Chihuahua parameters: standard sizes and weight, puppy growth chart by month and factors influencing their development

Chihuahuas are dogs famous for their small size and light weight.

Due to the fact that this breed has several varieties that differ from each other in growth, all Chihuahuas grow differently.

What should a Chihuahua puppy weigh, depending on his age, how many months will he grow up to, and how much will he weigh when he grows up? And what should you do if, despite seemingly good care and proper feeding, your Chihuahua is not gaining weight well?

What proportions should a dog have?

The Chihuahua is a very small dog. Its purity is evidenced by its appearance conforming to the following parameters:

• the body is compact, miniature and even lean. The muscles are clearly visible, the back is straight, the buttocks are rounded. The height of a male at the withers is 23 cm, that of a female is 18 cm;
• the head is shaped like an uneven circle, sometimes resembling an apple. There is a fontanel on the skull - a molera;
• the nose is slightly turned up;
• round, large eyes, often dark, but sometimes there are dogs with light eyes;

Long-haired and short-haired dogs

• the tail is curved in a semicircle and elongated. The tip of the tail always points towards the lower back if the dog is calm and not irritated by anything. In dogs when excited, the tail curls into a ring;
• limbs are strong, sinewy;
• The ears are large, elongated, always erect. The tips of the ears are rounded;
• There are long-haired and short-haired dogs. The short-haired representatives of the breed have a soft, shiny coat. Long-haired dogs have a beautiful collar on the chest and bloomers on the paws. The tip of the tail is fluffy. The fur is straight;
• The most common dogs are speckled, chocolate, red or spotted. The coat color does not affect the purity of the breed; it can be anything.

Note! Chihuahuas are playful, very active, and it is not easy to keep up with them, so the dog should not be let off the leash if the owner does not have the proper degree of mobility. As an option, you can teach the dog special commands, that it needs to constantly return to the person. They learn quickly. It's easy for a small dog to get lost in a crowd.

Different coat colors

Head

The Chihuahua's skull is very large, apple-shaped, the width and height of which are equal. The voluminous forehead has pronounced eyebrows.

Due to the convexity of the forehead, the transition to the muzzle is clearly visible.

The mini dog's muzzle, wide towards the base, tapers towards the nose. A short muzzle with poorly defined cheekbones has rounded, tightly fitting lips, the dry and tense structure of which should completely cover the teeth.

The small nose may be slightly turned up. The standard allows any color of the nose that matches the coat color.

The large, round eyes of the Chihuahua have an expressive, slightly sly look. Widely spaced ocelli suggest the presence of a deep furrow between them. They should not be too convex. The eye color is dark, matching the coat color, although the standard allows for a light color.

If you look at a Chihuahua from the front, then according to the standard, the eyes and nose of a mini dog form an equilateral triangle.

The standard allows for both scissor and level bites. But an undershot or vice versa - an undershot is already considered a defect. The set of teeth may not be complete - they do not attach much importance to this.

The animal's large ears are set high, wider at the base, tapering to a rounded tip. When the dog is calm, they hang at an angle of forty-five degrees, and when excited they take a vertical position and become closer to each other.

The neck is set high and has a slight bend at the top, without dewlap. In males it is more powerful.

To what age do representatives of the breed grow?

German Shepherd weight by month: table

The puppy's weight and height change rapidly during the first month of life. Every day the weight doubles. But you can understand what size a dog will be only after it is 1 year old. By this time, most puppies reach the weight and height of an adult dog. But they don't stop growing. A dog's body stops changing by the age of 1.5 years.

Important! A dog is considered an adult when it reaches 1 year of age. But even after that it grows for another six months, most often in width.

Gradually, the formed fat layer will disappear, and the dog will become lean. Naturally, if the owner takes care that he eats properly. If your dog eats well, exercises a lot, but is still too fat, you should contact your veterinarian.

Coat

There are two types of Chihuahua fur:

• short;
• long.

The short-haired coat fits tightly to the dog's body and has smooth and soft hairs of a straight structure. If there is undercoat, the length of his hair will be slightly longer, as well as on the neck and tail. On the head and ears the hair is the shortest, in the throat area it is practically absent.

