Chihuahua appearance: what to look for

The Chihuahua takes its name from the Mexican state where the modern breed was found in the nineteenth century, and is often linked to the Techichi kept by earlier Mexican cultures. It is the smallest recognised breed, with a large personality: devoted to its person, alert, quick to bark and sometimes wary of strangers. There are two coat varieties, smooth and long, both in FCI group 9 and in the AKC Toy group. Chihuahuas need gentle handling, early socialisation and some warmth in cold weather.

• Rounded ‘apple’ skull with a clear stop and a short, slightly pointed muzzle. The longer-faced ‘deer head’ type is common in pets but outside the standard.
• Very large, upright ears, flaring outwards at an angle when the dog is relaxed; long coats carry fringes on the ears.
• Smooth coat: short, glossy and close-lying. Long coat: soft, flat or slightly wavy, with a ruff, feathered legs and a plumed tail.
• Almost any colour is accepted: fawn, cream, chocolate, black and tan, white, brindle, parti-colour. FCI and the Kennel Club exclude merle.
• Large, round, dark eyes; a sickle tail carried up or over the back; a body slightly longer than it is tall.

Photo tip. Shoot from the dog’s eye level, head-on, ears up. The domed skull and ear size separate a Chihuahua from a Min Pin; for a long coat, include the plumed tail.

Chihuahua crosses are everywhere: with Dachshunds (Chiweenie), Jack Russells, Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians and Pugs (Chug). The big upright ears, small size and domed head are the traits most likely to survive. A deer-headed dog with a longer back often has some Dachshund or terrier in it. The identifier names the closest pure breeds it sees, so a Chiweenie typically comes back as Chihuahua with Dachshund; only DNA gives percentages.

What breeds are in my mixed dog? →

• Teeth need daily attention. A crowded mouth makes dental disease likely, and retained baby teeth are common; ask your vet to check them once the adult teeth come through.
• Patellar luxation and heart valve disease are known in the breed. Ask breeders for patella, heart and eye results for both parents.
• Puppies and very small adults can drop their blood sugar. Feed small, regular meals, never skip breakfast, and keep portions honest: their calorie needs are tiny.
• Use a harness rather than a collar, as tracheal collapse is known in toy breeds. A soft spot on the skull (molera) is common, so handle the head gently.