Is a Long-Haired Chihuahua Right for Me?
Rocky Kanaka
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Most of us are at least somewhat familiar with chihuahuas, as this dog breed has been a popular one for centuries. But did you know that chihuahuas can have both short coats and long coats?
Keep reading to learn about long-haired chihuahuas to determine whether this dog breed is the right option for you.
What Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas?
Chihuahuas are one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world, given their name after the state in Mexico where they were likely first bred. The long-haired and short-haired dog variations are technically the same breed, but long-haired chihuahuas have longer, thicker coats than their smoother-coated counterparts.
At one time, though, it was assumed that long-haired chihuahuas got the length and fullness of their coats due to being bred with long-haired dogs like Pomeranians. However, scientists later discovered that long coats were just a recessive, yet completely normal trait in chihuahuas.
Long-haired chihuahuas have standing, triangular ears, large round eyes, and an L-shaped snout that connects to the dog’s face at a sharp 90-degree angle. They’re small breed dogs and their coats come in a variety of lengths, colors, and textures.
Let’s Meet 5 Long-Haired Chihuahuas on IG
If you’re trying to picture a long-haired chihuahua in your mind’s eye, let us help you out by introducing you to five lovable long-haired chihuahuas on Instagram.
1. Milo
Milo was born in 2014 and lives in New York City. He’s a quiet, affectionate little dog who likes spending time with his people and housemates. Check him out @milowiththegoodhair.
2. Mr. Miyagee
Mr. Miyagee lives in South Africa and serves several roles in his busy life. He models, acts, and works as a therapy dog. Mr. Miyagee also has a sister named Lula Belle. Follow them both @mrmiyageesa and @mademoiselle_lula_belle.
3. Venus
Venus is an adorable chi from Brazil who has her own clothing line and website where other dog lovers can take advantage of stylish accessories for their fuzzy friends. Check Venus out on Instagram @venusafrodite_.
4. Tarao
Tarao was born in 2013 and lives in Tokyo with a Pomeranian housemate. He and his owners regularly provide photo and video highlights covering their adventures. Follow Tarao @licca_tarao_0311.
5. Huey & Duey
Huey and Duey, aka The Twin Chis, were rescued from a puppy mill and their humans are happy to admit that these two are foster fails. Looking at their photos, getting attached to them seems very easy. Check them out @thetwinchis.
General Information
Long-haired chihuahuas are curious and full of energy. They like investigating the world around them and they develop affectionate relationships with their owners. Despite their small size, these dogs have protective personalities and may take it upon themselves to guard their homes, toys, and owners.
Long-haired chihuahuas get their long coats when one or both of a pup’s parents have the recessive gene in their DNA that produces longer coats. Both long-haired and short-haired puppies can come from the same litter, as some puppies inherit the gene while others might not.
Traditionally, chihuahuas were bred in Mexico to serve as companion animals, though their natural instincts also made them useful in hunting rodents and other small animals.
- Temperament: Like other chihuahua breeds, the long-haired chihuahua has a lot of energy, is very vocal, and needs moderate mental stimulation. They’re smart dogs and relatively easy to train. Chis are affectionate, protective playful, and adaptable.
- Size: typically between 6-9 inches tall, 6 lbs or less in adult weight
- Lifespan: 14-20 years
- Grooming: A long-haired chihuahua should be brushed once or twice a week, and they need to be groomed on a regular basis.
- Coat: Long-haired chihuahuas usually have straight, silky coats, but they can also have curly or coarse coats depending on the hair type each dog inherits from his or her parents.
Health Concerns
Long-haired chihuahuas are at a greater risk of developing certain health conditions compared to other dog breeds. Some conditions are genetic while others are more related to the dog’s breed and size. Let’s cover common health issues in chihuahuas.
- Weight Management: Due to their small size, any weight gain beyond the dog’s normal range can be a health hazard. As such, it’s important to maintain the dog’s diet and exercise to keep his or her weight at a healthy level.
- Joint Issues: Chihuahuas may have weak knees, which leads to patellar (kneecap) dislocation. Chihuahuas are also at risk for developing hip dysplasia.
- Oral Health: Chihuahuas may deal with gum, tooth, or other oral health issues.
- Spinal Conditions: Because they’re such small dogs, chihuahuas may have sensitive bones and may be more prone to spinal injuries than other breeds.
- Affected Organs: Heart, liver, or kidney problems are not uncommon in chihuahuas.
- Other Concerns: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), hydrocephalus, and tracheal collapse are also conditions owners need to watch out for if they have chihuahuas.
Many of the potential health hazards that affect chihuahuas can be prevented or managed with adequate care. For one, chihuahuas need a balanced diet that provides them with all of the nutrients they need to thrive. They need regular exercise and their coats need to be groomed as often as needed.
Finally, owners will need to attend routine veterinary appointments to ensure that their dog’s preventative care plan is well managed. Under a doctor’s care, a long-haired chihuahua can live a long, very healthy life. When issues that develop are caught and managed early, they tend to produce more mild effects, which helps maintain the best quality of life for the dog.
Long-Haired Chihuahua FAQ
If this article has piqued your interest in long-haired chihuahuas, you’re certainly not alone. Here is a list of questions most frequently asked about these dogs, and for convenience, we’ve provided answers.
