The Chihuahua Standard

by Sandra Dean

The Chihuahua is a breed with a very compact body. The most important aspect of the breed standard is that the skull is apple shaped and that their tail is both moderately long and carried very high. The tail should be either curved or form the shape of a semicircle with the tip of the tail pointing in the direction of the loin region.

Ideally the tail should be curved or at the least form the shape of a semicircle with the tip pointing down in the direction of the loin region. Regarding proportions the standard Chihuahua should be greater in length than their height at the withers. It is highly desirable that the breed be almost square in appearance, but a slightly longer body is tolerated in female Chihuahua’s for the purpose of reproduction. The American Kennel Club set these standards for the Chihuahua.

The American Kennel Club states that the standard for the Chihuahua skull should be “apple dome” shaped and well rounded. The muzzle should be moderately short with a slight point and definite stop. The cheeks and jaws should be lean. The eyes shouldn’t protrude, but they should be large and round. The lowest point of the ear should be on a plane with the center of the eye. Both eyes should be set well apart.

The preferred eye color is dark or ruby, but eyes that are lighter in color may be permissible. The ears should be large and flaring with an angle of approximately forty-five degrees to add breadth between the ears. The jaw should be strong and have a scissor bite that is regular and complete. This means the upper teeth should closely overlap the lower teeth and be set square to the jaws. The dog’s neck should be of medium length and with only a slight arch.

When it comes to gait and movement the Chihuahua should have a stride that is springy, long, energetic and active while providing good reach and drive. The Chihuahua should have hind legs that move almost parallel to each other when viewed from the back, causing the foot prints of the hind feet to fit directly into those left by the front feet.

Most of the time the limbs will converge towards the center point of gravity and leave a single track when they increase their speed. The head should be raised and firm while the dog has a free and springy movement without visible effort. The desired coat for shorthaired dogs is glossy with a soft texture.

For shorthaired dogs the coat should be glossy with a soft texture. For the longhaired Chihuahua the coat should be fine, silky and smooth or slightly wavy. All shades and color combinations are allowed by the standard.

For a Chihuahua the ideal weight is between 1.5 and 3 kg. While lower weights are accepted, higher weights are disqualified.

About the Author:

Sandra Dean is an avid lover of the Chihuahua and owns a popular website where you’ll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Chihuahua. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Chihuahua Official Standard plus a whole lot more.

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