Chihuahuas are known to be the smallest breed in the world which has earned them the name purse dogs. The Mexican state of Chihuahua is where they got their name.
They are charming and they are mostly referred to as ‘big dogs in small bodies’. If you have taken a Chihuahua to your home, you might wonder when a Chihuahua stop growing.
When Does A Chihuahua Stop Growing
A Chihuahua stops growing around the age of 9 months. He might continue gaining weight for a few months until he attains one year but not much. After nine months if a Chihuahua gains a considerable amount of weight, it can be as a result of overfeeding or health problems. When a Chihuahua is at the age of nine months, they are at their adult size or are almost there.
What is the size of a full-grown Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are purebred and are registered by the AKC which has set rules for a Chihuahua to be considered a standard breed. He should weigh not more than six pounds and have a standing length of around 5-8 inches. The size of a Chihuahua might be affected by the environment and genes such that a full-grown Chihuahua can weigh 2 pounds to 6 pounds. Normally, a Chihuahua’s body should appear long than tall.
The chart below will help you understand more about Chihuahua’s growth rate but it can differ in some dogs.
| Weight at 8 Weeks | Estimated Adult Weight |
| 11 oz (0.31 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| 13 oz (0.36 kg) | 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) |
| 1 lb (.45 kg) | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) |
| 1.18 lbs (0.53 kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.58 kg) |
| 1.34 lbs (0.60 kg) | 4 lbs (1.81 kg) |
| 1.5 lbs (0.68 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.05 kg) |
| 1.68 lbs (0.76 kg) | 5 lbs (2.26 kg) |
| 2.06 lbs (0.93 kg) | 5.5 (2.5 kg) |
| 2.44 lbs (1.10 kg) | 6 (2.72 kg) |
How big should a 6-month-old Chihuahua be?
When a Chihuahua is 6 months old he is almost attaining his adult weight of 1.5 – 4.5 pounds and a height of around 5-8 inches, this will be determined by how much they should be when they attain their adult size. Because six months is not the age when Chihuahuas attain their adult weight, you should expect them to grow in height and weight but very minimal.
Factors that affect a Chihuahua puppy’s growth
How big a Chihuahua puppy will grow to be is determined by genetics, environment, diet, and physical activity.
You should feed your Chihuahua a diet that is meant for puppies and small breeds. The food should contain all the nutrients required for a puppy’s growth to prevent malnutrition and stunted growth.
It is not advisable to exercise your dog so much to avoid damaging his tissues and joints. Read on how much playtime a puppy needs. When the joints have been affected, the growing rate of a Chihuahua puppy is alos
How To Weigh A Chihuahua
It is advisable to weigh your Chihuahua every week to study its growth rate. You can use a human scale but it does not provide accurate measurements of the changes made daily or weekly, on the other hand, buying a vet’s scale can be very costly.
A foods scale can give an accurate measurement and can indicate even the slightest changes in your Chihuahua’s weight.
Health Issues That Can Impact A Chihuahua Puppy’s Growth
Chihuahuas are generally a healthy breed but they are affected by low blood sugar in most cases. This is why it is advisable to regulate the intake of food by your puppy.
It is also advisable to change the water bowl and ensure that it is clean to prevent worms from invading the water which can lead to worms’ infestation.
Worms will make your dog lack nutrients and lead to other sicknesses that will affect his growth.
How do I make sure my Chihuahua is healthy?
The first step to ensuring your dog is healthy is by frequently visiting the vet to have him checked for any underlying diseases.
Chihuahuas are likely to get obese if their diet is not regulated and is not given the right amount of exercise. They are also prone to cancer, patella luxation, and urinary stones.
You can also read on: Is My Chihuahahua Too Skinny?
For the safety of your Chihuahua and your peace of mind, you should have insurance cover his health in case of any illness.
Wrap Up
Chihuahuas stop growing at the age of nine months but it might continue for around one year though the growth will be very minimal. Regardless of small sizes, they always take a very big space in our hearts with their funny characters, loyalty, and priceless companionship.