The long-haired coat has thin and soft hairs of an even structure. Light waves are allowed, but not curly hair. Longer hair is found in the following places: ears, neck, paws, tail, chest. The dog's body should not be covered with too long and thick hair.

What determines the size and weight of a Chihuahua?

Yorkie weight by month: table, standard, how many months it takes to grow

The size and weight of the dog depend on the following factors:

• the puppy belongs to one of 3 varieties - lines found in the breed. It is genetic characteristics that determine the size of a dog. So, some puppies grow up to be massive, while others, even by the standards of their breed, remain miniature. Height and weight are affected by various genetic diseases. If the puppy is not growing, you need to show it to the veterinarian;
• time of mating and estrus. If a dog takes a walk ahead of schedule, it may stop growing and not reach the standard height and weight requirements for the breed;
• the quality of life. The puppy must be fed in accordance with the requirements of its age and breed. It is impossible to underfeed or overfeed a dog in order to obtain an ideal-sized pet. Puppies that are underfed at an early age, upon reaching adulthood, indeed remain very small, but they often develop vitamin deficiency and chronic diseases of internal organs and limbs;
• physical activity. The dog is very active, but there are puppies that are not prone to long runs. They often get fat and are usually lower at the withers than other representatives of the breed.

Note! A dog’s weight is also related to the parameters that were inherent to him from birth. If a newborn puppy weighed no more than 80 g, then there is a high probability that an adult will weigh very little - 1.5-2 kg. A puppy born weighing 150-170 g can weigh up to 3 kg when it reaches one year. A special table helps determine the exact weight of the puppy.

Mini and standard sizes

Factors influencing growth

Development, weight gain, growth of Chihuahua puppies depends on these factors:

1. Genetic predisposition. When purchasing a puppy, experienced owners carefully study the kitten's ancestors. Pathology, a developmental disorder that is “old” even about 5 generations ago may well manifest itself in a distant heir. It is genetics that is primarily responsible for the size, weight, speed of development of the animal, and the onset of the first heat in female puppies.
2. Number of brothers and sisters. The more numerous the litter, the smaller its representatives will be. But this statement is not 100% valid. With proper care, nutritious and high-quality nutrition, even the weakest and frailest kitten can catch up, or even surpass its brothers in development.
3. Care and feeding. In order for a Chihuahua baby to fully develop, he needs to create special development conditions - a cozy and calm environment, sufficient physical activity, good nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplements. The owner must keep a diary of his pet’s weight gain: in the first month he fills it out every week, in the 2-12th month – monthly. During the active period of development (3-9 months), the baby should gain at least 80-100 g monthly.

What is the table for?

Kitten weight by month: correct ratio table

A puppy height and weight gain chart is essential for all owners of small Chihuahuas. It helps to find out about existing problems in a timely manner, understand whether the dog is developing correctly, and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian.

The table contains important data about the weight and height of the pet in each month of its life. If your dog quickly gained weight and then suddenly lost weight, do not panic; you can always compare real data and information from the table. Sometimes losing weight or gaining weight at certain times in a puppy's life is normal. A small dog doesn't move much, so it gains weight better. Having learned to stand on his feet normally, and then to run, the puppy quickly gets rid of extra pounds.

Official data helps the breeder decide which category the puppy belongs to, whether it belongs to:

• standard line (adults weigh from 2.3 to 3 kg);
• small standard (1.8-2.3 kg);
• mini dogs (1.5-1.8 kg);
• super miri line (0.5-1.5 kg).

If there is a need, then, based on the data obtained, they try to correct the puppy’s weight (feed more or less, walk more often).

The puppy’s weight needs to be monitored using a special table.

Vices

The following defects are considered defects for which you can get disqualified:

• too light build;
• heavy weight, more than three kilograms;
• lack of a ponytail;
• parts of the tail or ears have been removed;
• bald patches on the skin;
• body too long;
• in males - absence of testicles, undeveloped or not fully descended testes into the scrotum.

Tell me, does your Chihuahua fit the standard parameters? How old is your little dog?

Table of dog weight and height at the withers

Chihuahua dog weight chart by month is an important tool that all Chihuahua breeders use.

