Chihuahua
The world's smallest dog has a big personality: lively, loyal and brave, the Chihuahua is an ideal companion for city life.
Chihuahua vs Russian Toy
Side by side
| Trait | Chihuahua | Russian Toy |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion and toy dogs | Companion and toy dogs |
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 1.5–3 kg | 1.5–3 kg |
| Height at withers | 15–23 cm | 20–28 cm |
| Life expectancy | 12–16 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Taller: Russian Toy (about 24 cm vs 19 cm on average)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Both are similarBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Both are similarBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Chihuahua is the better fitBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Russian Toy is the better fitBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Russian Toy
A tiny, elegant dog with large ears, the Russian Toy (Russkiy Toy) is lively, cheerful and very attached to its owners.