The Chihuahua is the world’s smallest recognised dog breed — but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in personality. Alert, devoted, and endlessly charming, this ancient Mexican breed has found a natural home in the apartments and hearts of families across France, Italy, Switzerland, Monaco and Luxembourg.
At Lookum, we have lived alongside Chihuahuas since 2011. Everything on this page comes not from textbooks — but from years of daily experience with this extraordinary breed.
The Chihuahua is, above all, a companion dog. Deeply loyal, surprisingly bold, and endlessly curious — they bond intensely with their humans and thrive on closeness and daily interaction.
Despite their small size, Chihuahuas carry themselves with remarkable confidence. They are intelligent, quick to learn, and highly expressive — you will rarely wonder what your Chihuahua is feeling. They communicate clearly, love routine, and are most content when they are part of your daily life rather than left on the sidelines.
Every Chihuahua has their own distinct personality. Some are outgoing and fearless from day one. Others are more reserved and take time to open up — but once they do, they give their loyalty completely and for life.
Contrary to popular belief, Chihuahuas can be wonderful family companions — particularly when raised alongside children from puppyhood. Their small size requires respectful handling, and we always recommend gentle introductions with younger children. With consistency and care, the Chihuahua becomes a devoted and affectionate member of the family.
At Lookum, every puppy grows up in our family home alongside our own children. From their very first days, they experience the sounds, rhythms and energy of family life — building the confidence and gentle temperament that makes them ideal companions for families across France, Italy, Switzerland and Monaco.
With a lifespan of 14 to 17 years, a Chihuahua truly grows up alongside your children — a companion for every stage of life.
At Lookum, we breed both long coat and smooth coat Chihuahuas from FCI-registered champion bloodlines. The difference between the two varieties is purely cosmetic — temperament, size, and character are identical.
Long coat Chihuahua — a soft, flowing coat with feathering on the ears, legs and tail. Requires weekly brushing and occasional trimming to stay at its best. Elegant and striking in appearance.
Smooth coat Chihuahua — a sleek, close-lying coat that is remarkably low maintenance. A monthly bath and occasional wipe-down is all that’s needed. Clean and effortlessly chic.
Not sure which suits you? We’re happy to help you decide — just reach out via WhatsApp.
The Chihuahua is one of the longest-living dog breeds, with an average lifespan of 14 to 17 years. Robust and generally healthy when bred responsibly, they are not a fragile breed — but like all dogs, they benefit from attentive care and regular veterinary check-ups.
Common health considerations:
– Patellar luxation — a hereditary condition affecting the kneecap, common in small breeds
– Hereditary eye diseases — screened through DNA testing
– Dental health — small jaws require regular dental care
– Weight management — Chihuahuas have small stomachs and can gain weight easily
At Lookum, all our breeding dogs are systematically tested for patellar luxation and hereditary eye disease. We were among the first Chihuahua kennels to introduce this practice — because for us, health always comes before beauty.
Despite their size, Chihuahuas are lively and benefit from daily activity. Two short walks per day — 15 to 20 minutes each — combined with indoor play is perfectly sufficient. They do not require a garden or large outdoor space, making them ideal companions for city and apartment living in Paris, Milan, Geneva or Monaco.
Chihuahuas are deeply social animals. If you spend long hours away from home, we recommend considering two puppies — they keep each other company and are far more settled when together.
A smooth coat Chihuahua is one of the easiest breeds to maintain. A bath once a month — or when dirty — is all that’s needed. Use a gentle dog shampoo and dry thoroughly afterwards. A quick wipe with a damp cloth between baths keeps them fresh and clean.
A long coat Chihuahua requires a little more attention — but nothing demanding. Brush gently two to three times per week to prevent tangles, paying special attention to the ears, legs and tail. Bathe every two to four weeks using a quality shampoo and conditioner. Trim around the paws and ears occasionally to keep the coat neat.
Chihuahuas have small stomachs and fast metabolisms — they do best with two to three small meals per day rather than one large one. Choose a high-quality food formulated specifically for small or toy breeds, with real meat as the primary ingredient.
Fresh water should always be available. Avoid table scraps — even small amounts of the wrong foods can cause digestive upset or contribute to weight gain.
Every Lookum puppy leaves with a supply of the food they already know, included in their Puppy Kit — so the transition to their new home is as smooth as possible.
A Chihuahua will thrive with you if you are looking for a devoted, intelligent companion who adapts beautifully to apartment or city living, loves being close, and will give you their whole heart for the next 15 years.
They may not be the right fit if you are away from home for very long hours, prefer a fully independent dog, or are not ready for a dog with strong opinions and a big personality in a very small body.
Still wondering? We are always happy to have an honest conversation — reach out and we’ll help you decide.