For your information! To determine the weight of a dog, a three-month-old puppy can be weighed and the result obtained multiplied by 2. These will be the parameters of an adult.

How to use the table

Every 30 days the puppy is weighed and measured at the withers. If its parameters fall significantly short of the specified standard, contact a specialist. There is no reason to appeal if the parameters deviate by a few grams down or up.

When does puberty occur?

Small breeds of dogs become sexually mature earlier than their larger counterparts. Female Chihuahuas come into heat at about 6 months of age. But under no circumstances should she be taken to mating in such a return.

If a Chihuahua is impregnated at six months of age, the puppies may not survive or may be born with defects. In addition, after mating the body stops growing, and at 6 months it is still immature. The best time for mating is 10-12 months, then the dog’s body will be completely ready.

Males also fully mature by 10-12 months. It is better to arrange the first mating with an experienced bitch. The next mating should be carried out no earlier than after 4 months. Then every month, one mating, and no more.

Important: Before the first mating, it is better to take the dog to the veterinarian so that he can determine its physiological characteristics. It doesn't matter if it's a cable or a bitch

Mini individuals

The weight of a mini Chihuahua is approximately 1.5 kg. The height at the withers is about 14-16 cm. At the same time, the breed standard does not indicate the varieties, they simply do not exist; the parameter for classifying dogs by height and weight was introduced by breeders for convenience.

Minis have the same playful character as most larger representatives of the breed. They are affectionate and sociable, but need firm guidance from their owner. Otherwise, dogs grow up to be aggressive, cowardly and hysterical.

Minis are not included in the standard

Character traits

Chihuahua is one of the pocket dog breeds. They are very friendly and cheerful in nature, making them perfect for families with children. They are quite strong and even similar to terriers in temperament - full of self-confidence. Of course, each dog is individual, but overall they are beautiful and even amazing animals.

How puppies grow

From birth to 10 months, a Chihuahua gains 30-60 g of weight every week. Closer to a year, the puppy begins to grow more actively, he eats more, so he can gain 120-150 g weekly. Sometimes dramatic changes in weight are observed already in six-month-old individuals.

Important! The puppy's weight and body size increase sharply. Up to 1.5 years this is not a deviation. The dog is still growing. If after the specified time the dog continues to change, becoming higher at the withers, then most likely he is not a purebred Chihuahua.

The weight of the Chihuahua is determined after weighing, be sure to compare the data obtained with a table of basic parameters. If the puppy was born very small, but is viable, eats well and is growing in size, there is no cause for concern. In the first four weeks of life, a Chihuahua weighs from 200 to 450 g, this difference is considered normal.

When determining the weight of six-month and one-year-old dogs, the availability of nutritious food and an active lifestyle are taken into account. If your dog eats frequently and doesn't look thin, but is very small, smaller than other toy breeds, you can take him to the vet. But there are dogs that weigh no more than 1 kg per year, while the weight of adult Chihuahuas of the same breed reaches 2.5 and 3 kg.

Flaws

Any deviation from the standard parameters is considered a serious deficiency. These include the following points:

• narrow skull;
• flat skull;
• small eye size;
• large protrusion of the eyes;
• long muzzle length;
• pointed ears;
• completely drooping ears;
• small neck;
• curved or concave spine;
• strongly sloping croup;
• long body length;
• barrel-shaped ribs;
• narrow set of front paws;
• elbows extending far away from the body;
• short or crooked legs;
• small breasts;
• displacement of the cup in the knees;
• jaw displacement;
• a short or completely curled ponytail with an incorrect fit;
• completely thin hairline;
• extra teeth;
• unexpressed stop.

Chihuahua clothing size

Before buying clothes for a dog, measure:

• length of the back from the base of the tail to the withers;
• neck girth;
• chest girth.

Most often, Chihuahuas choose clothes in the following sizes:

• XS. This is the smallest size, suitable for dogs with a back length of 15 to 20 cm, a chest girth of up to 28 cm, and a neck girth of 12 to 20 cm. Clothes of this size are sewn for puppies and mini Chihuahuas that weigh up to 1.2 kg;
• S. If a dog has a back length of 21-24 cm, a chest of no more than 35 cm in girth, and a neck of no more than 23 cm, then clothes marked S are suitable for it. Various overalls and blouses of this size are sewn on mini Chihuahuas weighing on average up to 2.3 kg;
• M. Clothes of this size are worn by standard individuals with a back length of up to 28 cm, chest girth of up to 46 cm and neck girth of up to 31 cm.

