Chihuahuas are perhaps the most popular toy dog breed in the world. These small, spunky dogs have big personalities and are known for their loyalty to their owners.
While there are only two varieties officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), short coat Chihuahuas and long coat Chihuahuas, did you know that there are actually seven different types of Chihuahuas?
Each type is unique, varying in size, head shape, coat color, and markings, making them all special in their own ways.
Whether you’re researching to see all Chihuahua variations so you can bring home the perfect pup, or you’re a fan of this fascinating breed wanting to learn more, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore seven types of Chihuahuas that are sure to melt your heart.
Quick Facts About All Types of Chihuahuas:
- Short-Hair Chihuahuas: They are the most common type of Chihuahua. Their coat is smooth and glossy and comes in various colors such as blue, black, cream, chocolate, red, silver, and white.
- Long-Hair Chihuahuas: They have a longer, rougher coat than their short-haired counterparts, but they, surprisingly, don’t shed more than the short-haired variety.
- Apple Head Chihuahuas: They are so named for their rounded dome skull that resembles an apple.
- Deer Head Chihuahuas: They have, as their name suggests, heads that resemble those of deer. They have longer muzzles, ears, and legs and are heavier than Apple Heads.
- Pear-Headed Chihuahuas: They are a cross between Deer-headed and Apple-headed Chihuahuas, with a head shape somewhere in between. They are sometimes heavier and taller than Apple heads, depending on whose genes the pup carries more.
- Teacup Chihuahuas: They are the smallest variety of Chihuahua, weighing between 2 and 5 pounds when fully grown. They tend to have a more delicate frame and are prone to more health issues than their larger counterparts.
- Fawn Chihuahuas: They are distinguished by their coat color, which is brown to reddish-brown, resembling the color of a deer.
Basic Chihuahua Breed Overview
No matter the type, all Chihuahuas share a few basic characteristics. For starters, they all have small, compact bodies, weigh up to 6 pounds, and stand around 6 to 8 inches tall.
While they are the smallest breed, Chihuahuas are full of energy and spirit. In fact, they can be a bit too energetic for their own good!
Despite their small size, they have no shortage of confidence. They are bold and fearless and will bark at anyone or anything they perceive as a threat, even if it’s far bigger than their size. Because they’re also vocal dogs and wary of strangers, they’ll sure let you know when someone is at the door or when there’s an intruder.
If we have to describe Chihuahuas, it would be “tiny but mighty.”
However, despite their alertness and boldness, Chihuahuas are ultimately lap dogs and prefer to be close to their family. They love being cuddled and showered with attention, making them the perfect companion for anyone!
One thing we have to stress about these pint-sized pups, though, is that they are snappy. But that’s not just a Chihuahua thing. It’s more so a Small Dog Syndrome that causes them to react that way because of their size.
That said, with proper and consistent training and that you socialize them early, your Chihuahua will learn proper behaviors and how to interact with people and other animals.
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of this breed, let’s dive into the different types of Chi!
7 Different Types of Chihuahuas
1. Short-Haired Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
When most people think of this Chihuahua, they usually picture the short-haired variety. These are probably the type we see most often in movies, TV shows, and on pet stores’ shelves. In fact, they are the most common and popular varieties of this breed.
As its name implies, they have short coats, with the fur being soft, smooth, and glossy, hence why they are sometimes referred to as the “smooth coat Chihuahua.”
Since their coats are short, they don’t require much grooming or maintenance. Regular brushing and occasional baths are enough to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy.
Short-coat Chis also don’t shed as much, and well, that’s because they don’t really have much fur to shed!
Not only does this make the owner’s life easier, as there will be less hair everywhere, but this also makes them a great choice for people with allergies.
The only downside to having short-haired Chihuahuas is that they are more prone to the cold. So if you live in an area with colder climates, you must ensure your pup has a jacket or sweater when going out on walks!
2. Long-Haired Chihuahua (Rough Coat)
Long-haired Chihuahuas, also known as the rough coat Chihuahua, have slightly wavy and rougher fur, and their hair is, obviously, longer than the short coat variant.
With their long and fluffy coats, they can look quite different from the short-haired Chi. It gives them a more elegant look that some people might find attractive. But you won’t see their gorgeous, fully developed coats until they reach at least one year old. Some may even take up to two years or more to get their full coat length.
Since their hair is longer, owners of long-haired Chis will need to put more effort into brushing and grooming their pups to keep the fur from tangling and matting, as well as preventing dirt or debris from getting stuck in their fur.
What really surprises most people about this type of Chihuahua is that they don’t shed more than their short-coated counterparts despite having longer coats. Yes, you still need to be prepared for a bit of fur around the house from time to time, but it’s not anything drastic.
While you can expect long-haired Chis to be able to handle colder temperatures better than short-haired cousins, let’s not forget that they are still a tiny breed at the end of the day.
So if you live in an area with a cold climate or when winter comes, it’s just as essential to ensure they have enough protection when going out for walks.
