is at a normal weight for this breed, it is best to look past the breed standards and instead look to how your dog compares to other Chihuahuas. 

Though the survey was answered by 3272 owners, the question of weight was asked just to those with Chihuahuas age one year and up; therefore, when we asked, 'How much does your Chihuahua weigh?', 2715 owners answered as so: 

2.5 lb. (1.13 kg) 5% 

Let's break this down a bit.

This was not the only surprising stat revealed in our comprehensive survey (the full results are included in our book, PetChiDog's GIANT Book of Chihuahua Care), but is certainly one of the most interesting. 

Reputable breeders that focus on producing Chihuahuas that fit the breed standard will generally have Chi that fall in the 2 to 6 lb. range as adults. Often, champion dogs are used to establish reliable lines that consistently produce desired size and other physical attributes. Top picks of the litter (with ideal conformation including size) may be kept for future breedings, thus keeping certainly in the program. If the breeder is considering adding an outside Chihuahua into their program, research will be done to ensure that certain physical traits, including weight, are seen going 3 to 5 generations back. 

In addition to this, some breeders aim for the higher end of the standard, close to the 5 or 6 lb. range since very tiny Chihuahuas can have more health issues than more sturdy ones and are more prone to size-related injury such as being stepped on. 

The final aspect that plays a role in this is the possibility that a Chihuahua is carrying excess pounds. This may seem odd to someone with a standard-sized Chi; however, even this tiny toy breed can become overweight. This is covered up ahead. 

If your Chihuahua is well over 6 pounds, the first thing to assess is if this is a matter of body structure or excess fat. If this is simply your dog's natural body structure, don't give this any more thought; the majority of Chihuahuas are larger than 6 pounds and are perfectly healthy. 

This said, the veterinarian will be able to do a full assessment for this and be able to rule out certain health issues that can cause weight gain such as canine diabetes and conditions such as patella luxation or arthritis that can limit a dog's ability to exercise. 

If a Chihuahua is given a clean bill of health but is carrying excess pounds, a combination of fewer calories and more activity can gradually get a Chihuahua back on track. 

Gradually increasing exercise is also part of this. The basic exercise requirement for this breed is a minimum of two walks per day for at least 20 minutes, done at a brisk pace. This should be the goal for sedentary dogs and if a Chihuahua is already meeting this, adding on an extra walk, adding on 10 minutes to each walk, or engaging your dog in a daily session of cardio such as fetch can be done. 

While there is no minimum weight per the AKC breed standard, a fully grown adult Chihuahua that weighs under 2 lbs. (.9 kg) will most often be considered undersized. 

Whether or not this is an unhealthy state depends on a particular dog's height, bone structure, and level of nutrition; however, Chihuahuas this small do tend to have several issues to contend with. 

With trauma being the 2nd leading cause of death for the Chihuahua (second only to cardiovascular disease), tiny Chi will be susceptible to a wide range of injury. This includes accidents at home like being stepped on or tripped over and activity-related injuries such as bone sprains and breaks. Jumping from heights (like the sofa) should be restricted.

Collapsed trachea may be seen at higher rates as well; though recommended for all Chihuahuas, using a harness, not a collar, will be beneficial.