Chihuahua Stud Dog: Health Testing, Size, and What to Look For

The world's smallest dog breed — but Chihuahua stud selection deserves serious attention

The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed in the world, and one of the most popular. With both smooth-coat and long-coat varieties, apple-head and deer-head conformation types, and an enormous range of colors, the Chihuahua breeding community is diverse and passionate. But small size creates real whelping risks, and conditions like hydrocephalus, patellar luxation, and cardiac disease are common in carelessly bred lines.

Choosing the right Chihuahua stud is about more than size — it is about producing puppies that are healthy, well-structured, and long-lived.

Health Testing for Chihuahua Studs

The Chihuahua Club of America (CCA) recommends the following health evaluations for breeding Chihuahuas:

Patellar Luxation — OFA Evaluation

Patellar luxation is the most common orthopedic issue in Chihuahuas. OFA evaluates patellae from 12 months of age. A breeding stud should be Grade 0 (Normal). Grade 1 is marginal; Grade 2 or higher is a disqualifier from a responsible breeding perspective.

Cardiac Evaluation — OFA or Cardiologist

Heart disease, particularly mitral valve disease and pulmonary stenosis, occurs in Chihuahuas. An OFA cardiac evaluation is the gold standard. At minimum, the stud should have a clean cardiac exam with no murmur noted annually.

CAER Eye Examination

Hereditary eye conditions including cataracts are documented in Chihuahuas. An annual CAER exam by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist should be current at the time of breeding.

Hydrocephalus Awareness

Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) is a known issue in Chihuahuas, particularly in apple-head dogs with very domed skulls. There is no DNA test, but a stud with a very extreme dome and an open fontanel is a higher risk. Ask about the stud's fontanel status and whether any of his offspring have been diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

Apple Head vs. Deer Head: Does It Matter?

The AKC standard describes the Chihuahua as having a well-rounded "apple dome" skull. In practice, Chihuahua breeders use two informal terms:

Apple Head — Rounded, domed skull, shorter muzzle, more defined stop. This is the AKC conformation type. Apple heads can have more hydrocephalus risk if the dome is extreme.

Deer Head — Flatter skull, longer muzzle, more sloped forehead. Not conforming to AKC standard but often described as healthier structurally, with lower hydrocephalus risk.

For show breeders, apple head conformation is required. For pet-quality breeding programs, deer head Chihuahuas are a valid choice.

Coat Types in Chihuahuas

Smooth Coat (Short Hair) — The short, tight coat that lies flat against the body. The smooth coat gene is dominant.

Long Coat — A soft, longer coat. Long coat is produced by a recessive gene (the L locus). Both parents must carry at least one copy for long-coat puppies to be possible. If you want long-coat puppies, confirm the stud is either long-coat himself or DNA-confirmed as a long-coat carrier.

Size in Chihuahuas: What You Can and Cannot Control

• "Teacup" is not a recognized size category — Dogs marketed this way are simply very small individuals, often with corresponding health risks
• Stud size affects offspring size but does not guarantee it — A 3 lb stud bred to a 5 lb female will produce puppies across a range of sizes
• Very small studs can cause whelping complications — Discuss risks with your reproductive veterinarian before choosing a very small stud

Color Genetics in Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas come in virtually every dog color and pattern. Key points:

• Merle — Never breed merle to merle. Double merle puppies are at high risk for blindness and deafness.
• Blue and Isabella — These dilute colors carry a risk of Color Dilution Alopecia. Breeding two dilutes together increases the risk.
• Chocolate — A recessive gene requiring two copies to express.

What Does a Chihuahua Stud Fee Cost?

Chihuahua stud fees in 2026 typically range from $300 to $1,500 depending on size, color, AKC registration, and proven fertility.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Can I see OFA patella and cardiac certificates?
• Is the stud's fontanel closed, and does he have any signs of hydrocephalus?
• What is his coat type — smooth or long — and has he been DNA tested for coat length?
• What is his weight at adulthood, and what sizes have his offspring been?
• Is he AKC registered?
• Has he produced litters, and can I speak with previous dam owners?

Summary

A quality Chihuahua stud has OFA patella and cardiac clearances, a healthy skull structure, and an owner who is upfront about size, coat genetics, and color. Avoid extreme teacup dogs with open fontanels and any merle-to-merle pairings. A healthy stud produces long-lived, sound puppies — and that is always worth more than the smallest dog on the market.