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3. Apple Head Chihuahua
As you might have guessed from their name, these Chis boast an apple-round head with a 90-degree angle where the muzzle joins the forehead. Their head looks a bit too large for their body, and they have shorter muzzles, giving them an incredibly cute and endearing look. Yes, the AKC accepts this type of head shape if you plan on entering them in shows!
Aside from the shape of their heads, Apple Head Chihuahuas have large, bulging eyes. And because of that, they are more susceptible to eye problems, infections, and injuries, so it’s essential to take extra care of their eyes.
Most apple-headed Chihuahuas are also born with a soft spot, called a molera, in their head. This is completely normal and will eventually close as they grow older. Some never close, but they typically don’t cause any issues unless your Chi is diagnosed with hydrocephalus.
Grooming-wise, Apple Head Chis can come in either long or short coats, so the maintenance will depend on what type of coat your pooch has.
4. Deer Head Chihuahua
Living up to its name, the Deer Head Chihuahua has a head that looks like that of a deer. Their head is slightly longer, and they have a narrower snout. Not only that, but they also appear to have bigger bodies, longer legs, and larger ears, adding to their deer-like look.
Deer-headed Chis are also larger in size and typically weigh between 10 and 12 pounds. What that also means is they won’t be able to compete in the show ring, as they don’t meet the AKC’s weight standards of 6 pounds or less.
Many also say that they have fewer health problems than other types of Chihuahuas, though there’s no scientific backing to this claim.
But apart from that, there isn’t really anything else that differentiates Deer Head Chis from their counterparts. They can come in short and long coats like the apple-headed Chi and can also be found in various coat colors.
5. Pear-Headed Chihuahua
Just as you thought people were done coming up with different types of Chihuahuas with varying shapes of head, here comes a rare type of Chi – the Pear Head Chihuahua.
The result of a cross between an apple head and deer head Chihuahua, these little four-legged cuties feature a combination of both shapes but with a flatter skull.
Their head is slightly longer than that of an apple-headed Chihuahua but not as long as the deer-headed one, though they resemble the latter more than the former. In fact, they are often mistaken for deer-headed Chis.
In terms of size, pear-headed Chis can sometimes be taller and larger and weigh more than the 6-pound weight standard set by the AKC, depending on if the pup inherits more of the apple head or deer head genetics, so they won’t be able to join shows as well if their weight exceeds 6 pounds.
Other than that, pear-headed Chis also come in short and long coats like the previous two types and can come in all classic colors.
6. Teacup Chihuahua/ Mini Chihuahua
One of the most popular types, Teacup Chihuahuas or Mini Chihuahuas, are small enough to fit in a teacup (hence their name)! That also means you can easily hold them in your palm and take them anywhere with you!
Literally the smallest among all the types of Chihuahuas and the tiniest dog in the world, Teacup Chis usually weigh between 2 to 5 pounds and measure no more than 6 inches tall.
While they may look cuddly and super adorable, many people are against breeding them.
What’s the issue, you ask?
Well. If you think about it. Miniature breed dogs, in general, already come with their own set of health issues. So intentionally bred to become even smaller than that is just asking for more problems. Being so small also means they are more fragile than other dogs and can get injured easily.
In fact, Teacup Chihuahuas are at higher risk of developing health problems. Some conditions they are more prone to include hypoglycemia, hydrocephalus, collapsing trachea, and bone fractures.
7. Fawn Chihuahua
You see, the Chi community is quite inventive when it comes to classifying the types of Chihuahuas. Fawn Chis, for instance, is not a type based on their head shape or size but rather their coat color.
And yes, you’re right. Fawn Chihuahuas are simply Chihuahuas that have a fawn coat, a blend of red and brown, similar to the color of a baby deer! Nothing else. They can be any of the Chi types, including the three head shapes (apple, deer, and pear) we discussed earlier, as well as the Teacup Chihuahua, and they can come in a short or long coat.
Conclusion
Chihuahuas are among the world’s most popular small dog breeds, and it’s no wonder why. With their big personalities and loving nature, they make great companions for people of all ages.
But despite being from the same breed, not every Chihuahua is created equal! As you have seen above, there are seven different types of Chihuahuas, each with its own characteristics.
Whether you’re looking for an apple-headed Chi, a deer-headed Chi, or even a Teacup Chihuahua, there is definitely one that meets your needs and preferences!
Good luck with your search!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know what kind of Chihuahua I have?
The best way to determine the type of Chihuahua you have is to look at its head shape, coat length, and size.
Apple-headed Chihuahuas have rounder, apple-shaped heads with short muzzles, while deer-headed Chihuahuas have longer heads and muzzles. As for pear-heads, their head shape is somewhere in between the two.
Teacup Chihuahuas are the smallest among all types and usually weigh no more than 6 pounds. And obviously, if your Chihuahua has a short coat, then it’s a smooth coat Chihuahua, while if they have long hair, then it is a long-coated Chi!
2. What are the 7 types of Chihuahuas?
The seven types of Chihuahuas are Short-Hair Chihuahuas, Long-Hair Chihuahuas, Apple-Headed Chihuahuas, Deer-Headed Chihuahuas, Pear-Headed Chihuahuas, Teacup Chihuahuas, Fawn Chihuahuas.
