Understanding The Different Chihuahua Breeds
While the Chihuahua has easily become a favorite dog breed here in the U.S., many people are unaware of what the different Chihuahua breeds are. In fact, with so many terms being used to describe Chihuahuas, such as "deer head" and "teacup", many owners are under the wrong impression about the different breeds. If you're wondering that the truth is behind the different breeds, keep reading.
Toy and Teacup

Apple Head and Deer Head - What Do They Mean?
So, how many actual different breeds are there? The answer is two; the long-coat and short-coat. Here is some information on the two different Chihuahua breeds:

Long-Coat
The long-coat Chihuahua is one of the two Chihuahua breeds recognized by the American Kennel Association (AKC). This breed is very similar to their counterpart, however they possess a much longer, flowing coat of hair. Even though this breed has longer hair, they actually shed less than the short-coat Chihuahua. This makes them a preferred choice for people who suffer from pet-related allergies looking for a loving indoor pet.
One of the downsides to owning a long-coat Chihuahua is that their hair will be a magnet so to speak, picking up dirt, leaves, and anything else it comes in contact with. You'll have to brush the coat of a long-coat more frequently to keep it clean of such debris.
Short-Coat

This breed has a shorter, thinner coat. Some short-coat Chihuahuas have even been known to be born or become hairless. This breed may have less hair than the long-coat Chihuahua, but they actually shed more. This doesn't make them a bad choice, as they still don't shed nearly as much as many other popular dog breeds, but be prepared to spend more time cleaning their hair off the furniture and around the house.
So, understanding the different Chihuahua breeds is probably more simple than you expected. Just remember, don't listen to people or breeders claiming to have any special breed of Chihuahua other than a long-coat or smooth.
