The size and appearance of the Chihuahua breed according to the standard. Everything you need to know about the Chihuahua: origin, breed standard

Chihuahuas are dogs for which they create their own world. This is due to the character, size, temperament and features. Basically, life revolves around a pet.

Chihuahua sizes: weight, height, coat color, proportions and physique were established in 1954 by the Kennel Club in England. The name of the breed is adopted by the same name with the Mexican state.

The legend says: dogs lived in natural conditions, but during the period of the ancient Toltec civilization they were caught, trained, domesticated, which is confirmed by images on structures and remains in tombs that date back to 300 BC.

According to dog handlers, the Chihuahua is the smallest breed on earth. The body is proportional, elegant.

Aristocratic behavior is always with a proudly raised head and a tail twisted towards the waist.

The tail creates a vertical semicircle above the back. The length of an adult dog is 2-3 cm less than the height at the withers.

Males have a square shape. Girls are shorter, the body is elongated, this is due to reproductive characteristics, they are shorter and smaller.

A special table regulates the permissible forms of the body, ears, location of teeth, chest, which guarantees admission to exhibitions and mating with thoroughbred partners.

Height, weight, features

Chihuahua breed standard: stretch index is determined up to 110. The ideal is a square body. The growth rate is within 30 - 38 cm. Weight ranges from 1.5 - 4 kg. Allowed body weight in the range of 500 g - 1.5 kg. Exceeding 4 kg will result in disqualification.

When judging two animals, the smaller one gets the highest score. Therefore, the animal should not be overfed, you should not limit outdoor games, walks.

Eyes

Round in shape, large, dark. Light eyes are acceptable but are not indicative of the purity of the breed by established standards.

Ears

The dog has large, with developed muscles, erect ears: under 45% of the horizontal of the forehead: wide at the base, gradually tapering towards the tips. The size of the ears is similar to the distance between the eyes. In a calm state, they lower slightly, as the muscles relax. The state of the animal is determined by the ears: calmness, alertness, fun or fear.

Bite and teeth

The number of teeth in an adult: 12 incisors, 4 canines, 16 premolars, 10 molars. As a result, 42.
Overshot, jaw misalignment is a deviation from the standard. Dogs must have a straight or bite, all teeth, if one or more are missing, does not lead to disqualification, but this is a disadvantage.

Chest, back

Wide and harmoniously developed. The ribs are rounded, but not barrel-shaped. The body is slender, without thinness. Athletic physique: lean, this is due to an active lifestyle. The back is muscular, the croup is strong.

Head and neck

The head is large, the shape of an apple is figurative - the standard of the Chihuahua breed. Unlike other dogs, an uncovered gap remains between the bones of the skull throughout life.

They are vulnerable and prone to injury. The forehead is large with prominent eyebrows, which makes a noticeable transition between the muzzle and the skull.

Rounded cheekbones, a short muzzle, adjacent lips close the teeth, make the appearance cheerful and aristocratic. The neck of females is thinner than that of males.

The nose is upturned, a characteristic fold between the eyes. Lips, cheeks dry.

limbs

The forelegs, when viewed from the side, create a straight vertical line with the elbow joint. Back, with developed muscles and convenient for running and jumping angle of connection of various joints.

Elbows are strong, pasterns are strong, flexible, provide free movement. The gait is active, soft, sweeping. The limbs are small with protruding fingers, the pads are elastic, the nails grow long and curved. Profitable fingers need prompt removal.

Color, coat

The Chihuahua standard includes 2 varieties: long-haired and smooth-haired. In the first case, the coat is short adjacent to the body. In the second, the coat is soft, wavy or straight, pleasant to the touch.

The color is varied with various color combinations: white, chocolate, black, lilac, fawn, cream, blue, brindle. The value of a Chihuahua does not depend on color. The nose is the same color as the fur. Hairless dogs are a deviation from the norm.

Lifespan

A small dog is a long-liver among dogs. 12-16 years is considered the norm for these animals. Correct standards are a guarantee of longevity. A healthy dog, without pathologies, bad heredity gets sick less, eats normally, grows well and lives longer.

Growth and upbringing

Grow fast. Monthly weight gain and growth slows down in boys by 9 months, in girls with the appearance of the first estrus.

By the age of one and a half years, the dog is fully formed physically and emotionally, it is an adult. It is necessary to accustom to the toilet, walks, order.

A Chihuahua's bedding or mattress is a toy, not a resting place. They occupy the whole apartment.

They love armchairs, sofas to have a sufficient view, hide in a dog house to feel protected. They are afraid of drafts. It is necessary to transport in plastic carriers or soft bags.

