"A Chihuahua by any other name is still a Chihuahua." Tea cup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Micro, Miniature, Standard, Deer Type, and Apple Head are just a few of the many descriptive words used to describe all of that which is a Chihuahua. Unfortunately, most of those words can be misleading. Many people looking for a Chihuahua want the very small puppy. I agree, they are adorable, and can be very healthy. Some people who use these words to describe a Chihuahua are trying to take advantage of unsuspecting people for their own financial gain. The potential buyer should be made aware of the extra care that may be needed in regard to their general health and well being. Learning "Chihuahua Terms" can help you make an educated decision about if, and which Chihuahua is right for you. It will also help you to recognize a marketing term when you hear one. I have done a great deal of Chihuahua shopping online and locally. Let me share some of my research and shopping advice with you.
 
     Let's start with a Chihuahua Breed Description:
     The Chihuahua Standard does not categorize the Chihuahua by size. For the purpose of showing and record keeping, the American Kennel Club (AKC) includes the Chihuahua in the Toy Group (along with 19 other breeds). Regardless of their weight or physical structure, all Chihuahuas, registered with A.K.C., are considered to be a "Toy breed" of dog. Officially, the AKC describes the Chihuahua as, "A small dog that comes in two varieties or coat types: the Long Coat or the Smooth Coat." This difference of coat type is the only official description used to identify a difference within this breed.
 
     As with all living things, there will be size differences. Human brothers and sisters will be shorter or taller, fatter or thinner. They are described as humans, male or female, and there is rarely, if ever a need to break the description down more. The same is true in the Chihuahua; they are Chihuahuas, "Long coat, smooth coat, male, or female." Occasionally, within a litter, there may be a puppy that is unusually small. That puppy is a small Chihuahua and any other description is not correct. To add any of these additional adjectives to a particular puppy is to misrepresent the animal as something is rare or unusual. This has been known to cause confusion among those looking to purchase a Chihuahua. Please be sure to do your home work if you want a Tiny Chihuahua they can have lots and lots of health problems and it can become very expensive with medical bills. Let alone the heartbreak if they can't help the problems. They are a living breathing animal not a toy.
 

     Vaccinate Your Pet ! To continue your education . . .
     May I recommend reading: Preventative Maintenance? Or New Puppy Care?