---
title: "Chihuahua Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/chihuahua-breed/
description: "Chihuahua: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 12 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Chihuahua: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

Quick answer

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Chihuahua at about 12-20 cm tall and 1.8-2.7 kg, living over 12 years. It suggests at least 30 minutes a day, and lists 11 health problems to watch, including luxating patellas and hip dysplasia. Minimum running cost: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime.

From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? [See who to call](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Key facts

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Size | Small |
| Average height | 12-20 cm |
| Average weight | 1.8-2.7 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 12 years |
| Exercise | At least 30 minutes a day, ideally two short walks plus play |
| Grooming | Low maintenance: weekly brushing for smooth coats, two to three times a week for long coats |
| Cost | At least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime |

Source: [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua).

## Health problems to watch

PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.

- luxating patellas
- hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme)
- hydrocephalus
- eye problems: dry eye, entropion and lens luxation
- heart valve disease (heart scans for parents)
- tracheal collapse
- Legg-Perthes disease
- dental problems
- difficulty giving birth
- cryptorchidism
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (BVA/KC scheme)

Source: [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua).

## Exercise and grooming

PDSA suggests at least 30 minutes a day, ideally two short walks plus play. Grooming: low maintenance: weekly brushing for smooth coats, two to three times a week for long coats. Source: [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua).

## Temperament

PDSA describes the breed as varies widely from feisty to timid; clever but independent; likely to be vocal. PDSA says they suit slightly older children, need company and can develop separation anxiety quickly. Source: [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua).

## Cost

PDSA's figure: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: [annual cost of owning a dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua).

## Questions people ask

How long do Chihuahuas live?

PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 12 years.

How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?

PDSA suggests at least 30 minutes a day, ideally two short walks plus play.

What health problems do Chihuahuas have?

PDSA lists luxating patellas; hip dysplasia (BVA/KC hip scheme); hydrocephalus; eye problems: dry eye, entropion and lens luxation; heart valve disease (heart scans for parents); tracheal collapse; Legg-Perthes disease; dental problems; difficulty giving birth; cryptorchidism; Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (BVA/KC scheme).

How much does a Chihuahua cost?

PDSA's estimate: at least £50 a month, and up to £8,900 over a lifetime.

## Sources

- [PDSA, Chihuahua breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/chihuahua), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Staffordshire Bull Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/staffordshire-bull-terrier-breed/)
- [Bulldog: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/bulldog-breed/)
- [Siberian Husky](https://pawmultiverse.com/siberian-husky-breed/)

**Is your pet's food on a recall list?** Check the barcode on the bag against five official registers in the US, UK, Canada and France. [Check your bag](https://pawmultiverse.com/check-your-bag/) · [Recalls this week](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-food-recalls/this-week/)