Chihuahua is one of the most popular small-size breeds, but did you know that there are seven different types of Chihuahua?
Each Chihuahua type has unique body traits that are easy to recognize when you know what to search for.
Let’s elaborate on this one further.
Types of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas are popular city dogs, due to their size. These small size dogs are compact, easy to move around, and easy to groom.
All in all, these small-size canines are great apartment dogs. Chihuahuas usually have between 6 to 9 inches and 3 to 6 pounds, making them compact and suited for any living area.
Can Chihuahua be 20 pounds? No, this weight is possible only when a tiny Chihuahua is mixed with a larger breed.
Even larger Chihuahuas should not exceed these size parameters, although deer head Chihuahuas can weigh up to 10-12 Ibs.
Although there are different types of Chihuahuas, technically there is only one breed of Chihuahua.
Breeding standards among several dog kennels, like American Kennel Club are talking about two versions of Chihuahuas:
- Short-coated (short-haired Chihuahuas)
- Long-coated (long-haired Chihuahuas)
Therefore, the term ‘types of Chihuahuas’ talks about differences in the dog’s head shape, coat length, and head shape.
These differences are minor, but they do provide some measuring standards when selecting a dog from various Chihuahua types.
Different Types of Chihuahuas
Generally speaking, this toy breed has 7 types (breeds). What are the 7 types of Chihuahuas?
- Smooth-Coat Chihuahua
- Long-Coat Chihuahua
- Apple Head Chihuahua
- Deer Head Chihuahua
- Teacup Chihuahua
- Fawn Chihuahua
- Hairless Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are described as charming, sassy, and graceful.
According to AKC Breed Popularity Chihuahua ranks 30 of 193.
Although, this small dog falls under the group of ‘toy group’ dogs, not in any circumstances this intelligence should be treated like one.
Chihuahua – Short Overview
Chihuahua is a national symbol of Mexico and stands among the oldest breeds of the Americas. This tiny dog with a huge personality is usually around 6 pounds and has an average height of 5-8 inches.
Scientists claim that their lineage goes back to the ancient kingdom of pre-Columbian times. Their life expectancy is between 14-16 years.
Now, let’s learn more about different Chihuahua types and see what is the difference between them.
1. Smooth-Coat Chihuahua
When someone says Chihuahua, this is the most common type that people envision.
Short-haired, small size dog with big eyes and erect ears – classical Chihuahua look.
Smooth-coat Chihuahua comes with a really short coat that is easy to groom. Brushing this dog once a week should be enough to keep your Chihuahua well-groomed.
Does a short coat in dogs mean no shedding?
No, all dogs shed, just some small-size dogs shed less than others. All dogs have dander. However, you can expect minimal shedding.
In addition to its low maintenance, this short coat Chihuahua needs a bath from time to time. Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas are also known as Short Hair Chihuahuas.
2. Long-Coat Chihuahua
This long-coated Chihuahua is recognized by dog kennels. Their hair length varies, as well as their coat color.
What is great about this time is the fact that although they are long-haired types, they do not shed a lot. However, regular maintenance, like grooming and combing is mandatory. Trimming is not mandatory.
Long-coated Chihuahua has a soft and smooth coat that just loves being touched. Their hair is similar to velvet in texture.
Their coat takes between three or more years to grow to its full length. This long-hair coat is seen in deer Chihuahuas and apple Chihuahuas.
Although trimming is not mandatory, daily brushing is.
If you start neglecting those needs effects on dogs can be extremely negative. This dog is a favorite mostly among dog lovers who love dog competitions.
Long-coat Chihuahuas are often called Long-haired Chihuahuas.
Good to know: Long-coat Chihuahuas are often described as small size dogs that look like foxes
3. Apple Head Chihuahua
This dog got its name thanks to its apple-shaped head.
This Chihuahua type is also one of the most typical dogs that one can have as a four-legged pet.
Did you know that in dog shows a Chihuahua having a well-rounded apple-shaped head is the number one requirement to be considered as an authentic Chihuahua?
This type is smaller compared to a deer head Chihuahua, but they do have a diverse coat in color like the rest of Chihuahuas, and color varies from one dog to another.
Apple Head Chihuahuas are known for suffering from hydrocephalus, and that’s the main reason why their heads are bigger but still proportioned to their bodies.
One more characteristic trait for them is having eyes that look like they are ‘going out from their sockets’.