Character and temperament

Cheerful dog, little prone to stress, has a lightning-fast reaction and high endurance. Small sizes do not interfere with being bold.

Gait and running energetic, free this is not a lazy animal. A sensitive intellectual is one of the well-deserved characteristics.

They are curious, nimble, active, do not get tired of playing, are exclusively attached to the owners, love guests. However, care must be taken to avoid injury.

The dog is small, fragile, constantly spinning underfoot, jumping on sofas, climbing to doors, into cabinets.

Chihuahua quickly and accurately takes on the character of the owner, but does not get along well with other breeds.

Curiosity may prompt you to spend hours watching a working computer or an owner reading a book.

Dogs are clean, quickly get used to their own toilet. Severe stress can cause involuntary urination.

Deviations from the norm

For a Chihuahua, the standard is an indicator of the health and purity of the breed. Some deviations are allowed:

Double teeth; Ears: sharp shape; sloping croup; Slight jaw deformity: Arched or sagging back; Short neck; Elbows turned out, hind legs close set; Short limbs. Not a wide chest;

Dog Flaws Affecting Cynologists' Evaluation
Bulging, small eyes, deep set; Malocclusion; Narrow skull or elongated muzzle. Dislocated kneecaps.

Faults leading to disqualification:

Non-healing large fontanel on the head; Manifestations of aggression or excessive fearfulness; Baldness of some parts of the body;

Long-haired breeds have very thin, too long hair;

Short, long hanging ears; Atypical structure: chihuahua growth, which is above normal, thin long legs, lean torso, small head; Stretched body; If there is no tail; Straight (tick-shaped), bulldog bite.
A dog with deviations; physical or mental, is not allowed to exhibitions and matings.

Chihuahua is the smallest dog in the world, confirmation of this by the Guinness Book of Records. Chihuahua standards. The breed standards were adopted in 1954. Chihuahua size standard is measured in weight, height is not paid much attention.

The size standard should be 1.5-3kg. Color, body and character standards have also been set, all of which will be described in detail in this article. But before you know the standards of this breed, you need to get a little acquainted with its history.

History of the origin of the chihuahua

There are many legends about the appearance of this breed. Some believe that the Chihuahua is descended from Mexican wolves.

Someone believes that the African fox is a distant relative of this breed, since they are similar in size to the ears and eyes. There are people who believe that Egypt is the birthplace of the smallest dogs.

The main story of the origin of the Chihuahua, which is considered to be the official one, says that this breed lived in the days of ancient civilizations.

With the help of excavations in Mexico, scientists have confirmed that the ancient Toltec people really existed.

Images of dogs on the stones, which were found during excavations, are very similar to modern chihuahuas. Ancient writings say that the Toltecs called such dogs titichi. Also, clay sculptures were found, which were molded in the form of such dogs.

According to history, after the victory of the Aztecs over the Toltecs, they took these dogs for themselves. In the tombs of ancient peoples, burial places of people with titichi were found. Scientists have presented many versions of why they did this.

Some believed that dogs were buried with people so that they would take on the sins of their owners. There is a version that so ancient people expressed their love for this breed.

The first time people were given the opportunity to look at a Chihuahua was in 1890. When the President of Mexico gave his beloved singer a bouquet of flowers, from which a small dog looked out.

In Russia, the first time the Chihuahua appeared in 1959. When two such dogs were presented to Khrushchev from Castro.

Chihuahua breed standards

Chihuahua is a very small dog its average weight is only three kilograms. And the height of the dog at the withers, you can find out by its weight, they should be even.

The tail of the dogs of this breed is always wrapped in a ball and always directed towards the line of the waist. Also a feature of the Chihuahua is the fontanel on the head, which does not overgrow in a lifetime.

Head Standards:

The skull is of medium length, shaped like an apple. The length of the head, vertically and horizontally, is even;
Sufficiently convex forehead;
The lips are rounded, well cover the dog's teeth;
The nose is small in size, almost always has the color of the main color;
The eyes are round, large, widely spaced between each other. The color can be both dark tones and light;
The taste of the Chihuahua is direct. Scissor taste is also not considered a defect;
The ears of dogs of this breed are disproportionately large. When the dog is calm, the ears lie down, if the dog has an alarming condition, then the ears stand up.

Hull structure standards:

The body is strong, has a square shape. Bitches are slightly longer than males;
The back and belly of the dog are quite muscular;
Rounded ribs;
The tail is long and tucked into a crescent. But it can also be in another form; for example, in a ball, like a husky.

Important: You need to be careful with the Chihuahua's head so as not to damage the place where the fontanel is located.

