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
• “Chihuahua Puppies for Sale”, Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008

Lastest Animal Stories on Long-haired Chihuahua View all 100 Animal Stories on Long-haired Chihuahua Add Your Animal Story

laurie - 2013-01-05 I love the feisty demeanor of this breed. They are very smart. Some are couchpotatoes, some Need lots of play time. They are very entertaining. Mine is long haired & often confused with Papillions. It took 2 years to housebreak him. He knew better but was stubborn. Thank you to the family who rescued the pups. I'm sickened by human behavior. Jim - 2013-06-11 It took our dog about a month or two after we got him. At the time we got him he was 4 weeks old. He goes on his 'puppy pad' all the time. One thing.....sometimes he will miss but don't we all miss once in a while? He's very good at sleeping at night. he will go into his cage when he's tired(10-11pm) and won't wake up until 8:30am. My wife walks him twice a day and if he had his way he'd live outside(nice weather). Reply

Anonymous - 2009-12-21 Our long-hair chihuahua is almost two years old and such a sweetheart. She gets along great with our relatives' small dogs and at home with our 13 year old cat. Its so cute to watch the cat and dog play tag around the house (although the chihuahua knows the cat is the alpha pet). She still has potty-training accidents during bad weather, but otherwise is very behaved. Unlike most of her breed, she rarely barks and rather lick people then bite/growl. Chihuahua's have a very bad rap for being yappy and ill-tempered dogs but not all of them act that way. Erika - 2010-03-23 i have a 1 year old long haired chi and she is the sweetest dog. She also never ever barks and loves to lick people. I thought my Peanut ( that's her name cause she is only 3 lbs) only did that. As far as potty training goes, she is too little to go outside in the snow so I have placed a small pan with a piddle pad in it in the corner of my bathroom and she goes in there. She also goes outside when its nice out, but I found this to work great for chi's that are so small. emily - 2010-05-17 Is he cute? Maryanne Porter - 2013-02-09 I have 2 long hair chihuahuas and they are so wonderful. I was given the first one from my daughter and he was so shy and scared of everyone and everything. He was 2 now he is about 7 and so happy, he is awesome to watch run he looks so proud. He does still have a bit of an attitude, always afraid of others around his food but just growls and complains. My little girl is almost 3 and so different I had her from about 2 months. She is happy and very friendly but barks because the male does when someone comes around. But she always wants to greet people and get some attention. I love this breed they are so cute and stuck to me like glue. Reply

Jim - 2012-11-21 What is the best way to giv our little one some Trifexis? I mean that stuff STINKS and these dogs have a smeller that will detect this 'stinky stuff.' We tried a little allpesauce, put some in his treat, and we resorted to actually.... I held him while my wife put some in some yogurt and forced it down/made him swollow it. I felt bad doing it but you would think they could make this stuff so a dog could take it. Any thoughts for next time? Jim - 2012-11-21 DAG this stuff stinks the house. WHOA!! Clarice Brough - 2012-11-21 Heh... sounds like you guys had some fun:_  I've used hot dogs to bury the medication in for dogs, and that usually works because they will just gulp it down (no chewing for them!). Also, a technique I use when medicating dogs and cats... I open their mouth by gently inserting my finger on the far side of the mouth, just past the molars. Then I put the pill as far back in their throat as I can, where all they can really do is swallow. It's fast, effective, and over before they even know it happened! Then I give them lots of love and praise. Jim - 2012-11-25 :) #1 worse part....to put the stuff in his mouth so he swollows it. #2 worse part.....Trifexis STUNK THE HOUSE UP. This stuff stinks and our dog can smell it(no matter what we tried). Toni - 2012-12-03 A miracle has happened! We can get heartworm medication injected for a six month period of time and it is no more expensive than six months of Trifexis. I just got my dog, Bonnie, an injection and am so glad I no longer have to wrestle with her to get that stupid pill, which she hated, down her little throat. Joon - 2012-12-07 I usually break the Trifexis in half since the pill is kind of big for them to swallow, then coat it with cream cheese monthly for both of my dogs, long hair chi & miniature poodle. It works like a charm every time. Charlie Roche - 2012-12-07 I break it up a litle and then put it in a fairly good size piece of cheeses or a ball of cheeses whiz or piece of hot dog. Jim - 2012-12-10 We tried breaking it up and rolling it in cheese. It worked for one piece then he smelled the second piece of cheese and walked away. That's when my wife put it in some yogurt and (kinda) put it in his mouth. Got some on his coat by his ear and she washed him but didn't get it all. I took a pair of scissors and had to cut the piece off. Getting onto a different topic it seems our dog has a smooth coat but when it comes to the ear area it 'looks' kinda matted(it's not just looks that way). Seems the area 'feels' kinda damp and wondered if it had to do with his ear. Nancy - 2012-12-13 I break the Trifexis into several pieces and then put them into pieces of a Pill Pocket. My dog loves the Pill Pockets! Good luck! Gerri - 2013-01-07 Coat the pill with smooth peanut butter and your chi should gulp it down like mine does. Jim - 2013-01-22 'Should gulp it up?' You don't know our guy. He likes the peanut butter then when he smells the Trifexis he walks away. I feel bad forcing it down his throat but I tell him 'it's for your own good.' Anonymous - 2013-01-27 Try fat free American cheese. I have an 11 year old longhaired chi with an emlarged heart. He has to take several pills a day. We first tried just putting them down his throat - didn't work. Then we tried the pill pocket routine - worked for a few times and that was the end of that. He loves American cheese. We now wrap his pills (sometimes I have to cut them up if they are kind of big) in pieces of cheese. No problem, right down the gullett - I guess he thinks they are treats. You might try that avenue. Jim - 2013-04-04 NOTHING works for this guy. UNFORTUNATELY we have to resort to forcing down his mouth. Yeah just put some stuff that stinks the high heavens into some cheese and he won't know. YEA, RIGHT!!! After grinding it up in some yogurt, an hour afterwards he hacked that up. Have I stated that this junk stinks? Reply

