How to Choose a Chihuahua Puppy

The Apple Head Chihuahua is the AKC breed standard: a rounded, domed skull, a short muzzle meeting the forehead at roughly a 90-degree angle, and large, wide-set eyes. It is the look most buyers mean when they picture a Chihuahua, and it is what we breed from imported European lines.

A Deer Head Chihuahua has a longer, sloped muzzle and flatter skull, usually stands a little taller and weighs one to two pounds more. Deer heads often have roomier jaws and slightly fewer dental crowding problems; apple heads are more likely to have a molera (open soft spot) that should be checked by a vet. Neither type is healthier by default — the breeder's selection matters far more than the label.

Short coats shed fine hairs year-round and need almost no grooming. Long coats shed less visibly and need brushing two or three times a week, plus attention behind the ears and on the trousers. Neither coat is hypoallergenic.

Rare colors — merle, blue, lilac, chocolate — carry premium pricing. Ask specifically whether merle was bred to merle: responsible breeders never pair two merle parents because it raises the risk of hearing and vision defects. Color should be the last thing you choose, after health and temperament.

"Teacup" is a marketing term, not an official size. The AKC recognizes one Chihuahua breed under 6 lbs. In practice a teacup finishes around 2–4 lbs and a standard Chihuahua around 4–6 lbs.

To project adult weight, take the puppy's 8-week weight and multiply by roughly three, then sanity-check it against both parents' adult weights. Most 8-week Chihuahuas weigh 1–2 lbs. Tiny puppies need extra care with blood sugar and should never leave the breeder before 10–14 weeks. If you have young children or big dogs at home, choose a standard-size puppy.

Watch the entire litter on a live video call rather than judging one photo. The boldest puppy will need firmer structure and more training; the shyest needs patient socializing; the middle-of-the-litter puppy usually settles fastest with a first-time owner.

On sex: males tend to be more openly affectionate and eager to please, females a little more independent and territorial. The differences between individual puppies are much larger than the difference between sexes, so match energy level to your household first.

Before you place a deposit, ask for and read:

• Vet-signed exam notes, with heart, patellas and fontanelle specifically checked
• Age-appropriate vaccination and deworming records
• A written health guarantee covering congenital defects for a defined period
• Both parents' adult weights and any health testing on the sire and dam
• Feeding schedule and hypoglycemia instructions for small puppies

A reputable breeder welcomes a live video call, shows both parents, answers questions about adult weight honestly, and never ships a puppy in the cargo hold. Red flags: pressure to send a deposit sight-unseen, stock photos, refusal to do a live call, "ready at 6 weeks," and prices far below the market.

Read our USA Chihuahua puppy buyer guide for transport and paperwork detail, or find a breeder in your area on our Chihuahua breeders near me hub.

Chihuahuas are one of the best apartment breeds: two short walks and indoor play are plenty, and over-exercising a growing teacup stresses fragile joints. They must live indoors — sweaters in cold cities, early or late walks in hot ones, and never on hot pavement.

Potty training is slower than with larger breeds simply because the bladder is tiny. Indoor pads plus a strict schedule after waking, eating and playing usually produces a reliable puppy in 8–12 weeks.

• Head type and coat decided, color last
• Projected adult weight confirmed against both parents
• Temperament observed live, not from a photo
• Vet records, health guarantee and hypoglycemia plan in hand
• Breeder did a live video call with the parents present
• Transport is hand-delivery or in-cabin nanny — never cargo
• Go-home age: 8 weeks standard, 10–14 weeks teacup