Last Updated on December 8, 2021 by Ana P.
Chihuahuas as a breed are very popular, and you consider buying or adopting one, so you are asking yourself how many breeds of chihuahuas are there? Dog authorities like the American Kennel Club recognize officially only two Chihuahua types.
These tiny, sassy dogs are popular companion dogs worldwide due to their small size, big personality, and relative ease of maintenance. In this piece, we’ll go through the seven Chihuahua types so you can understand how they differ, as well as the breed’s history.
History Of Chihuahua
Although the precise origins of this breed are unknown. That makes people assume that they originate from Mexico, and their name comes after the Mexican city of Chihuahua.
The American Kennel Club approved the breed in 1904 for long and smooth-coated Chihuahuas, which people were selling for a couple of reasons. Since then, the chihuahua breed has been growing in popularity as a superb companion dog for people of all ages worldwide.
Types Of Chihuahua
As the popularity of this breed grew, so did the number of questions concerning the many varieties. As previously stated, the AKC recognizes two Chihuahuas, but there are seven other types, which we’ll go over in-depth, including:
- Long Coat Chihuahua
- Apple Head Chihuahua
- Short Coat Chihuahua
- Fawn Chihuahua
- Teacup Chihuahua
- Merle Chihuahua
- Deer Head Chihuahua
Now that you know a little about the breed’s history, it’s time for you to know how many breeds of chihuahuas exist, so you can see what alternatives you have if you’re thinking about buying or adopting one of these dogs.
How Many Breeds Of Chihuahuas Exist?
Even though there is only one recognized breed of Chihuahua, there are several other sorts of Chihuahuas that are classified based on their coats and forms. Here are some of them:
Long-Haired Chihuahua
The first is the Long Coat Chihuahua, which coat length depends on whatever breed group it belongs to. However, it takes around three years for your dog’s coat to reach the maximum length and, once it does, you should leave it with thick yet soft fur.
While you won’t need to cut this dog’s coat daily since it stops growing once it reaches a certain length, you will need to brush it regularly to avoid knots, tangles, or mats, and trim now and then will keep the ends healthy. This breed of Chihuahuas is quite popular among dog show competitors.
Apple Head Chihuahua
The Head of an Apple Chihuahuas has a rounded skull that resembles that of an apple. Their muzzle is usually short and tiny, and it rests at a 90-degree angle to their face. Furthermore, the eyes of this Chihuahua breed are closer together than those of other breeds.
One of the most familiar qualifications for being classed as a Chihuahua by breeders, organizations, and show groups is having this apple head style. This dog, however, still has a tiny body with short legs, and this sort of head is frequently overly large or disproportionate in size.
Short Coat Chihuahua
The Short Coat Chihuahua is a popular breed among those who don’t have time to brush or trim their dog’s coat. It comes in a range of colors and patterns. Their fur is thick, and when you run your palm down through it, it should feel silky yet somewhat scratchy.
It’s crucial to note that this breed of Chihuahua sheds more than the long-coated version, and they shed all year. That is making them difficult to have around the house for persons with dog allergies. Their fur does not require any trimming, and regular wash can make the coat stay healthy.
Fawn Chihuahua
Unlike the other classes on our list, the Fawn Chihuahua breed is a coat color that people know rather than a kind or standard. Fawn Chihuahuas can have apple or deer heads, and their coats can be long or short as long as they’re light brown or “fawn” in color.
Teacup Chihuahua
The Teacup or Miniature Chihuahua is the last Chihuahua breed, and most people use both titles interchangeably. Chihuahuas of this breed are typically nine inches tall or smaller and weigh five pounds or less when fully grown.
Although this breed of Chihuahua is quite popular, many breeders dislike it since breeding for such a small size might lead to health problems or joint and bone difficulties. This tiny Chihuahua has the same big attitude and disposition as a regular standard Chihuahua.
Merle Chihuahua
Again, unlike a long or short coat Chihuahua, the Merle Chihuahua isn’t a recognized standard. Merle is similar to the Fawn Chihuahua in that it refers to the dog’s coat colors and patterns. This is eye-catching and leads people to believe they’re a special breed of Chihuahua.
Merle Chihuahuas are usually multicolored, with black, brown, and blue or “Merle” patches on their coats, and vivid blue eyes are not uncommon. They can have apple or deer heads, as well as short or long fur.
Deer Head Chihuahua
This breed of Chihuahua has a somewhat specific body and head type than other Chihuahuas, making them popular with people but not so much with organizations or breeders.
The Deer Head Chihuahua has a somewhat longer head with a longer and narrower nose, broader set eyes, and a flatter skull, similar to a deer. Furthermore, this breed of Chihuahua has a little larger body and longer legs than other Chihuahuas. That is why the AKC doesn’t approve of them as a “genuine” Chihuahua classification for dog shows.
Conclusion
You have no idea how much fun we had preparing and researching for this topic. That’s why, first and foremost, we’d want to express our deepest gratitude for providing us with another opportunity to do what we love: write about Chihuahuas.
When it comes to how many breeds of chihuahuas are there in the world, it’s easy to be confused. The most significant distinction to distinguish between the two primary varieties is the length of the coat.
Whether you prefer the short-haired Chihuahua or can’t get enough of the long-haired chis, you should do your research before introducing this breed into your house. If you’re seeking a unique pet, you may look into the several sub-types of Chihuahua.
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