There is no difference between mini and pocket Chihuahuas, just the names are different. Dogs are meant to walk on the ground!

Chihuahua is one of the oldest dog breeds known to people. It is native to America and has a deep and close relationship with the ancient civilization of Mexico. Chihuahuas are the smallest of the small dog breeds. They are elegant, alert, and quick-moving. They are widely loved for their well-proportioned physique and petite size. Full of energy. Small in size, suitable for domestic use.

Appearance characteristics

The Chihuahua is not only a cute small pet dog, but also has the hunting and defensive instincts of a large dog, and has a temperament similar to that of a terrier dog. They are petite and do not have high requirements for living space. Basically, the space of a normal residence is enough for them to play. It can stay at home every day and is very suitable for being raised by people living in apartments. He doesn't exercise much, so he doesn't have to spend a lot of time taking him out to play. He's not timid towards other dogs and is extremely exclusive with his owner. [2]

Chihuahuas are strong-willed, elegant, alert, and quick-moving. They are widely loved for their well-proportioned physique and petite size. Chihuahuas are not only cute little toy dogs, but they also possess the hunting and defensive instincts of large dogs, and have a temperament similar to that of a terrier.

The short-haired type and the long-haired type

The difference is that the short-haired type is shiny, close-fitting, and supple. In addition to the rich back hair, the long-haired type has the same characteristics as the short-haired type. Tendency to tremble. Chihuahuas are quite afraid of the cold and should not be kept in outdoor kennels. They need to wear coats to keep out the cold when going out in winter. [3]

Coat color

Cream, red, brown, black with tawny color. Common colors are: light brown, maroon or white. There are patches or spots.

Coat quality

The texture of the short-haired coat is very soft, tight and smooth (an undercoat is allowed when the hair volume is large enough). The dog body is covered with fur and has a fur collar and tail. The hair on the head and ears is sparse. The hair on the tail resembles fur.

The long-haired coat is soft, flat or slightly curved. The edges of the ears are feathered (if the ears are thin and heavily feathered, the ears may tilt forward slightly, but never downward). The hair on the body is long but does not drag the ground.

Shape

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, with a round head, large, thin and upright ears, and round and large eyes. The body height is 15 to 23 centimeters. The smaller the size, the more popular it is. The body weight is 1 to 3 kilograms, preferably no more than 6 pounds. The proportions of the body are rectangular; so the length from shoulder to hip is slightly greater than the height at the withers. A slightly shorter body for males is preferred, and weight over 6 pounds is a disqualification.

Head

The traditional pure Chihuahua has a fingertip-sized hollow on its head, which is also an important criterion for people to distinguish whether the Chihuahua is pure or not. The best thing for a Chihuahua is a round "apple-shaped" head. The expression is beautiful, the eyes are large but not protruding, well-proportioned, preferably bright black or red (white eyes are allowed for yellowish or white dogs). The ears are large and erect, and remain more erect when alert, but when at rest, the ears are separated and the two ears are at a 45-degree angle. The muzzle is short and slightly pointed. Black, blue and chocolate breeds have noses that match their body color. Pink noses are allowed in yellowish varieties. Scissor or pincer bite. Overshot or undershot are serious faults.

Body

The neck is slightly curved and perfectly integrated with the shoulders. Topline level. The rounded ribs support the chest and make the body strong and strong (but not barrel chest). The tail is of moderate length, held high or outward in a sickle shape, or rolled over the back, with the tip of the tail just touching the back (never sandwiched between the legs). Short or docked tails are not good. The shoulders of the forelimbs are narrow and gradually become wider downwards. The front legs are straight, allowing unrestricted elbow movement. The shoulders should be up, balanced and strong, sloping toward the back (the shoulders should not be down or too low). Broad chest and strong forequarters, but never a "bulldog" chest.

The feet are slender, the toes are spaced just right on the beautiful little feet, but not too far apart, and the pads are thick (not like rabbit or cat feet). The ankles are slender.

The hindquarters are well muscled, set well apart, neither too far in nor too far out, looking downward, strong and solid. The feet are the same as the forelimbs. Ideally: fur on the feet and legs, shorts on the hind legs, and a fur collar on the neck. If the coat of the long-haired type is sparse and almost naked, it is considered undesirable.

Chihuahuas require special care from professional veterinarians at birth and in terms of teeth. They also often suffer from some neurological genetic diseases, such as epilepsy and patellar joint dislocation. They are also well-known. There is a fontanel in the skull of the Chihuahua. Simply put, the skull bones are not tightly sealed, and a small hole will be left on the top of the Chihuahua's head.

Other Characteristics

Gait: Chihuahuas move quickly and firmly, with strong hindquarter drive. Viewed from behind, the hind legs should always be parallel to each other and the foot of the hind foot should always follow the front foot. Both the front and rear legs tend to move slightly closer to the center line of gravity, which increases the speed. Viewed from the side, the lead of the forequarters matches the drive of the hindquarters, leading to a strutting stance. During action, the topline remains level and stable. Elegant and effortless, with long, strong forelegs and strong propulsion in the hindquarters. When viewed from the side, the stride length is appropriate, and when viewed from the front and back, the walking pattern is straight. This is due to sound bones and muscles.

Character: vigilant, similar to a terrier dog's temperament[4]. Chihuahuas are tenacious, intelligent and extremely loyal, agile, lively, very brave and can defend themselves in front of large dogs. It is quite afraid of the cold and should not be kept in an outdoor kennel. It needs to wear a coat to keep out the cold when going out in winter.