There are plenty types of Chiwawa dog but some of the main distinct types, primarily based on their physical characteristics have been covered below. Despite their small size, there are notable variations within the breed, which are classified by coat type and head shape.
Here are the main types of Chiwawa dog:
1. Coat Types:
Smooth-Coat Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: Also known as short-haired Chiwawas, these dogs have a sleek, smooth coat that lies close to the body. Their fur is short and requires minimal grooming.
- Grooming Needs: Due to their short fur, they are low-maintenance in terms of grooming. Weekly brushing is sufficient to keep their coat healthy.
- Personality: Smooth-coat Chiwawas tend to have the same feisty, loyal, and bold personality common to the breed.
Long-Coat Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: Long-haired Chiwawas have a soft, flowing coat that can be either straight or slightly wavy. Their fur is longer around the neck, ears, and tail.
- Grooming Needs: Long-coat Chiwawas require more grooming, including regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling of their fur.
- Personality: Similar to their short-haired counterparts, long-coat Chiwawas are affectionate, lively, and loyal, though their calm and gentle demeanor is sometimes noted as slightly more laid-back.
2. Head Shapes:
Apple-Head Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: The most recognized and popular type, apple head Chiwawas have a round, dome-shaped skull, resembling an apple. Their forehead forms a 90-degree angle with their snout, giving them a distinctive “baby-faced” look. They often have large, expressive eyes and a short muzzle.
- Personality: Apple head Chiwawas are known for their bold personality and strong attachment to their owners. They are highly affectionate but can be a bit wary of strangers.
- Health Considerations: Apple heads are more likely to have a molera (a soft spot on their head), which requires extra care to avoid injury.
Deer-Head Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: Deer head Chiwawas have a more elongated head, resembling the shape of a deer’s skull. Their forehead slopes gradually into the snout, and they typically have a longer muzzle and larger ears than apple head Chiwawa dogs.
- Personality: Known for being active and energetic, deer head Chiwawas are often described as independent and more relaxed compared to apple head Chiwawa dogs.
- Health Considerations: Deer head Chiwawas tend to have fewer respiratory problems due to their longer snouts, making them slightly healthier overall compared to apple heads.
3. Other Variations:
Teacup Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: Teacup Chiwawas aren’t officially recognized as a separate type by breed standards but refer to Chiwawas that are exceptionally small, often weighing less than 3 pounds.
- Grooming Needs: Grooming depends on whether they are smooth-coat or long-coat.
- Personality: While small in size, teacup Chiwawa dogs maintain the breed’s bold personality. However, they are more delicate and require careful handling due to their fragile bones and susceptibility to injuries.
- Health Considerations: Teacup Chiwawas are prone to several health issues, including hypoglycemia, respiratory problems, and bone fractures, due to their tiny size.
Fawn Chiwawa Dog:
- Description: Fawn is not a distinct type of Chiwawa but rather a color variation. Fawn Chiwawa dogs have a light tan or reddish-brown coat, which is one of the most common colors in the breed.
- Grooming Needs: Fawn Chiwawas can have either a smooth or long coat, so their grooming needs vary depending on their fur type.
Conclusion
Chiwawa dogs may be small in size, but they come with a variety of looks and temperaments. Whether you prefer the silky smooth coat of a short-haired Chiwawa, the flowing fur of a long-coat Chiwawa, or the distinctive features of an apple or deer head, each type has its own unique charm. Regardless of types of Chiwawa dogs, they are known for their loyalty, big personalities, and strong bonds with their owners.