Note! Some dogs buy clothes in size L. This is necessary if the dog weighs more than 3 kg and has a back length of up to 33 cm. To determine the size, use the Chihuahua growth chart.

Limbs

Steady and strong front legs form a straight line with the elbows and are parallel to each other. When viewed from the side, you can see that the pastern is elastic and slightly oblique. The elbows are tightly pressed to the body.

Well developed hind legs are set vertically and are also parallel to each other, with a good angle of the hock joints. Narrow posture or weakness in the limbs are considered a defect.

The limbs have soft paw pads and long fingers with slightly elongated claws. Pay attention to how many fingers the puppy has. Dewclaws need to be removed.

Deviations from the norm

Deviations from the breed norm are common. But all of them are mostly associated with the genetic characteristics of a particular puppy or with improper care for it by the owners. So, if a dog is underfed, starting from birth, then it grows even smaller than it should be. You shouldn't overfeed your Chihuahua either; they love to eat and never refuse extra food in their bowl. If the dog does not move enough, there is a risk of developing obesity, which will have to be combated using medical methods.

A deviation is considered to be too much growth of the dog. 24-25 cm at the withers is almost the limit for a male. Females are even smaller. Chihuahuas, whose growth was small from birth, usually do not reach the standard parameters, always maintaining a minimum body weight.

Learning ability

Training seems to be one of the Chihuahua's weak points. This doesn't mean they aren't smart enough to learn. With all this, these animals are driven by strong territorial instincts. Therefore, the dog will definitely guard the territory near the house and mark its boundaries.

Chihuahuas are really good obedience learners and can learn to follow commands consistently. This can actually help with the training issues that many owners face. Agility training also engages their thinking.

Comparison of Chihuahua sizes with other dwarf breeds

The Chihuahua is truly the smallest dog in the world. For comparison, other dwarf breeds both in weight and size greatly exceed this small, almost pocket dog.

Yorkies are the second most popular after Chihuahuas.

• Yorkshire Terrier. Weighs up to 3 kg, at the withers reaches a height of 23 cm. This almost corresponds to the standard size of a Chihuahua.
• Pomeranian Spitz. An adult weighs up to 3.2 kg with a height of 18 to 30 cm at the withers.
• Maltese. A dwarf dog of this breed can weigh 3-4 kg with a height of no more than 25 cm.
• Brussels Griffon. Weighs up to 6 kg with a height of only 25-30 cm.
• King Charles Spaniel. Weighs more than 6 kg with a height of just over 30 cm at the withers.
• Pug. A small dog that sometimes weighs over 8 kg. Her height is 25-35 cm.

Chihuahuas are closest in parameters to the Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian Spitz.

Dog breeders all over the world happily breed Chihuahuas. This small dog thrives in limited living space, weighs and takes up very little space, is cheerful and friendly. When choosing a pet, pay special attention to the weight and size of the puppy. If the future owner does not know what parameters a purebred dog must meet, it is better to check the weight and size table, and also make a deal to purchase a puppy after examining it by a veterinarian. The specialist will tell you how much a Chihuahua weighs at a certain age, what to feed and how to care for the dog.

Peculiarities

The smallest pup in a litter may surpass its own littermates in size by the time all puppies reach one year of age. And it makes no difference whether it is a boy or a girl. All puppies grow almost the same.

The best method for determining how big a Chihuahua will become is to look at the pedigree. This will be considered his standard. Size, along with other physical traits, is hereditary.

The genetics passed on from the parents will undoubtedly affect the size of the Chihuahua; although looking back 3 generations will give you the best idea of ​​your puppy's future size.

Ideal case

The body of this breed must be harmoniously and firmly built. A slight elongation is not considered a defect. The back is strong and level. It goes into the muscular lower back. The croup itself is wide with a slight slope. The chest is quite wide with rounded ribs. The chest itself is also rounded to the elbow of the front legs, forming a characteristic barrel-shaped shape with a tucked belly.

