So you’re interested in long hair Chihuahuas? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Read on to learn everything you need to know about long haired Chihuahuas.
First, long hair Chihuahuas are not a different breed. Both long hair and short hair Chihuahuas are just, well, Chihuahuas. The difference between the two lies in their different coat lengths.
Long haired Chihuahuas have longer fur and tend to have a fluffier look compared to short-haired Chihuahuas.
Since both long hair Chihuahuas and short-hair Chihuahuas are the same breed, they are similar in all things (size, temperament, and so on), but their coat length! To make it simple, though, we’ve comprised some of the most important unique characteristics, health issues, and more all about the long hair Chihuahua in this article!
About the Long Hair Chihuahua
As we mentioned earlier, Chihuahuas with long hair and other Chihuahuas are still the same breed. The main difference lies in the difference in their hair length!
So, if your Chihuahua (or the Chihuahua you are hoping to adopt) has longer hair around their ears, necks, legs, and tails, then you are looking at a long-hair Chihuahua!
Due to the longer hair, this type of Chihuahua will require a little more grooming than their short-hair relatives. However, since they are just as small as their short hair counterparts, tangles and mats are easy to avoid with just a little brushing.
We recommend you brush your long haired Chihuahua at least once a week, but daily maintenance is even better! Small combs such as this one are easy for the daily maintenance needs of your long-haired Chihuahua’s coat.
Aside from grooming, the other qualities of a long haired Chihuahua, such as temperament, health issues, and size are all the same as the short hair Chihuahua.
Long Haired Chihuahua Temperament
Long haired Chihuahuas may be small dogs, but they have big personalities! Chihuahuas, wether they be long-hair or short-hair, are an incredibly loyal breed and also very intelligent.
But they can be a little stubborn!
Therefore, it is important to have rules for your Chihuahua, especially when teaching your Chihuahua to control the ‘terrier’ temperament they’re known for!
Unfortunately, the breed is rumored to be aggressive, so many may avoid adopting a long haired Chihuahua. Although Chihuahuas are often seen as an aggressive breed, this isn’t part of their personalities. Rather, it is a learned behavior, so there are steps you can take to minimize this trait.
Socialization from a young age is one of the most important ways to minimize aggression seen in adult Chihuahuas. Another step you can take is to meet your dog’s parents, to judge how friendly they are (genetics play a role in personality). Obviously, these steps are only possible if you get your long haired Chihuahua when it is a puppy.
But not all adult Chihuahuas are aggressive. And if you’re looking to get a long haired Chihuahua, rescue dogs are another really great option!
Long Haired Toy Chihuahua
Even though Chihuahuas are already small dogs, some people prefer them to be even smaller!
Long haired teacup Chihuahuas aren’t a separate breed. They are just smaller dogs in the same breed.
The size of these smaller pups, unfortunately, comes with additional health issues, such as increased risk of heart disease and liver shunts. Both of these diseases are potentially life-threatening!
It is important to do lots of research and consider these risks before you decide to get a long haired teacup Chihuahua puppy.
Long Haired Chihuahua Health
It is not just long haired teacup Chihuahuas that have health concerns.
Health is an important issue for any breed – this includes long coat Chihuahuas.
Here are some of the major issues long haired Chihuahuas can be prone to, and steps (if any) that we can take to reduce the risks:
- Chihuahuas in general can be prone to heart conditions like mitral valve disease and patent ductus arteriosus.
- They are also prone to a condition called hydrocephalus, which involves a buildup of fluid in the brain, causing an enlargement of the head and potentially brain damage.
- Chihuahuas, as small dogs, have a higher risk of canine patellar luxation.
You can read about a few more health issues commonly seen in Chihuahuas here. A good way to keep on top of issues is to have regular check-ups with your vet!
Long Haired Chihuahua Grooming
Unfortunately, both long hair Chihuahuas and short hair Chihuahuas shed. The nice thing about both types of Chihuahuas is that since they are tiny dogs, it is rather easy to keep up on their grooming.
Long hair Chihuahuas, in particular, benefit from regular brushing and bathing. Not only will both types of grooming cut down on shedding, but it will also prevent any tangles or mats from developing in their coat.
If you prefer not to brush your Chihuahua, you can either consider adopting a short hair Chihuahua instead of a long haired Chihuahua, as the short hair does not require brushing. Or, you can find a groomer who is experienced in giving a puppy-cut (also known as a shave) to your long hair Chihuahua.
Unlike some other small breeds with longer hair, Chihuahuas are not known to have alopecia (hair loss), so shaving their coat does not typically increase the risk of balding in the breed.
Long Haired Chihuahua Puppies
There are a lot of Chihuahuas looking for homes in rescues and shelters, however there is nothing wrong with choosing to look for long haired chihuahuas as puppies from a responsible breeder.
If you’re looking for longhaired chihuahuas for sale make sure you follow a few of the guidelines listed below to be confident you have found a responsible breeder and a healthy Chihuahua!
There are steps you can take to make sure the puppy you’re getting is as healthy as possible – both for your benefit, and your new pup’s!
- You can ask to see the parent dogs.
- You should ask whether the parents have been health tested.
- Have good knowledge of the health problems long coat Chihuahua puppies may be prone to.
- You should also ask whether the puppies are being socialized.
This is important with this particular breed because early socialization will reduce the risk of aggression both towards people, and towards other dogs!
If, after looking at breeders, you feel like you would rather look for long haired chihuahuas for adoption, there are a lot of options! From Craigslist, to Petfinder, to local Rescues, to local Humane Societies. Chihuahuas, sadly, are the second most euthanized dog in the United States due to overpopulation. This sad fact means that there are plenty waiting for you to choose them to become a part of your household.
Long Haired Chihuahua Price
The cost of long haired Chihuahua puppies can vary quite a lot!
Depending on the breeder, they are advertised from $500 to $1200, and sometimes even more. Why does the cost vary so much? Breeders vary pricing based on the size of the litter (Chihuahuas often have very small litters), unique colors (looking for Merle Chihuahua…you may end up paying more), and the health testing of the parents leading up to the litter.
If you find a breeder that is asking a high price, but they have invested a lot of money into the health testing of the parents and the puppies, it may be a worthwhile investment to choose to pay the higher cost.
However, if you find a breeder that is asking a high price based on color or size alone…they can not provide any information on health testing…beware! A breeder that is focused on producing a certain color or size in their litters without doing regular health testing may be unintentionally breeding health conditions in their lines.
Beyond the initial price for your Chihuahua puppy, it is important to remember that is just the initial cost.
You will also have to take into account food bills and vet fees.
And if you’re not looking to get a long haired Chihuahua as a puppy, or willing to wait until a puppy comes along, you can also consider rescue dogs! Rescue fees tend to be much lower than what you would pay for a breeder.
Long Haired Chihuahua – Summary
Long haired Chihuahuas are a great breed to add as a new member of your family!
However, it’s important to remember the health issues that can be inherent in this little breed.
But with proper socialization, regular vet checks, and a healthy lifestyle your Chihuahua puppy can flourish.
And every long haired Chihuahua is different!
Are you looking to get a long haired Chihuahua as your next dog?
Let us know the best thing you’ve found about having a long haired Chihuahua as a pet!