Title: Chihuahua: Breed Standard (AKC)
Tags: AKC, BREED, STANDARD, CHIHUAHUA
Blog Entry: The first modern day Chihuahua registered with the American Kennel Club was Midget in 1905. Fanciers of the Chihuahua have grown until it has become one of the most consistently popular breeds. They can be found in two varieties, smooth coated and longhaired. Of the two, the smooth coated has been the most popular but in recent years, the longhaired variety is closing in. The general appearance of both varieties requires a dog that is compact, graceful, and alert. He should have a “saucy expression” and the courage and temperament often attributed to terrier breeds. The Chihuahua should be well balanced and not weigh more than six pounds. Any dog that weighs more than six pounds will be disqualified from conformation classes at any AKC show. A Chihuahua’s head should be “apple domed” and appear to be rounded from all angles. Eyes are to be very large but not protruding of preferably dark or luminous ruby color. The ears are large and stand erect when the dog is at attention but will flare to the sides at a 45-degree angle when at rest. A dog whose ears have been cropped or cannot stand erect will also be disqualified. The Chihuahua muzzle is moderately short and pointed and should end with a bite that is considered either even or scissored. Overshot or undershot jaws will be heavily penalized. The color allowed for the nose depends on the color of the dog itself. Self-colored noses are allowed in blondes, moles, blues, blacks and chocolates. Pink noses are also permitted in blonde colored dogs. The neck should be slightly arched and end by gracefully joining lean, sloping shoulders. These shoulders should be broad and set well over straight forelegs. These forelegs should be set well under the shoulders to allow plenty of freedom at the elbows. The Chihuahua’s feet are very small and dainty with split up but not spread and the pasterns are very fine. The body of the dog is slightly longer than its height. Its topline is level, ribs well sprung and rounded but not to the point of giving a “Bulldog” or barrel appearance. The tail is moderately long and can be carried like a sickle either up or out. It can also be carried in a loop over the back with just the tip touching. It should never be tucked between the legs. Hindquarters on a Chihuahua are muscular with wide set hocks that are neither in nor out. They need to be sturdy, firm and well let down allowing for a swift gait in which the foot fall of the rear feet fall in directly behind the those of the front feet. When viewed from front or rear, the feet appear to land towards a centerline as the speed of movement increases. From a profile view, the Chihuahua has a strong driving rear, long reach in the front legs and a high, proud carried head. Chihuahuas are often feisty with a terrier like temperament with little heed given to their actual size or the size of their opponent. Protective of owners, they often bond to only one or two persons in a household. They can also be snobbish when it comes towards other breeds of dogs , as the Chihuahua is a clannish breed that prefers other Chihuahuas for company. As for color, any color, solid, marked or splashed is acceptable. The coat in the smooth variety is soft textured, close and glossy although heavier coats with actual undercoats are permitted. The dogs whose coats are evenly distributed over the body but scanty on the head and ears, with a ruff on the neck are preferred as well as a furry tail. The longhaired varieties have a soft textured coat that can be flat or even slightly curly. Undercoats are preferred as are fringed ears and a full long tail that is similar to a plume. Judges will also be looking for dogs that have feathering down the legs, on the feet and a large ruff on the neck.
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