Chihuahuas are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, known for their small size and large personalities. But did you know that there are actually several different types of Chihuahuas From short-haired to long-haired, these tiny dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique personality and appearance. So, how many Chihuahua breeds are there?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes two official varieties of Chihuahua: the smooth-coat Chihuahua and the long-coat Chihuahua. The smooth-coat Chihuahua is the most common, with a short, silky coat that can range from tan to black in color. This type of Chihuahua can come in both standard and miniature sizes, but typically weighs less than 6 pounds. The long-coat Chihuahua has a thick, flowing coat that can be either long or short, and is often groomed in unique and creative styles. This type of Chihuahua may weigh slightly more than the smooth-coat variety, but still generally weighs less than 6 pounds.
Outside of the two official varieties, there are several unregistered Chihuahua breeds, including the Teacup Chihuahua, Applehead Chihuahua, and Deerhead Chihuahua. The Teacup Chihuahua is one of the smallest breeds, weighing as little as 3 pounds and measuring as short as 4 inches from the top of their head to the floor. This type of Chihuahua is typically very fragile, and should be treated with extra care. The Applehead and Deerhead Chihuahuas are named for their distinctive head shapes, and have thicker, longer coats than standard Chihuahuas.
In addition to the varieties above, cross-breeding has resulted in a wide range of Chihuahua mixes and designer breeds. Some of these include the Chorkie, Chihuahua-Pug mix; the Chusky, Chihuahua-Husky Mix; and the Chug, Chihuahua-Pug mix. Each of these breeds has its own appearance and personality traits, and may weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, depending on the size and weight of the parent breeds.
When it comes down to it, there is no exact answer to how many Chihuahua breeds there are. While the AKC recognizes two official varieties, there are many more types of these popular little dogs, and the list is constantly growing. No matter which type of Chihuahua you choose, they all offer unconditional love, loyalty, and a unique personality.
