Chihuahua Care Tips for Small Dogs With Big Attitudes
Chihuahuas may be small, but don’t let their size fool you. These pint-sized pups are full of personality, sass, and, let’s be honest, just a tiny bit of drama.
If you’ve ever seen a Chihuahua stare down a Great Dane like they’re about to throw paws, you know what I mean. Owning one is equal parts hilarious and challenging 😉
The trick to raising a happy, healthy Chihuahua? Knowing how to balance their “big dog” attitude with their small-dog needs. Let’s break it down.
1. Feeding: Less Is More
Chihuahuas are small, which means their stomachs are too. Overfeeding them is one of the most common mistakes new owners make.

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- Split meals into 2–3 smaller servings per day
- Stick to high-quality small-breed dog food (they need more calories per pound than bigger dogs)
Pro tip: Watch out for table scraps. One extra slice of cheese might not look like much, but for a 6-pound Chihuahua, it’s basically a triple cheeseburger. Obesity hits these little dogs fast and is tough on their joints.
2. Training: Don’t Let the Sass Win
Yes, Chihuahuas are cute. But no, that doesn’t mean they should rule your house. If you don’t set boundaries, you’ll end up with a tiny dictator who thinks barking = law.

Training rules to live by:
- Start early with basic commands (sit, stay, come)
- Use positive reinforcement—treats, praise, toys
- Stay consistent. If you let them sleep in your bed once, good luck convincing them otherwise.
And here’s the kicker: don’t baby them. Chihuahuas may be small, but they’re still dogs. Letting them skip training because they’re “too little to cause trouble” is how you end up with the infamous Napoleon complex.
3. Socialization: Stop the “Stranger Danger”
Chihuahuas are naturally suspicious of strangers. That’s part of their charm, but without proper socialization, they can turn into little bark machines.
Expose them early to:
- Other dogs (big and small)
- Different people (kids, adults, visitors)
- Noisy environments like sidewalks or parks
The more they see the world, the less likely they are to overreact. You’ll still get some side-eyeing and sass, but at least it won’t escalate into nonstop yapping.
4. Grooming: Easy… With One Catch
Good news: Chihuahuas don’t require hours of grooming. Bad news: they shed more than you’d expect for such a tiny dog.

Basic grooming routine:
- Brush weekly to keep shedding under control
- Bathe every month or two (unless they find something disgusting to roll in—then all bets are off)
- Trim nails regularly (their nails grow surprisingly fast)
- Keep their ears clean and dry—they’re prone to wax build-up and infections
One extra thing to note: Chihuahuas get cold easily. So yes, those little dog sweaters aren’t just Instagram-worthy fashion—they’re practical.
5. Exercise: Zoomies Count
Don’t underestimate their energy. Chihuahuas might not need hour-long hikes, but they do need daily exercise. Without it, they get bored—and bored Chihuahuas bark, chew, and generally cause chaos.
Good exercise options:
- Short daily walks (10–20 minutes is plenty)
- Indoor play sessions (fetch in the hallway works great)
- Puzzle toys to keep their brains busy
Chihuahuas love zoomies, so let them go wild in a safe space. Just maybe don’t leave breakable stuff nearby.
6. Health: Small Dog, Big Concerns
Like many small breeds, Chihuahuas come with a few health quirks. Knowing what to watch for keeps you ahead of the game.
Common Chihuahua health issues:
- Dental problems: Their tiny mouths = crowded teeth. Brush regularly or schedule cleanings.
- Luxating patella (slipping kneecap): Jumping off furniture too often can make this worse.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Especially in puppies—feed them regularly.
- Tracheal collapse: That dramatic coughing sound? Might be a sign their windpipe is irritated.
Pro tip: Pet stairs or ramps can save their joints (and your nerves) from all that furniture jumping.

7. Separation Anxiety: The Drama Is Real
Chihuahuas are Velcro dogs. They love their humans and hate being left alone. Too much time solo = barking, chewing, and the dog equivalent of slamming their bedroom door.
How to handle it:
- Start small—leave for a few minutes, then gradually increase time away
- Leave toys or treats to keep them busy
- Avoid long, drawn-out goodbyes (it only makes it worse)
Some Chihuahuas do fine being alone after training, but others? Let’s just say your neighbors will know all about it.
8. Safety: They’re Tiny, Remember?
Chihuahuas think they’re big dogs, but their bodies didn’t get the memo. One wrong jump or rough play session with a larger dog can lead to injuries.
Safety hacks:
- Use a harness instead of a collar for walks (protects their fragile neck)
- Supervise play with bigger dogs—confidence doesn’t equal indestructible
- Train kids to be gentle (no tugging, no picking up like a toy)
Think of them like fragile little daredevils—they’ll jump, climb, and challenge anyone, but they need protection from themselves.
9. Spoiler Alert: They’re Addictive
Once you own a Chihuahua, you’ll probably want another. They’re funny, bold, loyal, and ridiculously attached to their people. Sure, they bark too much and act tougher than they are, but that’s part of the charm.
Final Thoughts
Chihuahuas are proof that good things come in small packages—with a lot of attitude stuffed inside. They need care tailored to their size and quirks, but if you do it right, they’ll be your fiercest little shadow.
Quick recap for new owners:
- Feed carefully (don’t overdo it)
- Train and socialize early
- Groom regularly (don’t ignore those teeth!)
- Give daily exercise and mental stimulation
- Watch for health issues common to the breed
- Keep them safe—they’re small but fearless
Get all that down, and you’ll have a tiny dog with a huge personality who’ll stick to you like glue. IMO, they’re the perfect mix of sass and sweetness—as long as you don’t let them think they’re the boss (because they will).

I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