Chihuahua Health and Costs
Breed Group
Toy Dogs
Country of Origin
Mexico
Breed Size
Toy
AKC Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1904
FCI Recognition
Yes, recognized in 1959
Rarity
Most Common1 / 10
Purchase cost
Moderate4 / 10
Life expectancy
Long Lifespan8 / 10
Health
Generally healthy7 / 10
Health problem risk
Mild health concerns3 / 10
Maintenance cost
Low maintenance cost2 / 10
A Veterinarian's Guide
Chihuahua Health Problems and Costs
The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, and it is famous for a long life. Its tiny size, though, brings a predictable set of issues: crowded teeth, slipping kneecaps, a leaky heart valve in later life, a delicate windpipe, and low blood sugar in puppies. Knowing them before you bring a puppy home, or while you already share your life with one, makes the daily habits and the vet visits much easier to plan.
In this guide
Why Is Dental Disease Such a Big Deal in Chihuahuas?
A full set of adult teeth sits in a very small jaw, and small breeds are more prone to periodontal disease, inflammation and infection of the tissue around the teeth, because the crowding traps plaque. The word comes from the Greek peri, "around," and odous, "tooth." VCA Animal Hospitals explains that untreated gum disease destroys the bone around the teeth, so they loosen and can fall out, and that bacteria from severe disease may affect the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Daily brushing with a dog toothpaste is considered the best way to control plaque, and once tartar has formed it needs a professional cleaning under general anesthesia. PetMD also notes that crowded teeth and retained baby teeth are part of the picture in this breed, so ask your veterinarian to check the mouth at every puppy visit.
Are Chihuahuas Prone to Knee Problems?
Patellar luxation, a kneecap that slips out of its groove, is common in toy breeds. The word comes from the Latin patella, "small dish," and luxare, "to dislocate." The VCA guide to luxating patella lists the Chihuahua among the genetically predisposed breeds. A typical owner sees a skip in the step, or a dog that runs on three legs for a few strides and then goes back to normal as if nothing happened.
Mild cases may need nothing beyond monitoring and a healthy weight, and surgery is considered when the kneecap slips often. The breed club lists a patella evaluation among its recommended tests for breeding dogs.
What Heart Condition Should I Watch For?
A new cough, tiring quickly on walks, or fast breathing while resting can signal heart trouble in a Chihuahua, so book a veterinary exam instead of waiting to see if it passes.
Mitral valve disease, or MVD, is a slow wearing out of the valve between two heart chambers. It becomes floppy and lets blood leak backward, so the heart has to work harder. Mitral comes from the Latin mitra, a bishop's hat, which the valve resembles. VCA lists the Chihuahua among the predisposed breeds, and PetMD calls it the leading cause of death in older Chihuahuas.
Early MVD usually causes no symptoms, and the first sign is normally a heart murmur heard through the stethoscope at a routine exam. A murmur does not mean heart failure is near, and the breed club lists a cardiac exam among its recommended tests. If medication is needed later, many dogs do well on it for a long time.
Why Do Chihuahuas Need a Harness Instead of a Collar?
Tracheal collapse is a weakening of the windpipe so that it flattens when the dog breathes. Trachea comes from the Greek tracheia arteria, "rough artery." The main sign is a dry, harsh "goose honk" cough that gets worse with excitement, heat, eating, or pressure on the neck, according to VCA, which names the Chihuahua among the breeds most often affected. Most cases appear in middle aged to senior dogs.
VCA advises a harness instead of a collar, since neck pressure can worsen the cough. Keeping the weight healthy and avoiding smoke and other airway irritants also help, and your veterinarian can discuss medication if the cough persists.
What Is Hypoglycemia and Why Does It Matter in This Breed?
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, comes from the Greek hypo, "under," glykys, "sweet," and haima, "blood." Wikipedia notes that toy breeds are prone to it because of a fast metabolism and high energy needs for their body weight, and puppies are most at risk. Feeding small, regular meals rather than one or two large ones helps, and your veterinarian can tell you what to keep on hand for an episode.
- 01
Sudden collapse
The puppy or dog suddenly cannot stand or is limp.
- 02
Seizure or twitching
Shaking, stiffening, or seizure like episodes.
- 03
Weakness or wobbling
A staggering walk with a glassy, unfocused look.
- 04
Not responding normally
The dog is very sleepy or hard to rouse.
