How many different types of Chihuahuas are there?
It is the different coat varieties that people commonly refer to as being different types of Chihuahuas, and that can be confusing because the AKC only recognizes one type of Chihuahua.
Unofficially the term "type of Chihuahua" is used way more loosely and is used to refer to distinctions in the breed like coat length, head shape, and body type.
Using the unofficial standards, there are many different types of Chihuahuas.
The Look of a Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are the world's smallest dog breed, normally weighing between 2 and 8 pounds with an average height of 6 to 9 inches.
Chihuahuas have a "cobby" body - stout, stocky and slightly longer than tall - that still seems flexible, sturdy and muscular. Their rounded, apple-shaped heads feature dark round eyes, pointed ears and a slightly pointed muzzle.
The necks slope down to level backs and sickle-shaped tails that sometimes curl up or to one side. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have a soft, glossy coat, while the long-coated variety have curly or straight hair.
Listed below are all the different types of Chihuahuas (not including color types):
Long Haired Chihuahua
The long-coat Chihuahua also commonly referred to as a long haired Chihuahua is one of two officially recognized varieties.
Long-hairs can come in many different colors, and their coat length can be very long or sometimes only slightly longer than a smooth-coat. The long-hair can be an apple-head, a dear-head, and may have long legs or short legs.
Smooth Coat Chihuahua
The smooth-coat Chihuahua or short-hair is the other officially recognized variety of the Chihuahua. Short hairs can come in many different color combinations, and like the long-hair, the short-hair can have an apple-head, and deer-head, long legs or short legs.
Apple Head
The Apple Head is the only officially recognized type of head for the breed and accepted in the show ring. For a Chihuahua to be considered a true Chihuahua, it must have a well rounded apple domed head or it is disqualified.
The Deer-Head Chihuahua is called a deer head because of it's resemblance in shape to that of a deer. The deer head is more elongated than that of an Apple head and also has a longer, narrower snout.
Deer Head
A deer heads top is less prominent and more slanted and they are typically have a longer body and longer legs than the apple head, but not always.
The deer head is not considered a favorable trait within the dog show community as they do not meet the breed standards, but it is a desirable trait for some people and many breeders purposefully breed for the deer head look. They are usually healthier with fewer genetic problems.
Teacup Chihuahua
A "Teacup Chihuahua" is a popular marketing term for breeders trying to make their Chihuahuas seem more unique. While "Teacup" may be a fitting description for small Chihuahuas, there is not really such a thing as a Teacup Chihuahua.
This description simply refers to a Chihuahua that is really small. Chihuahuas can range in size from 2 lbs to 8 lbs, but smallness is not a trait that can be predictably bred (although many have tried and are still trying).
It is somewhat misleading for a breeder to use the term "Teacup Chihuahua" as it gives the impression that they are a distinct type of Chihuahua. Just be aware that the term usually refers to a smaller than average Chihuahua.
Some Chihuahuas simply turn out smaller than others, and many Chihuahuas can fit inside of a teacup, especially when they are young, but they are still just a Chihuahua.
Pear Head
Pear Head
The Pear-head Chihuahua is an uncommon type of Chihuahua. You will most likely never hear this description unless you are a Chihuahua breeder, as the term is very specific.
The pear head is similar in shape to a deer head, but the head is more pear shaped (as the name suggests), they usually have a flatter skull, a larger more prominent muzzle.
Pear-head Chihuahuas can be pretty large for the breed and the trait most often appears, when a breeder has bred an apple-head Chihuahua to a deer-head Chihuahua.
Even, though they do not have the desired looks, they are still Chihuahuas. It does not appear it is a dominant trait as when they are mated to an excellent mate they produce beautiful pups.
Chihuahua Dog Names
They may be the world's smallest breed, but Chihuahuas are living proof that a whole lotta personality can fit into a three-pound dog. To find a unique name for your Chihuahua boy or girl dog, you can go descriptive ('Pip'), ironic ('Hercules'), or just plain cute.
Chihuahua Dog Names
They may be the world's smallest breed, but Chihuahuas are living proof that a whole lotta personality can fit into a three-pound dog. To find a unique name for your Chihuahua boy or girl dog, you can go descriptive ('Pip'), ironic ('Hercules'), or just plain cute.
- Becca
Adopt for Love - Adopt for Life! - ChaCha
- Champ
- Chester
- Gidget
- Foxy
- Harriet
- Hercules
- Honey
- Hugh
- Jet
- Lisette
- Lola
- Peaches
- Paco
- Paris
- Pip
- Prince
- Shadow
Source:
AKC Dog Breeds
AKC Dog Breeds