6 Types of Chihuahuas: Guide to Chihuahua Breeds

A Chihuahua is a breed of dog characterized by its small size (Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed) and a vocal, active temperament. The breed is named for the present-day Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was bred by the Aztecs, although its precise lineage may involve other regions. Some breeders believe Chihuahuas are the descendants of the Techichi, dogs kept by the ancient Toltec people of present-day Mexico. Chihuahuas were first registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Chihuahuas can be great pets but have specific care requirements. Their diminutive size means that they need to be handled with care, and they must be supervised when playing with other animals. Chihuahua owners must monitor potential health issues, including patellar luxation, a painful condition involving displacement of the dog’s kneecap. Maintain your Chihuahua’s health by providing adequate exercise and quality dog food.

Chihuahuas can be affectionate and friendly, but they require early socialization so they don’t learn bad habits. Without proper training and socialization, they can be overly aggressive or fearful when encountering new people or animals.

International breed standards recognize two breeds of purebred Chihuahua dogs: long-haired Chihuahuas and short-haired Chihuahuas. Breeders distinguish the two based on coat length. However, within these two groups lie several different variations. In total, you can choose from seven variations when looking for a Chihuahua puppy.

1. 1. Short-haired Chihuahua: The short-coat variety of Chihuahua stands out for its short-but-smooth coat, which is why this type of dog is also called the smooth-coat Chihuahua. This is one of the two varieties of Chihuahua recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and accepted in dog shows worldwide. When well taken care of, their coats are soft and smooth, which cuts down on shedding.
2. 2. Long-haired Chihuahua: Also known as long-coat Chihuahuas, these pooches have longer hair, as their name suggests, but also come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and head shapes. Their hair length requires more upkeep, including regular bathing, but it takes a few years for the coat to grow in all the way. This makes trimming and grooming less burdensome than other long-haired dog breeds.
3. 3. Deer-head Chihuahua: This breed of Chihuahua lacks the distinctive rounded head that many associate with the Chihuahua breed. Instead, deer-head Chihuahuas have longer snouts, longer legs, and a larger body.
4. 4. Apple-head Chihuahua: This Chihuahua type has an instantly-recognizable, rounded head shape, with a tall forehead and a short snout. They are born with a molera, a soft spot on their skull that may not completely close. Apple-head Chihuahuas are predisposed to hydrocephalus and other health problems, which dog lovers should consider before adopting one.
5. 5. Pear-head Chihuahua: Breeders sometimes market this type of Chihuahua as a specialized variety, but “pear-head” is a descriptive term for pups that resemble a cross between the apple-head and the deer-head varieties.
6. 6. Teacup Chihuahua: The teacup Chihuahua is the smallest type of Chihuahua, making it one of the original lap dogs. Scrupulous breeders and animal rights advocates tend to frown upon teacup Chihuahua breeding because their petite size predisposes them to various health issues. Teacup Chihuahuas have a shorter-than-average lifespan.

Chihuahua coats come in many hues. For instance, fawn Chihuahuas have a brown coat resembling that of a fawn. Beyond the fawn color, look for Chihuahuas with cream coats, red coats, black coats, and coats combining different colors. The merle variety has a mottled black-and-white coat that gives Chihuahuas a hyena-like coloring.

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