Are you looking for a furry companion that is small, adorable, and easy to take care of? Look no further than the Long-haired Chihuahua! These pint-sized pups may be small, but they have big personalities and make excellent companions for the right owner.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Long-haired Chihuahuas, including their history, physical characteristics, temperament, care requirements, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a thorough understanding of what it takes to be a proud owner of a Long-haired Chihuahua.
| Size | 6-9″ in height |
| Weight | 3-6lb |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Breed Type | Toy |
| Purpose | Companion |
| Suitable For | Adult only houses |
| Color Variations | Black, brown, tan, red, blue, white and cream |
| Temperament | Loyal, loving, mischievous, tenacious and playful |
| Other Names | Long Haired Chi |
History & Origin
The long-haired Chihuahua is a popular toy dog breed known for its long and silky coat. Originating in Mexico, this breed has a rich history dating back hundreds of years.
The Chihuahua breed is believed to have originated in the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, which is how it got its name. The exact origin of the breed is unknown, but it is thought to be a descendent of the Techichi dog, a breed kept by the ancient Toltec people of Mexico. The Techichi was considered a sacred dog and was believed to have mystical powers.
The Chihuahua was first brought to the United States in the mid-1800s, and the long-haired variety was developed through cross-breeding with other long-haired dog breeds such as the Papillon and the Pomeranian.
The breed quickly gained popularity, especially among the wealthy and fashionable, and was soon recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
What Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Look Like?
The long, flowing coat of hair on Long Haired Chihuahuas gives them a unique look. Their coat might be a single shade of black, white, or tan, or it can be a mixture of black and tan, white and cream, or brown and cream.
Their physique is short and compact, and they have a spherical head with big, expressive eyes. They often have narrow, black noses and upright ears. Usually holding their tail over their back, Long Haired Chihuahuas have a slightly curled tail.
In general, Long Haired Chihuahuas are a highly adorable and endearing breed with a distinctive and eye-catching look.
Appearance
The appearance of Long Haired Chihuahuas is characterized by their long and flowing coat of hair, which is their most distinctive feature. They have a small and compact body structure, with a round head and large, expressive eyes. Their ears are usually erect, and their nose is small and black.
Long Haired Chihuahuas come in a variety of colors such as solid black, white, tan, or a combination of colors such as black and tan, white and cream, or brown and cream. Their coat requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny.
Overall, Long Haired Chihuahuas have a charming and cute appearance that is sure to turn heads.
Temperament and personality
The Chihuahua is unquestionably one of the most devoted and affectionate breeds. This breed is frequently eccentric and highly clever. Although being a lively breed, Chihuahuas do not need a lot of exercise due to their tiny stature. Because to its size, the breed is ideal for those who live in flats, tall buildings, limited yards, or are old or disabled. However, this breed is also known for being energetic and difficult to teach, but with the right socialisation and training, the Chihuahua makes a wonderful pet.
A chihuahua is generally best for adults, although they tolerate older children with little difficulty. Remember that due to the small size, the risk of injury when handling a small child can be significant. Therefore, most breeders do not recommend the breed for households with young children.
Common Health problems
- Luxating patella: Sometimes, Chihuahuas develop this issue that causes their kneecaps to dislocate.
- Dental disease: This is a general problem for dogs, but it can be especially troublesome for Chihuahuas due to their tiny mouths. Simply put, their teeth and gums are hard to clean and easily trap particulates, leading to tartar.
- Small dogs like Chihuahuas sometimes have a condition affecting the brain called “hydrocephalus.” The condition is a birth defect, and involves cerebrospinal fluid where it doesn’t belong.
- Chis are a breed that may suffer from tracheal collapse.
- Sometimes Chihuahuas’ skulls develop soft spots. The condition is referred to as “open fontanel.”
- Some Chihuahuas develop hypoglycemia.
- Most health problems that affect Chihuahuas can be managed if you identify them early and begin a treatment plan immediately.
- That is one of the reasons why it is so important to take your Chi to the vet every year for a checkup, even if he appears healthy.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good Service Dogs?
Long-haired Chihuahuas do not make ideal assistance dogs because of their diminutive height. They do, however, make good therapy dogs or emotional support animals. They may be an excellent alternative for someone who has low moods or concerns and wants a calming companion pet because they are extremely devoted to their owners and frequently are experts at picking up on human emotions.
Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas Loud Pets?
Longhaired Chihuahuas can be vocal dogs, but it really depends on their personality and how they are trained and socialized. Some long-haired Chihuahuas are quiet and reserved, while others may bark or yap frequently.
