How to Identify the Types of Chihuahua Dogs

Chihuahuas are small dogs, a toy breed, that originated in Chihuahua, Mexico. (See Reference 1). They are sweet-natured, lively and energetic dogs with tons of attitude and quirky personalities, and they make great pets. Owners of Chihuahuas are often amused by the tough-dog persona displayed in such a small package. Types of Chihuahuas are identified by three basic categories: coat length, color type and head shape.

Instructions

    • 1
      Long-haired Chihuahuas require more grooming than does the short-haired type.

      Determine whether the Chihuahua has long or short fur; this is one of the breed's basic categories. Long-haired Chihuahuas' coats can be straight or wavy, but it is always soft. Note that the ears have a fringe of fur around the tips, as does the tail. Feel the fur of a short-haired Chihuahua; you will notice that it is smooth but coarser than a long-haired Chihuahua's coat. (See Reference 1)

    • 2

      Identify the color type of a Chihuahua: The most common is fawn, but the dogs also can be white, black, brown, blue or parti-colored. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that any color coat, "solid, marked or splashed," is acceptable for the breed standards of the Chihuahua. (See Reference 1)

    • 3

      Check the shape of the head for the final distinction in types of Chihuahuas. There are two basic head shapes: apple or deer, though the AKC recognizes only the apple-shaped head. This type of head is rather round at the crown, and the snout is shorter than on a deer-shaped head (See Reference 3). The latter head shape slopes at the forehead, and the snout is longer. (See Reference 2).