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Sponsored by The Chihuahua
Club of America
The official A.K.C. Breed Standard describes the
Chihuahua as a small dog that comes in two
varieties or coats types. The differences in
coat type (the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat) is
the only official description used to identify a
difference within this breed. Our Standard does
not categorize the Chihuahua by size.
For the purpose of showing
and record keeping, the American Kennel Club
includes the Chihuahua (along with 17 other
breeds) in the Toy Group. Therefore,
irrespective of their weight or physical
stature, ALL Chihuahua registered with A.K.C.
are considered to be a toy breed of dog.
As with all living things,
there will be a size variance between individual
dogs within this breed. Look within the human
family - brothers and sisters will differ in
height and in weight, as well as other physical
attributes. They are described as humans, male
or female, and there is seldom if ever a need to
break the description down further. The same
holds true in regard to the Chihuahua; they are
Chihuahuas-Long Coat/Smooth Coat, Male/Female.
Unfortunately, the additional
adjectives used to describe the size differences
and physical appearances are many; and have been
misused for so long they now seem
legitimate. Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy,
Miniature or Standard - are just a few of the
many tags and labels that have been attached to
this breed over the years. The Chihuahua Club of
America is concerned that these terms may be
used to entice prospective buyers into thinking
that puppies described in this way are of
greater monetary value. They are not; the
use of these terms is incorrect and misleading.
Occasionally, within a
litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually
small. That pup is a small Chihuahua and any
other breakdown in description is not correct.
To attach any of these additional labels to a
particular pup is to misrepresent that animal as
something that is rare or exceptional and causes
a great deal of confusion among those new
fanciers who are looking for a Chihuahua.
The Chihuahua Club of America
does not endorse or condone the use of
any of these terms and would caution the
perspective puppy buyer not to be misled by
them. We recognize that many Chihuahua fanciers
do want the very small puppy. While they are
adorable, and can be perfectly healthy, the
buyer should be cautioned as to the extra care
that may be required with regard to the general
health and well-being.
The TEACUP puppy is, in
reality, a premature puppy. Most females
are bred on the ninth through the fifteenth day
of their heat cycles. Eggs can be fertilized for
up to 72 hours after any of these breedings.
Therefore, it is possible to have puppies
conceived up to a week or so younger than the
puppies first Conceived in a litter. However,
when the first puppies conceived are mature and
ready to be born, labor starts and all the
puppies will be born, no matter when they were
fertilized.
This explains why you have
some bigger and some smaller puppies in a
litter. There are no "runts" In a litter, merely
younger puppies. These younger puppies may not
be fully developed. Their problems may be hidden
until later in puppy hood.
Some of the problems that may
be encountered are heart or lung problem,
luxating patella's, or hydrocephalic or "water"
on the brain. Some of the smaller, yet just as
serious, problems that may occur are
hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar) or seizures.
©The Chihuahua
Club of America
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