Love the look of the Chihuahua, but want a dog that is, perhaps, less yappy or a bit bigger? Then, you’ll be glad to know that several dog breeds out there look somewhat like Chihuahuas, so you may find exactly what you want by looking at those breeds. But what are these breeds?
We’ve compiled a list of 10 breeds that look like Chihuahuas—with pictures and a few facts—so you can browse to your heart’s content and find your perfect pup! All of the following breeds are small ones, and all are incredibly cute. Have a look below.
The 10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Chihuahuas
1. Chinese Crested
| Height: | 11–13 in |
| Weight: | 8–12 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 13–18 years |
The Chinese Crested is a bit bigger than the Chihuahua (Chihuahuas are, after all, the smallest dog breed), but they look similar in the face due to their short, pointed snout. Plus, if you get a hairless Chinese Crested, they will look even closer to the Chihuahua. The Chinese Crested is still a small breed, and they are an absolute delight to have around. This dog breed is known for being affectionate and lively; once they enter your home and get to know you, they’ll be playful and utterly devoted to the humans in the household! Unlike the Chihuahua, though, the Chinese Crested is relatively quiet, so if you’re seeking a dog that’s a bit less yappy, this might be the breed for you!
2. Miniature Dachshund
| Height: | 5–6 in |
| Weight: | 11 lbs or less |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Okay, the Miniature Dachshund is definitely longer than the Chihuahua, not only in body length but in the snout as well. They also have floppy ears instead of pointy ones. However, they share the same small stature as the Chihuahua, making them an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a pup close to the Chihuahua breed. The breeds are also somewhat similar in personality as they’re both very loyal, easy to train, and love to “talk”. There are minor differences in their personalities, such as the Chihuahua being more comical while the Miniature Dachshund is more on the vivacious side, but both dogs are small breeds with large, vibrant temperaments!
3. Jack Russell Terrier
| Height: | 10–12 in |
| Weight: | 9–15 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 12–14 years |
While the Jack Russell Terrier is somewhat bigger than the Chihuahua and has folded ears, they look a bit like the Chihuahua in the face and are still relatively small. This breed is known for its comical, clownish nature, as is the Chihuahua, so they share a similar aspect there. The Jack Russell Terrier is also fond of barking, so they aren’t much quieter than the Chihuahua.
There are some differences between the breeds, though. For one, the Jack Russell Terrier is more active than the Chihuahua, so they aren’t the best dogs for couch potato types. For another, they tend to be bolder than the Chihuahua. The Jack Russell Terrier is also more inquisitive, so they’re more likely to explore everything in the home and run a higher risk of becoming bored. The breed is great fun to have in the home, though!
4. Japanese Chin
| Height: | 8–11 in |
| Weight: | 7–11 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
You might not be familiar with the Japanese Chin, but they’re a beautiful breed. At first glance, you may not think they look similar to the Chihuahua because the Japanese Chin has a smushed face and more fur. But look at the Japanese Chin’s eyes, and you’ll see the resemblance! You can also see the resemblance in the size of the Japanese Chin.
Personality-wise, the Japanese Chin is often compared to a cat. They’re much more reserved than the Chihuahua, so they’ll be on the quieter side. This breed is also incredibly huge on the snuggling; they’re one of the ultimate lap dogs! They’re less energetic than the Chihuahua, too, although these pups do enjoy a good round of play with a squeaky toy or the occasional walk.
5. Miniature Pinscher
| Height: | 10–12.5 in |
| Weight: | 8–10 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Now, here’s a breed that definitely resembles the look of the Chihuahua! The Miniature Pinscher has ears that are similarly pointed and a short, stocky stature to rival the Chihuahua. However, this dog is a bit larger and heavier than the Chihuahua.
You won’t find them to be much quieter than the Chihuahua; the Miniature Pinscher is quite the watchdog, so they tend to bark at any strangers approaching the house or noises they hear. This breed also tends to be more active than the Chihuahua, so they’ll require more exercise and play. They’re equally loyal and devoted, though, so be prepared to have a long-term shadow following you around!
