Different Types of Chihuahuas: What You Must Know!
The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog. Though they are small, this breed has a big personality that can’t be ignored!
Chihuahuas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. They love to play outside, either with other dogs or by themselves. They also enjoy playing inside with their toys!
You may be wondering what is the best type of chihuahua for you? The answer is that there isn’t one specific “type” because they all come from different backgrounds and have different personalities.
According to the American Kennel Club, there are just two kinds of chihuahuas according to their coat: short-coated chihuahua and long-coated chihuahua. Aside from this, you’ll also find categories based on their sizes and shapes.
These are:
- Apple-Headed Chihuahuas
- Deer-Headed Chihuahuas
- Pear-Headed Chihuahua
- Fawn Chihuahua
- Teacup Chihuahua
- Hairless Chihuahua
Let’s get to know each and every one of them a little bit better!
The Basics of Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are small dogs with large ears that stand up. They have a long, thin muzzle and their eyes are large, round, and brown or blue in color.
Their necks are long and their bodies are muscular but compact. Their tails usually curl into ringlets at the tip. The average weight of a Chihuahua is around four to six pounds.
Chihuahuas vary in height, but usually, they’re between six and ten inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be up to sixty percent larger than males!
Chihuahuas are brave and full of life. They need a lot of attention, so if you plan to leave them alone for long periods of time they may become bored or lonely.
They are very intelligent dogs that can be trained easily. They have a tendency to bark, but this is mainly because they’re trying to communicate with you!
Be sure to socialize your chihuahua so that he may interact properly and safely with other animals, including humans!
Two Main Types of Chihuahuas
American Kennel Club recognizes two main types of chihuahua: the smooth coat and the long coat.
Short-Coated Chihuahuas (Or Short-Coated)
This type of chihuahua’s hair is slick and glossy. The fur doesn’t have a whole lot of texture, which means it won’t really mat up or tangle!
Smooth-haired Chihuahuas are low maintenance, so you can just brush them once a week with a soft bristle brush to keep their coats in good condition.
Long-Coated Chihuahuas
This type of chihuahua has a long, soft coat that is somewhat wavy or coarse. Their coats may tangle easily, so you’ll need to brush them at least once a day.
Long-haired Chihuahuas are high-maintenance dogs who require frequent trips to the groomer throughout their life to keep their beautiful coats looking beautiful.
It’s also important to make sure that a long-haired chihuahua is never shaved because their coat keeps them cool during the summer and warm during the winter!
Different Head Shapes of Chihuahuas
There are three different types of chihuahuas based on head shape: apple, deer, pear.
Apple-Headed Chihuahuas
Apple-headed chihuahuas have broadheads that are completely round. This type of head is shaped like an apple.
The top of the skull slopes to a rounded point between the ears. Their eyes are small, dark, and deep-set with close-fitting eyelids.
Their noses are either short or non-existent (some may be slightly indented between the eyes), and their ears hang close to the head.
These types of chihuahuas look like they have a lot of wrinkles on their faces!
Apple-headed chihuahuas are intelligent, calm dogs who make great lap warmers. They’re also very loyal to their families and human companions!
Deer-Headed Chihuahuas
Just like their head shape indicates, deer-headed chihuahuas have pointy heads that resemble the antlers of a deer.
The top of their skulls are rounded and slope down to a pointed muzzle. They also have large ears that stand straight up but may touch each other at the tips.
Their eyes are dark and small, and their noses are long. Their necks are thick, and their backs are slightly arched.
This type of chihuahua’s body is muscular but compact. They have a deep chest that narrows toward the waist, slim legs, and a short coat!
Deer-headed chihuahuas are inquisitive and energetic little dogs who love to play all day. However, they are very independent and don’t like to be held for long periods of time!
Pear-Headed Chihuahuas
Pear-headed chihuahuas have a head that is shaped like a pear, but it’s more elongated than that of the deer-headed chihuahua.
The top of the skull is rounded and the muzzle slopes down from the forehead toward the tip of their nose.
Their eyes are small, and they have a long muzzle with a pronounced under-bite. Their necks are slightly arched, and they have large ears that stand up but may touch each other at the tips. They also have slim legs with a thin body!
Pear-headed chihuahuas are very curious and love to spend time with their human companions! They’re also more people-oriented than other types of chihuahuas.
Other Types of Chihuahuas
These types of chihuahuas don’t necessarily fit into the main categories, but they’re still extremely popular and easy to care for!
Fawn Chihuahua
Fawn Chihuahuas are not a specific breed. They stand for several types of standard size and height Chihuahuas that only come in fawn color, which is very common among little dogs like them. There are also sable fawns and blue-fawned ones as well!
Teacup Chihuahua
Teacup chihuahuas are just miniature chihuahuas that weigh less than five pounds and stand under nine inches tall. They’re very small!
Notably, these types of chihuahuas have a lifespan that’s similar to standard chihuahuas. And all other aspects, except size, are the same as a standard chihuahua!
A Teacup Chihuahua can be officially named as such only after reaching its full size. But if the dog outgrows its height and weight requirements, it no longer qualifies to carry this name.
Hairless Chihuahua
Hairless chihuahuas are dogs that have no fur at all (although they do sometimes have a light layer of down). Their skin is very soft and usually has dark pigment. They also tend to have coarse hairs growing from their nose, tail, toes, and around their eyes.
The hairless version of the Mexican toy dog is often a product from over breeding Chihuahuas in order to get specific colors.
Ever since people have fallen in love with the hairless Chihuahua dog breed, some breeders only want to work on breeding dogs without any fur.
Chihuahua Mixes
There are a lot of cross breeds between Chihuahuas and other types of little dogs.
The most popular ones are:
- Chorkies (Chihuahua-Yorkie mix)
- Chi-poos (Chihuahua-Poodle mix).
- Chiweenie (Chihuahua-Daschund mix)
- Pomchi (Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix)
- Cheagle (Chihuahua-Beagle mix).
- And many more!
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are extremely popular around the world for their adorable look and easy-going temperament!
Depending on the breed of their parents, Chihuahuas can be very different from one another! But no matter what type of coat or head shape they have, whether long-haired or short, these little dogs are bright and high energy.
They come in several distinct types, with each type having different physical features. That’s why you need to know these types in order to choose the most suitable one for your lifestyle!
