Chihuahua vs Teacup Chihuahua: Size, Health, and Care

Chihuahuas and Teacup Chihuahuas are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance, but they have distinct differences in size.

The average weight of a Chihuahua is between 2-8 pounds, while a Teacup Chihuahua weighs even less, typically between 1-4 pounds.

Chihuahuas can have a lifespan of 12-18 years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds.

Teacup Chihuahuas, however, have a higher risk of health problems due to their small size and may not live as long as standard Chihuahuas.

Here's an interesting read: Breeds of Dogs under 40 Pounds

Chihuahuas are renowned for being the world's smallest dog, but they may have the world's biggest personality stashed inside that tiny body.

They follow their people everywhere in the house and can become very demanding if they're overindulged, forming a close bond with a single person.

Chihuahuas are intelligent and fast learners, able to compete in agility and obedience trials with as much enthusiasm and success as larger dogs.

Additional reading: Cutest Dog in the World Pomeranian

They're willful little dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement in the form of praise and food rewards when training.

Chihuahuas are curious and bold explorers, able to squeeze into small places and escape from yards through small gaps in the fence.

They're not recommended for homes with children under the age of eight, simply because of the chance of injury by a young child.

Chihuahuas need to be socialized to children, adults, and other animals to help them become friendly and confident.

They tend to be mistrustful of strangers, which makes them good watchdogs, but they need to learn to meet people in a friendly manner.

The Chihuahua's personality and unique size make them a wonderful go-everywhere companion, and people who live with them become devoted to them.

Explore further: Are Chihuahuas Friendly

Chihuahuas typically weigh between 3 to 6 pounds, but some can reach 12 or more pounds, making them a great choice for families with children.

Intriguing read: Breeds of Dogs under 25 Pounds

Their size can vary, but the Teacup Chihuahua is a notable exception, weighing less than 3 pounds and standing less than 6 inches tall.

The apple-headed Chihuahua is the smallest Chihuahua breed, standing at only 5-8 inches tall and weighing up to six pounds.

Pearl, the world's shortest living dog, is an apple head Chi that stands only 3.59 inches tall and 5 inches long, small enough to hide behind a travel mug.

The deer-headed Chihuahua, on the other hand, has a longer snout and legs, allowing them to stand over 10 inches tall.

Here's a comparison of the two head shapes:

Teacup Chihuahuas are not a distinct breed, but rather the product of breeding efforts using the littlest dogs, and most of them are apple-headed.

Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed, but smaller Chihuahuas, including Teacup Chihuahuas, are more prone to certain health issues. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will help catch any potential problems early on.

Teacup Chihuahuas are at risk for hypoglycemia, a condition caused by low blood sugar, which can be treated with sugar supplements like Nutri-Cal, honey, and Karo syrup. This is especially common in small dogs with poor diets or irregular meal schedules.

Patellar luxation, also known as loose knees, is another common issue in Chihuahuas, particularly those with fragile bones. This can cause lameness in the leg or an abnormal gait.

Collapsing trachea is a serious condition that can be congenital or acquired, and is common among small breeds like Chihuahuas. It occurs when the cartilaginous rings in the trachea weaken or become malformed.

Some Chihuahuas may be born with a soft spot on their skull, known as a molera, which is a normal adaptation that helps facilitate their passage through the birth canal. However, it's essential to be cautious and prevent head injuries during the first six months of life, as the molera will eventually close up.

Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to cold weather, and may shiver or tremble in cold temperatures. To keep them warm, you can get them sweaters and boots, or expose them to sunshine and keep them under blankets or in furniture.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Teacup Chihuahuas:

By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or mitigate them, and ensure your Teacup Chihuahua lives a happy and healthy life.

Chihuahuas need exercise and training, like all dogs, and can be surprisingly energetic, so ensure they don't tire themselves out, especially on hot days.

Chihuahuas enjoy walks, supervised romps, and retrieving toys, and they'll go until they drop, so it's essential to keep an eye on them. They should never live outside.

Chihuahuas are easy to housetrain if taken out frequently and on a consistent schedule, and using a crate can help teach them to control their bladder and prevent accidents. Crate training at a young age can also help them accept confinement if needed.

A highly active Chihuahua will need more food than a less active one, and the quality of dog food makes a difference, with better food nourishing them further and requiring less.

To ensure your Chihuahua gets the right amount of food, check the back of the food packet for the recommended daily amount, which is typically around 40 calories per pound of body weight, or about 1 cup of food per day for a small Chihuahua.

