| Chihuahua | Italian Greyhound | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Weight | 3-6 lb | 6-15 lb |
| Energy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Grooming | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Moderate | Low |
| With kids | Not ideal for young kids | Not ideal for young kids |
Chihuahuas are genuinely fragile, with thin, easily broken leg bones and, in some dogs, a soft spot in the skull that can persist into adulthood, and despite the tiny, portable image they are one of the most surrendered breeds in American shelters, not a low-commitment accessory.
Beneath the elegant looks this is a genuinely fragile dog — thin skin, minimal body fat, and slight bone structure mean Italian Greyhounds can fracture a leg jumping off furniture that wouldn't scratch most breeds, and like other sighthounds they need anesthesia protocols adjusted for low body fat; many breeders won't place a puppy in a home with children under 10 for exactly this reason.
Chihuahua ·
Italian Greyhound
Health problems, origin and what living with each is actually like.