How to Spell Chihuahua (And Why Everyone Gets It Wrong)

Let’s settle it in one line: the correct spelling is Chihuahua — C-H-I-H-U-A-H-U-A. It’s one of the most misspelled dog breeds in English, and honestly, for good reason. The word doesn’t follow English phonetics at all. Here’s why it’s so tricky, the misspellings people actually type, and a simple trick to never get it wrong again.

Why is “Chihuahua” so hard to spell?

Because it’s not an English word. “Chihuahua” comes from Nahuatl, the Aztec language, through Spanish, and names a state in northern Mexico. The breed is named after that state (yes, Chihuahuas are from Mexico). English speakers try to spell it the way it sounds — “chi-wah-wah” — and that’s where it falls apart, because the spelling keeps two silent-looking “hua” blocks that don’t match the sound.

The most common misspellings

These are the versions people actually type into Google every month:

• chiwawa — the #1 phonetic misspelling (it’s literally how it sounds).
• chihauhua — right letters, wrong order.
• chiuaua — the Spanish-phonetic attempt.
• chihuaua — missing one “h”.
• chiwawa dog, chihuahua dog — adding “dog” to be safe.

None of these are correct, but “chiwawa” is so common that it almost functions as a second spelling online.

The trick to remember it

Break it into two identical halves:

CHI + HUA + HUA

Say it as “chi-hua-hua.” The word repeats “hua” twice. If you remember it’s “CHI” followed by “HUA” twice, you’ll spell it right every time: Chi-hua-hua.

Is it ever spelled differently?

• Plural: “Chihuahuas” (just add an s).
• Spanish: same spelling, “Chihuahua.” In Mexico the breed is also called chihuahueño.
• “Chiwawa” is a misspelling, not an accepted variant — even if your phone autocorrect has given up.

Quick reference

You typed	Correct?
Chihuahua	✅ Yes
chiwawa	❌ No (phonetic)
chihauhua	❌ No (letters swapped)
chiuaua	❌ No (Spanish-style)
chihuahuas	✅ Yes (plural)

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I’ve seen Romeo and Lorenzo’s breed spelled every possible way in the messages we get — “chiwawa,” “chihauhua,” even “chihuahuah.” It always makes me smile. The dog doesn’t care how you spell it; it just wants to sit on your lap. But now you know: Chihuahua, chi-hua-hua. Easy.