There are two types of housing:

• dir – elegant or “deer-like”;
• cobby - heavy.

The tail of all Chihuahuas is of average length and is set high. It is thick at the base, tapering towards the apex. A Chihuahua without a tail is considered a defect.

Physiological development

Alabai puppies in childhood look like beautiful, funny plush toys. Subsequently, they turn into devoted friends and fearless guards.

Turkmen Alabai, wolfhound or shepherd dog: description

Despite the fact that the growth and weight gain rates of puppies of this breed are different, there is still a certain dependence on the established parameters. When keeping an Alabai puppy, the owner is recommended to weigh and measure the body monthly. If signs of a significant lag or, conversely, excessive increase are detected, it is necessary to immediately adjust the pet’s diet and living conditions. In this matter, you can seek help from specialists.

Birth and first month of life

The weight of the Alabai at birth must be at least 350 g. Otherwise, the puppies are considered weak and are discarded. If the puppy does not have congenital pathologies, and also if the lactating bitch has a sufficient amount of milk, newborn Alabai gain an average of about 4-4.5 kg in the first month. An Alabai weighs from 4 to 5 kg per month, while the puppy’s height varies from 25 to 30 cm. Up to two months, the optimal feeding option is mother’s breast milk. From two weeks of age, complementary foods are introduced into the puppy's diet.

Important! It is not recommended to feed Alabai puppies with industrial food for up to three months. Newborn Alabai puppies weigh 350 g. Newborn Alabai puppies weigh 350 g.

Newborn Alabai puppies weigh 350 g

Two month

In Alabai puppies, from the second month of life, intensive growth of muscles and bones begins. This is precisely the consequence of rapid growth and weight gain. By the age of two months, the Alabai's height at the withers should be at least 35 cm, and its weight should vary from 9 to 10 kg.

At three months, the dog’s musculoskeletal system continues to develop. Alabai has been growing very rapidly for 4 months. Due to this, his limbs noticeably lengthen. At four months of age, the puppy already weighs about 30 kg, and the height at the withers varies from 50 to 55 cm.

From 6 months, muscle formation begins, and the puppy begins to grow in breadth. At this time, the dog’s weight can be from 35 to 50 kg, and its height can vary from 60 to 65 cm.

Alabai puppy at 2 months

Period from 9 to 12 months

Closer to the year, the growth of the skeleton and the formation of the chest are completed in Alabais. Subsequently, body weight increases due to muscle growth.

Note! At 9-10 months, the sex of the dog can be accurately determined by exterior differences. A dog of the Alabai breed weighs from 60 to 70 kg at 1 year old, its height varies from 70 to 80 cm depending on gender. A dog of the Alabai breed weighs from 60 to 70 kg at 1 year old, its height varies from 70 to 80 cm depending on gender

A dog of the Alabai breed weighs from 60 to 70 kg at 1 year old, its height varies from 70 to 80 cm depending on gender.

One year old Central Asian Shepherd

1-2 years

After dogs reach one year of age, the formation of exterior characteristics due to muscle development does not end. Often dog breeders are faced with the fact that the animal begins to lose height. This happens as a result of relaxation of the ligamentous apparatus. There is no need to worry about this, since closer to two years everything will return to normal, and as a result, a powerful dog with an outstanding appearance will grow up.

Two years and older

In males, the formation of the exterior can last up to 3-5 years. For bitches the situation is different. The process stops between 9 and 18 months. This happens during the first heat.

Important! Early mating is contraindicated for both sexes, as it negatively affects the development of the locomotor-muscular system. In dogs older than 2 years, muscle growth is completed and the nervous system finally matures. In dogs older than 2 years, muscle growth is completed and the nervous system finally matures

In dogs older than 2 years, muscle growth is completed and the nervous system finally matures.

Beginning dog breeders are often interested in how much an adult Alabai weighs. Depending on the gender, a dog can weigh from 65 to 80 kg, while its height at the withers reaches 70-80 cm. But, as practice shows, this is not the limit. Individuals whose height reached 98 cm were recorded.

White and red alabai