Chihuahua Breed Profile

WARNING - TEACUP: There is no breed standard defining "teacup," "toy," "pocket-sized," etc. All Chihuahuas are in the Toy group and are held against the same standard. Use of these descriptive terms can be misleading, and may indicate the intentional breeding toward abnormally small size, which can produce health issues.

Although it's the world's smallest breed, the Chihuahua is hardly aware of that. They may be small and often fragile, but they are quite spunky and can be quite bold. However, they generally suffer in cold climates and need to be indoors. They can be quite aloof with strangers, and their bark can make them a good warning dog. They may have either a short or long coat.




The Myth of the Teacup

The Chihuahua Is A Chihuahua



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The official A.K.C. Breed Standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types. The difference in coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our Standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size.



For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel Club includes the Chihuahua (along with 16 other breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefore, irrespective of their weight or physical stature, ALL Chihuahuas registered with A.K.C. are considered to be a toy breed of dog.



As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Within the human family, brothers and sisters will differ in height and in weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas-Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.



Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size difference and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice perspective buyers into thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. They are not; and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading. Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.



The Chihuahua Club of America does not endorse or condone the use of any of these terms and would caution the perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by them. We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers do want the very small puppy. While they are adorable and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care that may be required with regard to their general health and well-being.

 

Congenital and Genetic Conditions found with greater than average frequency in the Chihuahua (point to name for description):


This is presented solely as a starting point for you to learn and ask questions about the breed. This information is NOT to be used to diagnose, evaluate, or treat any condition whatsoever. For specific information, consult your veterinarian. The above diseases and conditions are found with a higher-than-average frequency in the Chihuahua. These conditions may or may not be severe, and may or may not be hereditary. Some conditions may actually be "normal" for the breed, such as alopecia in the hairless breeds; some may be intrinsic to the breed due to its physiology, such as skin fold dermatitis in the Pug, Bulldog, and Shar-Pei; some may be related to care and nutrition; and some may be strictly genetic. The best source of additional and more detailed information on these conditions is a veterinarian, breed club, or knowledgeable breeder.

Chihuahua Links:

Meet Gypsy - www.meetgypsy.com
Stories and pictures about the life and travels of Gypsy the red Chihuahua, plus clothing and accessories with Gypsy pictures!

Chihuahua Club of America, Inc. - www.chihuahuaclubofamerica.com
National Breed Club

Available Books (click to order)