Quick Comparison
| Trait | Dachshund | Chihuahua |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 12–16 yrs | 14–16 yrs |
| Weight | 16–32 lbs | 3–6 lbs |
| Height | 8–9" | 5–8" |
| Price | $800–$1500 | $500–$1500 |
| AKC Rank | #9 | #36 |
| Group | Hound | Toy |
| Size | Small | Small |
Rating Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dachshund and Chihuahua are both popular choices in 2026, but they suit different lifestyles. A bold, tenacious little dog with a personality far larger than its stature and a stubbornness that borders on legendary.. Chihuahuas are fierce, loyal, and bursting with attitude. They pick one person to worship and will defend that person against perceived threats of any size with startling ferocity..
Size and Appearance
The Dachshund (16–32 lbs, 8–9") is larger than the Chihuahua (3–6 lbs, 5–8"). This affects everything from food budget to the size of bed and crate you'll need.
Temperament
Energy: Dachshund 3/5 vs. Chihuahua 3/5. Trainability: 3/5 vs. 3/5. With children: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Intelligent but famously stubborn; positive reinforcement and patience are essential, as harsh methods will cause them to shut down completely. Intelligent but willful, Chihuahuas are often undertrained because owners indulge their small size. Consistent training from puppyhood prevents 'small dog syndrome' behaviors.
Health and Lifespan
Lifespan: Dachshund 12–16 years vs. Chihuahua 14–16 years. Each breed has its own health profile—Intervertebral Disc Disease is a concern for the Dachshund, while the Chihuahua is prone to Patellar Luxation. Health testing by breeders reduces both risks.
Cost
Purchase price: Dachshund $800–$1500 vs. Chihuahua $500–$1500. Ongoing costs run $122/month for the Dachshund and $112/month for the Chihuahua.
Grooming and Maintenance
The Dachshund (smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired coat, grooming 2/5, shedding 2/5) and Chihuahua (smooth or long coat, grooming 2/5, shedding 2/5) have similar maintenance levels.
Living Situation
Apartment suitability: 5/5 (Dachshund) vs. 5/5 (Chihuahua). Exercise: 3/5 vs. 2/5. Exercise needs differ significantly between these two breeds.
The Verdict
Your lifestyle determines which breed is the better fit. Consider your space, schedule, experience level, and what you want from a canine companion.
Dachshund: A small hound breed, 12–16 year lifespan, $800–$1500. Best for: experienced owners, apartment ok, moderate activity. A bold, tenacious little dog with a personality far larger than its stature and a stubbornness that borders on legendary.
Chihuahua: A small toy breed, 14–16 year lifespan, $500–$1500. Best for: experienced owners, apartment ok, moderate activity. Chihuahuas are fierce, loyal, and bursting with attitude. They pick one person to worship and will defend that person against perceived threats of any size with startling ferocity.
Size and Physical Differences
When comparing the Dachshund and Chihuahua side by side, the physical differences become immediately apparent and play a significant role in determining which breed suits your home environment. The Dachshund weighs 16–32 lbs, while the Chihuahua comes in at 3–6 lbs. In terms of height, the Dachshund stands 8–9" tall compared to the Chihuahua at 5–8". These measurements directly impact how much space the dog needs to move comfortably, the size of crate and bed required, and even the cost of food and medication dosing since larger dogs require proportionally more of both.
Lifespan is another critical physical factor - the Dachshund typically lives 12–16 yrs, whereas the Chihuahua has an expected lifespan of 14–16 yrs. Larger breeds generally have shorter lifespans due to faster cellular aging and greater strain on joints and organs. This difference means a potentially longer commitment with one breed versus the other, affecting everything from total lifetime costs to the emotional timeline of companionship. Consider which lifespan range aligns with your family situation and long-term plans before making a decision between these two breeds.
Temperament and Lifestyle Fit
Beyond physical traits, the temperament profiles of the Dachshund and Chihuahua reveal which breed integrates more naturally into your daily life. Both breeds share an energy level of 3/5, meaning exercise demands are comparable. Both breeds are equally trainable at 3/5.
The Chihuahua tends to bark more frequently at 5/5 versus 4/5, an important consideration in shared-wall living situations. Consider which temperament profile aligns with your household dynamics, daily schedule, and activity preferences before choosing between these two breeds.
Cost of Ownership
The initial purchase price differs between these breeds: the Dachshund typically costs $800–$1500, while the Chihuahua runs $500–$1500. However, the purchase price represents only a fraction of the total cost of dog ownership. First-year expenses including supplies, initial veterinary visits, vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and early training classes typically add $1,000–$2,500 on top of the acquisition cost regardless of breed. Larger breeds generally incur higher ongoing costs because they consume more food, require larger doses of medications, and need bigger crates, beds, and accessories.
Monthly costs for either breed include food ($30–$100 depending on size and dietary needs), pet insurance ($30–$60), routine grooming ($0–$100 depending on coat type), and miscellaneous supplies. Annual veterinary care adds $300–$800 for healthy dogs, with senior dogs and those with chronic conditions requiring significantly more. Over a full lifespan, total ownership costs for medium to large breeds commonly reach $15,000–$30,000, not including emergency veterinary care. Before deciding between the Dachshund and Chihuahua, create a realistic budget that accounts for these ongoing expenses to ensure you can provide excellent care throughout the dog's entire life without financial strain.
Hidden costs that prospective owners frequently overlook include professional training classes ($150–$500 for basic obedience), boarding or pet sitting during vacations ($30–$75 per night), dog-proofing your home ($100–$300), and replacement of items damaged during puppyhood. Renters should factor in pet deposits ($200–$500) and monthly pet rent ($25–$75) that many landlords charge. Pet insurance at $30–$60 per month is strongly recommended regardless of which breed you choose, as a single emergency can easily cost $3,000–$8,000. Establishing an emergency veterinary fund alongside insurance provides a financial safety net that prevents care decisions from being driven by budget constraints during your dog's most vulnerable moments.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose the Dachshund if: You are looking for a breed that matches the Dachshund's specific combination of traits and temperament characteristics outlined above. Consider this breed if your living situation, activity level, and experience with dogs align well with what the Dachshund demands. Prospective owners should visit our full Dachshund profile for detailed information on health issues, grooming requirements, training tips, and real ownership costs broken down by category.
Choose the Chihuahua if: Your lifestyle and preferences align more closely with the Chihuahua's temperament and physical characteristics. Review the complete Chihuahua breed profile for in-depth coverage of health, temperament, cost breakdowns, and practical ownership advice. Spending time with both breeds before making a final decision is strongly recommended - attend breed-specific events, connect with local breed clubs, or visit reputable breeders and rescue organizations to interact with dogs of each breed in person.
Still undecided? Use our Dog Age Calculator and Puppy Weight Calculator to understand the growth and aging trajectory for each breed. Browse our expert guides for advice on training, nutrition, health care, and choosing the right breed for your specific situation. The right dog is not simply the most popular or the most attractive breed - it is the one whose daily needs, temperament, and care requirements align with what you can realistically provide over the next decade or more. Take the time to meet dogs of both breeds in person before committing - the investment in research and firsthand experience prevents the heartbreak of rehoming a dog that does not fit your lifestyle.