If you are planning on getting this dog make sure to check if it has hydrocephalus.
The top part of their skull is broad and round, which is a little submerged in as in an apple.
A unique attribute of apple head Chihuahuas is a thing called ‘molera’ or ‘fontanel’ which is basically like the soft place that is seen on the head of infants.
Apple heads come with short snouts which leads to a raised threat of being stricken with illness. However, a proper nutrition plan can remove these issues.
4. Deer Head Chihuahua
Can a Chihuahua weigh 12 pounds? Deer Head Chihuahua can.
When it comes to popularity, deer hear Chihuahua is right behind apple head Chihuahua. This type is unique thanks to its deer-shaped head. Also, its uniqueness is seen in longer legs.
This Chihuahua type is not seen in dog competitions, mostly because its head is not acceptable in dog shows.
This type is gladly seen in pet owners’ homes either as a pet or as a breeding dog by some breeders.
One of the best traits of this dog is seen in his health background, as it comes with an incredibly strong and healthy background.
When compared with its apple-head cousin this Chihuahua comes with fewer problems.
Deer head Chihuahuas are known for having a head that’s similar to a young deer’s face, but its face is longer when compared with the apple heads.
Their bodies are generally longer and they are based on many different proprietors, and they are not considered to be the best prospects for dog shows.
What is the largest breed of Chihuahua? Deer Head Chihuahua is considered to be the largest breed of Chihuahua.
5. Teacup Chihuahua
Teacup Chihuahua is a miniature dog whose height is nine inches and weighs less than five pounds. Teacup Chihuahua looks and acts like their bigger Chihuahua cousins.
This is a very fragile dog thanks to its small size and it is extremely easy for them to end up hurt or traumatized, so proper and early training is crucial.
Also, bear in mind that the Teacup Chihuahua can officially be named like that only when it reaches its full size as an adult.
If the dog outgrew its height and weight requirements it’s no longer a Teacup Chihuahua.
Unethical breeders are known for selling premature puppies as teacup dogs.
That can lead to many problems like trauma that can be left on a puppy taken from its mother too early.
Always choose to deal only with responsible dog breeders.
Plus, it’s a huge trauma for the mother. Some of the problems that teacup Chihuahuas might have are:
- Ectrodactyly (split hand/split foot malformation)
- Trisomy (born with XXX sex chromosome rather than the normal XX, down syndrome)
- Heart Problems
- Hypoglycemia (see: How to recognize, treat and prevent Hypoglycemia)
- Very large and open soft spot on the skull (soft spots are normal, not very large ones)
- Seizures like panting and shaking
- Collapsing trachea (see What is backward sneezing)
- Blindness
- Limb deformities
- Digestive problems
- Respiratory problems
Taking a puppy from its mother leads to many social problems as well as health problems.
6. Fawn Chihuahua aka “Big Chihuahua”
Fawn Chihuahua, or Big Chihuahua, stands for several types of Chihuahua. It’s not a breed.
Big Chihuahuas are standard in height and size, just as they are always in fawn color.
Fawn is a color very common for these Big Chihuahuas (and Chihuahuas in general) and they come in several varieties like a sable fawn and blue fawn.
Fawn is the number one color for these little furry dogs and if you hear that someone is talking about fawn Chihuahua, they’re simply talking about its coat.
Lately, people are talking a lot about pear-headed Chihuahuas that are relatively young and unfamiliar. This type of Chihuahua is the most unpopular Chihuahua type and also an unknown one.
Pear-headed Chihuahua is least desirable when compared with an apple-headed and a deer-headed Chihuahua.
This type has flat skulls and larger and longer muzzles.
Big Chihuahuas are bigger when compared to others and it’s mostly thanks to reproduction between deer head Chihuahuas and apple head Chihuahuas.
Although Big Chihuahuas tend to be robust, this doesn’t mean that owners should not be mindful of dogs’ weight.
Obesity in dogs is on the rise and it can be easy to overfeed small-size dogs. Plus, it can be ultra hard to say ‘no’ to extra treats.
Know what food to serve to your dog and understand why food should be adjusted to the dog’s age.
It cannot harm to know what weight is the best for your dog so you can shape Fido’s feeding style around it.
What is a good weight for a Chihuahua? As a general rule, standard Chihuahuas should have no more than 6 lbs in weight. Bear in mind that the average weight in Chihuahuas is between 2 and 6 pounds.
