The Chihuahua Is A Chihuahua

Published By The Chihuahua Club Of America

 The official American Kennel Club (AKC) Breed Standard describes the Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types. The difference in coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed. Our Standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size.

 For the purposes of showing and record keeping, the AKC includes the Chihuahua (along with 17 other breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefore, irrespective of their weight or physical stature, ALL Chihuahuas registered with AKC are considered to be a toy breed of dog. 

 As with all living things, there will be a size variance between individual dogs within this breed. Look within the human family - brothers and sisters will vary in height and weight, as well as other physical attributes. They are described and humans, male or female, and there is seldom, if ever, a need to break the description down further. The same holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas - Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.

 Unfortunately, the additional adjectives used to describe the size differences and physical appearances are many; and have been misused for so long they now seem legitimate. Tea-Cup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the many tags and labels that have been attached to this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of America is concerned that these terms may be used to entice prospective buyers in to thinking that puppies described in this way are of greater monetary value. THEY ARE NOT; and the use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.

 Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That pup is a small Chihuahua and any other breakdown in description is not correct. To attach any of these additional labels to a particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as something that is rare or exceptional and causes a great deal of confusion among those new fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.

 The Chihuahua Club of America does not endorse or condone the use of any of these terms and would caution the prospective puppy buyer not to me misled by them. 

 We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers do want the very small puppy. While they are adorable, and can be perfectly healthy, the buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care that may be required with regard to their general health and well-being.