Chihuahua

Official ICCF Breed Description

Brief Historical Overview
The Chihuahua is an ancient breed originating from Mexico. It is believed to descend from the sacred Toltec dogs known as Techichi, which existed as early as the 9th century. In the 19th century, the breed was rediscovered in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, from which it takes its name. Later, the Chihuahua was brought to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity as a decorative companion dog. Its miniature size, intelligence, and devotion made it a symbol of domestic charm and elegance. Today, the Chihuahua is recognized as one of the smallest breeds in the world and is admired worldwide for its vitality and loyalty.

General Appearance
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world, possessing a compact, well-balanced, and sturdy body. The frame is slightly elongated, with a straight, firm back and a well-developed chest. The head is apple-shaped, with large, expressive eyes and wide-set ears. The limbs are fine-boned yet strong, ensuring stability and graceful movement. The tail is of medium length, arched and carried cheerfully. The coat may be smooth or long, straight or slightly wavy. The overall impression combines elegance, liveliness, and confidence, expressing the breed’s intelligence and energetic temperament.

Important Proportions
The Chihuahua is compact, with a square or slightly rectangular format. The body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers, especially in females. The head is proportionate to the body, with a distinct apple-shaped skull. The muzzle is about one-third the length of the head. The chest is deep, reaching the elbows. The limbs are straight and proportionate, the tail set high and forming a smooth continuation of the topline. All parts of the body are harmoniously balanced, reflecting strength, symmetry, and refinement in miniature form.

Behavior and Temperament
The Chihuahua is a courageous, lively, and devoted dog with a well-balanced and expressive temperament. Despite its small size, it demonstrates self-confidence, alertness, and emotional sensitivity. Highly intelligent and observant, it forms a close bond with its owner. It is friendly, playful, and affectionate, while remaining dignified and confident. The Chihuahua adapts easily to family life, coexists well with other pets, and displays vitality and charm at any age.

Head
The head is large in proportion to the body, with a characteristic apple-shaped skull. The forehead is broad and rounded, and the stop is well defined. The muzzle is short, straight, and slightly tapering toward the nose without being pointed. The nose is small, preferably dark, though lighter shades are permitted in light-colored dogs. Lips are thin, tight, and dry. The jaws are strong, with a scissor bite. Cheeks are smooth, not prominent. The general expression is bright, intelligent, and typical of the breed.

Facial Region
The muzzle is short and straight, about one-third of the head length. The nose is well-pigmented, with open nostrils. The lips are fine, close-fitting, and fully pigmented. The chin is small but defined. The facial region should show softness and proportion, emphasizing the breed’s alert and kind expression.

Eyes
The eyes are large, round, expressive, and moderately prominent. They are set well apart but not protruding. The color is dark and luminous; lighter shades are acceptable in light-colored dogs. The expression is lively, gentle, and intelligent.

Ears
The ears are large, wide at the base, set apart, forming a broad triangle with slightly rounded tips. When alert, they are fully erect; at rest, they form an angle of about 45° to the skull. The inner side is covered with short hair; in long-haired specimens, slight feathering is acceptable.

Neck
The neck is of medium length, slightly arched, strong yet elegant, and harmoniously set on the shoulders. The skin is tight, without folds or dewlap. In long-haired dogs, a light ruff is permissible.

Body
The body is compact, strong, and balanced. The topline is straight, the back firm, the loin short and muscular. The chest is broad and deep, reaching the elbows. The belly is moderately tucked up, the flanks well-defined.

Tail
The tail is of medium length, high-set, and carried in a sickle or semicircle over the back without touching it. It is covered with dense, soft hair, forming a plume. The tail completes the body outline and enhances the breed’s lively expression.

Forequarters
The forelegs are straight, fine, and parallel, with strong bone and well-developed muscles. The shoulder blades are long and sloping, fitting closely to the body. The elbows are directed backward, neither turned in nor out. Pasterns are firm and nearly vertical. Feet are small, oval, with tight toes and resilient pads.

Hindquarters
The hind limbs are well-muscled, proportionate, and with clearly defined angles. The thighs are strong, the stifles well bent, and the hocks low-set. Feet are compact and oval, with strong nails and elastic pads.

Gait and Movement
The movement is free, active, and balanced, with good reach and drive. The topline remains firm and level during motion. The Chihuahua moves with confidence, energy, and agility, reflecting alertness and coordination.

Coat
There are two coat varieties:

• Smooth coat: short, glossy, and close-fitting, with a soft texture and a light undercoat.

• Long coat: fine, soft, straight or slightly wavy, forming fringes on the ears, neck, tail, and limbs.
  Both types must have healthy texture, even coverage, and natural shine.

Permitted Colors
All colors and combinations are allowed — solid, bicolor, tricolor, sable, or brindle. The most common shades include fawn, cream, chocolate, black, blue, white, and tan. The color must be even and well-defined, with no patches or irregular borders.

Size
The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed. The ideal weight ranges from 1.5 to 3.0 kg; slight deviations are acceptable if the overall balance and type are preserved. The body must remain strong and well-proportioned, without signs of fragility or heaviness.

Faults
Any deviation from the standard affecting balance, proportions, or expression is considered a fault. These include weak bones, narrow chest, long or short body, overly light or coarse head, light eyes, incorrect bite, or improper tail carriage. Soft, sparse, or woolly coat, and uneven pigmentation are also undesirable.

Disqualifications
Aggressiveness or extreme shyness; incorrect bite (undershot or overshot); missing teeth; blue or wall eyes; depigmented nose, lips, or eyelids; cropped ears or tail; albinism; merle color; body deformities or behavioral instability.

Important Notes
The Chihuahua must remain a well-balanced, confident, and lively miniature dog, preserving breed type, health, and temperament. Artificial alterations such as cropping, dyeing, or trimming are forbidden. Excessive reduction of size at the expense of health is unacceptable.

Conclusion
The Chihuahua is a refined, intelligent, and devoted miniature dog combining liveliness, grace, and confidence. Its expressive head, alert posture, and strong temperament make it an ideal companion. Within the ICCF system, the breed represents harmony, courage, and elegance — the true embodiment of miniature nobility.