Chi Apso

The Chihuahua stands as the smallest recognized dog breed in the world, measuring just five to eight inches at the shoulder and weighing no more than six pounds according to the American Kennel Club breed standard. Despite their diminutive stature, these tiny dogs possess a well-balanced and graceful build with a slightly longer body than height. Their movement is swift and purposeful, displaying confidence that seems to contradict their small size. The breed carries itself with a distinctive alert and terrier-like expression that immediately captures attention. A well-proportioned Chihuahua should appear compact but never cobby, with sufficient bone to support their structure while maintaining their delicate appearance. The most recognizable feature of the Chihuahua is their apple-shaped dome skull, which gives the head a rounded appearance unique to this breed. Large, luminous eyes set wide apart dominate their expressive faces, conveying intelligence and a keen awareness of their surroundings. Their ears stand erect and large in proportion to the head, flaring outward at a forty-five degree angle when alert. The muzzle is moderately short with a slightly pointed appearance, and the nose is typically black, though lighter colors are acceptable in lighter-coated dogs. The breed standard allows for a small molera, or soft spot on the skull, which is a distinctive breed characteristic that may persist throughout life. Chihuahuas come in two distinct coat varieties that are judged separately in conformation shows. The smooth coat variety features short, close-lying fur that appears glossy and soft to the touch, with a possible undercoat that provides some protection from temperature extremes. The long coat variety displays a soft, flat or slightly wavy coat with feathering on the ears, legs, feet, and tail, creating an elegant plume effect. Both varieties appear in virtually every color and pattern combination imaginable, from solid colors to marked, splashed, and brindled patterns, making each Chihuahua visually unique. Common colors include fawn, black, white, chocolate, cream, and combinations thereof, with no color or pattern disqualified from the show ring.

The Lhasa Apso is a small but substantial dog that stands approximately ten to eleven inches at the shoulder and weighs between twelve and eighteen pounds. Despite their compact size, these dogs possess a sturdy and well-balanced build with a body that is distinctly longer than it is tall, creating a rectangular silhouette that reflects their heritage as sentinel dogs in Tibetan monasteries. Their movement is free and easy, with good reach and drive that demonstrates their athletic capability despite their flowing coat. The overall impression is one of a hardy, confident small dog rather than a delicate toy breed, conveying substance and soundness beneath their abundant fur. The Lhasa Apso's head features a narrow skull that falls away behind the eyes, giving a balanced appearance neither domed nor completely flat. Dark brown, medium-sized eyes are almond-shaped and set moderately apart, conveying an intelligent and alert expression that reflects the breed's watchful nature. The pendant ears are heavily feathered and hang close to the cheeks, blending seamlessly into the abundant coat. A black nose sits at the end of a medium-length muzzle, and the bite should be either level or slightly undershot as a breed characteristic. The head furnishings typically include heavy hair falling over the eyes and a well-developed beard and whiskers that give the face a distinguished appearance. The crowning glory of the Lhasa Apso is their magnificent double coat, which is heavy, straight, and dense with a good undercoat for insulation. The topcoat should be hard in texture rather than woolly or silky, providing protection from harsh weather conditions that the breed evolved to withstand in their Tibetan homeland. This abundant coat is parted down the middle of the back and falls naturally on either side of the body, often reaching the ground in fully coated adults. All colors and patterns are acceptable in the breed, including gold, cream, honey, smoke, slate, parti-color, black, white, and brown, with or without dark tips on the ears and beard.