How do I know if my Chihuahua is overweight? Different dog breeds will have different nutrition needs, but there is still a way to check your dog’s weight.
You should be able to feel Chihuahua’s ribs without a thick layer of fat covering them.
In the same manner, there should not be super easy access to ribs, or that would mean that your dog is underweight.
Good to know about overweight Chihuahua types: An overweight chihuahua will have no west when looked at from above
7. Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless Chihuahua is not a real type of Chihuahua.
Rather, the hairless version of the Mexican toy dog is often the result of over-breeding Chihuahuas to get a dog of a certain color type.
However, since people started loving the hairless Chihuahua dog, some breeders have dedicated their work to only breeding Chihuahuas with no hair at all.
This semi-type of Chihuahua is surely a better option for allergic people and requires less grooming, but it is very rare to find.
Read also: Rare Hairless Dog Breeds
Chihuahua Mixes
Chihuahuas can be bred with a huge variety of other dogs without any issues or problems if mixed by responsible and reputable dog breeders.
While there might only be one authentic breed of the Chihuahua, there’s an extremely huge variety in that breed.
For example, did you know that American Bullhuahua is a mix between Chihuahua and American Bulldog?
There are more than 20 different mixes of Chihuahuas out there, while the most common are:
- Chiweenie
- Chigi
- Chizer
- Pomchi
- Cheenese
- Chug
Conclusion
Regardless of what Chihuahua dog you choose from the variety of Chihuahuas be sure to respect your dog’s needs and to value your dog above everything else, regardless of its side.
Chihuahuas are known for being intelligent, fun, and extremely attached to its owner.
The same applies to Chihuahua mixes as well – they are all fun, exciting, and above all lovable dogs.
No matter what type of Chihuahua you have or you are about to include in your family, be sure that you will get an exceptional pet and above all, a loveable companion who can stand being left alone for a few hours.
Also, don’t be fooled by their size. Although, Chihuahuas are suitable to be great city-living pets, make sure that your dog needs regular exercise and regular attention.
Otherwise, your small furry buddy can get bored, overweight, or even both.
An unhappy Chihuahua can easily become an unhappy and an aggressive dog.
Do not forget that a small dog is still a big responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions On Different Chihuahua Types
1. What Is The Rarest Breed Of Chihuahua?
As mentioned in the article there is only one official Chihuahua breed. However, the rarest color or variety of Chihuahua is white.
Seeing a white, or albino, Chihuahua is uncommon, and both are the result of a lack of pigmentation. Other rare colors include solid black, brindle, and lilac.
2. What Is The Most Common Coat Color In Chihuahua?
The most common coat color in Chihuahuas is fawn.
Like other fawn dogs, fawn Chihuahuas may have markings of different colors, and will usually go from classic brown to reddish brown.
3. What Two Dog Breeds Make A Chihuahua?
Many believe that Chihuahua is a cross between Techichi and a breed similar to the Chinese Crested.
Techichi is an ancient and extinct breed of small size, similar to the size of Chihuahua today.
4. What Is The Most Popular Chihuahua Mix?
Chiweenie is the most popular Chihuahua mix. This new breed is a mix between Chihuahua and Dachshund.
This hybrid dog is known for being friendly, easy to train, and great to groom with an adorable personality, and strong affection toward people.
5. How Do I Know If My Chihuahua Is Purebred?
In most cases, having papers on a dog should be a clear indicator that your dog is purebred.
Responsible breeders will always have their puppies registered with major organizations, such as AKC, and reputable kennel clubs will have a serious and in-depth investigation on potential dog owners.
In other words, no responsible dog breeder will hand you over a puppy in a matter of seconds.
6. How Much Should A 12 Pound Chihuahua Eat A Day?
Compared to other dog breeds, Chihuahua eats very little. They may be picky, but unless there is no need for a specific dietary regime, regular dog food should provide all the needed nutrients.
As a general rule, Chihuahuas usually eat 1/2 to 1 and 1/3 cups per day. This may vary with puppies and senior dogs.
Always feed dogs with food recommended for their size, age, and activity levels.
7. Are 12 Pounds Heavy For A Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas should not exceed six pounds in weight, as they are commonly five to eight inches tall.
Anything above that means that your Chihuahua is overweight. Whenever you are in doubt about a dog’s weight make sure that you check with your veterinarian about the dog’s dietary and exercise needs.
No matter how big your Chihuahua might be, you should stick to recommended feeding guidelines.
