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Posted on December 28, 2007 by Sandra Dean | Posted under Pets Dogs
Chihuahua Standard According To The American Kennel Club
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In males especially it is highly desirable that the breed has an almost square body, but a slightly longer body is permitted in the female dogs for the purpose of reproduction. The temperament of a Chihuahua should be alert, quick, lively and very courageous. Overall the Chihuahua is described as a small, dainty, compact breed with a highly spirited intelligence while being neither snappy nor withdrawn in behavior. The Chihuahua standard set by the American Kennel Club states that the head should be well rounded with an overall "apple dome" shape. They should have lean cheeks and jaws with a muzzle that is moderately short, slightly pointed and has a definite stop. Eyes should be large and round, but not protruding. The eyes should be set well apart with the center of the eye being on a plane with the lowest point of the ear. While lighter eye color is permissible, the preferred color is dark or ruby. The ears should be at an angle of about forty-five degrees while being large and flaring. The scissor bite for the jaw should be regular and complete. And the upper teeth should closely overlap the lower teeth and be set square to the jaws. The jaw should be strong. The neck should have a slight arch and be of medium length. When it comes to gait and movement the Chihuahua should have a stride that is springy, long, energetic and active while providing good reach and drive. The Chihuahua should have hind legs that move almost parallel to each other when viewed from the back, causing the foot prints of the hind feet to fit directly into those left by the front feet. Often when they increase speed the limbs will show a tendency to converge towards the center point of gravity or a single track. The dog should have free and springy movement while keeping their head raised and firm with no visible effort. For shorthaired dogs the coat should be glossy with a soft texture. For the longhaired Chihuahua the coat should be fine, silky and smooth or slightly wavy. All shades and color combinations are allowed by the standard. For a Chihuahua the ideal weight is between 1.5 and 3 kg. While lower weights are accepted, higher weights are disqualified. About The Author: Sandra Dean has had experience in raising and breeding Chihuahuas. The shape of the head and placement of features is very specific according to the Chihuahua standard. You can know the specifics of the breed standard with proper Chihuahua information. |
Tags: CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA INFORMATION
