Do you want to know more about Chihuahua colors and markings?
Besides Chihuahuas being cute, fun companions, they also come in a variety of colors.
But what colors do they come in? And are there any health or temperament issues associated with Chihuahua colors and markings?
Let’s find out if the Chihuahua is the right breed of dog for you.
The Origin of Chihuahua Colors
Chihuahuas are ancient terrier-like dogs, and it isn’t known how they first came to Mexico.
An ancestor of the Chihuahua was a favorite of the Toltec people, and Aztecs refined the breed.
The Chihuahua’s lineage possibly includes other dogs from Central, South and North America.
Perhaps that’s why there’s so much variation in their color and markings.
The small size of the modern Chihuahua may come from crossbreeding with a hairless Asian dog.
That ancestral dog came to North America through the land bridge that is now the Bering Strait.
The first Chihuahua was registered in the American Kennel Club in 1908.
Chihuahuas come in two coats—long and smooth.
Chihuahua Colors and Appearance
In addition to not exceeding 6 pounds and a height of 5 to 8 inches, Chihuahuas come in a large range of colors.
And if you add markings, there are even more.
But before we go into markings, let’s look at the most common colors.
These are
- black
- chocolate
- gold
- fawn
- cream.
If that’s not colorful enough for you, there may be a
n occasional Chihuahua with fur that is blue, red, silver, sable, tan, brown or white!
And like the pups in our pictures, it’s possible for Chihuahuas to sport more than one color in their coat at a time.
Rare Chihuahua Colors
Rare Chihuahua colors include full solid-colored dogs, especially pure white dogs, and spotted-on white.
A fawn appearance is a light tan with a red undertone.
Blue dogs are in fact a shade of black. However, the skin pigmentation of the eyes, nose, lips and paw pads are blue.
Silver Chihuahuas are a shade of gray with white hairs shooting through, creating a shinier color than gray.
Chocolate Chihuahuas have brown hair with brown skin on eyes, nose, lips and paw pads instead of black.
Cream dogs are light tan with an almost white color.
Chihuahua Markings
This breed’s markings include masks in white, black and blue, along with fawn, cream, red, merle and white.
Other markings include spotted-on white, black sable and black masks with white markings.
Merle is a splashed pattern with darker color patches on top of diluted color patches. This controversial color pattern has been banned in show Chihuahuas in some countries.
Sable refers to black-tipped hairs on a base color such as fawn or red.
Brindle refers to a pattern of darker stripes on a lighter background.
Chihuahuas may also have kiss marks, a patch of color in the eyebrow area.
They may be tri-colored, marked, piebald or splashed.
Some Chihuahuas may even have ruby eyes, which usually look dark but turn red under certain lighting conditions.
These markings can all be found as both long-haired Chihuahua colors and smooth-haired Chihuahua colors.
Health of Chihuahuas Based on Appearance
Chihuahuas are one of the brachycephalic breeds, with flattened, shortened skulls. It gives them a cute expression, but this also causes health problems.
Chihuahuas with apple-shaped heads and bulging eyes could indicate a higher likelihood of hydrocephalus.
These small dogs are also more at risk of
- patellar luxation
- tracheal collapse
- pancreatitis
- hypoglycemia
- intervertebral disk disease
- brachycephalic airway syndrome
- overcrowded teeth.
There are also some health concerns which a directly connected to specific Chihuahua colors.
Chihuahua Colors Connected to Health
With regard to Chihuahua colors, the main concern is that certain markings may be linked to genetic weaknesses.
In this respect, the wide variety of colors and markings in the Chihuahua don’t do the breed any favors.
Piebald Chihuahuas and merle Chihuahuas are most at risk.
The genes for these types of coloration are associated with eye and ear problems, including deafness and blindness. That’s why these colors are outlawed by some breed registries.
Chihuahuas also carry a dilution gene, which allows for more washed-out pigments.
Dogs with the dilution gene can suffer a condition called color dilution alopecia (hair loss) as a result of a faulty version of the dilution allele. This problem is most commonly experienced by dogs with blue coats.
A similar condition occurs in black and liver dogs, called black hair follicular dysplasia.
Chihuahua Grooming
Grooming differences are required for different Chihuahuas. It’s not based on color so much as hair length.
Smooth-coated Chihuahuas just need an occasional brushing and bath.
Long-haired Chihuahuas will need to be brushed thoroughly at least once a week to avoid tangles and mats.
Because dental issues can be problems in Chihuahuas, you should brush their teeth regularly. Also, check ears and trim nails.
Chihuahua Colors – Summary
Chihuahuas come in a huge array of colors and markings.
Two of these, Piebald and Merle, can have implications for their health. Responsible breeders of these colors will be able to discuss these with you, and the precautions they take to protect their litters.
Do you have a favorite Chihuahua color?
