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Long-haired Chihuahua

Chihuahua

Family: CanidaeCanis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Justin Brough

   The Long-haired Chihuahua is a classy little dog, full of personality and spunk.

  The Long-haired Chihuahua is one of two recognize types of Chihuahuas, the other is the Short-haired Chihuahua or Smooth-coat Chihuahua. There are some other names applied to these toy dogs with special characteristics. These include the term Teacup Chihuahua for very small dogs, and Applehead Chihuahua for those with the AKA standards preferred head-shape, being "a well rounded apple domeskull". However all of these cute little toy dogs, are still simply Chihuahuas.

The Chihuahuas are the smallest of all types of dogs, and are the tiniest of the small dog breeds. They are classified as toy dogs. They make wonderful pets for good consist ant keeper. These are dogs with a strong-will, yet are extremely devoted to their owners. They are quick learners with a curious nature and make for an entertaining companion. Their suspicion of strangers makes them excellent guard dogs as well.

   There are some important things to be aware of when selecting a dog of this breed. They have large and prominent eyes, so they are prone to eye problems. These little toy dogs are also susceptible to respiratory problems. To protect them and to keep them healthy, Chihuahuas need to be kept in a clean environment.

Common Name(s)   Long-haired Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Teacup Chihuahua, Long-haired Applehead Chihuahua

Breed Type   The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world. Classified as a toy breed they make a most suitable pet. The Chihuahua is most comfortable in warm climates.

Background   The Chihuahua is said to have been discovered in Mexico in 1850. They were sometimes bred for food, but they were also used in religious ceremonies and prized by royalty. It is speculated that Chihuahuas are descended from Chinese hairless dogs and ancient Mexican breeds. There are only two recognize types of Chihuahuas, the Long-haired Chihuahua and the Short-haired Chihuahuas, but no distinction is made for registration purposes.

Description   Chihuahuas are small dogs with large heads and pointed muzzles. They have prominent, dark eyes, and may have short or long hair. They come in a variety of colors, and all are acceptable according to breed standards. Puppies sometimes have a molera, or soft spot in their skull, which may or may not close when they get older. The sizes of males and females are similar, with an average height of 6-9 inches and weight of 2-6 pounds.
  The Long-haired Chihuahua has a fluffy sleek appearance due to soft, fine guard hairs padded with a soft undercoat..

Care and Feeding   Chihuahuas do best on a diet that is composed of poultry and brown rice. They can be sensitive to some foods, and beef is not suggested for their diet. Give your Chihuahua a bath monthly, but be careful not to get water into its ears. Nails should be trimmed as needed. The Long-haired Chihuahua requires no trimming of its coat, which can actually take up to two years to fully grow out, and needs very little grooming.
  Chihuahuas should have annual checkups, and receive vaccinations as follows:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

  The Long-haired Chihuahua does shed, but it actually sheds less than it's Short-haired counterpart. But because they are prone to respiratory problems, try to keep dust to a minimum. It will be necessary to remove hair from the furniture and vacuum on a regular basis.

Housing Your Dog   Long-haired Chihuahuas are indoor dogs. They enjoy playing with small toys and they need a warm environment. They will often find a cozy place to snuggle up in and go to sleep. Keep an eye out, as they are very small and that place may be under blankets.

Social Behaviors   Chihuahuas are very loyal to their family but not so sociable with other humans. They can get along with other Chihuahuas fairly well, but around other dogs and other types of pets they may become aggressive. They are also not recommended for children.

Handling and Training   Long-haired Chihuahuas are intelligent and fast learners, but they are also strong willed. Sometimes this can make them difficult to train. Using positive reinforcement is the most effective method, and patience, as this breed is often difficult to housebreak..

Activities   Much like other dogs, Long-haired Chihuahuas need daily walks, but these can be short walks. They also enjoy playing both indoors and out.

Breeding/Reproduction   Mates for Chihuahuas should be examined for gum problems, rheumatism, and eye problems. Females sometimes need Cesarean sections due to the size of the offspring's heads.

