Kennel Club permits inter-variety matings in chihuahuas
A decision has been reached to allow inter-variety matings for chihuahuas.
The Kennel Club Board has reached an agreement with the chihuahua breed health coordinator to allow inter-variety matings in the breed.
The agreement follows a discussion with the 10 chihuahua breed clubs about whether the breed should be able to inter-variety mate, or whether this should only be with special permission. It was revealed that the majority of respondents were in favour of inter-variety mating, without having prior permission to be sought.
In a statement, the Kennel Club said that it has agreed to allow the inter-variety mating of smooth and long coat chihuahuas. Chihuahua breed health coordinator, Dr Geoffrey Curr, said:
“This positive development for chihuahuas would not have been possible without the unanimous support of all ten breed clubs. The allowing of inter-variety matings within the breed will have a positive effect upon genetic diversity for future generations, so this is very good news indeed.”
Kennel Club genetics and research Manager, Dr Tom Lewis, added: “The move to allow inter-variety matings for chihuahuas will be helpful to breeders striving to deliver a sustainable population for generations to come and so is very welcome. The breed clubs should be proud of taking a step that will contribute to attempts to preserve genetic diversity in the Chihuahua breeds.”
Applications to register puppies resulting from inter-variety matings must be made on a paper form (not online) and all enquiries regarding such matings in Chihuahuas should be directed to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