Chihuahua limb standards:

The forepaws are long, practically without muscles;
The hind legs are stronger. The joints on them are quite developed;
The dog's claws are slightly bent;
The Chihuahua has quite sensitive paw pads;
During movement, the Chihuahua's head is directed up and straight;
The gait is very energetic.

Wool standards:

Chihuahua can be either short-haired or long-haired;
The coat should be soft to the touch;
The head and neck are shorter than the rest of the body;
If the dog is short - woolly, then it is similar on the ears. Long-haired representatives have the longest hair on the ears.

Important: Chihuahuas should not shed. If the dog sheds, this indicates its deviation from the standard.

Color standard

Chihuahua color can be almost any. There are dogs of black, white, red, lilac color, they can be listed endlessly. Also, there are dogs with a combination of different colors, usually in this case three colors.

Temperament standards:

The nature of these dogs is very calm, they do not behave aggressively;
Chihuahuas are very jealous animals. But even if the dog does not like that their owner will lisp with other animals, he will not show aggression;
They are very curious dogs, so if you let them go outside, they can run away, becoming interested in what not to be;
They are very energetic and often on the move;
When a Chihuahua feels fear, he may urinate.

Chihuahua sizes

Many people know that a chihuahua is a very small dog, and it really is so that an adult dog grows no more than 30 centimeters and no heavier than 3 kilograms. In general, the size of the Chihuahua is divided into four categories and, depending on the size of the dog, it is assigned to one of them.

1. Dwarf:

At birth - 70-80 grams;
1 month 200-230 grams;
2 month 315-370 grams;
3 months - 425-540 grams;
4 months - 570-710 grams;
5 months-635-880 grams;
Six months-745-945 grams;
Adult - no more than 1200 grams.

2. Small:

At birth -90-120 grams;
1 month - 270-370 grams;
2 month-455-610 grams;
3 months - 740-845 grams;
4 months - 855-1111 grams;
5 month -1111-1300 grams;
Six months-1160-1435 grams;
Adult -1435-1900 grams.

3. Medium:

At birth -125-135 grams;
1 month 455-485 grams;
2 month-680-765 grams;
3 month -940-1050 grams;
4 months - 1250-1390 grams;
5 month-1480-1680 grams;
Half a year-1645-1845 grams;
Adult-2100-2300 grams.

4. Large:

At birth, 145-175 grams;
1 month -540-650 grams;
2 month-825-1050 grams;
3 months - 1165-1400 grams;
4 months - 1535-1815 grams;
5 month -1815-2150 grams;
Half a year-2015 -2410 grams;
Adult - 2.5-3 kg.

Conclusion

Chihuahuas are the oldest breed of dogs, they are distinguished by their height, as well as intelligence and calmness, which is rarely endowed with any other dog. But when choosing a dog of this breed, you need to be extremely careful not to buy a dog with a defect.

Important: Serious deviations from the standard:

Aggression. A normal dog of this breed should be calm;

Small ears;

Baldness;

Too long hair;

Weight more than three kilograms;

No tail;

Large spring;

Short neck;

No teeth.

Many dog breeders or those who are just about to start a Chihuahua breed are interested in its development. It is better, of course, to know in advance about how old the Chihuahua grows, than to panic later that something is wrong with the dog and it does not develop correctly, gains weight and grows. Everything is quite simple, let's figure out what stages the baby goes through in development and what height and weight is the norm for the breed.

Buying a puppy

Different dogs grow differently, small breeds generally grow up to a year. When a Chihuahua is purchased, it is important to know what weight and height she was born with and how much she gained at the time of purchase. This will make it easier to navigate whether you are overfeeding her or underfeeding her. How a dog was brought up in a kennel - a lot can also depend on its diet.

It is also worth asking what category the breed belongs to. They are divided into several types by size: mini and standard. But in the kennel club the following weight categories are written inline - Cobby and Deer (deer type).

To distinguish who is in front of you, you should look at the appearance. Cobby has a denser body constitution, heavy bones, a large head. The distance between their eyes is greater, as well as between the ears, unlike Dir. The ears themselves are slightly smaller than those of thin "deer".

You should take a closer look and find out the recommendations of breeders regarding the breed, since these types are rarely found in their pure form. The price of puppies also depends on whether it is a purebred Kobby or Deer or a mixed one. Ultimately, it will be clear that small weight and height are due to genes, and such a Chihuahua will not grow much.

Norms of weight and height for an adult dog

Repeatedly in our articles, weight norms, the breed standard were mentioned, let's remember what it should be. The most ideal weight (height is not taken into account) is 1.5-3 kg. There may also be deviations from the norm, the standard is used so that the dog can attend shows.

