Chihuahua vaccination schedule

A general Chihuahua puppy vaccination schedule by age, with what each vaccine protects against. Schedules for the US, the UK and the EU. Your vet sets the actual one.

DHPP #1
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Bordetella (if going to puppy class or daycare)
6 to 8 weeks
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).
DHPP #2
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #1 (at 12 weeks or older)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #1 (regional)
10 to 12 weeks
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Rabies #1
12 to 16 weeks, as state or local law sets it
Protects against rabies.
DHPP final dose
16 weeks or later
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Lyme #2 (2 to 4 weeks after the first)
16 weeks or later
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
DHPP booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against distemper, hepatitis (adenovirus), parainfluenza and parvovirus.
Leptospirosis booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against leptospirosis. Core for all dogs in the US since the 2024 AAHA update; core in other regions where the disease is present (WSAVA 2024).
Rabies booster
12 to 16 months
Protects against rabies.
Lyme yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against Lyme disease, which matters most in tick-heavy areas.
Bordetella yearly
12 to 16 months
Protects against kennel cough (Bordetella).

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Questions

When should my Chihuahua start vaccinations?

Most Chihuahua puppies start their first DHPP between 6 and 8 weeks in the US, or 6 to 9 weeks in the UK and EU. Use the form above with your puppy's age and country to see the next-due date.

Should my Chihuahua get split visits?

Often yes. Chihuahuas are very small and tolerate split-visit appointments well. Same schedule, two appointments instead of one, lowers reaction risk.

Is my Chihuahua more sensitive to vaccine reactions?

Toy breeds sometimes show stronger soreness or sleepiness after combined doses. The schedule does not change; visit spacing might.

Does my Chihuahua need Lyme or leptospirosis?

Lyme is typically skipped for an indoor Chihuahua. Leptospirosis is not a lifestyle choice any more: in the US it is core for all dogs, with a booster every year (AAHA). In the UK it is part of the usual puppy course, and elsewhere it is core where the disease is present (WSAVA).

Same schedule for a Chihuahua mix?

Yes. The core vaccines are the same for purebreds and mixes: DHPP, leptospirosis in the US (AAHA), and rabies where the law or travel requires it. Vaccines such as Lyme and Bordetella depend on lifestyle and region, not breed. The schedule above works for any Chihuahua mix.