The Chihuahua is a breed with a very compact body. The most important aspect of the breed standard is that the skull is apple shaped and that their tail is both moderately long and carried very high. The tail should be either curved or form the shape of a semicircle with the tip of the tail pointing in the direction of the loin region.

When it comes to proportions the Chihuahua should be slightly greater in length than their height at the withers. 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is described as a small, dainty, compact breed with a highly spirited intelligence while being neither snappy nor withdrawn in behavior.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.

The Chihuahua should have steps that are long, springy, energetic and active while have both good reach and drive. When viewing from the back, the Chihuahua should have hind legs that move almost parallel to each other in order for the foot prints of the hind feet to fit directly into those of the front feet. The limbs show a tendency to converge towards the center point of gravity or a single track when they increase speed. The head should remain raised and firm, giving free and springy movement without any visible effort. Their coat should be glossy with a soft texture if they are shorthaired and fine, silky and smooth or slightly wavy if they are longhaired. The standard admits all shades and combinations of coat color. The ideal weight for a Chihuahua according to the standard is between 1.5 and 3 kg. While lighter weights will be accepted, weights over 3 kg will be disqualified.

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