The average Chihuahua stops growing between 6 months and one year after birth. This varies between individual dogs as each has growth spurts at different times. Many owners say that the most common time for a Chihuahua to stop growing is approximately seven to eight months. At this point, rather than grow in size, the dog refines its shape. This means that it may become more muscular, a bit taller and heavier but not significantly so.
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and are named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Breed standards do not specify height for a Chihuahua, only a weight and description of overall proportions. This means that the height varies more than within many other breeds of dogs. A Chihuahua can vary between six and ten inches although some will grow as tall as twelve to fifteen inches. The breed standards state that the Chihuahua must not weigh more than six pounds, although the British standard says that two to four pounds is preferred. If two dogs are equally good in type then the more diminutive one is preferred.
Owners who want to keep Chihuahuas as pets are often more weight than those bred for show. Pet quality Chihuahuas can weight over ten pounds if they have large bone structures and are allowed to become overweight. In terms of Chihuahua breeds there is a great variety that are recognised. They can be termed by breeders as Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard. While these may not be breeding standard terms they are used as marketing gimmicks to sell the puppies at a higher value to customers. Many refer to Chihuahuas as deer heads or apple heads. Deer heads have longer noses and more elongated heads, while apple heads have short noses and rounded heads similar to that of an apple.
Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog and are named for the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. Breed standards do not specify height for a Chihuahua, only a weight and description of overall proportions. This means that the height varies more than within many other breeds of dogs. A Chihuahua can vary between six and ten inches although some will grow as tall as twelve to fifteen inches. The breed standards state that the Chihuahua must not weigh more than six pounds, although the British standard says that two to four pounds is preferred. If two dogs are equally good in type then the more diminutive one is preferred.
Owners who want to keep Chihuahuas as pets are often more weight than those bred for show. Pet quality Chihuahuas can weight over ten pounds if they have large bone structures and are allowed to become overweight. In terms of Chihuahua breeds there is a great variety that are recognised. They can be termed by breeders as Teacup, Pocket Size, Tiny Toy, Miniature or Standard. While these may not be breeding standard terms they are used as marketing gimmicks to sell the puppies at a higher value to customers. Many refer to Chihuahuas as deer heads or apple heads. Deer heads have longer noses and more elongated heads, while apple heads have short noses and rounded heads similar to that of an apple.
