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All Chihuahuas weigh up to 6 pounds and stand between 5 to 8 inches. They're known for their independent nature and "big dog attitude" – despite being the smallest dog in the world. Their lively nature makes them interesting companion animals, and they may even be suitable alert dogs.
However, Chihuahuas often get "small dog syndrome." Simply put, this occurs when a smaller dog is a bit sensitive about its size and overcompensates by becoming aggressive. Often, this causes the dog to act like they are much larger than they are – and not in a good way.
Luckily, consistent training can prevent these problems.
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Technically, there are only a few types of recognized Chihuahuas. However, many breeders have put forth new iterations of the breed that have some degree of popularity. There are seven common options in total; let's look at them.
Most Chihuahuas have shorter hair. This type is considered the "typical" Chihuahua. This type fits the breed standard, so it is easy to find puppies at breeders. This variation is called "smooth-coat" Chihuahuas, as their short hair gives them a smooth appearance.
Victor Dog Food: Reviews, Recalls, Pros & Cons, and MoreTheir shorter hair helps reduce their grooming needs. You only have to brush these dogs about once a week – or more if you want to reduce the amount of fur to pick up around your house.
Beyond that, these Chihuahuas are pretty average.
Long-haired Chihuahuas are the same as short-haired Chihuahuas. However, they have longer fur. It isn't that long, but it reaches at least medium length. All Chihuahua puppies are born with short hair, and it takes about two years to grow out ultimately. When it does, these dogs require more extensive grooming.
You will need to brush these dogs every other day, and you'll also have to get them professionally groomed. Start early, and your dog will become used to these grooming sessions. Training is vital to ensure your dog lets you perform this necessary maintenance.
These dogs are rarer than the short-haired Chihuahua. Therefore, you may have to spend a little extra time searching for a puppy. Sometimes, they are also more expensive. However, these dogs are the same as other Chihuahuas – temperament-wise.
Most Chihuahuas have an apple-shaped head. This head shape is standard. However, the deer-headed Chihuahua also exists. They have a slightly longer heads and no slope in their nose. Furthermore, these dogs tend to be a bit larger. Many breeders started breeding these dogs to make the Chihuahua breed healthier, but they are too big to compete in dog shows.
Therefore, these dogs are hard to find. You have to pick specific breeders that specialize in these dogs. Sometimes, they are a bit more expensive, as they are specialty pets.
The apple-headed Chihuahua is the typical Chihuahua. Most Chihuahuas have apple heads – including breed-standard short-haired and long-haired Chihuahuas. This head shape is considered "normal," therefore.
As you might imagine, the apple-head Chihuahua has a somewhat apple-shaped head. It is rounded with a very sloped nose. Today, they are widespread. Most Chihuahua puppies will fit into this category.
This head shape comes with a slightly shorter muzzle. Many canines also end up with a molera, a soft spot on their skull. This hole may or may not close completely as the dog grows. Many consider this hole a health risk, which is why some breeders developed the dear-head Chihuahua.
These canines may have long or short fur and any head shape. However, they're set apart from other Chihuahuas due to their smaller size. Some breeders are always looking to adjust dogs to meet what buyers want. In many cases, this means a more miniature Chihuahua.
The problem with smaller Chihuahuas is that they're prone to health problems. Chihuahuas are small, anyway. When you try to make them even smaller, you force all the dog's internal structure into a smaller space. Teacup Chihuahuas often have brain issues, and many don't survive past puppyhood.
Therefore, many breeders are arguing that this dog is unethical. They're a specialized breed, though some do technically fit in the breed standard. Therefore, you have to find a specialty breeder, and these dogs are costly.
There are many different coat colorations. The American Kennel Club recognizes various colors, including chocolate, tan, black, and others. You may see Chihuahuas bred by breeders referred to as one of these colors. Sometimes, breeders may specialize in one of these colors.
The breed standard doesn't accept some colors – but that doesn't stop some breeders from breeding them. Therefore, you may find some rarer colors that aren't technically "accepted." Often, these colors result from mixed breeding, so keep this in mind when purchasing a puppy.
Obviously, mixed-breed dogs won't have all the Chihuahua characteristics.
Sometimes, apple-headed and deer-headed Chihuahuas don't "work out." When you combine these two head types, you get something called the pear-headed Chihuahua. However, this is primarily considered a defect – not a new head type. However, some breeders will try to charge more for these puppies due to their "rarity."
Often, these dogs are taller and heavier, exceeding the breed standard. Their skull is broader at the top and narrows into the deer-like muzzle.
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