Jim - 2012-11-07 What's the best way to clip nails on a dog that....won't let you and/or hyper(without going to the vet)? Charlie Roche - 2012-11-07 A groomer?  I don't know any other way except to place the pup in my lap and hold him still with my legs and just clip the toenails.  I don't try and do 20 toenails at one time - just a few here and there as he is calm and sorta 1/2 asleep in my lap.  Jim - 2012-12-01 Well I tried to clip his nails but he won't let me. I tried to hold his paw and he backs off. He almost bit me and I think he senses that he will get hurt. I tried talking to him and my wife did too. we tried giving him a treat but still NO WAY BUDDY! I pray for the groomer. Charlie Roche - 2012-12-01 Will he let you file them - all you really need to do is take the real points off so he doesn't scrath you when jumping up.  Walking on the sidewalk will even do it. Toni - 2012-12-03 It takes two for my Bonnie's claws to get clipped. The groomer does the work while I hold her paws so that she can just barely touch the table top. Doing that keeps her mind on getting her feet under her and takes her attention off the clippers, which the groomer uses very quickly. Then she clips the long bunny feet Bonnie gets in winter, big, fluffy snow shoes on her delicate little paws. She doesn't like having her bunny feet clipped any more than having her claws clipped. Jim - 2012-12-04 All IS good now. My wife took him over to her sisters place (walked the dog there...less than a half a mile). She clipped them. It took both of them but it got the job done. My wife said he pulled her all the way going there, so he knew where he wanted to go. She has 5 dogs, 4 long haired chihushuas (our dogs mother,father, and his brothers so he has one heck of a time when he goes there. :) OH, the device we tried to use was 'Pedi-Paws.' Mary Goodwill - 2013-03-24 This method works well for me...I wrap her in a small blanket all legs except the one I am clipping. It limits her squirming. If there is someone else around I have them hold her also which is a help. Reply

Jim - 2012-12-20 Another comment.......our dog(after been given a treat 'sometimes') will go and want to hide.bury it. It's only frustrating when he scratches on the carpet. You kinda feel for these animals because I guess it's instinct. This is the first time I have had a dog that does this. As a boy we grew up with Boxers and the 2 we had did not do this. Is there anything I can do indoors? Outside he does not dig, just munches on bunny turds, eats bark off of little limbs, loves dead leaves. OH and got him a KONG and he will not eat from his bowl ONLY from his KONG. Jeremy Roche - 2012-12-20 How old and how long have you had the dog? Jim - 2012-12-20 He's 11mos. old, will be 1yr.old the beginning of Jan. Jim - 2012-12-20 We got him when he was 4 weeks old. Jeremy Roche - 2012-12-20 They are small and often nervous dogs.  He may have come from a place where he  was not comfortable and may have felt he had to hide his stuff to keep it.  With patience and love he will become comfortable and more then likely calm down.  Try putting something special in his bowl. Jim - 2012-12-30 We've had him since he was 4wks old. Gerri - 2013-01-07 My female chi started hiding things when she was 6 months old. I have had her since she was 8 weeks old. This must be a natural dog instinct because I have 3 cousins who also own chi's and their dogs also hide their toys, bones etc. My chi also scratches at her bedding like she is trying to dig. I have had her outside and she began digging a hole like a hound dog, but she is a full blooded registered chi. Must be normal behavior for her. I certainly won't be leaving her alone in the yard to dig holes. lisa - 2013-02-18 Last year I rescued a long haired chi mix who is about 5. She does the exact same things...no digging outside except when she finds delicious cat turds (she is a most effective scavenger hunter), loves clumps of dead leaves, digs a bit in the house before she lays down in her bed, and when I give her a big treat meant to occupy her with chewing she will pace around the house whining until she finds a satisfactory place to hide it, usually in the linen closet. My solution was to stop giving her such large chew treats. Now she only gets bite sized things which she eats right away. I felt too sorry for her when she seemed in distress looking for a hiding place. Tony - 2013-02-20 Well, I had a doggy, long hair chihuahua, that used to get everything under ground and was afraid of everybody. I took him over to the Psychologist and he advised me to take him over to the graveyard for few nights and to leave him there all night long by himself. Well, I did so but when he came back home we found out that something was killing the cats in the community. It was weird because the cats showed up dead with two holes on their necks and by the time we realized what was happening I fould out that I have been bit by the leg while I was sleeping. I had two holes on my right leg. Then one day I went back to my room and I found my long hair chihuahua sucking blood from a rabbit that I had in the room. The rabbit was already dead. Well, I decided to end the problem and what I did was to remove the two fangs and I tough him how to drink tomatoe juice. Now I have no problems with Draky. Reply

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