Chihuahuas might be tiny, but they have a big presence in the lives of their devoted owners. They’re known for being loyal, lively, and affectionate cuddle bugs.
Their unique look is easy to spot, but not everyone knows all the different types of Chihuahua puppies out there.
The apple-headed Chi, with their round head, is the most common and the only one that’s considered a true breed standard.
But there are others too. Short-haired and long-haired, the tiny teacups and those with other head shapes like the deer head or pear head.
Keep reading this guide as we uncover the different types of Chihuahuas that you should know before committing to this breed.
History of the Chihuahua Dog Breed
The Chihuahua, named after the Mexican state bordering the US, traces its roots back to pre-Columbian times.
DNA analysis has confirmed the breed’s connection to the Techichi, a small desert dog depicted in Mayan clay sculptures dating back to 500 BC.
The Techichi, who were larger than today’s Chihuahua, was likely kept by the Toltecs, who may have crossed it with the Perro Chihuahueno, a burrowing dog native to the mountains of Chihuahua.
Drawings and carvings of this dog interestingly display both the apple and deer head shapes seen in modern-day Chihuahuas.
The Aztecs further integrated the Techichi into their culture, using it as an everyday companion and in religious ceremonies.
Its remains found in pyramids and graves suggest the dog was believed to guide souls into the afterlife.
Modern-day Chis are likely a result of breeding the Techichi with European dogs brought by early explorers.
Despite originating in Mexico, the Chihuahua quickly gained popularity in the United States, with sales to tourists near the border contributing to its spread.
The breed’s recognition grew, leading to its official registration in the American Kennel Club in 1904.
The Chihuahua’s appeal surged in 1997 when Gidget, a female Chihuahua, became the Taco Bell mascot. This popularity extends to the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Philippines.
How Are Chihuahuas Classified?
Chihuahua dog breeds are categorized based on three main characteristics, which are fur length, head shape, and the dog’s size.
The easiest way to categorize Chis is the length of their coat, being either short or long. However, even long-haired Chihuahuas won’t match the fluffiness of other long-haired breeds.
The shape of their head is another defining feature, although it requires a closer look to make out the variations.
There are three primary head shapes, which are apple, deer, and pear. Of these, only the apple-shaped head is an officially recognized standard.
And then there’s size. Some Chihuahuas are called ‘teacup’ because they’re super tiny, but not everyone agrees on whether that’s a real type of Chihuahua.
Some breed enthusiasts also think fawn-colored Chihuahuas are a separate type (based on coat color), but others think they are just Chihuahuas with a certain color.
Know Your Chihuahua – Dog Breed Overview
| Chihuahua Type | Weight Range | Height Range | Defining Traits | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smooth-Coat Chihuahua | 2-6 pounds | 5-8 inches | Short, smooth fur, requires minimal grooming; large, round eyes | 14-16 years |
| Long Haired Chihuahua | 2-6 pounds | 5-8 inches | Long, soft fur, requires regular grooming; fringed ears; plume-like tail | 14-16 years |
| Apple Head Chihuahua | 2-6 pounds | 5-9 inches | Distinctive, rounded ‘apple’ shaped head; short muzzle, large, expressive eyes | 14-16 years |
| Deer Head Chihuahua | 2-12 pounds | 8-12 inches | Longer legs; more elongated, deer-like head; longer muzzle | 14-16 years |
| Pear Head Chihuahua | 2-6 pounds | 6-9 inches | Pear-shaped head, a combination of apple and deer head traits; less common | 14-16 years |
| Teacup Chihuahua | Under 3 pounds | Under 5 inches | Extremely small size, fragile; requires special care | 7-12 years |
6 Different Types of Chihuahua Puppies
1. Smooth-Coat Chihuahua (Short-Haired Chihuahua)
The Smooth-Coated, or Short-Haired, Chihuahua has a glossy coat that lies close to their body and is more common than their long-haired counterparts.
These little guys are easy to take care of, just needing a quick brush now and then to keep their fur looking good. They’re known for being lively and lovely, making them great household pets.
Most importantly, the American Kennel Club officially recognizes them, so they can take part in all sorts of AKC-sanctioned dog shows and competitions.
2. Long Haired Chihuahua
As mentioned earlier, the long-haired Chihuahuas, sometimes called the rough-coated Chihuahuas, are less common.
They have a fluffy, somewhat scruffy coat that requires regular brushing and grooming. This extra maintenance might be why they are less popular than the short-haired Chis.
It’s a good idea to get them used to going to a groomer when they’re young so they don’t mind it later on.
Funny enough, back in the 1800s when Chihuahuas first started getting popular in the US, the long-haired ones were more common.
Some breed enthusiasts think they came from mixing a short-haired Chihuahua with a Pomeranian or some other fluffy dog.
An interesting fact about Chihuahua fur is that it takes up to two years to reach its full length. So, patience is key if you’re aiming for long locks.