Tell us which you have at home in the comments box!
References and Further Reading:
“Caring for Chihuahuas,” Chihuahua Rescue Victoria
“Chihuahua,” American Kennel Club
“Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals: Chihuahua (Long and Smooth Coat),” Universities Federation for Animal Welfare
“Health Problems Linked to Color,” Dog Coat Color Genetics
“Merle Statement: Health Problems Associated with the Merle Allele,” Chihuahua Club of America
Davey Herring says
I have a dear Apple Head Chihuahua hair on under his white sometimes the rest of his hair is tan real light tan and then he’ll change to a dark brown then sometimes he turns to a real bright red he’s like a chameleon or a mood ring he just changes colors do you have any ideas why he does that
Tonya Hensley says
I have a question please email as soon as possible I have a few questions
I had two chihuahua babies born May 22 when they were born the girl was solid white. Then when she got about 3-4 weeks old these spots started Appearing what I thought at first it was poo stain on the hair that the momma didn’t get off but as time went on more spots started appearing really more like patches instead of spots then the hair around her ears and down by her eyes started showing now it looks like she is white with a cream or more of a chocolate look her nose is chocolate her paw pads are brown or more of an Amber color and pink. Her eyes look green with brown around her eyes the lids look brown and around her mouth look brown. So I’m wondering what color is she. Also her brother looks Tan with a little white in places like around his nose. His nose color is black with chocolate on it around his eyes the lids look brown and his eye color looks green. Around his mouth looks to be a dark brown almost black. And his paw pads are Amber. What color are my two babies can you help me and please send me information because this is the first time my girl the momma and my boy the daddy had babies please help ASAP. Thank You
Kathy Shriver says
My Chihuahua puppy is a base coat of red and a lot of back hairs over it.She has a black mask and slightly brown ring around top of her eyes. I think he is a wolf sable color!
Sue says
My chi is a ginger with white paws & breast. Like you would see on a boxer. He is now 5 yrs old. His fur seems to be changing to a tan on his face & brows this year. His name is teddy.
Freya says
My chihuahua started off as a silver blue colour with blue eyes and a black tail, but he is now sable with brown eyes.
Ashley Bredesen says
With merle and piebald chihuahuas, will the deaf or blindness be at birth or develop over time? Like after years?
Tammy says
Ellie, my 6 week old chihuahua is white. No other colors at this point.
Kathryn Mapley says
I have just got a 9 week old chihuahua his name is teddy and hes adorable hes chocolate brown with gold paws and his eyes are green is this rare
Marla says
He’s a chocolate it’s not very rare. His green eyes will turn amber as he ages.
Amanda Foster says
My little 7week old chihuahua has chocolate base coat, tan/red kiss marks above her eyes and this is on her paws and around her mouth. Plus she had a brown nose and blue eyes. I would love to know what coat she is considered.
Sincerely,
Amanda Foster
and Olive (puppy name)
PS. I tried to attach a photo of my sweet girl, but couldn’t find the option
Jennifer Fagalar says
I have 2 chihuahuas. My 11 yr old long hair girl that has a brown mask on her face body is white. With hints of black and brown. My other is my new edition. Hes 2 months old Short hair .He looks like a red/brown color with tan on his eye brows and feet. A little patch of white on chest. I love love to know more about the markings and colors.
Claudia says
Hi I have 3 Chihuahuas one is a female blue white and tan tricoloured is it rare. The oldest is a male just a white based with brown spots and the youngest is a sliver blue with white markings are they rare? The sliver is the blue white and tan tricoloured and white based with brown spot’s baby
Joan says
My chihuahua mix is blue with a few brown markings. When I got her at 9 mos, she was mostly bald but then slowly started to grow hair. She now has a bald stripe down her back but lots and lots of silky/fluffy hair in her sides. She’s very different looking, her hair is super soft, she gets lots of looks.
Phyllis says
Our 3 year old pup is a recuse. They listed him as a red with tuxedo marking, he is a beautiful dog and loves to cuddle. He weighs 8 # and the vet wants him to gain weigh but he runs the fence line with the neighbor black chihuahua that he doesn’t gain. We love him just the way he is.
Jacqueline Emery says
My chihuahua was black and silver grey at 4/5 weeks. She is now black, cream, white and she is now getting salt and pepper marking on her head and neck which look silver/grey is that rare?
Virenda says
My new Chihuahua puppy is piebald. The breeder told me her color is very rare, but I now have read that it might come with health complications. Is this true? Should I ask for one of the other puppies from the litter?
Laura says
My long hair Chihuahua is tortoise shell in color. Is this rate?
Lucy says
Hi Laura, if you would like to send a photo of your lovely dog to [email protected] we’d be happy to consider including it in the article, and to see if we can identify which Chihuahua color it comes under! Best wishes, Lucy