What is the difference between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund?

The Chihuahua and Dachshund differ across several key traits. It's a close call — these breeds are very evenly matched across all categories. See the full side-by-side comparison above for size, shedding, trainability, energy, and family fit.

Is a Chihuahua or Dachshund better for families with kids?

The Chihuahua edges ahead for families with kids based on kid-friendliness, affection level, and trainability scores.

Which is easier to train, a Chihuahua or a Dachshund?

The Chihuahua tends to be more trainable and picks up commands more readily.

Chihuahua vs Dachshund

A side-by-side comparison of the Chihuahua and Dachshund across size, temperament, grooming, family fit, and more.

Chihuahua

Dachshund

Verdict

It's a close call — these breeds are very evenly matched across all categories.

Chihuahua

2 wins

Dachshund

2 wins

More family-friendly

Chihuahua edges ahead on kid-friendliness, affection, and trainability.

✓Chihuahua

Lower maintenance

Dachshund sheds less and needs less grooming overall.

✓Dachshund

Longer-lived

Dachshund typically lives longer on average.

✓Dachshund

Calmer

These breeds have similar energy levels.

Tie

Quieter

These breeds bark about as much as each other.

Tie

More trainable

Chihuahua picks up commands and new behaviors more readily.

✓Chihuahua

Side-by-side comparison

Breed	Size	Weight	Height	Lifespan	Energy	Shedding	Grooming	Trainable	Affection	Barking	Kids	Dogs	Cats	Apartment	First-timers	Low-allergen
Chihuahua	Small	5–7 lb	6–9 in	12 yr							—	✓	✓	✓	✓	—
Dachshund	Small	9–11 lb	5–6 in	12–15 yr							—	—	—	✓	—	—

Helpful tools for these breeds

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Dog Cost Calculator

What a dog really costs — upfront, monthly, and lifetime — adjusted for your country and dog size.

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Dog Food Calculator

How much to feed your dog per day, from daily calorie needs (RER/MER) and your food’s calories.

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Dog Age Calculator

Convert your dog’s age to human years using the modern, size-adjusted formula.

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Chihuahua vs Dachshund: which is right for you?

The Chihuahua and Dachshund are both popular breeds, but they differ meaningfully in day-to-day life. The verdict above scores them on six key dimensions — use it as a starting point, then factor in your specific home, activity level, and family situation.

It's a close call — these breeds are very evenly matched across all categories.

Learn more

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