Chihuahuas are known for their charming, sassy, and big personality in a tiny package. Named after the Mexican State of Chihuahua, the Chihuahua is considered one of the Americas’ most ancient dog breeds. Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds around, giving them the nickname “purse dog.” If you are the pet parent of a Chihuahua puppy, you may be wondering how large will my Chihuahua get and when will they stop growing?
Everything you need to know about Chihuahua growth:
- Chihuahua Growth & Weight Chart
- At what age is a Chihuahua fully grown?
- How much bigger will my Chihuahua get?
- What is the size of a full-grown Chihuahua?
- How do I make sure my Chihuahua is healthy?
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Chihuahua Growth & Weight Chart
Please note that all figures are measured in ounces unless otherwise stated.
Birth weight (1 day old) | 2.5 ounces | 3 ounces | 3.5 ounces | 4 ounces | 4.5 ounces | 5 ounces | 5.5 ounces |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 week | 3.75 | 5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 | 9.5 |
2 weeks | 5 | 6.5 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
3 weeks | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 17.5 |
4 weeks | 7 | 9.5 | 11 | 13 | 17 | 19.5 | 21 |
5 weeks | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 19.5 | 22 | 24 |
6 weeks | 9 | 12.5 | 15 | 17.5 | 22 | 24 | 27 |
7 weeks | 10 | 14.5 | 17 | 19.5 | 24.5 | 27 | 30 |
8 weeks | 11 | 16 | 19 | 21.5 | 27 | 29 | 33 |
9 weeks | 12 | 17.5 | 20 | 23 | 29 | 32 | 35 |
10 weeks | 13 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 31 | 34 | 38 |
11 weeks | 14 | 21 | 24 | 27 | 34 | 37 | 42 |
12 weeks | 15 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 37 | 41 | 45 |
13 weeks | 16 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 40 | 44 | 49 |
14 weeks | 17 | 26 | 30 | 34 | 43 | 47 | 52 |
15 weeks | 19 | 28 | 32 | 37 | 46 | 51 | 56 |
16 weeks | 20 | 30 | 34 | 39 | 49 | 54 | 59 |
17 weeks | 21 | 31 | 36 | 41 | 51 | 57 | 62 |
18 weeks | 22 | 33 | 37 | 43 | 54 | 60 | 65 |
19 weeks | 23 | 34 | 39 | 44 | 56 | 62 | 67 |
20 weeks | 24 | 35 | 41 | 46 | 58 | 64 | 70 |
Full Adult Weight in Pounds | 2 pounds | 3 pounds | 3.5 pounds | 4 pounds | 5 pounds | 5.5 pounds | 6 pounds |
Chihuahuas are unique because of their tiny stature. Unlike many dog breeds, the gender of the Chihuahua is less critical in determining their final size than their birth weight is. If you are unaware of your Chihuahua’s birth weight, take a look at their current weight and age to see which column they fall into and their estimated adult size based on that.
The figures below are estimates, and some Chihuahuas will be slightly smaller or bigger at certain ages. Regardless of their age, continue taking your Chihuahua puppy to regular veterinary appointments to ensure that they feel their best!
At what age is a Chihuahua full grown?
Chihuahuas grow quickly within the first few weeks of their lives, frequently doubling in size during this time. As is the case with many toy dog breeds, Chihuahuas will usually reach their full adult height and most of their adult weight within nine months. After nine months, any significant weight gain may be due to overfeeding or other health problems and should be discussed with your pet’s veterinarian.
As shown in the growth chart above, a Chihuahua will gain most of their adult weight by twenty weeks and will continue to fill out to their full adult size by nine months of age.
How big should a 6-month-old Chihuahua be?
A 6-month-old Chihuahua will be close to their full height, usually between five to eight inches tall, and will have completed most of their adult weight gain, weighing in around 1.5 pounds to 4.5 pounds depending on their estimated adult size. Based on the Chihuahua growth and weight chart above, you can expect your Chihuahua to grow another half pound to pound and a half.
Pro Tip: Check out the ultimate pet parent guide detailing 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, dog safety, and more!
How much bigger will my Chihuahua get?
A Chihuahua will finish growing around nine months of age. They may continue to gain a little weight from 10 months old to 1 year old, but this weight should not be significant. If your Chihuahua is older than nine months, they are likely at their full size or close to it.
A puppy’s paws can indicate whether they have more growing to do as well. Take a look at your Chihuahua’s paws and assess whether they look large next to their legs and body. If their paws look a bit oversized, they may still be growing into them.
Additionally, if you purchased your Chihuahua from a breeder, you can reach out to them about your pup’s estimated adult size. Your breeder should be able to give you a precise figure based on previous litters of puppies and the size of your Chihuahua’s parents.
What is the size of a full-grown Chihuahua?
According to the American Kennel Club’s Chihuahua Standard, a Chihuahua should not weigh more than six pounds and should be five to eight inches tall. A Chihuahua may weigh as little as two pounds and up to six pounds though there are sometimes slight differences in genetics and environmental factors that may affect their overall size. Chihuahuas should appear well-balanced with a slightly longer than tall body.
(Image Source: Canva)
How do I make sure my Chihuahua is healthy?
Preventive care is crucial in ensuring your Chihuahua has a long, happy lifespan. Start by taking your Chihuahua to regular veterinary appointments to make sure they are healthy and screened for potential health problems.
Like many pure bred dog breeds, Chihuahuas are prone to unique health problems. According to the Veterinary Centers of America, Chihuahuas can be prone to obesity, which may go unnoticed if they have a longer coat. Like many small dog breeds, Chihuahuas can also be prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Frequent meals may be necessary to counteract blood sugar crashes. Other common Chihuahua health issues include urinary stones, luxating patellas, and cancer.
When the worst happens, the last thing that should affect your ability to care for your beloved dog properly is medical expenses, which is why pet insurance is a life-saver. Pet insurance gives you peace of mind should anything happen. Many pet insurance plans also offer wellness add-ons to help with regular veterinary care expenses, like vaccinations and dental care, which are crucial for your Chihuahua’s long term health.
Alongside regular exercise and a healthy diet, preventive care is the best thing you can do for your Chihuahua. Consult with your veterinarian for a personalized plan for your puppy and continue taking them in for regular screenings and checkups.
Key Takeaways
Chihuahuas are fun, sassy dogs that grow up in the blink of an eye. Despite their tiny stature, they take up a huge place in our hearts! Check out Pawlicy Advisor’s personalized pet insurance comparison tool to see the top pet health coverage plans for Chihuahuas side-by-side.
Pet insurance helps you provide your Chihuahua with the best veterinary care and allows you to have a plan in place should they get sick or injured. Give yourself peace of mind today by selecting from our top-rated Chihuahua pet insurance providers.