Chihuahuas are surprisingly energetic dogs that need regular exercise, like walks and supervised romps in the yard.

You should take your Chihuahua out frequently and on a consistent schedule to housetrain them, especially after meals and naps.

Crate training is a great way to housetrain your Chihuahua and prevent accidents in the house, but don't crate them for more than two to four hours at a time except overnight.

Chihuahuas can be destructive as puppies, but crate training at a young age will help them accept confinement if needed in the future.

They're people dogs and shouldn't spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel, so use crate training responsibly and not as a substitute for proper training and socialization.

You'll need to take your Chihuahua out every one to two hours if they're not crated, and be prepared to spend 15-20 years caring for them as a living creature.

Intriguing read: What Not to Feed Chihuahuas

When it comes to feeding your Chihuahua, you'll want to start with the basics. The recommended daily amount is 1/4 to 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

The quality of dog food makes a big difference - the better the food, the less of it you'll need to feed your dog. This is because better food is more nourishing, so your dog will get the nutrients they need from a smaller amount.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. A highly active dog will need more food than a couch potato dog.

To give you a better idea, dogs the size of the Toy Chihuahua require around 40 calories of food a day per pound of body weight. This is roughly around 150 calories of food a day, which equates to around 1 cup of food.

It's essential to check the back of the food packet to see how much of a certain food you should be feeding your pup based on their weight. You should also make sure you're feeding them a kibble that's especially formulated for small or toy dog breeds.

Splitting their food into at least two meals a day can help combat hypoglycaemia. It's also crucial to keep treats to a minimum, as Chihuahuas can gain weight easily.

Recommended read: Silky Terrier Weight

The Teacup Chihuahua can have one of two coats - a long coat or a short coat. The short coat is the original coat of the Chihuahua breed.

Long-coated Chihuahuas have wavy to straight hair that can be a little more difficult to maintain. They need to be groomed more often than shorthaired Chihuahuas.

Short coated Chihuahuas have a smooth and shiny coat that is easy to maintain. This makes them a great choice for busy owners.

Long-coated Chihuahuas need to be brushed between two to three times a week to prevent matting and tangling. If you don't brush them often enough, their fur can become matted and trap dirt.

Bathing a Teacup Chihuahua every 1 to 2 months is sufficient, but make sure to use a dog shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. You should also brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental decay and disease.

Short-haired Teacup Chihuahuas are low maintenance dogs that can thrive even with infrequent grooming. However, long-haired Chihuahuas require more regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Recommended read: Toy Dogs for Short Crossword

The Teacup Chihuahua's temperament is a big part of their charm. They love their people and attention, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

These tiny dogs are happiest when they're by your side, and can fit in your purse, making them great travel companions. They can be feisty at times, but this is usually due to their possessiveness and protectiveness over their owners and belongings.

With proper training and socialization, however, this can be fixed. They're not really aggressive, but may come across as so due to their small size and desire to protect themselves.

Unfortunately, the Teacup Chihuahua's lifespan is shorter than the standard Chihuahua's. On average, they live between 7 and 12 years, compared to the standard Chihuahua's 18-year lifespan.

A different take: Standard Pomeranian Dog

Teacup Chihuahuas are pup that loves their people and loves their attention! They thrive on being by your side and don't like to be left alone.

These tiny dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for too long, which can lead to excessive salivating, growling, pacing, howling, destructive chewing, and challenging other dogs by barking at them.

Their small size can sometimes make them come across as a little aggressive, but they're not really aggressive and don't have a prey drive. They just want to protect themselves, especially against larger dogs.

With proper training and socialization from a young age, you can fix their feisty behavior and possessiveness over their owners and belongings. This will help them become more confident and less likely to attack strangers.

Their loyalty to their human family is rather fierce, which can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they make great companions, but on the other hand, they may not be suitable for homes with kids from eight years and below due to their provocative nature.

On a similar theme: Why Are Chihuahuas so Aggressive

The lifespan of a Teacup Chihuahua is a bit of a concern, as they don't live as long as their standard counterparts.

On average, a Teacup Chihuahua lives between 7 and 12 years.

Unfortunately, that's a relatively short lifespan compared to the standard Chihuahua, which can live up to 18 years.

Related reading: How Long Do Jack Russels Live

A Teacup Chihuahua can cost between $500 and $2,000, although it can be more due to their popularity and the difficulty breeders have with breeding them.

You should always check that you're buying from a responsible breeder who can show you health clearances for both parent breeds.

