Why Chihuahuas Range in Size
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.
But, contrary to this, there are many hobby breeders and pet owners that have litters that are not so meticulously planned. One over-sized dam or sire can be responsible for many generations of large Chihuahuas.
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.
Over-sized Chihuahuas
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.
If you cannot feel your dog's ribs or see the outline of them when your dog is wet from a bath, and particularly if this is paired with mobility issues, this is a sign that your dog may be carrying excess weight.
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.
In regard to food, you may wish to consider a switch to a low-calorie kibble. If you are offering a top-quality food, stick with the same brand, if possible. For example, if you are giving your Chihuahua one of the Wellness recipes, a good choice is
Wellness Complete for Small Breeds - Healthy Weight.
Snacks, which can make up 20 to 30% of a dog's diet plays a role as well. For this,
Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats
are a great option to offer tasty all-natural tidbits with only 2 to 3 calories a piece.
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.