In general, it is very essential for any pet to be maintained at an ideal weight to ensure maximum health and well-being. However, in the particular case of the Chihuahua, this becomes very significant as this Toy breed has very fragile bones, so if the dog is overweight, They are at greater risk of injuries or fractures, and other serious health problems.
What is the average weight of a Chihuahua? The average weight of a Chihuahua should range between 3 to 6 lbs (1.36 to 2.72 kg) for both males and females. Depending on what type of Chihuahua you have. as sex doesn’t really make a difference when it comes to Chihuahuas.
With that being said, It’s not as simple as it may seem and will depend on a few different factors. That is why in our article on Chihuahua’s Land we give you all the necessary key information that you need to know about the full growth chart of a Chihuahua.
What Is The Average Weight Of A Chihuahua? ( Growth & Weight Chart )
Chihuahuas are quite unique in their small build. They tend to develop most rapidly between birth and 12 weeks mark of age. Therefore, proper nutrition and adequate care are especially important during this time.
According to The AKC breed standard calls for a Chihuahua to be no more than 6 lbs. (2.72 kg). and the AKC listing a weight range of 3 to 6 lbs. (1.36 to 2.72 kg).
The fact is that a good number is in the range of 3 to 6 pounds. However, many owners undoubtedly expect to have a super-small puppy that grows up to be an exceptionally petite adult.
Chihuahua Hight
A Chihuahua dog can measure between 6 inches and just over 9 inches in height at the withers, i.e. more than a 50% difference in height between one type of Chihuahua and another, and of course, the height will depend on the specific type of Chihuahua you have.
The charts listed below are estimates, and some Chihuahuas will be slightly smaller or larger at certain ages. Regardless of their age, continue to take your Chihuahua puppy to regular veterinary visits to make sure they are feeling their healthiest.
Chihuahua Weight Problems: Overweight Vs. Underweitgh
When discussing what is the average weight of a Chihuahua, many chi pet owners may be concerned about the condition of their pets, who may be suffering from obesity or underweight problems. But not all situations are worthy of stress.
Underwiegth Chihuahuas
Teacup Chihuahuas: Firstly, it is important to point out that “teacup Chihuahua”, “toy Chihuahua” or any other such term is not an official variety of Chihuahua.
Considering that the expected weight range (according to the standard) is 3 to 6 pounds, “teacup” would imply that the dog is or will be much smaller than what is normally anticipated. In other words, smaller than 3 lbs.
This is not only very uncommon but also dangerous. Adult Chihuahuas weighing less than 3 lbs. are going to be much more susceptible to hypoglycemia, cold intolerance, neck injuries including a collapsed trachea condition, and a number of other injuries due to their small size, including broken bones and other trauma.
If you happen to already have a very small adult chi (less than 3 lbs), it will be more imperative to ensure the regularity of small meals to keep blood sugar levels even (perhaps going to “free feeding” rather than scheduled meals), work to keep the chi from becoming cold (clothing may be required, even indoors), and pay more attention to ensuring safety both indoors and outdoors.
If you own a Chi who needs to gain some weight, the First thing to do is consult with your Vet and then lookout for changes in their diet.
Overweight Chihuahua
As we have already addressed, a vast number of pet Chihuahuas are larger than the breed standard requires. Therefore, while Chi’s over 6 pounds do not appear in the show ring, they are in homes all over the world.
Part of the reason many Chi’s are larger than 6 pounds is that some breeders push toward the upper end of the weight scale to produce Chihuahuas of substance that will be less prone to health problems and injury. Inevitably, skimming the top end will result in some dogs overdoing it.
That being said, AKC breeders have an absolute obligation to produce litters with breed improvement in mind, which means dogs that meet the standard. With hobby breeders (who may disregard bloodlines and pedigrees) and puppy mill breeders (who do not care about any of this), it is not uncommon to see larger than average Chihuahuas.
Another reason that could trigger this problem with your Chi is that you may be feeding your then an imbalanced or unhealthy diet, or you may be over-feeding your Chihuahua. Don’t be deceived by their small size and begging. Chihuahuas are notorious for their big appetite.
What to do about an overweight Chihuahua?
If you happen to have a larger than average Chihuahua, it will be important to establish whether this is due to body structure or excess weight.
Although looking at the rib cage (when wet, no outline of any ribs is visible) can be a general indication of excess fat, it is best to have your vet make this determination.
If it turns out that your Chi is simply more structurally large than expected, there is really nothing at all to worry about. In fact, your Chihuahua will be more well-built than his smaller counterparts and therefore less prone to certain health problems and injuries.
If your veterinarian indicates that it is time to help your Chi lose a little weight, this can be done with minimal effort by feeding lower-calorie options and increasing his activity levels.
Is There a Way to Know How Big a Chihuahua Will Be?
It is not possible to have a guarantee by any means. However, if you obtain your Chi from a reputable breeder who has been breeding for quite some time, there is a better chance of knowing the final adult size in advance, at least within a pound or so.
While new dogs need to be introduced to breeding programs as time goes by, certain pairings will consistently produce a known weight range.
Keep in mind, that, Unlike many dog breeds, a Chihuahua’s sex is less relevant to its ultimate size than its birth weight.
No matter how you obtain your puppy, looking at weight at a young age can be an indicator of final adult size. It’s not a perfect science because a puppy can have rapid growth, slower growth, or one with starts and stalls.
Growth stages of the Chihuahua
The growth of a Chihuahua can be categorized into 3 distinct stages. What is the average weight of a Chihuahua gonna be? might change between each stage. Mostly because your Chihuahua will be developing different physical and behavioral characteristics throughout their life.
1) The first stage is from 0 to 3 months of life.
From the time your puppy is born until he is three months old, various changes take place.
For instance, from birth until after 2 weeks your Chi will double his weight and, in some cases, his size.
That is to say, there is an accelerated growth already in his first weeks of life, but not when he is a few months old.
2) The second stage could be said to be from 3 months to 9 months.
Here growth continues but starts to slow down a little. In fact. By the time he is 6 months old, he is almost the size of an adult.
However, it is not possible to say what their weight and/or size will be until they are a year old.
3) A third phase begins from 9 months to a year or until the Chihuahua enters what could be considered old age.
This is where your pet is fully developed, both in weight and size. This can occur between approximately 12 and 18 months.
Conclusion
Assuming you choose to have a Chihuahua as a pet, you have gained a best friend who will adore you for life and who ( for most of the time) will be mellow and cuddly. Nevertheless, that doesn’t automatically mean that having a Chihuahua comes without some hurdles to surmount.
Chihuahuas as a toy breed can have more problems with being overweight, this is not necessarily a problem as long as their owners know What is the average weight of a Chihuahua. and watchful of their weight and routinely evaluate and monitor their Chi’s weight for signs of unhealthy gains.
If you have any worries about your Chi’s weight and you feel that nothing you have tried seems to be working. Then it’s time to address this with your vet to ensure your dog gets a happy, satisfied and healthy life.