Unfortunately, with Teacup Chihuahuas being so popular, it's not uncommon to find irresponsible breeders or puppy mills.

If buying is out of your price range or you'd prefer to adopt, you should always check your local shelter, as Teacup Chihuahuas are often found in rescue centers looking for their forever home.

A different take: Bedlington Terrier Breeders

Buying a Teacup Chihuahua can cost between $500 and $2,000, although it can be more due to their popularity.

You'll want to check that you're buying from a responsible breeder who can show you health clearances for both parent breeds.

Irresponsible breeders or puppy mills are not uncommon, especially with popular breeds like Teacup Chihuahuas.

If buying is out of your price range or you'd prefer to adopt, you should check your local shelter, as Teacup Chihuahuas are often found in rescue centers.

Dog Breeds are a crucial factor to consider when thinking about the cost of owning a pet. There's only one true Chihuahua breed, but you can break it into several subtypes based on physical characteristics.

You can choose between short-haired and medium-haired varieties, both of which come in several colors. Some Chihuahuas have a smooth coat, while others have a long coat.

The most crucial distinction in Chihuahuas centers around the head shape, with some being "apple heads" and others being "deer heads." Depending on the type, the average height can vary by several inches.

The smallest dog breed is the Chihuahua, specifically the apple-headed variety. They stand at only 5–8 inches tall and weigh up to six pounds.

The apple-headed Chihuahua is the only variety that fits the breed standard due to its unique head shape and size. Their small domed skulls sit slightly outward, forming an apple-like appearance.

You might like: Apple Head Chiweenie

The record holder for the shortest dog alive is an apple head Chihuahua named Pearl, who stands only 3.59 inches tall and 5 inches long. This makes her small enough to hide behind a travel mug or use a dollar bill as a blanket.

Pearl comes from a family of small dogs, with her aunt Miracle Milly holding the world's shortest living dog title before her. Miracle Milly measured only 3.8 inches taller than Pearl.

When considering the smallest dog breeds, it's essential to understand that while Yorkies are among the shortest dogs, Chihuahuas are generally the tiniest of all.

The apple head variety of Chihuahua is not only the littlest Chihuahua breed but the smallest dog you'll find anywhere.

If you're looking for a small dog, it's worth noting that Chihuahuas have a relatively large brain compared to their body size. According to vet-approved facts, a Chihuahua's brain is surprisingly large.

Here are the top 10 smallest dog breeds, in no particular order:

The Deer Head Chihuahua has a broad, rounded skull and a flat forehead, whereas the Apple Head Chihuahua has a well-defined stop and a rounded skull with a protruding forehead.

Deer Head Chihuahuas tend to have a more delicate appearance and a longer muzzle compared to Apple Head Chihuahuas.

Apple Head Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are known for their large, round eyes and a more compact body compared to Deer Head Chihuahuas.

Both Deer Head and Apple Head Chihuahuas can come in a variety of coat lengths and colors, but Apple Head Chihuahuas are more prone to health issues due to their flat face.

The American Kennel Club recognizes the Apple Head Chihuahua as the standard breed, but some breeders argue that the Deer Head Chihuahua is a more natural variation of the breed.

For more insights, see: Deer Head vs Apple Head Chihuahua

When it comes to feeding your Chihuahua, the calorie needs are relatively low, especially compared to larger breeds. A young Chihuahua puppy should eat 55 calories/pound each day, while an adult needs 40 calories/pound.

Your Teacup Chihuahua, being a small breed, requires high-quality food that's specially made for smaller dogs. These diets are designed to meet their specific protein, energy, and fat requirements.

Feeding your Teacup Chihuahua twice a day means each meal should have 75 calories, which is the daily requirement for this breed. This is because they have a relatively small stomach and low energy needs.

A good rule of thumb is to feed your Teacup Chihuahua 150 calories per day, which breaks down to 75 calories per meal.

The term "Teacup Chihuahua" is actually a myth, not a real breed or version of the Chihuahua breed.

Chihuahuas have a standard size range of 4 to 6 pounds (1.8-2.7 kg), but some can be as small as 2 or 3 pounds (0.9 – 1.3 kg) and are still considered acceptable.

There's no minimum weight requirement for a Chihuahua, which has led to some breeders trying to create even smaller dogs through selective breeding.

These miniature Chihuahuas are extremely popular among dog owners, but it's essential to be aware of the potential harm caused by unethical breeders who prioritize profit over the health and well-being of the dogs.

For another approach, see: Dog Breeders Coton De Tulear