Ah, the tiny but mighty Chihuahua. These pint-sized pups pack a lot of personality into their small frames.
Though they may seem like a modern breed, Chihuahuas actually have a fascinating history. In fact, a study based on sequencing of ancient dog genomes suggests that about 4% of the Chihuahua’s ancestry comes from pre-colonial dogs that were present in the Americas before the arrival of European explorers1.
This remarkable finding adds depth to the already intriguing story of these beloved companions.
But there’s even more to discover and learn about these little dogs. Here are the 7 most common types of Chihuahua breeds and their unique characteristics.
1. Iconic Apple: Well-Known & Popular
The apple head Chihuahua is the most well-known and popular type.
Named for their rounded, apple-shaped skulls, these little dogs have the classic “Chihuahua look” with their large, expressive eyes and upright ears. About 80-90% of Chihuahuas fall into the apple head category.
Apple heads often retain the “molera”, or soft spot on the top of the skull, into adulthood. Their muzzles are also shorter compared to their deer head cousins. The apple head is the only type recognized by major kennel clubs like the AKC (ref).
2. The Elegant Deer Head Chihuahua
In contrast to the apple head, deer head Chihuahuas have a more elongated skull shape reminiscent of a young deer. Their snouts are longer and they lack the pronounced 90-degree angle where the muzzle meets the forehead.
Deer heads tend to be slightly larger overall than apple heads. Some believe they have a more even-tempered personality. While not considered the breed standard, many find their unique look quite charming.
3. Teacup: Miniature Marvel
“Teacup” is a term used to describe exceptionally small Chihuahuas that can fit inside a teacup. There’s no official size definition, but most consider a teacup to be under 5 lbs when fully grown and less than 9 inches tall.
Beware that teacups are not an official variety and are often the result of breeding runts together. This can lead to numerous health issues. Always research breeders thoroughly and be cautious about any advertising teacup puppies.
4. The Pear Head Chi: Unique & Rare
The pear head Chihuahua is an uncommon variety that’s a cross between the apple head and deer head types. They have a slightly flatter skull than the apple but not as sloped as the deer head.
Some say the pear head has the best of both worlds – the cute looks of the apple head with the larger size and more mellow temperament of the deer head. However, like the deer head, they are not accepted in the show ring.
5. Long Coat Chis & Their Luscious Locks
Long coat Chihuahuas are known for their gorgeous, flowing locks. Their soft, fluffy fur is longer than the smooth coat variety and requires more frequent brushing to avoid tangles. The ears, legs, and tail are adorned with a lovely fringe of hair.
Despite the lush coat, long hair Chihuahuas don’t shed much more than short coats. Both coat types come in a wide array of colors and patterns. Long coats are just as varied in head shape and size as smooth coats.
6. Smooth Coat Chis: Short-haired Wonders
The smooth coat Chihuahua has a short, close-lying coat with a glossy sheen. Grooming is a breeze with the smooth coat – a quick brush once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
Smooth coats actually shed a bit more than long coats since the hairs don’t get trapped in the longer fur. But many find the sleek look and easy maintenance of the smooth coat very appealing. Smooth coats can have either apple or deer shaped heads.
7. The Unusual Merle Chihuahua
Merle is a coat pattern rather than a distinct variety, but it’s quite striking and deserves a mention. Merle Chihuahuas have mottled patches of color against a lighter background. The patches can be shades of red, brown, or black and create a unique marbled effect.
Merles often have bright blue or odd-colored eyes. While beautiful, the merle gene is linked to certain health concerns like vision and hearing problems (ref), especially in “double merles” (dogs with two merle parents). Reputable breeders will avoid breeding two merles together.
Celebrating the Diversity & Charm of Chihuahuas
Chihuahuas may be small in stature, but they are giants when it comes to their rich history, unwavering loyalty, and larger-than-life personalities.
Whether you’re drawn to the iconic apple head, the elegant deer head, the rare pear head, or any of the other fascinating varieties, there’s a perfect Chihuahua out there for every dog lover. These fun-sized pups prove that the best things really do come in small packages.
Source:
- https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2013.1142
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.