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AKC Chihuahua Breed Standard
Toy Group General Appearance
A graceful, alert, swift-moving little dog with saucy expression, compact, and with terrier-like qualities of temperament.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Weight - A well balanced little dog not to exceed 6 pounds. Proportion - The body is off-square; hence, slightly longer
when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks, than height at the withers. Somewhat shorter bodies are preferred
in males. Disqualification - Any dog over 6 pounds in weight. Head
A well rounded "apple dome" skull, with or without molera. Expression - Saucy. Eyes - Full, but not protruding,
balanced, set well apart-luminous dark or luminous ruby. (Light eyes in blond or white-colored dogs permissible.) Ears - Large,
erect type ears, held more upright when alert, but flaring to the sides at a 45 degree angle when in repose, giving breadth
between the ears. Muzzle - Moderately short, slightly pointed. Cheeks and jaws lean. Nose - Self-colored in blond types, or
black. In moles, blues, and chocolates, they are self-colored. In blond types, pink nose permissible. Bite - Level or scissors.
Overshot or undershot bite, or any distortion of the bite or jaw, should be penalized as a serious fault. Disqualifications
- Broken down or cropped ears. Neck, Topline, Body
Neck - Slightly arched, gracefully sloping into lean shoulders. Topline - Level. Body - Ribs rounded and well sprung (but
not too much "barrel-shaped"). Tail - Moderately long, carried sickle either up or out, or in a loop over the back,
with tip just touching the back. (Never tucked between legs.) Disqualifications - Cropped tail, bobtail. Forequarters
Shoulders - Lean, sloping into a slightly broadening support above straight forelegs that set well under, giving a free
play at the elbows. Shoulders should be well up, giving balance and soundness, sloping into a level back. (Never down or low.)
This gives a chestiness, and strength of forequarters, yet not of the "Bulldog" chest. Feet - A small, dainty foot
with toes well split up but not spread, pads cushioned. (Neither the hare nor the cat foot.) Pasterns - Fine. Hindquarters
Muscular, with hocks well apart, neither out nor in, well let down, firm and sturdy. The feet are as in front. Coat
In the Smooth Coats, the coat should be of soft texture, close and glossy. (Heavier coats with undercoats permissible.)
Coat placed well over body with ruff on neck preferred, and more scanty on head and ears. Hair on tail preferred furry. In
Long Coats, the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly curly, with undercoat preferred. Ears - Fringed.
(Heavily fringed ears may be tipped slightly if due to the fringes and not to weak ear leather, never down.) Tail - Full and
long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs, pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred. Disqualification
- In Long Coats, too thin coat that resembles bareness. Color
Any color-Solid, marked or splashed. Gait
The Chihuahua should move swiftly with a firm, sturdy action, with good reach in front equal to the drive from the rear.
From the rear, the hocks remain parallel to each other, and the foot fall of the rear legs follows directly behind that of
the forelegs. The legs, both front and rear, will tend to converge slightly toward a central line of gravity as speed increases.
The side view shows good, strong drive in the rear and plenty of reach in the front, with head carried high. The topline should
remain firm and the backline level as the dog moves. Temperament
Alert, with terrier-like qualities. Disqualifications
Any dog over 6 pounds in weight.
Broken down or cropped ears.
Cropped tail, bobtail.
In Long Coats, too thin coat that resembles bareness.
1. What is their life-span?
Chihuahuas are one of the longest living breeds. So expect a life-span of 10-18 years, if properly cared for.
2. How much exercise do they require?
Not much. This little breed has bouts of energy each day which
quickly die down. They have been known to play catch with small
balls/toys, if taught at an early age. Much of their exercise, though, is fulfilled by pattering around the household
following their master,
or playing with their toys (wooly stuffed toys with squeakers inside seem to be my dogs favorite). You can certainly take
this breed on walks. You will get a lot of attention and make many an acquaintance, while on your walk,due to the diminutive
size and unusual appearance of your Chihuahua. When buying a leash for your Chihuahua, remember that its neck is rather small
and delicate compared to other dog's necks. You cannot (and, indeed, should not) yank your dog around bya leash if s/he has
a neck collar on. And choke chains should definitely NOT be used on Chihuahuas! I recommend the body-harness. If fitted right,
it will give your Chi a secure and comfortable walk.