Otherwise, the weight can reach up to 500 grams or be more than 5 kg. The average height that dogs have is 15-23 cm. This indicator stops at the mark and after the age of 1 year it no longer increases.

It can be quietly overlooked, stepped on or pressed. And also small ones, including light Deer, are not welcome for breeding and participation in exhibitions. An assistant in choosing the right weight that matches the age can be a table.

Growing up and stages of development

Up to 2-3 months, the dog eats mother's milk, which gives it many advantages - vitamins and fat content of milk are the best immunostimulating for the baby. The skeleton, head and chest are actively growing, the coat becomes shiny, and the dog itself will be active and cheerful at the time of purchase.

True, her weight at this moment may be small, but she will gain it later with a vengeance. The main thing to know the trend of recruitment after birth is to ask the breeder what type it belongs to.

Any dog of this breed, even long-haired, even smooth-haired, strong or thin-legged, grows up to 12 months. Her weight is gained gradually, while bone growth lasts only 6-8 months. After that, she stops growing in height, and gains weight.

She gets stronger, so to speak, so in the period after 7 months it is important to maintain a proper diet and monitor how much the dog eats. Physical activity is also very important to prevent obesity.

At this stage of development, more precisely from six months, the dog's chest will still increase and the head too, but the skeleton itself is no longer growing. In order for the dog to gain weight well, feed it special food, carefully and hermetically packaged specifically for small decorative breeds.

Make time for walks and outdoor games. In order for the dog to grow and live to be 18-20 years old, eliminate stress for it and do not leave it alone, monitor hygiene and visit the veterinary clinic in a timely manner.

Chihuahua growth can be somewhat stepped: often the smallest puppy in the litter catches up with its peers by the age of 1 year. The best way to determine a dog's future size is to study its pedigree. Dimensions and other physical characteristics are considered hereditary. The genes that are passed on to a Chihuahua puppy from its mother determine the future size of the dog. Studying 3 generations gives an accurate representation of height and weight.

Monthly weight change

Newborn Chihuahuas weigh 100g. Puppies grow rapidly during the first month after birth and double their size in a few days.

Representatives of this breed reach adult levels throughout the year. During this time, they go through several stages of rapid growth and weight gain. If the puppy does not add either in height or in weight within a month, it should be taken to the veterinarian. The recommended weighing frequency is once a month.

A one-year-old Chihuahua may be considered an adult, but he will become fully developed later, at 12-18 months. At this stage, the dog's muscles grow and the chest grows. Weight, according to the breed standard - 1.5-3 kg, height - 15-23 cm.

Chihuahua weight table depending on age (weight is indicated in grams):

Based on the data that the puppy has at 8 weeks, we can assume its weight in adulthood:

Physique changes

Chihuahua puppies are round and full. They have body fat deposits that they need to keep warm and store nutrients. At this age, you should not worry about the fact that the dog is overweight. Puppies are very energetic, they do not have thyroid problems and other disorders that provoke the formation of overweight.

During the first year and a half, the Chihuahua's physique will become more slender. As they grow older, puppies look harmonious and elegant.

Health problems that prevent a dog from being active cause weight gain. This applies to aging Chihuahuas. If the amount of exercise is reduced, but the calorie intake remains the same, the pet will have problems with body weight.

Factors that affect size

The size, weight and height of an adult will depend on several factors:

parent size;
diet;
activity level;
the presence of inherited genes that manifest themselves through several generations.

RKF breed standard

Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.

Dogs have a compact body. It is important that the pet's skull is shaped like an apple and that he holds his long tail very high in the form of a semicircle with a tip that is directed towards the waist.

The length of the body must be greater than the height at the withers. In boys, it should be almost square. In bitches, a more extended body is acceptable.

Stretch index, according to the standard of the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) - up to 110.

Since obaki, chihuahuas are true and devoted friends who sincerely become attached to the owner and prefer his hugs to a variety of games and entertainment. Wherein dogs are very smart and will never draw attention to themselves with aggression. Choosing a Chihuahua breed is a great choice for those who want to have a small pet or are looking to breed a puppy.

Chihuahua character

The character of the dogs of this breed is formed early, as they mature quickly. By 12 months they are already fully formed. both physically and psychologically.

One of the interesting features of the Chihuahua is ability to understand people feel their mood. A Chihuahua will never approach an angry, irritated or conflicted person.

Good adaptability is characteristic of these dogs and, if necessary, get used to new circumstances. Chihuahua will not suffer and get hung up on trifles if living conditions are more than modest.