3. Apple Head Chihuahua
Most Chihuahuas have that classic apple-shaped head, which can come in all sorts of colors like gold, black, fawn, red, tan, cream, silver, blue, and chocolate.
These little dogs are known for their big personalities. They’re naughty and brave, somewhat like tiny pit bulls. However, they may not always be best for families with children.
That cute round head, though, can sometimes cause them to have a bit of trouble breathing because their snouts are a little shorter than the deer or pear-shaped types.
They’ve got that classic Chihuahua look, with a big head that seems kind of too big for their body, and a shorter nose.
Additionally, apple-head Chihuahuas are often born with a soft spot on their head, called a Molera. This spot may close up as they grow older, but sometimes it remains open.
4. Deer Head Chihuahua
Unlike the round-headed apple-head Chihuahua, the deer-head Chis has a longer head and a narrower, slightly longer snout. They are also recognizable by their big, deer-like ears and longer legs.
Even though the deer-head Chis are considered the largest of the Chihuahua types, the size difference isn’t huge. They can reach up to 12 pounds and have longer legs than the apple heads.
But the American Kennel Club doesn’t think they’re a real type of Chihuahua, so they can’t take part in competitive dog shows.
5. Pear Head Chihuahua
The pear-head Chihuahua comes from breeding the Apple and Deer head Chis, so they get a combination of features from their parents.
Even though the American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize them, some breeders like them and they can be a bit pricier because they’re not common.
If you look at their head, it’s longer than an apple head but shorter than a deer head, and it’s flatter than both. Sometimes people mistake them for deer-heads because of this.
However, because pear heads don’t conform to the typical Chihuahua size and shape, they are not eligible for official dog shows.
6. Teacup Chihuahua
The Mini or Teacup Chihuahua, the tiniest and most talked-about type, is quite a hot topic among Chihuahua lovers.
While regular Chihuahuas are already small, Teacups are even tinier, never getting taller than 6 inches and weighing just 2 to 5 pounds.
Some people love them because they’re so small they can fit in a teacup, but breeding such tiny dogs is controversial.
Teacup Chihuahuas tend to have more health problems and don’t live as long as the standard Chihuahuas recognized by various Kennel Clubs.
It’s important to remember that the Teacup isn’t an official type and breeding them raises ethical questions about whether it’s okay to focus on making them smaller at the expense of their health.
Which Type of Chihuahua Should You Choose?
Picking the right Chi for you depends on what you’re looking for in a pet and how much time you have. If you want a dog that’s easy to take care of, the Smooth Coat might be the best match.
But if you enjoy grooming and want a dog with a bit more flair, the Long-Coat Chihuahua could be a perfect fit for you.
Consider the dog’s personality, size, and how much care each type needs before you make your decision, so you can find the Chihuahua that’s the perfect fit for your home.
Do Fawn Chihuahuas Count as a Separate Type?
The fawn color is really popular in Chihuahuas (and other dogs too), and it’s officially recognized as a standard color for the breed.
Some people think it’s a separate type of Chihuahua, like the apple head or deer head, but it’s not. The fawn color can appear in any of the six recognized types.
So, you could have a fawn Chihuahua with short hair and a deer head, or one with long hair and a pear-shaped head.
It’s a standard color, but the only fawn Chihuahuas allowed in dog shows are the ones with that classic apple-shaped head.
So, even though some might call it a fawn Chihuahua as if it were a different type, it’s just a color that you can find in all sorts of Chihuahuas, not a separate type itself.
How to Take Care of Chihuahuas
If you want your Chihuahua to have a long, happy, and healthy life, make sure they’re eating right and getting enough exercise.
Taking care of their coat is easy. Brush your short-haired Chi once a week to prevent mats and keep it shiny.
Long-haired Chihuahuas might need daily brushing to keep their coat in top condition. They usually have good teeth, but brushing them a few times a week is a good idea.
Don’t forget their ears. Clean them weekly with a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution, even when they’re just puppies, to avoid any problems.
Since Chihuahua puppies get cold easily, it’s important to have some warm clothes for them, especially during the winter.
Their small size makes them perfect for apartments, but they still need to go for daily walks and have indoor playtime to stay happy and active.
Make sure your Chihuahua has a regular dog-specific diet and don’t give them food from your plate. Choose good quality food that’s right for their age, specific needs, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
All the different types of Chihuahua Puppies, no matter how they look, are famous for their big personalities packed into tiny bodies.
While the American Kennel Club officially recognizes the apple-headed variety with either short or long hair, Chihuahuas also come in other cool variations.
But one thing they all share is their adorable playful soul. These little dogs are full of spirit and their undeniable cuteness makes them excellent companions.
Even though their small size might not be ideal for families with little kids, their spunky and lovable personalities make them cherished pets for lots of people.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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