7 Different Types of Chihuahua Breeds (With Pictures!)

Do you love small dogs? If you do, then you could well be a fan of the beautiful Chihuahua breed. This breed is the world's smallest dog breed and comes from the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

On average, the Chihuahua can live between 12-20 years old. It can grow up to anything between 6-10 inches and weight between 4-6 Ibs.

What are the different types of Chihuahuas?

If you're going by the American Kennel Club, there is officially two different types of Chihuahuas, the long coat and the smooth coat.

However, if you look online and speak to others, there are five more Chihuahua breeds out there. They are the Apple head Chihuahua, Dear Head Chihuahua, Teacup Chihuahua, Fawn Chihuahua, and Merle Chihuahua.

Long Coat Chihuahua

The unique factor about a Long Haired Chihuahua is that it has a flat or slightly wavy coat. Plus, this Chihuahua breed exists in a range of colors, with coats in Fawn to black.

While they have long hair, this Chihuahua breed does not shed much. Similarly, because they have a lovely coat, this breed loves to be touched and stroked. Do note; it takes around 2-3 years for them to fully grow their coat.

If you choose to own a Long Coat, you don't need to trim its fur. However, you do need to brush it daily. On another note, they are also very affectionate with their owners. When strangers come around, the Long Coat is rather yappy and can become nervous. Therefore socialization from a young age with this breed is essential.

Smooth Coat Chihuahua

Its distinctive apple domed skull can identify the Smooth Coat. Alongside that, they have a smooth and fine coat. If you were to think of a Chihuahua, it's most likely a Smooth Coat that will come to your mind; this is one of the most popular Chihuahua breeds.

Because their coat is fine, they don't shed much and require little grooming. This is an outgoing breed that requires walks of at least 30 minutes a day.

Apple Head Chihuahua

As the name suggests, this type of Chihuahua breed has a head like an apple. Another unique trait of this breed is that it looks like their eyes are falling out of their sockets.

Sometimes, because of their bigger heads, they can be known to suffer from hydrocephalus. This is a condition where there is too much water on the brain and causes a build-up of pressure.

Deer Head Chihuahua

A Deer Head Chihuahua is bigger than an Apple Head and has a head that looks like a deer. You can find many Deer Head chihuahua in a range of coats, but their most common color coat is Fawn. This type of Chihuahua tends to have a longer neck and is rumored to have fewer health problems.

Teacup Chihuahua

Teacup Chihuahuas are also commonly known as micro Chihuahua. The reason behind their name is because they can be the size of a teacup. They're so tiny their average weight is 3ibs, and they can grow up to 6 inches tall.

Compared to other Chihuahuas, a Teacup sheds its coat and normally does so in the spring season. Similarly, because they're so petite, their bones are fragile.

Fawn Chihuahua

Technically, Fawn Chihuahuas are not a breed; it's just a type of coat you will find. Most of the time, you will find apple or deer headed Chihuahuas in the fawn color. Some of which will have long or short coats in a traditional light brown color. However, it can often be trying to detect a Fawn Chihuahua as there are so many brown shades.

Merle Chihuahua

A Merle Chihuahua is the same as the Fawn, in a sense, it's not a specific breed. A Merle has a unique coat, which is often multicolored, having black, blue, and brown patches on its coat.

Sometimes it's not uncommon for this breed to have blue eyes. A Merle Chihuahua has many health problems, and if you have one, it can be at risk of becoming blind or death.

What is the temperament of a Chihuahua?

Don't be fooled by the small height of a Chihuahua. Their personality can vary due to their size, so you can find some Chihuahuas who are shy, others that are aggressive, confident and some that are nervous.

Unfortunately, unless you look at their genetic line, you won't be able to predict what personality these loyal, loving dogs will have. Similarly, their personality can depend on the type of Chihuahua breed they are.

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Overall there are many different types of Chihuahua breeds and mixes.

The most well known Chihuahua breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club: the long coat and the smooth coat. If you have a Chihuahua, which has a Merle coat, it could be prone to many health problems.

Finally, Chihuahuas can be friendly and loyal animals but can easily become anxious, nervous, and have a yappy bark around strangers. Therefore if you do get one, you'll want to socialize it from an early age.