These dogs are also very proud, which greatly complicates their educational process. That's why dog socialization should be at the head of training. Since these animals mature very early, this process should be started from 2-3 months. For socialization to be successful, the owner should devote more time to the chihuahua– take them out for walks more often, play with the dog, introduce them to other people and animals, especially dogs of the same breed. The main thing is that the Chihuahua does not feel aggression.

Absolutely all Chihuahuas are very curious. This is evidenced not only by their desire to carefully examine every corner of the home, but also by their love for a long time to observe what the owner is doing, even if these are the most ordinary actions.

Chihuahuas are incredibly temperamental and agile. They express their emotions loudly and for absolutely any reason. Experienced veterinarians believe that chihuahuas with long hair have a softer disposition, while the short-coated Chihuahua is slightly more agile and assertive. Do not confuse this with anger - Chihuahuas can be jealous of the owner, but they are always devoted to him.

Dogs of this breed, unlike other dwarf breeds, have a stable psyche and a very brave heart. They are absolutely not cowardly, and they can look arrogantly at some things. But sometimes these animals do not tolerate stressful situations and can even make a puddle.

Chihuahuas do not like to be yelled at and do not tolerate mistreatment.. They can be seriously offended and “hide” in their house or between pillows, but they always try to meet their owner halfway.

In addition, these dogs have an excellent memory and are very accurate. They can even be taught to bring light objects to the owner and use the simplest household appliances.

Chihuahua life span

Toy breed dogs live slightly longer than other dog breeds. Chihuahua average lifespan with proper care and proper feeding will be about 11-18 years.

Chihuahua dog sizes

Chihuahua growth is usually from 15 centimeters to 23, and The ideal weight is one and a half to three kilograms. A dog weighing less than 500 grams or more than three kilograms is not allowed.

Chihuahua dogs, depending on height and weight, can be divided into several categories:

standard(this category includes dogs whose weight is from 2, 3 to 3 kilograms);
small standard (includes chihuahuas, which weigh from 1.8 to 2.3 kilograms);
mini(belong to animals weighing from 1.5 kilograms to 1.8 kilograms);
super mini(includes dogs that weigh less than 1.5 kilograms).

The body itself and the appearance of the animal are also taken into account. For example, the lighter the skeleton, the larger the dog will appear, and the heavier the skeleton, the smaller it will look. Also, the dog should not appear very flimsy or thin with long legs, nor too big and short with short legs. A stocky and moderately well-fed Chihuahua is considered ideal. If this is a male, then the height of the withers should be equal to the length from the base of the tail to the withers, and the bitches should have a more “stretched” body.

It is worth noting that keeping a dog weighing less than 1.5 kilograms requires a special diet and better care because these animals are less viable. They should not be allowed to jump off high furniture (sofas, armchairs, beds, etc.) on their own, since such Chihuahuas are more prone to various limb injuries. They may also catch colds more often.

Possible colors of the Chihuahua

This breed is unique in its number of colors. There are both traditional colors and very rare ones. The standard does not in any way prohibit combinations of colors and their diversity.

The most popular and traditional color is red (red). It can be monochromatic, or it can be distinguished by the presence of a white mark on the paws or a white mask. Incredibly popular spotted red color immediately with a black and white mask. There is also a sable color - red with a black mask. It may also include white markings.

The most rare colors are blue, pure white, black, brindle, chocolate, chocolate and tan, as well as all their combinations and variants.

Until what age do chihuahuas grow?

The growth of dogs of this breed ends at about 6-7 months.. At six months, you can most likely determine the height of the dog.

Usually, as early as six months, the growth of the dog stops and until 9-10 months the formation, expansion and “strengthening” of the body begins, especially the head and chest area.

Chihuahua weight chart

All data is approximate and depends on the feeding of your Chihuahua.

Chihuahua puppy cost and price range in major cities

In general, prices for Chihuahua puppies range from $250-$5,000. Naturally, if we compare the cost of puppies in Moscow, Belarus and Ukraine, in the capital of Russia they will be much higher. The same can be said about puppies from peripheral kennels - they will cost much less than in large cities.

For example, in Moscow, mini and super mini Chihuahua puppies cost from $1,000 to $3,000 (females $1,500 to $3,000, males $1,000 to $2,000). Breed class puppies will cost 800-1200 dollars, and pet class puppies - 250-800 dollars. At the same time, a dog without a pedigree can be purchased for 250-700 dollars. And in Belarus you can find a Chihuahua puppy from $150 to $700.

In Ukraine, a Chihuahua puppy can be purchased for about 2000-45000 hryvnia.