Is My 6-Month-Old Chihuahua Still Growing? When Do They Reach Their Adult Size?

At six months old, Chihuahuas are often in their "awkward stage", experiencing rapid growth and shedding their puppy fat, which makes them look leaner. Their growth will slow down around 10 months, and they will reach their adult size at about 1 year. Once they are fully grown, their height and appearance will generally remain consistent, though their weight may fluctuate slightly based on their diet.

Chihuahua Growth Stages from 6 Months to Adulthood

Puppy Stage: From 0 to 2 months, Chihuahuas are in their puppy stage. They are nursing, sleeping a lot, and their bodies are small and adorable.

Awkward Stage: Around 3 months, they begin to grow rapidly, becoming leaner and experiencing teeth and coat changes which can make them appear less cute. If your Chihuahua is six months old and looks awkward, don't worry! They are going through their "awkward stage" and will continue to grow and develop for several more months. This is a completely normal phase in their growth.

Adult Stage: By about 10 months, the growth of a Chihuahua starts to slow down, and they begin to look more refined and attractive. By 12 months, the Chihuahua enters its adult stage, at this time they are usually done growing, and they will be both physically and physiologically mature. A good-quality, adult Chihuahua will have an apple-shaped head, large, round eyes, a short, pointed nose, and a thin, curved-up tail. They typically stand 15-23 centimeters tall and weigh 1-3 kilograms. If your Chihuahua exhibits these traits at one year old, then you have a great looking Chihuahua!

Senior Stage: When a Chihuahua reaches 10 years old, it's roughly equivalent to a human at 64 years old, which means they have entered their senior stage. In fact, the body functions of a Chihuahua begin to decline around the age of 6, and you should no longer breed them after 8 years old. Once they officially enter their senior stage, Chihuahuas may start to lose teeth, experience blurred vision, and have decreased appetite and a lack of interest in activity, preferring instead to sleep. At this point, their owners need to be patient and supportive of them as they navigate their golden years. The average lifespan of a Chihuahua is typically 12-14 years.

How to Feed a 6-Month-Old Chihuahua

A six-month-old Chihuahua is still growing, so it is important to feed them a well-balanced diet. If you are feeding dry kibble, about 60 pellets per feeding, up to 4 times a day is appropriate. At this age, they can eat dry dog food. Chihuahuas are often hungry due to their fast digestion, so they may become hungry quickly. Be sure to feed them frequent, smaller meals. Chihuahuas enjoy foods such as cooked beef, vegetables, and oatmeal. Be sure to cook meat thoroughly, finely chop, and properly wash the vegetables. It is important to mix their food with each meal and always clean their eating utensils as well to prevent them from getting sick. When the weather is nice, make sure to take your dog outside for some sun to get Vitamin D, which is essential for proper calcium absorption. Finally, at six months, Chihuahuas are also shedding their puppy coat, so be sure to clean up properly to keep your home clean.Learn more:Pet Grooming