What Does Managing a Chihuahua's Health Actually Cost?
| Condition or Need | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Professional dental cleaning | $300 to $800 | Higher if extractions are needed |
| Kneecap surgery | $1,500 to $3,500 | Per knee, if needed |
| Cardiac workup with echocardiogram | $300 to $600 | After a new murmur is found |
Questions to Ask a Breeder Before Buying a Puppy
Ask for the parents' patella, cardiac, and eye evaluation results, which match the breed club's recommended tests, and ask to see the paperwork rather than relying on a verbal promise. PetMD also advises avoiding breeders who sell "teacup" Chihuahuas, because extra tiny dogs tend to have more health trouble. A breeder who raises dental care and low blood sugar in puppies without being asked is usually well informed about the rest.
Daily Life With a Chihuahua
Despite the size, this is a lively dog that needs daily walks and indoor play, and PetMD notes that it gets cold easily, so a sweater or coat is practical in winter. The personality profile explains why a Chihuahua tends to bond closely with one person and why early socialization matters.
Short coats need only weekly brushing and long coats two or three times a week, and the grooming guide covers the rest. Small dogs learn well from gentle, reward based training started early, and this is also the best time to get them used to tooth brushing.
Keeping Your Chihuahua Healthy for the Long Run
PetMD puts the average lifespan at 14 to 16 years, though some studies of veterinary records report shorter averages. Brush the teeth daily, use a harness, keep your dog lean, and have the kneecaps and heart checked at routine visits. Pet insurance is worth pricing while your dog is young and healthy.
Final Thoughts From a Veterinarian
Chihuahuas often live 14 to 16 years with good care. Brush their teeth daily, use a harness, feed small regular meals, and have any limp, murmur, honking cough or weakness checked. Your veterinarian can tailor the plan.
Health & Costs FAQ
How much do Chihuahua cost?
Chihuahua puppies from reputable breeders generally cost between $800 and $2,500, while show-quality or teacup varieties can reach $10,000. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $500. Budget an additional $200 to $500 for initial supplies, and plan for ongoing costs related to potential dental or heart health issues.
Purchase cost: 4 / 10
How long do Chihuahua live?
Chihuahuas often live 14 to 16 years according to PetMD, although some studies of veterinary records report shorter averages. Daily tooth brushing, a healthy weight, a harness instead of a collar, and routine veterinary checkups help them stay comfortable into their senior years.
Life expectancy: 8 / 10
Are Chihuahua healthy dogs?
Chihuahuas are generally long-lived small dogs, but their size brings predictable risks: crowded teeth and dental disease, slipping kneecaps, mitral valve heart disease, tracheal collapse, and low blood sugar in puppies. Daily dental care, weight control, a harness, and regular veterinary checkups manage most of them well.
Health: 7 / 10
What health problems do Chihuahua have?
Chihuahuas are prone to dental disease, patellar luxation (a slipping kneecap), mitral valve disease, tracheal collapse, and low blood sugar, especially in young puppies. Hydrocephalus and eye problems are also listed. Daily tooth brushing, a harness, and regular heart and kneecap checks catch most issues early.
Health problem risk: 3 / 10
Are Chihuahua expensive to maintain?
Chihuahuas are relatively inexpensive to maintain because of their small size and modest appetites, and grooming is simple. The larger bills are professional dental cleanings, kneecap surgery if it is ever needed, and heart monitoring, so setting money aside for those is wise.
Maintenance cost: 2 / 10
How much does it cost to own a Chihuahua per month?
Expect to spend roughly $100 to $200 per month to own a Chihuahua. This covers quality food, routine veterinary care, and monthly preventives. Dental cleanings, heart monitoring, and any kneecap surgery come on top of that, so set aside funds for them.
Monthly ownership cost: 3 / 10
How much does pet insurance cost for a Chihuahua?
Pet insurance for a young, healthy Chihuahua typically costs about $18 to $31 per month, and premiums usually rise with age. Coverage is worth pricing early, since dental disease, kneecap surgery, and heart valve disease can add up to thousands of dollars.
Pet insurance cost: 2 / 10
Will homeowners insurance cover a Chihuahua?
Yes, most homeowners insurance policies cover Chihuahuas, as they are small companion dogs that are rarely excluded. Some insurers may still ask about a dog's bite history, so always disclose your dog and confirm your liability limits.
Homeowners insurance difficulty: 9 / 10
Are Chihuahua on insurance restricted breed lists?
No, Chihuahuas are generally not included on insurance restricted-breed lists. These lists typically focus on larger breeds perceived as higher liability risks, so a small breed like this one is usually covered under standard policies. Still, always disclose your dog to your provider.
Insurance restriction risk: 2 / 10
Can you get renters insurance with a Chihuahua?
Yes, you can typically get renters insurance with a Chihuahua, since the breed is rarely on restricted lists. Some insurers ask for details about the dog or set their own liability terms, so always disclose your dog to your provider and confirm the policy with your landlord.
Renters insurance difficulty: 8 / 10
