Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Long Hair Chihuahua Deciding to adopt a dog is a significant decision. It means welcoming a new member into your family whom you’ll cherish and care for.
When you’re certain about wanting a furry companion, you must choose the type of dog that suits you best. If you’re considering a long hair Chihuahua, we’re here to offer guidance.
In this guide, we’ll provide comprehensive information about the long hair Chihuahua. We’ll discuss fundamental facts about this breed, their temperament and trainability, and address any health concerns they may have.
Keep reading to learn more about this lively, loyal breed and determine if they’re the perfect fit for you.
Gilda Radner said:
“I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”
Long Hair Chihuahua Dog Breed History
The Long Hair Chihuahua is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. It originally came from Mexico. The Chihuahua’s ancestors were called Techichi, which were brought by the Toltecs.
Later, the Aztecs changed these dogs to become smaller, which is what we now know as the Chihuahua. Some studies say the first Chihuahua-like dogs appeared around 100 AD.
The Aztecs had different reasons for having Chihuahuas. They used them as pets, for religion, rituals, and even for food. The Chihuahua’s name comes from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where they were first bred.
Long-haired and short-haired Chihuahuas are the same breed. The only difference is their fur length. Around the 1800s, Chihuahuas started coming to the United States.
People liked the long-haired Chihuahuas more. Some people thought they were mixed with other small dogs like Pomeranians to get their long fur, but it’s natural for them. In 1904, the first Chihuahua was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Later on, Chihuahuas became popular in dog shows. They even won championships. In the 1940s and 50s, Chihuahuas, both long and short-haired, became very famous. They appeared in movies like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Legally Blonde.”
Nowadays, Long Hair Chihuahuas are still popular. People and families like them because they’re independent, energetic, and loyal, but not too hard to take care of.
Long Haired Chihuahua Lifespan
Long hair Chihuahuas tend to live for quite a long time compared to other dog breeds. On average, they can live from 14 to 20 years. But remember, certain things like a stressful environment or health problems might reduce their lifespan.
On the other hand, if they have a happy and healthy life, they could live longer, even reaching the upper end of that range.
Appearence
Long Hair Chihuahuas have triangular ears, round eyes, and a unique snout that makes an ‘L‘ shape. They are small dogs and can be different colors like black, brown, cream, fawn, or red, or a mix of these.
Their fur can be very long or medium-long, and it can be straight or wavy. They look fluffy and cute, but they also have a lot of energy and a big personality, even though they are small in size.
Size
Long Hair Chihuahuas are among the tiniest dog breeds. They usually stand from 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh between 3 to 6 pounds. Males tend to be taller than females, but both genders stay around 6 pounds when healthy.
Coat Type
A Long Hair Chihuahua has a silky coat with longer fur on its body and ears. The fur can be straight or wavy, and its length varies from medium-long to very long, based on genetics
Temperament
Long Hair Chihuahuas are known for their lively personalities. They might come across as a bit bossy, but they’re not usually aggressive and intolerant. They bond closely with their owners and enjoy being around them a lot.
Depending on the Long Hair Chihuahua’s personality, they might thrive in a big family or prefer being the only pet. They’re very loyal and love to spend time with their owners.
Despite being small, Long Hair Chihuahuas are energetic and need exercise and playtime to stay healthy. They respond well to affection and high-value treats during training. While they might seem confident in public, they’re more relaxed and cuddly at home with their owners.
Grooming
Taking care of your long hair Chihuahua’s fur is important. If you don’t brush or bathe them regularly, their long hair can get tangled or matted.
You can also take them to a groomer to trim their hair and remove any loose fur, but it’s good to brush them yourself once or twice a week to keep their coat healthy.
Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Shed?
Your long hair Chihuahua will shed a moderate to slightly higher amount of fur, depending on factors like their individual characteristics and how well you care for them.
Because of their longer hair, some people might worry about having dog hair all over their house. However, you can usually keep shedding under control by brushing them once a week and giving them regular baths.
Food and Nutrition
Your long hair Chihuahua needs a balanced diet to stay healthy. They should eat between four to ten ounces of food each day, divided into two or three meals.
Good-quality dry dog food usually meets their needs, but you can also give them some healthy treats now and then.
If you’re not sure about what to feed your dog, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet. Also, keep an eye on your long haired chihuahua weight. If it changes suddenly, it could mean there’s a medical issue that needs attention.
Health Problems
Long hair Chihuahuas might face some health issues because of their genes and small size.
These could include problems like dislocated kneecaps, low blood sugar, tooth or gum diseases, and obesity.
If you notice any worrying signs in your dog, it’s important to see a vet. Remember, it’s crucial to keep your dog happy and in good health.
