How to Identify a Chihuahua

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A member of the toy group [1] and thought to be the smallest of all dog breeds, Chihuahuas are tiny but bold. They act much larger than they truly are and have several key identifying traits. This wikiHow will help you figure out whether or not a dog is a Chihuahua.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Looking at Body Structure

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chihuahuas are perhaps the smallest breed of dog, standing at only 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) tall. [2] Their weight is not to exceed 6 pounds (2.7 kg). [3]

    Did you know? Today, the Chihuahua is considered to possibly be the world's smallest breed of dog, but their ancient ancestor, the Techichi, was larger and heavier. It is believed that Techichi were bred with small hairless dogs from Asia and that this reduced their size. [4]

  2. One key Chihuahua feature is the breed's large, erect ears. They stand at angles of about 45 degrees, though they may stand more upright when the dog is alert. [5]
    Advertisement
  3. Chihuahuas have full, round eyes. They are set well apart and are a luminous dark or ruby color, though blond or white dogs may have lighter eyes. [6]
  4. Chihuahuas have "apple" heads, [7] which refers to their heads being round-shaped. [8] Their heads are well-rounded and resemble domes.
  5. The tail of a Chihuahua is moderately long. It can be carried sickle or loop over the back, with the tip barely touching the back. [9]
  6. Chihuahuas are very small dogs and have short bodies. Their shoulders are lean, and their hindquarters are muscular. [10] They have a swift, firm, and sturdy gait. [11]
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Assessing the Coat

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chihuahuas have two different coat types: smooth and long.
    • Smooth coated Chihuahuas have shorter fur that is soft, close, and glossy. They have furry tails and ruffled necks. [13]
    • Long coated Chihuahuas are soft with longer fur that is either flat or wavy. They have fringed ears, feathering, full and long tails, and ruffled necks. [14]

    Tip: Since Chihuahuas were bred to live in the warm climate of Mexico, even longhaired Chihuahuas don't do well in the cold. During the colder seasons of autumn and winter, Chihuahuas could benefit from having a coat to wear, though it may take some getting used to. [12]

  2. A Chihuahua's coat can be any color, [15] such as black or brown. This includes combinations of colors.
  3. Some Chihuahuas have a solid one- or two-color coat, but many Chihuahuas have coat patterns. A Chihuahua may be seen with any coat markings or "splashing", [16] , which includes irregular patches and white on another color or another color on white. [17]
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Notice of Temperament

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chihuahuas are bold and courageous, despite their small size. They have a lot of personality packed inside of their small bodies. [18]
  2. Chihuahuas are described as being sassy dogs. They will attempt to be the boss of the household if they aren't taught otherwise. [19]
  3. Full of intelligence, Chihuahuas are very bright dogs that are quick to learn, especially if something fun is involved. They can perform well in agility or obedience trials. [20]
  4. Chihuahuas are alert, and they don't easily trust strangers. Because of this, they can make excellent watchdogs. [21]
  5. Chihuahuas may have some attitude, but they love to love. They are loyal and want to be around their owners more than anything else. [22]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Consider using a DNA test if you're trying to figure out the breed of your dog. A DNA test can confirm whether or not your dog is a Chihuahua.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Identify a Miniature Pinscher
      How to
      Identify a Pomeranian
      How to
      Identify a Yorkshire Terrier
      How to
      Help Your Chihuahua During Labor
      How to
      Potty Train a Chihuahua
      How to
      Treat a Collapsing Trachea in Chihuahuas
      How to
      Diagnose a Collapsing Trachea in Chihuahuas
      How to
      Breed Chihuahuas
      How to
      Care for Your Chihuahua Puppy
      How to
      Feed Picky Chihuahuas
      How to
      Spoil a Chihuahua
      How to
      Draw a Chihuahua
      How to
      Care for Your Chihuahua
      How to
      Play with a Chihuahua
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/chihuahua/
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
      9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      1. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      2. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
      4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Chihuahua.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/about/glossary/
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
      10. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
      11. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
      12. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/
      13. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/9-chihuahua-fun-facts/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 44,403 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement