To anyone who hasn’t owned a chihuahua, they can all look alike. But there are several distinct and defined varieties. They are very different and have specific markers that can make them easy to pick out.
The reason this is important is that all different types of chihuahuas have different physical appearances. Some might have longer hair, while others might have a rounder, shorter head. It can also have a major effect on health, and as a family pet, that’s something that should be a major consideration. Chihuahuas also have different temperaments which can also depend on the sex.
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Different Types of Chihuahuas
While there is still only one official breed of a chihuahua, read on to find out the different types of chihuahuas that you can find with this breed.
Types of Chihuahua Breeds: Coat Styles
Chihuahuas can be differentiated by the style of their coats. There are two main varieties; the smooth and long coat Chihuahua.
Smooth Coat Chihuahua
This breed is defined by their short, smooth coat. Shocking, I know. Because it’s got such short, easy to control hair, it sheds less than longer coated breeds and requires less grooming and combing.
However, even short haired chihuahuas can shed quite a lot. So, for people with fur allergies, this is not a recommended breed.
If you’re looking for a lower maintenance breed, which requires less grooming and perhaps less bathing, this is a good choice. Smooth coated Chihuahuas come in various colors and come in both deer-headed and apple-headed varieties.
Long Coat Chihuahua
With longer, velvety hair that’s smooth to the touch as well as beautiful to look at, long coat Chihuahuas are a striking breed with a distinctive appearance.
Obviously, they have longer hair than smooth coat Chihuahuas’, and because of this, they require a whole lot more grooming. Daily brushing is probably necessary, and the occasional trim and more frequent baths are standard across this breed.
It’s no surprise that long coated Chihuahuas are a regular choice for competing in dog shows, especially once you realize that their coat can take anywhere up to three years to grow in completely. This breed also comes in apple headed and deer headed varieties.
Types of Chihuahua: Head Shapes and Breeds
Chi’s can also be differentiated by the shape of their head. In fact, you can tell which type of Chihuahua you’re looking at with just one glance, especially when you’re used to the different shapes.
Apple Headed Chihuahuas
Unsurprisingly, this dog gets its name from its head, which is shaped like an apple.
When you imagine a chihuahua, this is probably what comes to mind. They have a round head, large against the body, with wide eyes and a smaller muzzle.
Unfortunately, because of the breeding methods used in the past, dogs of this type can suffer from hydrocephalus, or fluid on the brain. If you’re looking to purchase an apple headed chihuahua, it’s best to check if this condition runs in the family.
Deer Headed Chihuahuas
Slightly less usual, deer headed chihuahuas have longer, narrower heads with a longer snout. Deer headed chihuahuas also tend to be longer limbed, possibly paired with a longer body.
In almost all kennel clubs and dog societies, deer headed chihuahuas aren’t accepted as true breeds. However, they have far fewer health problems than apple headed breeds, which makes them much better pets, especially if you have children and other dogs.
Other Varieties of Chihuahuas
Teacup Chihuahuas
A teacup chihuahua is any chi that’s smaller than nine inches tall and weighs less than five pounds once fully grown.
They’re identical in looks and personality to a standard chihuahua, so it’s fair to say that this isn’t a different breed, just a designation amongst chi owners.
Pear Headed Chihuahua
Pear headed chihuahuas are generally an undesirable type of Chihuahua that usually happens when an apple headed chi and a deer headed chi breed.
When this happens, it is possible to end up with pups who have heads that are somewhere between an apple headed and deer headed breed, with flat skulls and longer, larger muzzles.
Fawn Chihuahua
You might also hear about fawn Chihuahuas. This isn’t a specific type of Chihuahua or a different breed. It’s simply a chihuahua that’s colored fawn.
Fawn is a color that you can see a lot amongst chihuahuas and there’s a large variety even amongst this coat coloring. So, if you hear someone talk about fawn Chihuahua, they’re talking about its coat.
Types of Chihuahua Mixes
While we could go into an exhaustive list, it’s far simpler to say that chihuahuas can be bred with a surprisingly huge variety of other dogs without issue.
If you want a complete list of recognized chihuahua crossbreeds, you can find one here.
While there might only be one real breed of the chihuahua, there’s an awful lot of variety in that one breed out there. Hopefully, now you understand a lot more about this breed, and the different types of chihuahuas that can exist.
No matter what type of Chihuahua you have, or are looking to include in your family, they’re all exceptional pets and loveable companions. Treated well, any Chihuahua will be a valuable addition to your family.
i love chihuahuas i like the smooth coat chihuahua.
I love my new baby she looks like a deer head. Fawn chi. ! Shes only 1-3 years old. I adopted her in. Oct 2017 She is a character!
Iv just had the most adorable little chi pup she so sweet and fluffy a cream colour with tiny little legs a little beauty love her to bits
I have three deer heads and they are all nuts.
What type is the one in the top picture second from the left? (Black with almost no hair) Ours look very similar but can’t figure out their mix.
My chi is like the long coat in your photo
I got him to show but has grown a bit big
He weighs 7 pounds is this unusual for a chi .
Chihuahuas are literally the best dog ever! So smart, loving, and loyal. If you have only one chihuahua, I definitely suggest getting another one. Chihuahuas love having another chihuahua playmate. It doesn’t add more work for the owner. They bond together, and do everything together. Eat, sleep, play… everything!
I have 5 Chihuahuas at my home.
My teacup chi is amazing! She prefers to be the only animal in the home. She won’t accept any dogs I’ve brought home for her to have a companion, chi or other. Silly girl ????
I’ve a toy chihuahua he’ll be 2 years old this December hes weight is only 3.4 lbs.
I have had Chorkies, Chihuahua/Yorkie, mixes for years now. They are amazing dogs. They’re beautiful dogs and each is unique in color and hair length. They are super friendly, super loyal and awesome with children of all ages. If you’re looking for a Chi Mix, I highly recommend getting a Chorkie. You’ll be so thrilled you did.
I’ve always had AKC Chihuahuas both long and short hair various head shapes. Recently someone gave me a Chiwiennie. I must say she is the most loving little dog ever. I enjoy the long little body for a variety. I have had Chihuahuas for over 40 years.
my friends just got a chihuahua puppy it’s adorable…
thinking of getting one myself
I was blessed to have many chihuahua s from apple to deer and they are all special. Full of joy and a range of characters that makes life even better. These dogs will defend you and protect you with their lives!
We have two dogs, one Tiny is a long hair, applehead Chihuahua, black, she think she a big dog and she very loyal to my husband, she about 6 yrs old. The other dog is a 5 mouth puppy that part Chihuahua and part Dachshund, brindle color, and so full of energy, her name is Cinnamon. She loves to play all day long, she runs outside like a Greyhound, she is really fast. Tiny don’t want nothing to do with Cinnamon. But we love our babies.