Chihuahuas typically reach their full height around 12 months old, but they aren't considered fully mature until they're about 2 to 2.5 years old. A healthy adult Chihuahua usually stands between 15 and 23 centimeters tall and weighs between 1 and 3 kilograms.
Chihuahua Growth Stages
Chihuahuas are a popular small dog breed, known for their tiny size, intelligence, and easy care. During the puppy stage (up to 2 months), they are particularly small and adorable. After 3 months, they enter an 'awkward' phase, characterized by rapid growth, teething, shedding, and a lanky appearance that is not as cute as their earlier puppy stage. Around 10 months, their growth slows down, and they start to reach sexual maturity. By 12 months, most Chihuahuas have stopped growing in height.
Many people mistake the cessation of growth for adulthood, but this isn't the case. A 2-year-old Chihuahua is roughly equivalent to a 25-year-old human. By this point, their bodies are fully developed, marking true adulthood. If your adult Chihuahua's height is within 23 cm and its weight is between 1 and 3 kg, it's a perfectly healthy size. If your Chihuahua exceeds these measurements, it indicates that there is a problem with its feeding habits.
Managing Overgrowth in Chihuahuas
There was a case where an American Chihuahua was fed to a weight of 32 pounds (approximately 14.5 kilograms). It needed to be taken out for walks in a stroller, which caused a significant burden for both the dog and its owner. Chihuahuas are small toy breeds, and exceeding standard measurements is considered an unhealthy condition.
Owners need to ensure their Chihuahuas receive healthy, nutritious and easily digestible food. Chihuahuas are known for their voracious appetites, and overeating can burden their digestive systems. It is best to feed them small, frequent meals. An adult Chihuahua should be fed a maximum of three times a day, with each meal not exceeding 90 grams of meat. Overfeeding can cause obesity and is detrimental to their health. Chihuahuas enjoy foods like beef, vegetables, and oatmeal which should be included in their diet. If you feed commercial dog food, choose one brand with balanced nutrients, and do not mix multiple brands together. Avoid feeding dry kibble, it's preferable to soak it in water before feeding. In addition, although Chihuahuas do not require frequent walks, occasional exposure to sunlight helps boost their calcium intake.