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Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Do long-haired chihuahuas shed?
Long-haired chihuahuas shed about as often as any average dog breed, sometimes more depending on the time of year. For example, a long-haired chihuahua may shed more often when losing his or her winter coat.
How long do long-haired chihuahuas live?
The typical lifespan of a healthy long-haired chihuahua is between 14 and 20 years. For dogs, they have incredibly long lifespans. In fact, some of the oldest dogs on record have been chihuahuas.
How do I groom a long-haired chihuahua?
Brush the dog’s coat a couple of times a week to keep the fur from getting matted and remove shedding that has not yet fallen off. Check your dog’s eyes, ears, and paws for dirt or debris and clean them as needed with a soft cloth. Keep the dog’s nails trimmed short and make sure your chihuahua gets regular baths.
Are long-haired chihuahuas hypoallergenic?
Long-haired chihuahuas are not considered hypoallergenic.
Do long-haired chihuahuas need haircuts?
A long-haired chihuahua usually won’t need a haircut, but trimming the dog’s coat might be helpful to prevent matting and to make grooming easier.
How much do long-haired chihuahuas cost?
The price range for a long-haired chihuahua puppy is usually between $500 and $1,500. To find a long-haired chihuahua for sale, you’ll likely want to explore reputable breeders in your area. However, it’s possible to occasionally find long-haired chihuahuas available for adoption from a shelter.
Does a long-haired chihuahua’s hair grow back?
If proper grooming is performed and the dog is fed a healthy diet, a long-haired chihuahua’s fur should grow back with no problems if it’s been cut.
How big do long-haired chihuahuas get?
Long-haired chihuahuas are small dogs, and they usually stand between 6 and 9 inches tall as adults. They’re also lightweight, typically 6 lbs or less.
Are long-haired chihuahuas born with long hair?
Some long-haired chihuahuas are born with longer coats, but others will gradually develop their long coats as they grow. It can take up to two years for a long-haired chihuahuas coat to grow to its full length.
Are long-haired chihuahuas double-coated?
Some long-haired chihuahuas are double-coated while others only have a long top coat.
Are long-haired chihuahuas good pets?
Long-haired chihuahuas can make great pets, especially for owners who want an energetic, intelligent little dog. They’re affectionate, playful, and full of personality.
Are long-haired chihuahuas rare?
Long-haired chihuahuas are the result of a recessive gene in their DNA, which makes them less common than short-haired chihuahuas but not necessarily rare.
Can two short-haired chihuahuas have long-haired puppies?
Yes, two short-haired chihuahuas can have long-haired puppies, so long as at least one parent possesses the recessive gene that produces long coats. Puppies who inherit this gene will have longer coats than puppies who do not inherit the gene.
Can you shave a long-haired chihuahua?
It’s okay to give a long-haired chihuahua a summer haircut, but it’s best to have a professional groomer cut your dog’s hair.
Do long-haired chihuahuas bark a lot?
Like other chihuahuas, long-haired chihuahuas are typically very vocal dogs. However, each dog has his or her own personality and some dogs may be more or less vocal than others.
Do long-haired chihuahuas need sweaters?
Long-haired chihuahuas are more resilient against cold weather, but due to their small size, they can lose body heat rapidly. As such, it’s a good idea to put a sweater on your long-haired chihuahua when temperatures drop.
Do long-haired chihuahuas need to be groomed?
Yes, long-haired chihuahuas need to be groomed regularly to prevent their coats from becoming matted or tangled. Owners will need to brush their dogs once or twice a week and either thoroughly groom them or take them to a professional groomer as needed.
How much does a long-haired chihuahua weigh?
Usually, a long-haired chihuahua will weigh around 6 lbs or less as an adult. However, chihuahuas may struggle with weight management so their diets need to be carefully monitored.
How often should I bathe my long-haired chihuahua?
Long-haired chihuahuas should be bathed at least every three months, but if they spend a lot of time outside or traveling, bathing should be done more often. Some owners give their chihuahuas a bath every six weeks or so.
How do I care for a long-haired chihuahua?
Long-haired chihuahuas require much of the same care components as other dog breeds, though they do have a few unique needs.
To properly care for your dog, you’ll need to feed a healthy, balanced diet and ensure that your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Provide your chihuahua with access to clean water, and perform regular grooming routines.
How do I clip a long-haired chihuahua’s nails?
It’s best to have a professional groomer trim a long-haired chihuahua’s nails, but if you want to do it yourself, use small dog clippers and only clip the white tips of the dog’s nails.
Chihuahuas can be incredible pets, and their naturally long lifespans make them ideal for humans who want to spend upwards of two decades beside a dedicated canine friend. These dogs are inquisitive, fun-loving, and they enjoy spending time with the people they’re bonded to. In many cases, they’re capable of getting along with other dogs and older children (younger children may be too rough for a chihuahua’s safety).
If you’re thinking about adding a long-haired chihuahua to your family, we hope that this guide has provided you with helpful information.
SOURCES
- Dogacademy.com
- AKC
- Ilovemychi.com
- thesmartcanine.com
- pawsocute.com
- pawsgeek.com
- chihuahuawardrobe.com
- petcarerx.com
- rockykanaka.com/healthydogfood
- rockykanaka.com/worldsoldestlivingdog
- asavetcharities.org
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