Long haired or short, Chihuahuas are a joy to keep. The Chihuahua is a toy breed known for its small size and big attitude. It is one of the world’s smallest dog breeds.
As a matter of fact, the world’s current smallest dog is a Chihuahua (female) named Pearl. Pearl is only 5 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 0.553 kg, according to the Guinness World Records.
If you are looking forward to keeping a long haired Chihuahua but want to learn more about the breed first, this article will help you out.
History Of Long Haired Chihuahua
The Chihuahua boasts a rich history. The breed originates from Mexico and is named after the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, where it was first discovered. Studies suggest that Chihuahuas have existed since at least the pre-Columbian era.
An extinct dog breed named Techichi is considered to be the ancestor of the modern-day Chihuahua. As recently as the 19th century C.E., the Toltec culture was breeding techichi.
Later, the Aztecs bred Techichis into smaller and less heavy dogs now recognized as Chihuahuas.
In 1904, the American Kennel Club (AKC) granted Chihuahua official recognition. A variety of other kennel clubs also recognize this breed.
Appearance
The only difference between a long-haired Chihuahua and a short-haired Chihuahua is the length of the hair. Otherwise, both dog types are the same. Long coat Chihuahuas have silky hair that can be straight or wavy.
Chihuahuas have small and long bodies that give the same sausage-like feeling as Dachshunds. Many consider the Chihuahua to be the smallest dog breed to exist.
Their height ranges from 6 to 9 inches, and their weight ranges from 1 to 2 kg on average. Height and weight can vary from what is considered average. Chihuahuas that weigh more than 2.7 kg (6 lbs) are considered unhealthy.
The color palette varies widely for Long hair chihuahua. The most common colors, however, include black, brown, white, cream, red, and fawn.
Chihuahuas have large, triangle-shaped ears and big, expressive eyes that are prominent.
Behavior
What sets Long Haired Chihuahua apart from other breeds is not just their iconic look but also their behavior. Despite being small, Chihuahuas are bold and expressive.
The keyword here is “bossy.” Chihuahuas are stubborn and even show territorial behavior. That’s why they are less likely to tolerate other animals in their territories.
If they dislike someone, they’ll bark at them to make it clear. But barking doesn’t necessarily mean they will attack; it is often just disapproval.
While most Chihuahuas are confident and bold, some are sensitive by nature and can easily become nervous.
Chihuahuas are extremely energetic and playful. They prefer playing, running, barking, and causing some trouble here and there over sleeping and lounging.
Chihuahuas are intelligent and can behave well if taught. They prefer spending time with their family, human beings, and dogs and dislike having strangers around.
Behavior with Kids
Chihuahuas are not the most outgoing with children. Chihuahuas are sensitive, and children can trigger them if they don’t know how to interact.
Chihuahuas do not generally appreciate roughhousing. Children’s fitful behavior can cause them stress and fear. Consequently, Chihuahuas can end up barking or even harming the children.
Like all dogs, Chihuahuas require adequate training to get used to children’s behavior and an environment with children.
Nonetheless, it is always a safe choice to keep an eye on your children when they are playing with a Chihuahua. Babies can startle Chihuahuas by crying out loud, so they should be kept away from them in any case.
Read Also: Husky Chihuahua Mix
Grooming
Long haired Compared to some high-shedding dogs, Chihuahuas shed an average amount of hair, which is maintainable by brushing and bathing. This shedding may vary slightly from dog to dog.
That said, long haired Chihuahuas are relatively easy to groom as compared to many other dogs. They have long hair that can either be straight or wavy and need regular grooming.
Your long haired Chihuahua needs regular brushing and bathing to maintain its look. Brushing should be done at least once a week; otherwise, one to two times a week would do.
Nails need to be trimmed every few months, and ears should be cleaned of debris. Use of a warm and wet cloth is recommended to remove the eye discharge.
Training
Chihuahuas are, no doubt, very intelligent and easily understand commands like “Sit” and “Stand.” While Chihuahuas understand what their owner is commanding, they often have a mind of their own.
Your Chihuahua may follow your instructions when they are in the mood; otherwise, they tend to do what they like. So if your Chi doesn’t follow your command, that doesn’t mean they don’t understand.
Chihuahuas have this habit of being the leaders of the pack. They must be trained to let go of this behavior if you want to subdue your dog.
Consistency is the key. With proper training, you can make your Chihuahua a wonderful dog to have company with.
Health
Chihuahua’s life span exceeds 12 years on average, which is longer than many of the dog breeds. Generally, smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than the larger ones.
Chihuahuas are genetically vulnerable to some neurological diseases like congenital deafness, congenital hydrocephalus, heart disease, hypoglycemia, eye infection, and patella dislocations.
They are also vulnerable to some common diseases, like obesity and oral health issues. Chihuahuas are relatively more prone to dental diseases than other dogs. That’s why regular teeth brushing becomes important. You can also buy them dental chews to take care of their oral health.
Some problems are complex and need professional treatment. Taking your Chihuahua to a good vet for regular health checkups is recommended.
Is Long Haired Chihuahua a good choice for new dog owners?
An active pet needs an active owner. And when it comes to keeping a Chihuahua, there are a few things to consider as follows:
- Chihuahuas bark a lot normally, which can be unbearable for some people, like neighbors or elderly people living in the house.
- Long hair Chihuahuas have grooming needs like brushing and bathing regularly. And most importantly, the training and socialization needs of Chihuahuas cannot be ignored.
If new owners can commit to taking care of these things, some of which will be inevitable with any dog, then there is nothing else to worry about.
Conclusion
The long haired Chihuahua has a rich history, a unique physique, and even a unique personality. As one of the world’s smallest dog breeds, most Chihuahuas have big attitudes. Their sausage-like body, silky long hair, and prominent eyes make them unique. Chihuahuas are known for their bold behavior, making them confident and bold companions. However, their interaction with young children needs to be monitored.
Grooming a long haired Chihuahua is not difficult. It requires regular brushing and bathing to maintain their iconic look. While Chihuahuas are intelligent and can be trained, they often have a mind of their own. Training and educating them requires patience and consistency. In terms of their health, they are vulnerable to specific genetic and common diseases, which necessitates regular vet check-ups.
For potential dog owners, the decision to welcome a long haired Chihuahua into their home should be made with some consideration of the breed’s unique needs, including training, grooming, and their tendency to bark a lot. If new owners are willing to commit to these responsibilities, a long haired Chihuahua can make a wonderful and loyal companion.