Common Health Problems   The design of the Chihuahua's eyes and nose make both susceptible to problems, including wheezing, colds, and glaucoma. They may also suffer from rheumatism and stress. They should be seen by a vet if they display signs of these problems.

Availability   Long-haired Chihuahuas can be obtained from breeders or in pet stores. Prices vary greatly, but are generally in the $500-$800 range.

References "Chihuahua", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
"Chihuahua (dog)", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Chihuahua", Referenced online, 2008
Welton, Michelle, "Chihuahuas: What's Good About ‘Em? What's Bad About ‘Em?", Copyright 2000-2008
"Chihuahua Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
"The Chihuahua Dictionary", Bigchihuahua.com, Copyright 1998-2005. Referenced online, 2008

Lastest Comments on Long-haired Chihuahua View all 57 comments on Long-haired Chihuahua Add Your Comment

sammie - 2012-02-08 I've grown up with Chihuahuas. I got my first one about 4 years ago and since that shes had two liters of pups. My dad kept one of the first ones. He was a long hair and we all loved him very much. Just last friday he got hit and dad is so upset over it so we're trying to get a male long hair to breed with Misty, my dog. Wish me luck Click For Replies (1) Charlie Roche - 2012-02-09 You will find one. I am sorry. Reply

Benjamin Cobb - 2012-02-08 i have a Long-haired Chihuahua his name is paco and i love him to death and he gets along with are other 4 dogs just thay like to bairy him so he dont go out with the others Reply

Tony Estabrooks - 2012-02-02 I also have a long hair chihuahua and his name is Taco aka Taco bell. And i love him to death.Taco bell is very good with my 3 cats and he would play with one of them. And he only 2 years old. And he is also great when i am feeling down and he is my best friend in the world. Reply

Bella\'s Mom - 2011-07-05 I have a long haired chihuahua named Bella. She's now 13 weeks and her coat is still pretty short, with a little longer coat around her ears and neck. When does their coat normally come in or do some long hair chihuahua give birth to short coats. I saw both of her parents and they were both long coat. New to the breed and very confused. Click For Replies (4) Charlie Roche - 2011-07-05 I will try and answer. The coat on a your little chihauhua is not really going to grow faster than the hair on your head. Sometimes it just takes awhile. Also, right now her coat is a baby coat. At approximately 6 months old they will "blow" this baby coat and look like a regular chihauhau. Sometimes the coat stays long around the head but usually the coat just sorta dissapears. Don't be alarmed as this is normal. Then your little guy will start to grown his adult coat which the long hairs are known for. This can take as much time as a year but you will have a long haired looking chihuahau before that. But the coat probably won't be the length it is going to be as a full grown adult for up to a year. Bella\'s Mom - 2011-07-05 Thanks for the info. Jeanette - 2011-07-10 I have a long hair chihuahua female she is 3 years old it takes a full year for them to get their full coat, in males longer, and in the summer their coat will stay slightly long but not thick. When my baby gets her fur in the winter she is really fluffy kinda like a Pomeranian but not so thick you will notice a big difference as she gets older make sure you brush her you don't want her to start getting knots ;) Alex - 2011-07-12 Their coats come in around 3 years old. I'm getting a long hair chi in a couple week and I've been doing lots of reaserch :) :) :) :) :) :) Reply

