Blue Chihuahua: Is That A Myth Or An Actual Breed?
Chihuahuas come in different coat colors, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) has accepted all colors according to the breed standard. Among these different coat colors, you will often hear about blue chihuahuas.
This is one of those rare Chihuahua breeds. It comes from breeding two blue chihuahuas, but there is no guarantee that the color will pass on to their litter. The litter may just have fawns, browns, and tans.
This is a recessive gene, and the color could come from the bloodline, but skip a few generations. Also, it is unethical to breed two blues due to health concerns.
What Is A Blue Chihuahua?
If you ever come across the term blue Chihuahua, know that they are referring to a coat color. Their coat is not a vibrant blue color. It is more grey-ish blue or dark blue-ish black. Moreover, this could be in addition to other colors.
To breed a blue-coated dog, you will have to use parents that carry a diluted black gene (which is recessive). The bluish tinge that you see in the dog coats is because of that gene.
How Is It Different From Other Chihuahuas?
Every Chihuahua is unique and special. However, a blue chihuahua is a chihuahua pup who is bred to have a light silver-grey coat with a hint of blue in it.
Are blue Chihuahuas rare? Yes, they are. They can be a deer head chihuahua or an apple head chihuahua. They are mostly produced from mating a tan and a black chihuahua, a tan chihuahua, or a fawn chihuahua.
The important part is that the parents need to carry the recessive blue gene in their heritage. The blue shade can be a part of a marle patterned, multicolored, or tri-colored coat.
Are There Any Issues With The Color?
Most vets and knowledgeable breeders are against breeding with the same together. It is highly unethical. Some of the breeders conduct tests before mating to identify the genes that the dogs carry.
This is because the diluted color gene carries a lot of hidden defects. Breeding two dogs with the same gene can lead to a lot of health problems. This includes alopecia, skin issues, and coat growth issues.
Similar to anu teacup chihuahuas, the controversy is about the hidden defects of the genes linked to the blue color, which is the reason behind the health issues.
If you have a blue or grey chihuahua who is experiencing coat thinning, the reason behind this could be a genetic condition.
Is There A Way To Avoid These Health Issues?
If you are choosing a breeder to get a dog, research it well. Look into the parents of the litter that you are considering. If they are promoting the dog as a blue and rare breed, that itself is the sign to back out.
Choose a breeder who prioritizes profit over quality, exacerbates the problem, and often exploits the chihuahua breed. When you are choosing a fur baby, you have to consider your lifestyle.
Moreover, you have to understand their energy level and whether they are sociable. No matter what the breed is, you need to check whether they will fit into your lifestyle. Even though this coat color is rare, that should not be your priority.
What Are Some Other Rare Color Chihuahuas?
As I mentioned, AKC accepts Chihuahuas of all colors, including blue Chihuahuas. However, there are some other colors as well that are rare.
1. White
There are various Chihuahuas that have a white coat, but the pure white color is one of the rarest of all. Albino Chihuahuas, or those without pigment, are the rarest. However, they would likely be prone to sunburn, deaf, or blind.
No reputable breeder would purposefully breed these puppies because of the health risks. However, white Chihuahuas that have pigment on their skin come with the regular health issues, and none of this sort.
2. Blue Merle
These chihuahuas have light coats with darker black or blue markings. In dogs, the color blye is not very true; it is more like the color grey. Merle is a recessive gene and is quite rare to see in a Chihuahua.
Two dogs that have the merle gene should never be bred together, as it can result in double merle pups. Again, there are various health issues associated with this.
3. Chocolate Blue
Chocolate blur chihuahuas are a dilute brown or light brown. Their fur is lighter in shade than the chocolate Chihuahuas because of the presence of a recessive gene.
4. Black
You will find various black chihuahuas, but most of those are not pure black. Their fur colors are somewhat different and are mixed with some other colors. Moreover, you can find small white spots in their fur. Pure black chis are extremely rare.
5. Black & Silver
These Chihuahuas have black and grey coats and are rarely seen. They cost a lot more than any other Chihuahua puppies because of their rare genes.
Pick Yourself A Good One
If you are determined to get a blue chihuahua, then you might have to wait a while. They are rare and not readily available. And because they are rare, it is unlikely to find them in a shelter.
Even if you get one, you will have to be extra cautious, as they are prone to various kinds of health issues. There are various myths and health issues as well that you might have to deal with, so be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are some common questions people will ask while discussing these rare, blur-colored pups. Here are a few mentioned.
Blue, chocolate, lavender, blue/fawn, brindle, or diluted chocolate male chihuahuas range from $4500 to $5500. Any other male chihuahua, no matter what the color is, ranges from $3000 to $4000.
Pure white chihuahuas are the rarest. With so many possible colors in their bloodline, a solid white chihuahua is quite rare.
The average lifespan of these pups is 14 to 16 years. Some may even live longer and reach 18 to 20 years of age. Their lifespan is mostly longer than that of any other breed, and they make amazing long-term companions.
Smooth coat Chihuahuas are popular for their shiny, sleek appearance. And the best part is their short fur. They shed less and require minimal grooming, making them an amazing choice for people who want a low-maintenance pet.
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