Is my 3lb chihuahua's small size and calm nature normal for her age?

I am wondering if she could be a different breed then you were told if you feel she is so small. As long as she isn't sick then it is just her and she may not get so big. If you are concerned I would discuss this with your veterinarian and they can evaluate her to see if she is a healthy pup. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Average female chihuahuas weigh around 6-8 pounds, but this range can vary widely. At a normal, healthy weight, you should be able to easily feel (but not see) Maggy's ribs and a "waistline". Your vet will be able to tell you if Maggy is at a healthy body weight, but 30 pounds seems quite high for an average chihuahua.

Chihuahuas weight varies greatly during puppyhood and there is no specific weight chart that we use in practice. Instead we use a more accurate assessment of your puppy's weight, which is his/her body condition score (BCS) where 3/5 or 5/9 is considered an ideal weight. Your vet should be able to tell what the body condition score is easily by simply examining your pet. Also in puppies, unless you see vomiting or diarrhea symptoms, and they are getting feed the proper amount 3x a day, then chances are your pet is of proper weight. Also feel free to share a photo of your pet via consultation request, and we can tell you without a doubt whether your pup is proper weight or not.

Having her spayed at 4 years of age is taking a big chance health wise, she will be in high risk of mammary gland tumors. i would personally recommend having her spayed at the age of 6 months, before her first period. changes you can expect is mainly weight gain, but as long as you are on top of it she should not become obese.

This may be completely normal and could be due to the competition for space inside the uterus. Monitor his food intake and his body weight intensively for the first days and make sure he stays in a warm place all time. He could easily put on weight in the future and his size could result normal after few months.

Your Chihuahua sound like most Chihuahuas I see every day. Be patient and gentle. Once puppy vaccines are over, consider enlisting in puppy or behavior classes. Expose your puppy to new stimulus slowly but repetitively.. Positive reinforcement might be a key element. A treat given by a new person may go a long way.

Chihuahuas are, by nature, noisy little guys. It's likely that they evolved to become excessive barkers because their small size makes barking one of the few ways they can gain attention. For more facts and characteristics about Chihuahuas, visit PetCoach's breed page: www.petcoach.co/breed/chihuahua