Physical Characteristics of the Chihuahua
(from The Kennel Club breed standard)

Eyes:  Large, round, but not protruding; set well apart; center of eye is on a plane with lowest point of ear and base of stop; dark or ruby.  Light eyes in light colors permissible.

Ears:   Large, flaring, set on at an angle of approximately 45 degrees; giving breadth between ears. Tipped or broken down highly undesirable.

Mouth:  Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Tail:  Medium length, set high, carried up and over back (sickle tail). When moving, never tucked under or curled below the top line. Furry, flattish in appearance, broadening slightly in center and tapering to point.

General Appearance:  Small, dainty, compact.>

Hindquarters:   Muscular; hocks well let down, with good turn of stifle, well apart, turning neither in nor out.

Characteristics:  Alert little dog; swift-moving with brisk, forceful action and saucy expression.

Body:  Level back. Body, from point of shoulder to rear point of croup, slightly longer than height at withers. Well-sprung ribs, deep brisket.

Forequarters:  Shoulders well laid; lean, sloping into slightly broadening support above straight forelegs, set well under chest giving freedom of movement without looseness.

Feet:  Small and dainty, turning neither in nor out; toes well divided but not spread, pads cushioned, fine, strong, flexible pasterns. Neither hare nor cat-like, nails moderately short.

Smooth Coat:  Smooth, of soft texture, close and glossy, with undercoat and ruff permissible.

Size:  Weight: up to 2.7 kgs (6 lbs), with 1-1.8 kgs (2-4 lbs) preferred. If two dogs are equally good in type the more diminutive preferred.

Color:  Any Color or mixture if colors.

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