Long Hair Chihuahua Care
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Affectionate?
Long Hair Chihuahuas, like Chihuahuas in general, are often thought to be not very affectionate. This is because they tend to bark a lot and can get anxious.
However, Long Hair Chihuahuas are actually quite loving towards their owners and like to spend time with them. They’re loyal and prefer to sit on their owner’s lap most of the time.
Do Long-Haired Chihuahuas Display Aggression?
There’s a common misconception about Long Hair Chihuahuas being aggressive, but it’s not entirely true. They’re often very protective and loyal to their owners, which can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, showing teeth, or growling.
However, they’re unlikely to attack or bite without a reason. Most of the time, if a Long Hair Chihuahua shows aggressive behavior, it’s because they’ve learned it, but it can be trained out of them to make them happier and less stressed.
If you’re concerned about your Long Hair Chihuahua’s behavior, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet first. This can help rule out any health problems that might be causing the behavior. Then, you can start training to help reduce the aggression.
Long Haired Chihuahuas Good With Kids
Long Hair Chihuahuas might not be the best choice if you have young children, especially if they don’t know how to be gentle with pets. Chihuahuas are small and fragile, so they can get hurt easily if kids play too rough with them.
Also, Chihuahuas might get scared by the erratic movements of small children and start barking or growling, which can stress everyone out.
If both your children and your Long Hair Chihuahua get the right training and socialization and learn how to behave around each other, it might be okay to have the dog around older kids. But it’s not recommended to have them around babies or very young children.
Long Haired Chihuahuas Good With Other Animals
Your Long Hair Chihuahua might get along well with other animals, but it depends on both your other pet and your Chihuahua’s personality.
Some dogs like to be the center of attention and might cause issues with other pets, while some Chihuahuas can easily fit in with a household full of dogs or cats.
It’s easier for Chihuahuas to adjust to other animals if they meet them when they’re young, but even older dogs can learn to live with other pets with supervision at first.
Also, don’t be surprised if your Long Hair Chihuahua starts being bossy once they feel at home. Their personalities are usually strong, so they might try to take charge over other animals, even if they’re bigger.
Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Bark a Lot?
Long Hair Chihuahuas tend to bark a lot, which might bother your neighbors. Even though their bark isn’t very loud because they’re small, they have a strong ‘yap’ they use to get attention or show excitement.
Sometimes they bark when they’re frightened, as displays of fear or nervousness. With proper training and socialization, you can help decrease the amount your Long Hair Chihuahua barks out of fear or general protective behavior.
This is beneficial for both you and your dog. However, keep in mind that they’ll still be more vocal than some other dog breeds.
Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas Smart?
While Long Hair Chihuahuas may not be thought of as the smartest dogs, they’re actually smarter than average. They can understand human feelings and learn basic tasks easily, like being housebroken to go to the bathroom outside.
However, their intelligence can sometimes make them stubborn. This stubbornness might make them appear unintelligent, but they’re just following their own desires.
Training
Training a Long Hair Chihuahua can be straightforward, but they can also be stubborn at times. They’re generally open to learning and can grasp basic commands like “yes,” “no,” and “stay.”
However, there are instances when they prefer to do their own thing rather than obey commands.
House training a Chihuahua might pose some challenges because of their small size. They might slip off and do their business inside your home without you noticing.
It’s crucial to remain patient and consistent with house training, and eventually, your Long Hair Chihuahua will learn basic commands.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Energetic?
Long Hair Chihuahuas have a high energy output. They need to go for a few short walks each day to stay fit and healthy. It’s important for them to visit a park with other dogs once or twice a week so they can run around and socialize with others.
At home, ensure your Long Hair Chihuahua has plenty of toys to play with and spends quality time with you. This provides them with mental stimulation and helps them burn off their energy. If they don’t get enough exercise and stimulation, they might start showing destructive behavior or feeling nervous.
Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas Suitable for Apartment Living?
A Long Hair Chihuahua is a great choice for apartment living. They’re small and don’t need much space. Their grooming needs are easy to manage, and they’re happy with short walks and toys.
One thing to note is that they can be quite loud with their yapping, which might cause noise issues. But with training, you can teach them to bark less, reducing any problems.
As long as they have a comfy spot in your apartment to relax, your Long Hair Chihuahua will be perfectly happy living with you there.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good Watchdogs?
The Long Hair Chihuahua is a great watchdog. They’re protective and loyal to their owners.
Their keen sense of hearing and sharp eyes allow them to detect strangers or other dogs earlier than many other breeds. They’re also a vocal breed and will bark if they notice anything unusual on their territory.
Are Long-Haired Chihuahuas Suitable as Service Dogs?
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