6 Most Common Chihuahua Breeds You Need To Know

Chihuahuas are hands-down one of the most loved small dog breeds out there. With their tiny size and big, bold personalities, it’s no wonder they’ve stolen the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. But here’s something you might not know—there are actually different Chihuahua breeds! Each one is unique, with its own special traits that make it stand out.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognizes two types of Chihuahuas: smooth-coat and long-coat. However, enthusiasts often identify more variations based on head shape, size, and even rare colors.

How many Chihuahua breeds are there?

1. Smooth-Coat Chihuahua

Smooth-coat Chihuahuas have short, sleek fur that’s easy to maintain. Their fur lies close to their body, giving them a polished, tidy look. They’re perfect for owners who want low-maintenance grooming.

The standard coat colors in Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas include:

Black
White
Fawn
Chocolate
Cream
Red
Blue

These colors may also appear in combinations or patterns, such as spotted, brindle, or tri-color.

2. Long-Coat Chihuahua

Long-coat Chihuahuas boast soft, luxurious fur that can be straight or slightly wavy. Despite their fluffy appearance, this type of Chihuahua breeds don’t require heavy grooming—just regular brushing to keep tangles at bay. The AKC-recognized standard coat colors for Long-Coat Chihuahuas are the same as for Smooth-Coat Chihuahuas.

3. Apple Head Chihuahua

Apple head Chihuahuas have a round, dome-like skull, short snouts, and large, expressive eyes. They’re the most iconic Chihuahua type and are often seen in movies and advertisements.

4. Deer Head Chihuahua

Deerhead Chihuahuas have an elongated snout and a slimmer body. They resemble young deer with their elegant, slender build. While not recognized by the AKC, they’re a popular choice for pet owners.

Deer Head Chihuahuas originated in ancient Mexico where they are thought to have descended from the Techichi, a small companion dog kept by the Toltecs as far back as the 9th century. The Techichi looked like the Deer Head Chihuahua in size and build, with a slender body, long snout and erect ears.

Later the Aztecs took on the Techichi and bred them for religious rituals and companionship. The Aztecs valued these dogs for their loyalty and believed they had spiritual powers, including guiding souls to the afterlife.

European Influence

When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 1500s they found the Techichi and may have introduced small European breeds like the Miniature Pinscher or Italian Greyhound into the mix. This cross breeding would have given the Deer Head Chihuahua its more refined deer like features, longer snout and leaner body.

5. Pear Head Chihuahua

Pear-head Chihuahua breeds combine traits of apple and deer head types. They have a slightly elongated snout with a rounded forehead, making them a unique mix of features.

6. Teacup Chihuahua

Teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a separate breed but are tiny Chihuahuas weighing less than 3 pounds. Their miniature size and delicate features make them highly desirable and expensive. This type of Chihuahua breeds often reach the price of $10.000! However, before buying it, we recommend you to carefully check the puppy’s health.

Rare-Colored Chihuahuas As Popular Chihuahua Breeds

While standard Chihuahua coats come in black, white, fawn, and chocolate, some colors are incredibly rare and sought after. These rare-colored Chihuahuas often come with a higher price tag.

1. Blue Chihuahua

Blue Chihuahuas have a stunning steel-gray coat caused by a recessive gene. This color gives them an elegant and unique appearance.

2. Merle Chihuahua

Merle Chihuahuas have a mottled coat with patches of different colors, like blue, gray, and white. Their eyes can be blue or mismatched, adding to their charm.

How Do Breeders Get Merle Chihuahuas?

The secret behind a Merle Chihuahua’s unique coat lies in genetics. Merle isn’t a color in itself; it’s a pattern caused by the Merle gene. This gene affects the pigmentation in the fur, eyes, and even skin, creating that signature mottled look. Here’s how it works:

Introducing the Merle Gene
To breed a Merle Chihuahua, at least one parent must carry the Merle gene. The Merle gene is dominant, so if it’s passed down, there’s a good chance the puppies will have that distinct marbled coat.
Breeding Merle with Non-Merle
Ethical breeders typically pair a Merle Chihuahua with a non-Merle Chihuahua. This pairing ensures the puppies inherit the Merle pattern without doubling up on the gene. Why? Because breeding two Merles together can lead to serious health risks (more on that in a second).
Careful Selection of Parents
Breeders often choose Merle Chihuahuas with desirable patterns and colors to create visually stunning puppies. However, the health and well-being of the parent dogs should always be the top priority in ethical breeding practices.

3. Lavender Chihuahua

Lavender Chihuahuas have a soft, lilac-hued coat that’s incredibly rare. This color is a diluted version of chocolate, making it a unique variation.