3. Do they require special dog food?
No. They have the same nutritional needs as most dogs.
Chihuahuas prefer several small meals per day, rather than one big meal. I free feed mine so they can eat little amounts
whenever they want to.I dont reccomend canned food for this breed because it causes more tartar build up and they already
have quicker tartar build up because of the size of their mouth. It also can cause them to become overweight which is not
good for their little knees.
4. I've heard they're nervous, high-strung dogs. Is that true?
Yes, they are high-strung dogs. I define "high-strung" as follows:
barks easily, does not adapt easily to change in environment, is
suspicious of strangers and will let you know there is someone there, and flips in circles and jumps around when excited.
EX. when you come in the door after only afive-minute absence,LOL.
However, with the person that they have bonded with (i.e., their
master[s]), they do not display most of these characteristics;
infact, they display radically different personalities, and become calm and cuddley. Chihuahuas are truly the "Jekyll-and-Hyde"
of dog breeds.
5. Are they good with children?
Generally, no. However, They dowell with kidswhen raised around children, mine are. But be carefulthough becauseyour Chihuahua
can be seriously hurt or killed by infants and toddlers who regard the dog as a toy. As a rule Chihuahuas are friendly around
childrenas a result of socialization.
6. I'm allergic to dogs, but I heard Chihuahuas won't bother me; is that true?
Opinion seems to vary on this point. Some say it's an 'old-wives'
tale, while others swear that, although they're allergic to
dogs, Chihuahuas did not bother them. The best way for someone who has allergies is to spend some time around a Chihuahua.
Some people are allergic to dog hair, while others are allergic to saliva. Since Chihuahua's are known to lick the face of
their master alot, you'd best be sure you're not allergic to the latter before investing in this breed.
7. What are the differences between a long-haired and a short-haired Chihuahua?
I believe there is no difference in personality, although I have been told longhaired chis are more aggressive in general.
But again some Chihuahua owners swear by long-hairs and wouldn't have anything else. I tend not to believe there is adifference
because its too much of a generalization. The only difference is in the amount of time you'll spend grooming and cleaning
up after the dog. Long-hairs bib (the furry part of the chest) can get dirty and matted. Additionally, long-hairs can occasionally
get fecal matter stuck on their "pants" which will require snipping off. As for bathing, the long-hairs will need
it more frequently, and it'll be a longer process (mostly with the drying). Short-hairs need minimal brushing and bath time
tends to be a little bit quicker.But as far as long vs short hair goes, it's as much a matter of personal preference as coat
color.
8. Is it safe to take your Chihuahua on a cold weather walk?
Owners must be very sensitive to the fact that short-haired
Chihuahuas, and even long-haired ones, are vulnerable to the cold. In temperatures of 35-40 degrees Farenheit, I would
recommend dressing your Chihuahua in a special dog sweater for brief walks. Walking your Chihuahua in temperatures below 35
degrees Farenheit is STRONGLY discouraged, especially when there is a colder wind-chill factor. In this, as in other aspects
of dog maintenance, keep your dogs' health top priority, not your own desires. In fact, in some cold regions, an indoor heatermight
be necessary. I actually have one and they LOVE it.
9. Are they sociable with other dogs?
Chihuahuas can be very curious and friendly towards other dogs if they are sociolized well. Chis are very sociable with
their own kind and can actually recognize their own breed. So several Chihuahuas can be quite happy living in the same household.
That even includes two or moreof the same sexsharing the same house.