Chihuahuas, in general, are known for their tendency to bark excessively, and this behavior can be exacerbated in poorly trained or unsocialized dogs. However, with proper training and socialization, long-haired Chihuahuas can learn to control their barking and communicate in more appropriate ways.
Care
The second thing you should think about before bringing your own long-haired Chihuahua home is if you have the time and resources to provide for your dog’s daily care requirements. Let’s discuss training, grooming, exercise, and other topics.
Exercise
These dogs are playful and active, but they are not overly demanding in terms of exercise. Just make sure your Chihuahua gets thirty minutes per day of activity—either walking or playing. Chis are a great choice for a busy owner because of how little exercise they need each day.
Because of their small stature, Chis are prone to getting cold. In order to avoid trembling and discomfort while walking your Chi in the winter, you may want to consider getting a dog jacket.
Grooming
In terms of maintenance, a long-haired Chihuahua will require more continuing care than one with a smooth coat.
If your Chi had a short, sleek coat, you would just need to give him a quick brush every so often.
But, if your Chi is the long-haired variety, you should brush his coat no less than once every week. If you don’t give the lovely coat its routine brushings, it will rapidly get matted. The best tool is a metal slicker brush.
You will need to keep up with dental care, ear cleaning, and nail clipping just like you would with any other breed of dog. You’ll occasionally need to bathe your Chi, who has long hair. Compared to a Person with short hair, you might need to do this more regularly.
Training
One of the many advantages of Chihuahuas as a breed is that they are easy to train, thanks to how intelligent they are. Be aware that Chihuahua’s tendency to assert dominance over other animals in the household can even extend to you.
So, make it clear to your Chi while training that you are the alpha, not him. Of course, you should only use positive reinforcement while training your pet.
Diet and Nutrition
A Long Haired Chihuahua’s diet and nutrition are crucial for preserving their health and wellbeing. Because they are a small breed, they need a diet rich in protein and fat to give them the energy they need to stay active.
Look for a premium brand of commercial dog food that contains a high proportion of meat-based protein and good fats. Brands with fillers and byproducts should be avoided.
To avoid dehydration, you must always give your Long Haired Chihuahua access to fresh, clean water.
To prevent obesity and advance general health, it’s crucial to monitor your dog’s weight and give them regular exercise in addition to a balanced diet.
Consult with your veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your Long Haired Chihuahua and ensure that their nutritional needs are being met.
How Long Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Live?
Long Haired Chihuahuas have a lifespan of around 12 to 20 years. This is a relatively long lifespan compared to other dog breeds, which makes them a great companion for many years.
The lifespan of a Long Haired Chihuahua can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, nutrition, exercise, and overall health. Providing your dog with a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper veterinary care can help to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Purebred?
Long haired Chihuahuas are the smallest purebred dog in the world. Their lineage can be traced back directly to the first dogs bred by the Aztecs. If you are adopting your long haired Chihuahua from a breeder, you will likely be given papers that certify your dog’s lineage and their eligibility to participate in dog shows and the like as a purebred dog.
Are long-haired Chihuahua good pets?
Long-haired Chihuahuas can make great pets for the right person or family. They are known for being loyal, affectionate, and playful, making them excellent companions. However, like all dogs, they have their own unique personalities and may not be suitable for everyone.
Do long haired Chihuahuas bark a lot?
As for barking, Chihuahuas, in general, are known to be vocal dogs and may bark frequently, especially if they are not trained properly or are not socialized enough. However, proper training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking.
How much money is a long-haired Chihuahua?
The cost of a long-haired Chihuahua can vary depending on several factors, including the dog’s age, lineage, and location. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 or more for a purebred long-haired Chihuahua puppy.
Are long haired Chihuahuas yappy?
Regarding whether long-haired Chihuahuas are “yappy,” it’s important to remember that every dog is unique and may have different tendencies. However, it’s true that Chihuahuas, in general, are known to bark a lot and can be vocal. Proper training and socialization can help reduce this behavior.
Is a Long Haired Chihuahua the Right Dog for Me?
It depends on your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences. Long-haired Chihuahuas can make great pets for the right person or family, but it’s important to do your research and consider whether their traits and needs are a good match for your lifestyle and abilities as a pet owner.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the right person or family can enjoy having a Long Haired Chihuahua as a pet. Although they are devoted, playful, and loyal, they might not be right for everyone. Before bringing a Long Haired Chihuahua into your home, it’s important to take into account your lifestyle and the amount of care and attention the dog needs. Excessive barking and other undesirable behaviours can be reduced with the right training and socialisation.
Additionally, prospective owners ought to do their homework on trustworthy breeders or think about adopting from a rescue or shelter. A Long Haired Chihuahua can make a wonderful addition to any home with the right care and attention.