The 5 Rarest Chihuahua Colors + Pictures

ByMarco & Michelle Updated on

Chihuahuas are known for their adorable and compact size, but did you know that they also come in a variety of rare colors and patterns? 

From snow white to lavender, merle to brindle, Chihuahuas can come in a variety of stunning shades that are sure to turn heads.

Whether you’re looking for a Chihuahua with a unique coat color or simply intrigued by the fascinating genetics behind these variations, read on to find out

Let’s find out the 5 rarest Chihuahua colors and see what they look like.

5 Rarest Chihuahua Colors

Here are some of the most unique and uncommon Chihuahua colors you might come across.

Merle Chihuahua

a small merle chihuahua puppy, one of the rare chihuahua colors

Merle Chihuahuas have a unique coat pattern that is characterized by patches or splotches of darker color against a lighter background.

The merle coat pattern in dogs is caused by a specific gene known as the merle allele.

The gene responsible for the merle pattern is the semi-dominant merle allele, denoted as “M.”

This means that having just one copy of the merle allele (M) is enough to express the merle coat pattern.

This pattern came about in Chihuahuas only around 15 years ago, but merle Chihuahuas are not purebred because merle coloring doesn’t naturally happen in Chihuahua DNA. 

It has to come from a different dog breed.

Merle Chihuahuas can also be prone to health issues such as hearing and vision problems if they are not bread ethically.

The American Kennel Club advises against breeding 2 merle dogs together.

Merle is a common pattern in dogs like Australian Shepherds, Collies, Dachshunds, and Border Collies.

Lilac/Lavender Chihuahua

the face of a lavender long haired chihuahua, one of the rare chihuahua colors

Another rare Chihuahua color is lilac or lavender. 

Lavender Chihuahuas have a diluted chocolate coat that appears silvery-grey. 

This unique hue is the result of a dilution gene. 

It’s worth noting that the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not officially recognize this color.

Lilac Chihuahuas can also have blue or green eyes.

Breeding the lavender color is challenging because even if two lavender dogs are mated, there’s no guarantee of getting lavender puppies. 

To achieve this color, one of the mates must carry the diluting “d” gene.

Brindle Chihuahua

a small brindle chihuahua standing, one of the rare chihuahua colors

Brindle Chihuahuas have a coat pattern that features tiger-like stripes.

The brindle pattern is not as common in Chihuahuas as some other breeds, making it unique and eye-catching.

The American Kennel Club recognizes 3 types of brindling: blue brindled fawn, chocolate brindled fawn, and fawn brindled black.

The gene responsible for brindling is the “K locus” or the “brindle gene.” 

This gene interacts with the A locus (agouti) gene, influencing the distribution of pigments in the coat.

The brindle pattern is common in dogs like Great Danes, Boxers, Greyhounds, and Mastiffs.

Snow White Chihuahua

a pure white chihuahua puppy with a brown nose and pink ears laying down, the rarest chihuahua color

Snow White Chihuahuas have a pure white coat without any other markings. 

While cream is a common color in the breed, snow-white Chihuahuas are the rarest color because you have to breed 2 snow-white Chihuahuas together.

To figure out if a Chihuahua is pure white, check out their nose, nails, and eyes. 

Their nose and ears will be pink, they’ll have light nails, and their eyes will be lighter. 

They will not have any black pigment.

All Black Chihuahua

a totally black chihuahua is standing and licking it's lips

All black Chihuahuas have a solid black coat color. 

The black coat gene is a dominant gene, making it a common color.

But usually, black Chihuahuas have white or fawn markings on their chest or paws.

While black is a prevalent color in Chihuahuas, the all-black variety is quite a rare Chihuahua color, requiring the inheritance of three dominant genes.

These Chihuahuas have a solid black coat without any other markings. 

Bot short-haired and long-haired Chihuahuas can boast a black coat.

Health Implications of Rare Colors

When it comes to rare colors in Chihuahuas, there can be some health implications to keep in mind. 

While not all Chihuahuas with rare colors will experience health issues, some colors may be linked to certain conditions.

For example, Chihuahuas with a merle coat pattern may be more prone to deafness and eye-related issues.

If you are considering adopting a chihuahua with a rare coat color, it is important to research the potential health risks associated with that color and to talk to a veterinarian before making a decision.

Understanding Chihuahua Colors

7 chihuahuas sitting in a row, all different colors

The American Kennel Club lists 30 colors plus 11 different markings for Chihuahuas! 

They only recognize apple head and deer head Chihuahuas with long-haired coats or short-haired coats. 

The color of a Chihuahua’s coat is determined by genetic factors. Black is the most dominant color in Chihuahuas.

The genes responsible for coat color can be passed down from the parents to their offspring.

Not all Chihuahuas will have the same coat color, even if they come from the same litter.

The combinations that arise from these variations make for an impressive and visually striking spectrum within the Chihuahua breed.

Summary

We’ve revealed the top 5 rarest Chihuahua colors ranging from the exquisite lilac to the captivating brindle and the pristine snow white.

While rare Chihuahua colors can be visually appealing, it’s crucial to acknowledge that they can also impact the health of the dog.

For those intrigued by the idea of owning a Chihuahua with a rare color, the key lies in finding an ethical breeder. 

Ethical breeding practices prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs, ensuring that genetic diversity is carefully managed.

FAQs

What Is the Rarest Chihuahua Color?

The rarest Chihuahua color is believed to be pure white. While white/cream Chihuahuas are not uncommon, those that are completely devoid of any black pigment are considered to be very rare.

What Are the Most Common Chihuahua Colors?

The most common colors are cream, fawn, black, brown, and red.

Are There Albino Chihuahuas?

Albino Chihuahuas, characterized by a lack of pigmentation in their eyes, skin, and coat, are exceptionally rare. True albinism in dogs is a genetic condition that results in a complete absence of melanin, the pigment responsible for coloration.

How Much Does A Chihuahua Puppy Cost?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more for a Chihuahua puppy from a responsible and reputable breeder.

What Is A Piebald Chihuahua?

A piebald Chihuahua is a Chihuahua with a coat pattern that is mostly white with patches of another color. This is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the distribution of pigments in the fur.

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Marco & Michelle have been passionate about animals since childhood, growing up alongside dogs (including Chihuahuas), a hamster, guinea pigs, and a rabbit. They currently reside in San Diego with their rescue Chihuahua, Leo. They've dedicated over two years to researching and sharing insights about Chihuahuas through their blog. Additionally, they run an online store that offers products catering to Chihuahuas and their adoring fans.

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