10. Does my Chihuahua expect a suntan?
Chihuahuas are quite the sun-worshipers. They prefer to bask in
the sun for hours and have been known to lie in a spot of sun no
larger than the size of a half-dollar. Unfortunately, they are not sensible in this regard and will stay in the sun even
when panting begins. Watch your Chihuahua in hot weather to be sure that they don't suffer from heat stroke.
11. My Chihuahua's shivering--is this because s/he's cold?
Chihuahuas shiver when they are nervous, unhappy, happyor frightened. Usually, it has nothing to do with the temperature,
although it can,and is a normal characteristic of this breed. So lets just say they know one dance move and its called the
"Chihuahua Shake"
HEALTH INFO Patella Luxation
The patella or kneecap is a small bone buried in the tendon of the extensor muscles (the quadriceps muscles) of the thigh.
The tendon is a band of tough, inelastic tissue that connects a muscle with its bony attachement. With this condition, the
kneecap may slip out of the tendon and then slip back. Patellar Luxation is graded 1 to 4 based on the severity of the defect,
1 being occasional mild lameness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
The progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a collective term comprising a group of hereditary degenerative lesions of the
retina. Generalized PRA: is characterized by night blindness with both eyes affected and dogs eventually become totally blind.
Central PRA (also called RPE dystrophy): is characterized by accumulations of pigment in the layer of pigmented lining
of the retina, which results in day blindness and eventually terminates in total blindness.
Hypoglycemia
Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia, which is brought on by fasting, is common in Toy dog breeds, such as Yorkshire Terrier,
Toy Poodle, Pomeranian and other Toy dog breeds, and usually seen in puppies 5 to 16 weeks of age. Stress, low body temperature,
poor nutrition, sudden change in feed, water and schedule patterns, infections, and premature birth may precipitate the onset
of hypoglycemia. Some puppies, bred exclusively for tiny size ("teacup Yorkies", "teacup Chihuahua"),
are even more predisposed to Transient Juvenile Hypoglycemia since insufficient muscle mass may make it difficult for the
body to store the glucose and keep its blood sugar properly regulated.
Most common clinical signs of hypoglycemia are drowsiness, shivering, collapsing, disorientation, seizures, listlessness,
depression, muscle weakness and tremors. Lee Weston, author of the article about Hypoglycemia (Pomeranian Club of Canada)
says that "the entire sequence of clinical signs is not always seen, so close observation of your pet and knowing when
your dog is going into a distressed state can mean the difference between life and death of your dog. Immediate treatment
by a veterinarian is imperative, as recurrence of, or prolonged attacks, can cause permanent damage to the brain." It
has been proven experimented that eight hours fasting in a Yorkshire terrier puppy can result in marked variation of blood
glucose, showing both hypo- and hyperglycaemia. Frequent feeding of a high-energy, protein-rich diet to both mother and puppies
may prevent toy-breed puppies from developing hypoglycemia and may help them to overcome periods with a decreased intake of
energy. Puppies and dogs can develop severe hypoglycemia after consuming sugar-free gum sweetened with the sugar-alcohol xylitol.
In humans, xylitol has little to no effect on plasma insulin or glucose levels, but in dogs xylitol is a strong promoter of
insulin release and can cause severe hypoglycemia with collapse and seizures. With the increased appearance of xylitol-sweetened
products in the US, xylitol toxicosis in dogs may become more common. Sometimes, a dog will outgrow this condition.
Cryptorchidism (Undescended Testicles)
The testes (testicles) develop in the abdomen and gradually descend into the scrotum. They should be present there at
birth, or shortly after. If they have not descended by the time the dog is adult, he can be described as either a unilateral
cryptorchid (when one testis is still retained in the abdomen), or bilateral cryptorchid (when both have not descended).
The testis that remains in the abdomen does not function and has a high risk of being injured or twisted. The undescended
testis is affected by cancer more often then the normal descended testis. Chihuahua are considered to be prone to this condition.