4. Brindle Chihuahua

Brindle Chihuahuas feature a striped pattern on their coat, often in shades of brown, black, or fawn. This striking pattern is unusual for Chihuahuas and makes them stand out.

5. Albino Chihuahua

Albino Chihuahuas have no pigmentation, resulting in a white coat and pink eyes or nose. They’re extremely rare and require special care to protect their sensitive skin.

What Is Albinism in Chihuahuas?

Albinism in Chihuahuas occurs due to a genetic mutation that disrupts the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration in the skin, fur, and eyes. This mutation affects the tyrosinase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in melanin synthesis. When this enzyme is absent or defective, the dog’s coat becomes white, and the skin, eyes, and nose show reduced pigmentation.

Albino Chihuahuas inherit their albinism from recessive genes carried by both parents. For a Chihuahua to be albino:

Both parents must carry the albinism gene.
The puppy must inherit two copies of this recessive gene (one from each parent).

This makes albinism extremely rare, as both parents need to have the gene and pass it on simultaneously.

Characteristics of Albino Chihuahuas

Albino Chihuahuas have distinct physical and behavioral traits, but their unique appearance also comes with specific care needs.

Physical Characteristics

White Coat: Their fur is completely white due to the absence of pigmentation.
Pink Skin: The skin underneath their coat is pale pink, which can sometimes show through their fur.
Pink or Light Blue Eyes: The lack of melanin results in pink eyes or very pale blue eyes. These can be sensitive to light.
Pink Noses and Paw Pads: With no pigmentation, these areas remain soft pink in color.
Fragile Skin: The absence of pigment means their skin is more vulnerable to sunburn and environmental damage.

Chihuahua Mixes: Popular and Common Hybrids

Chihuahuas are often mixed with other breeds to create adorable hybrids that inherit traits from both parents. These Chihuahua breeds are loved for their unique appearances and personalities.

Most Common Chihuahua Mix Breeds

Chi-Poo (Chihuahua + Poodle)
- Small, curly-coated dogs with hypoallergenic fur.
- Intelligent and easy to train, perfect for first-time owners.
Chipin (Chihuahua + Miniature Pinscher)
- Sleek, alert, and full of energy.
- They’re loyal watchdogs despite their small size.
Chi Spaniel (Chihuahua + Cocker Spaniel)
- A gentle, affectionate mix with long, floppy ears and soft fur.
- They’re excellent companions for families and children.
Boston Huahua (Chihuahua + Boston Terrier)
- Compact, sturdy dogs with short coats and playful temperaments.
- A great choice for families or individuals in apartments.

What Is the Most Expensive Chihuahua Breed?

When it comes to price, some Chihuahua breeds stand out due to their rarity or unique features.

Teacup Chihuahuas

Teacup Chihuahuas are the most expensive due to their tiny size and delicate features. These miniature pups often cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on their lineage and breeder.

Merle Chihuahuas

Merle Chihuahuas are highly desirable Chihuahua breeds for their striking coat patterns. However, this coloration can come with health risks, including vision and hearing issues, which may increase their care costs.

Rare Coat Colors

Blue, lavender, and brindle Chihuahuas are prized for their unique colors. Puppies with these rare coats often cost upwards of $2,500 to $5,000.

Why Do People Love Chihuahuas and Their Mixes?

Chihuahuas and their mixes are adored for many reasons:

Versatility: Whether you prefer a purebred Chihuahua or a mix, there’s a perfect pup for every lifestyle. Since they belong to small dogs, they easily fit to any type of interior.
Unique Looks: Rare colors of Chihuahua breeds and hybrid traits make them visually stunning. Although rare Chihuahuas are more expensive, people still buy them due to their stunning and exotic appearances.
Big Personalities: Despite their size, Chihuahuas and their mixes are bold, confident, and full of love. You’ll never get bored with a feisty Chi. They will do anything to make sure you’re in a good mood. Watch them run through your house, chase and jump on you when you feel down because that’s a Chi spirit.

Final Thoughts on Chihuahua Breeds and Mixes

From smooth-coat to rare-colored Chihuahuas, and from Chiweenies to Pomchis, there’s no shortage of variety in the world of Chihuahuas. Each type and mix brings its charm, making finding a pup that fits your preferences and lifestyle easy.

When choosing a Chihuahua or Chihuahua mix, consider factors like size, energy level, and grooming needs. Regardless of your choice, these tiny companions will fill your life with love, loyalty, and endless joy.

Which Chihuahua type or mix do you love the most? Share your thoughts in the comments!