sham - 2011-12-21 I have a long haired chihuahua that just turned a year old on the, 19th dec. His name is Lucky Boy. He is very smart, but every morning I find that he has peed all over the tiles outside my house this happens everyday. I do beat him and try to teach him not to do it but he still does it this is the only problem I have with him, other than that he is a really smart dog. How else can i train him to stop doing it ?? Click For Replies (5) Charlie Roche - 2011-12-22 It will never do any good to hit/beat a pup. Besides you are doing it after the deed is done so your dog just thinks you are hurting him for no reason which leads to anxiety and possibly the behavior. Could he be afraid of morning? That is a little pup and he can only hold it so long. You can remove water after 6 pm - should bedtime be the 11 pm. You can take him out earlier and possibly in time, he will be able to hold it longer. He is going per you he has 'peed all over the tiles OUTSIDE my house'. You can try and put paper down (or a wee wee pad on the tile and then move to grass. Hurting the dog each morning and the pup has no idea why will just lead to anxiety. He is housebroken and per you going outside -- now you have to figure out a way for him to go where you would like. You can walk him earlier. Lucy - 2011-12-28 Never beat a dog! Are you walking the dog outside? If you are just letting him out by himself..please change this routine and take him out on a leash and show him where to go potty. This will take time to correct his bad behavior but it can be done, only if you put in the time. (One of my dogs is 9mos, but I walk both of them in the rain and snow). Also, you can remove water early, so he can get all his pee out before you go to bed. But remember to give him water as soon as you get up is the morning. He is just a baby and can not hold his pee too long. But if you don't have the time to spend with him to train... either find him a new owner or get the water hose out and wash the tiles off each morning. sk - 2011-12-31 You don't deserve to have a dog if you are going to beat him! amanda smith - 2012-01-06 No wonder he is peeing all over the tiles...you have pissed him off literally. don't beat your animal, how dare you! Suzanne - 2012-01-16 Do not hit your dog. He won't learn that way. Keep him a crate or the bathroom at night. Make sure you feed him just twice an day, take him out about 15-20 minutes later, praise him when he makes. At bedtime, lock him in the crate. Put a towel or old blanket in the bottom. Take him right out to make in the morning. Praise him again. Look online for good hints about potty training, too. Good luck! Reply

WINNIE - 2010-05-21 I live in pa, my dog tego is always chewing himself. Any help with skin problems. The vet wants 700 to test for allergies and @ 700 if he is for the 1st shots. That is air and food allergies both. Please help if you can. I give him 1/2 children benadryl when it gets real bad. Click For Replies (7) shelley - 2010-10-27 Change your dogs diet try a food called Natural Balance it has limited ingredients and don't give him nothing else, also stay away from chicken ingredients I have a rottie has skin problems it worked. shelley - 2010-11-27 Ther is a website called allergicpet.com they sell a herbal medicine that I have my chihuahua on for skin problems which can run in blue chihuahuas try it. Sharyl - 2011-01-22 It's probably food or flee allergies..My dog only get Natural Balance (by Vandyke) Fish and Sweet potato (Petco has it)..I tried chicken and beef and that really made it bad (all the hormones and crap they put in the dog food) and in the spring she only need 1 flee treatment and she's good. It take a while for it to clear up. but I bathe her in a Tea Tree shampoo to calm the skin. PT - 2011-04-20 Our 3 year old long hair female chihuhua Precious, has brought nothing but pure joy in our lives. My wife, Ella, and I are retired and just love her so much. She is very smart. She is strickly a house dog except when we go for a daily walk. She is not a barker like some small dogs. She is friendly with strangers but rather stay close to my wife. She really knows how to share her love. During the day light hours she would rather go for walk with me or ride in my pickup truck. But, at night she is moma's girl. At our age we are blessed to have her. Jessica - 2011-05-07 I just bought a chihuahua a 9 wk. old. The first thing I noticed about her is that she was chewing on herself all the time. Two days later I went to Pet Smart and bought some shampoo for dogs that have sensitive skin (has oatmeal in it) and I bathed her in it. She instantly stopped!! And here I thought there was some kind of allergy problem and was going to have to put her on some kind of med. I'm so glad I tried that first! shelley - 2011-12-01 Try feeding him a food called natural balance get it at pet co it has limited ingredience or a product called skin e z on the internet Suzanne - 2012-01-16 You could try a food, like Solid Gold for small dogs (pink bag). It has ingredients that are good for allergic dogs: no corn or wheat, etc. They sell it at Petco, but you can find it a little cheaper online. It is expensive, but you just feed it twice a day, dry, by weight. Reply

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