6. Papillon
| Height: | 8–11 in |
| Weight: | 5–10 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 14–16 years |
The Papillon almost looks like a Chihuahua with longer hair. This breed has similar ears, eyes, and snout and is closer in size to everyone’s favorite Taco Bell dog, too. Though the Papillon looks rather delicate and dainty, in truth, these dogs are quite hardy.
Papillons are incredibly active, so expect lots of playtime, walks, running around, and more if you have one in your house. These tiny pups excel at agility, in particular, so setting up an agility course for them wouldn’t be a terrible idea. They also have fantastic personalities; they’re lively, friendly, and love giving and receiving affection!
7. Pomeranian
| Height: | 6–7 in |
| Weight: | 3–7 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
The Pomeranian may be closest in size to the Chihuahua and also has ears, eyes, and a snout that somewhat resemble those of the Chihuahua. That’s where the resemblance ends, though, as the Pomeranian is an incredible floofball! All that fur means this tiny pup will require much more grooming than the Chihuahua.
This breed is a bit more active than the Chihuahua, as the Pomeranian loves to climb and play. They’re also endlessly curious, so be prepared for them to get into absolutely everything. They’ll definitely keep you on your toes!
8. Miniature Rat Terrier
| Height: | 10–13 in |
| Weight: | 10–25 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
The standard Rat Terrier is quite a bit larger than the Chihuahua, but the Miniature Rat Terrier is closer in size (though it, too, is still a little bigger). You can see a resemblance between the Rat Terrier and the Chihuahua, mainly in the eyes and ears. The two breeds are rather different in personality, though.
The Miniature Rat Terrier is fearless and incredibly tough, possibly due to their past as mousers. That history as working dogs who hunted down rats also means the breed is fairly active, highly curious, and easy to train. They are still quite loving, though, and always ready for a cuddle!
9. Toy Fox Terrier
| Height: | 5–11.5 in |
| Weight: | 4–9 lbs |
| Lifespan: | 13–15 years |
The Toy Fox Terrier is only slightly bigger than the Chihuahua and is similarly short and stocky. Their ears somewhat resemble the Chihuahua’s, but that’s where the similarities end. Still, they look enough like the Chihuahua breed to be a suitable substitute.
This breed is known for having an amusing and larger-than-life personality (much like the Chihuahua). Add the tenaciousness of a terrier and high intelligence, and you have quite the pup! With one of these dogs around, you’ll never be bored, as you’ll have all the fun you could ever need.
10. Chihuahua Mixes
| Height: | Varies |
| Weight: | Varies |
| Lifespan: | Varies |
If you want a pup with a look closer to the Chihuahua but don’t want a Chihuahua, you might consider a Chihuahua mix. The size of Chihuahua mixes can vary wildly depending on what the mix is; lifespans can vary because of this, too. A lot comes down to the other breed the Chihuahua was bred with.
Some of the most popular Chihuahua mixes include the Chigi (Chihuahua and Corgi), Chihuahua-Terrier, Chug (Chihuahua and Pug), Chipoo (Chihuahua and Poodle), Jack Chi (Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier), Chipit (Chihuahua and Pitbull), and the Pomchi (Chihuahua and Pomeranian). As you can see, there are a lot of options and variety. How a Chihuahua mix looks and how they are personality-wise depends on which parent they take after more, but most mixes will resemble the Chihuahua in some way. There’s a good chance you can find a Chihuahua mix at your local shelter or rescue, so have a look there!
Conclusion
The Chihuahua is a unique pup with a special look all its own, but some other breeds somewhat look like this dog. If you’ve been seeking a dog that resembles the Chihuahua in looks but has a different temperament or size, check out one of the dogs on this list. You might just find exactly what you want!
Featured Image Credit: Jaclyn Vernace, Shutterstock
