Varieties of Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas can be categorized according to the length and color of their coats, and the shape of their heads. All Chihuahuas, regardless of coat length, head shape and color, have the same type of temperament, health considerations and life span. Most Chihuahuas are extremely active dogs, and they are a particularly protective and territorial dog breed. The average life span for the Chihuahua breed is between 12 to 15 years.

  1. Coat Length

    • The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes two types of Chihuahuas based on the length of the coat: Long Coat Chihuahuas and Smooth Coat Chihuahuas. Long Coat Chihuahuas have a soft coat with a long almost fan-like tail and (sometimes) a short undercoat; the coat tends to have feathering around the scruff of the mane, legs and hind area, and the coat can be wavy or flat. Smooth Coat Chihuahuas have a very short, glossy coat which can have a thick or thin undercoat; even in the Smooth Coat Chihuahua, a thickened mane around the scruff of the neck is preferred for the breed standard.

    Shape of the Head

    • Chihuahuas may also be distinguished by the shape of their head, of which two shapes are recognized in Chihuahuas: Apple head Chihuahuas and Deer Head Chihuahuas. Apple head Chihuahuas have a rounded forehead which tapers down to the jaw, a short muzzle and a small jaw. Deer head Chihuahuas have a more angular head shape, pointed and lengthier than the Apple Head Chihuahuas, resembling the head shape of a small deer. The AKC only accepts the apple head shape for the Chihuahua breed standard; Chihuahuas which have any other type of head shape are disqualified.

    Chihuahua Colors

    • A large number of coat color possibilities exist for the Chihuahua breed including black, chocolate, cream, fawn, red, blue, gold, silver and white. Coat colors may be mixed; for example, black and tan, black and silver, chocolate blue, chocolate brindled fawn, gold and white or black sabled silver. Chihuahuas can also have markings on their coats such as merle, black or blue masks, fawn markings, spots and brindling.

      Due to the large number of coat colors which exist within the Chihuahuas breed, it is almost impossible to breed Chihuahuas to achieve a specific type of coat color. Geneticists are still working on unlocking all the genes codes for Chihuahua coat colors.

    Considerations for Chihuahua Adoption

    • Because Chihuahuas are such a popular dog breed, it is especially important for potential pet owners to ensure they purchase a Chihuahua from an experienced private pet breeder or rescue facility. Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are among the many types of dog breeds which are popular with puppy mills, and puppies which come from these places often have higher risks for genetic health defects and conditions.

      Pet owners interested in adopting a Chihuahua for AKC registration must know that their Chihuahua fits the breed standard size (under 6 lbs.) and the head shape (apple head shape) in addition to the other breed standards for Chihuahua physical characteristics.