Sometimes, the hidden testes may descend when a puppy is 6 months of age. It is advised to check with your veterinarian at
the time of vacination.
Cystinuria Some dog breeds, such as Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, Dachshunds, Tibetan Spaniels, and Basset Hounds are genetically
predisposed to formation of cystine crystals (crystals formed out of amino acid called cystine) in the urine which eventually
lead to stone formations in kidneys and bladder. These stones can cause irritation and infection.
The symptoms of cystinuria usually include blood in the urine, difficulty and pain in urinating, and small frequent amounts
of urine. If a stone completely obstructs the urethra and thus blocks the outflow of urine (more common in male dogs) this
may cause kidney failure - vomiting, depression, loss of appetite.
Treating of cystinuria requires individual approach and lifelong treatment. In most cases special diets and increased
water intake are recommended along with medications and surgery to dissolute or remove stones.
Recent studies show that cystinuria may be #1 risk factor for developing taurine deficiency in dogs. A deficiency of taurine
(taurine is a product of taurocholic acid involved in emulcification of fats and occurring in the bile) can cause blindness
and heart disease. Low-quality commercial foods are usually deficient in taurine.
Mitral Valve Disease This term encompasses many heart diseases envolving degenerative thickening and progressive deformity
of one or more heart valves - mitral valve disease, mitral valve degeneration, mitral valve insufficiency etc. Mitral valve
disease is a serious heart condition caused by the abnormal function of the valve that separates the upper and lower chamber
of the left side of the heart. This disease is usually associated with heart murmur that can be heard with a stethoscope.
It commonly affects Miniature Schnauzers, Chihuahuas, Fox terriers, Cocker spaniels, Cairn terriers, miniature poodles, Bull
terriers, Boston terriers, King Charles spaniels, Miniature pinschers, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers and Shetland sheepdogs.
Males are 50 percent more likely than females to be affected.
The diseases may result from congenital defect of the valve, defects in the muscles and tendons that operate the valve,
or inflammation of the heart. The disease usually occurs in older dogs, however it is seen in young dogs and may result in
premature death. Symptoms may include exercise intolerance, weakness, syncope (passing out), coughing at night or at rest
because of a build-up of fluid in the lungs, shortness of breath, and lethargy.
Mildly affected dogs can have a good quality of life for years. It all depends on when the diagnosis is made and when
therapy is applied. There are many dogs with degenerative mitral disease that never progress to heart failure. While the prognosis
for dogs with mitral valve disease at advanced stage is poor, some dogs may be managed with medications and low-sodium diet
for a period that varies from case to case.
There is no prevention for mitral valve disease. Early detection and appropriate treatment of the disease may improve
the prognosis.
Hemophilia Hemophilia is a genetically inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of the blood clotting factors
VIII (hemophilia A) or IX (hemophilia B). Classical hemophilia, hemophilia A, is the most common coagulation disorder in dogs.
Symptoms of severe hemophilia usually include excessive bleeding from the gums, when getting adult teeth, and areas of
bleeding under the skin in the regions of hindlegs, the knee joint as well as the chest or abdomen (part of the body that
encloses the stomach, intestines, liver and pancreas), forehead andthe shoulder area, cough and lameness. Treatment may include
periodic blood transfusions.
The prognosis for dogs with severe hemophilia is poor since it usually results in lethal complications of the bleeding
in the central nervous system.
Dogs with a mild to moderate deficiency of the blood clotting factor, may survive to adulthood without showing signs severe
enough to require veterinary attention.
I HOPE THIS INFORMATION IS HELPFUL TO YOU. IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE I CAN HELP YOU WITH PLEASE LET ME KNOW THANKS.PLEASE
BE AWARE THAT ANY BREED MAY BE PREDISPOSED TO THESE ILLNESSES. ALL OF MY DOGS ARE HEALTHY AND SHOW NO SIGNS OF ANY OF THESE
ILLNESSES
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