The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is one of the smallest recognised pedigree dog breeds in the world. Originating from Mexico, this confident and alert companion dog is known for its big personality, strong loyalty, and distinctive appearance.
While tiny in size, the Smooth Coat Chihuahua is bold, intelligent, and often protective of its owner. This breed thrives in homes where it receives attention, structure, and gentle handling. Despite their popularity, they are not “low-effort” dogs and require proper socialisation and responsible breeding to ensure good temperament.
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua is a very small, compact dog with a short, glossy coat that lies close to the body. Unlike the long-coated variety, grooming needs are minimal.
Key physical characteristics include:
A small, balanced body with fine bone
A short, smooth coat that is soft and glossy
Large, round, expressive eyes
Large, upright ears
A moderately long tail, often carried over the back
The breed standard recognises both the traditional apple head and deer-type variations, though the apple head is preferred in show lines.
Height:
Males & females: 15-23 cm
Weight:
Males & females: up to 2.7 kg
The Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) is alert, lively, and deeply devoted to its chosen person. They are naturally watchful and can be vocal when unfamiliar people approach.
They are best described as:
Confident and spirited
Loyal and affectionate
Protective for their size
Intelligence: High
Affection: Very affectionate with owners
Energy level: Moderate
Loyalty: Strong
Playfulness: Moderate
Aggression: Not aggressive but may be reactive
Trainability: Moderate
Guarding ability: High alertness
Early socialisation is important to prevent nervousness or excessive barking. Smooth Coat Chihuahuas can become wary if not exposed to different environments and people early on.
With other dogs: Good when socialised
With children: Best with older, gentle children
With cats and other pets: Often fine when raised together
With strangers: Can be reserved or vocal
Due to their size, supervision around young children is essential.
The Smooth Coat Chihuahua is well-suited to companion-focused homes. They adapt well to smaller living spaces but still require mental engagement and daily interaction.
They are best suited to:
Adults or quieter households
Owners wanting a close companion
Apartment living
First-time owners: Yes
Apartment living: Very suitable
Left alone: Short periods only
Noise sensitivity: High
Barking: Moderate to high
Drooling: Very low
Heat tolerance: Good
Cold tolerance: Low, sensitive to cold weather
Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) dogs have an average lifespan of 14-17 years, often living longer with good care. However, small breeds are prone to specific conditions.
Patellar luxation
Dental disease
Heart disease (mitral valve disease)
Hypoglycaemia in puppies
Tracheal collapse
Responsible breeding and routine veterinary care are essential.
Smooth Coat Chihuahuas have low to moderate exercise needs.
Ideal activities include:
Short daily walks
Indoor play
Basic obedience training
Daily exercise requirement: 30–60 minutes
They enjoy activity but do not require strenuous exercise.
Because of their small size, Smooth Coat Chihuahuas require small, nutrient-dense meals.
Adults: 40-70 g per day
Puppies: Small, frequent meals to avoid low blood sugar
Portion control is essential to prevent weight gain.
The smooth coat is very low maintenance:
Weekly brushing
Occasional bathing
Regular dental care
This breed bonds strongly with its owner and may develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. Consistent routines and early confidence-building are beneficial.
The Chihuahua originated in Mexico and is believed to descend from ancient companion dogs kept by indigenous civilisations. The Smooth Coat variety is considered the original type, with the long coat developing later through selective breeding.
The breed has become one of the most recognised toy breeds worldwide.
One of the smallest dog breeds globally
The Smooth Coat is the original coat variety
Often forms a strong bond with one person
Can live well into their late teens
Due to their popularity, careful breeder selection is essential. Avoid breeders advertising “teacup” sizes, as this often indicates unhealthy breeding practices.
Before buying:
Meet the puppy and mother
Confirm health checks
Ensure the puppy is confident and well-socialised
Purchase price: £700 - £1,800
Monthly food: ~£25
Rescue organisations frequently have Chihuahuas available for rehoming.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important steps being visiting your Chihuahua puppy in person, seeing it with its mother, and assessing the breeder’s standards.
More specifically, here is some Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) puppy buying advice:
Chihuahuas are extremely small and can be fragile as puppies. Avoid breeders advertising “teacup” or unusually tiny Chihuahuas, as these dogs are often bred irresponsibly and may suffer from serious health issues. A healthy Chihuahua puppy should be small but sturdy, active, and alert.
This breed can develop behavioural issues if poorly socialised. Nervous, fearful, or excessively reactive puppies often indicate inadequate early handling. Always ensure your chosen puppy has been raised in a home environment with exposure to normal household sounds and gentle human interaction.
The following organisations may provide further support and information:
The Kennel Club (UK): https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Chihuahua Rescue UK: https://www.chihuahua-rescue.co.uk
Dogs Trust: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk
Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/rehome-pet
