Is the Chihuahua Dog Breed Declining in Popularity in 2025?

The Kennel Club is the UK’s official body responsible for recognising and registering pedigree dog breeds. It documents registrations each year, offering valuable insights into breed popularity trends. By analysing these records, we can track which breeds are rising or falling in favour among British dog owners.

The Chihuahua, Chihuahua puppies known for their tiny size and suitability for small homes, was historically the third most popular breed in the UK. Despite their charm, Chihuahuas are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have flatter faces that often come with health challenges, including hereditary conditions due to their distinctive high, domed skull shape.

In recent years, the Kennel Club has been scrutinised for its role in promoting health in pedigree dogs. Efforts have focused on discouraging exaggerations in breed standards and educating prospective owners about the realities of such breeds. These measures appear to have influenced Chihuahua popularity trends recently.

What Does the Kennel Club Say About Chihuahua Popularity?

Data comparing the first half of 2018 with the first half of 2019 shows a notable drop in Chihuahua registrations:

• In January to June 2018, 2,163 Chihuahua puppies were registered.
• The same period in 2019 saw 1,596 registrations—a decrease of 567 puppies.
• This represents a drop in registrations of over 30% year-on-year.

This statistically significant reduction suggests diminished breeding and owner demand for pedigree Chihuahuas.

What Do Pets4Homes Advert Statistics Indicate?

Analysing adverts placed on Pets4Homes offers a broader view, including non-pedigree Chihuahuas:

• Between October 2017 and September 2018, 13,694 Chihuahua adverts for dogs, puppies, and litters were listed.
• Between October 2018 and September 2019, this fell to 11,689 adverts—a reduction of 2,005 adverts.
• This equates to a 16% decline in adverts year-on-year.

While this dataset is broader than Kennel Club registrations and covers both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs, it confirms a general decline in market activity related to Chihuahuas.

Why the Divergence in Data?

The Kennel Club’s larger drop compared to advert figures may be because registered pedigree Chihuahua breeding has slowed more sharply than non-pedigree demand. Non-pedigree dogs, often unregistered, are not counted by the Kennel Club but still appear on sale platforms like Pets4Homes.

Responsible breeding practices promoted by the Kennel Club, with health testing and standards enforcement, may have lowered the number of puppies bred by reputable breeders, contributing to the steep fall seen in registrations.

Chihuahua Health and Welfare Considerations

Health concerns weigh heavily on Chihuahua popularity. Common issues include dental disease, obesity, heart problems, and luxating patellas (dislocated kneecaps). These risks strain welfare and increase veterinary costs, making the breed less attractive to prospective owners mindful of long-term care.

Experts warn against impulsive buying, which has been prevalent for toy breeds like the Chihuahua. Poor breeding practices to meet demand have led to compromised health standards and a rise in surrendered dogs, fueling welfare challenges.

The Kennel Club and veterinary bodies continue to focus on improving conditions through health plans targeting hereditary issues, reinforcing the importance of ethical ownership and breeding.

What Does the Latest Market Trend Say?

Recent UK market research shows Chihuahuas falling out of fashion, with their share of all puppies sold declining from 24% to 11% over the past decade for toy breeds collectively. This contrasts with surging interest in hybrid and family-friendly breeds like Cockapoos, Goldendoodles, and French Bulldogs.

Despite the broader UK pet market growing, Chihuahua demand is not keeping pace, reflecting shifting owner preferences for breeds with fewer health concerns and more versatile temperaments.

Where to Find a Chihuahua Puppy Responsibly

If you are considering adopting or buying a Chihuahua, it is essential to seek out reputable Chihuahua breeders who prioritise health testing and breeding ethics. Avoid impulse purchases or breeders who do not offer transparent health information.

Conclusion

The Chihuahua breed is experiencing a clear decline in popularity in the UK as of 2025. Data from both the Kennel Club and Pets4Homes show considerable drops in registrations and adverts, respectively, signalling less breeding and reduced owner demand for this breed. Health concerns and evolving owner preferences away from small toy dogs contribute to this trend.

However, with responsible ownership and breeders focused on health, the Chihuahua remains a beloved companion dog for suitable owners. Prospective owners should weigh the breed’s unique health needs carefully and choose their Chihuahua thoughtfully to contribute to its welfare and enjoy its lively, loving nature.