How to Adopt a Long Haired Chihuahua

How to Adopt a Long Haired Chihuahua

Long Haired Chihuahua

Breed Stats

Weight:
3 to 6 lbs
Height:
6 to 9 inches
Coat Type:
Longer, silky hair
Grooming Needs:
Shedding:
Temperament:
Energetic and inquisitive
Good With Kids:
Good With Other Animals:
Intelligence:
Easy To Train:
Energy Level:
Barking Habits:
Lifespan:
Between 14 and 20 years

Adopting a Long-Haired Chihuahua: An Overview

What’s better than finally deciding to get a new four-legged family member? The excitement of looking through various breeds and deciding which would be ideal for your home is incredible, though the process can be expensive and rigorous.

Thankfully, several methods exist to streamline and simplify adopting a new fluffy pal. For those who have their hearts set on a specific breed, such as the long-haired Chihuahua.

We will show the best steps, tips, and places to adopt the long-haired Chihuahua for those who can’t get over the fluff and fun of the breed. This article will take a comprehensive look at how to adopt a long-haired Chihuahua.

long haired chihuahua sitting in bicycle basket

How Do You Adopt a Long-Haired Chihuahua?

The long-haired Chihuahua is a very popular dog breed, particularly in the States. They are one of the more independent breeds that are bubbly, fun, and full of energy. Because of this, it can sometimes be hard to find them locally, depending on where you live. Chihuahuas do not have as many puppies as other breeds and are usually quickly swooped up.

Their popularity makes them somewhat tricky to find and increases the price of the smaller dogs quite a bit. On average, a long-haired Chihuahua will range anywhere from 500 to 1,500 dollars. If you are looking for a dog with a unique coat, such as blue or even red, the cost of the dog can become even more expensive.

The price will also depend on the breeder’s reputation and the pedigree of the individual long-haired Chihuahua. If a puppy comes from a line of Chihuahuas that have a clean medical history that is well-documented by a breeder with a worthwhile reputation, they will cost more.

For those trying to find a Chihuahua on a tighter budget, check rescue shelters and local pet adoption listings. Not only will you save these dogs from less-than-desirable situations or outcomes, but they will also be considerably cheaper.

The downside is that there is typically less access to the dog’s medical history and personal information. Similarly, local listings will not guarantee that you can even find a long-haired Chihuahua, which will usually be adopted relatively quickly, particularly if they are young.

The breed is not the most exclusive dog in the country, but they are well-loved for good reason.

For even more information on Long Haired Chihuahuas

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Long Haired Chihuahuas For Adoption

How to Care for an Adopted Long-Haired Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas are adorable and easily loved by anyone who has the pleasure of meeting one, though they can be a bigger handful than their size indicates. The dogs have a willfulness larger than life and a protectiveness usually reserved for much larger breeds. Because of their strong personalities, they will need a consistent amount of care and attention.

Chihuahua Anxiety

Chihuahuas, both long-haired and short-haired, have gotten a reputation for being skittish, irritable, and anxious. While they have a more nervous temperament than several other dogs, this behavior is by no means set in stone, and owners can almost completely eliminate it. Affection, a calm environment, and regular exercise all help to reduce canine stress.

adopted long haired chihuahuas on leashes outside on paved trail

Diet

On average, a Chihuahua requires a diet of two to three nutritionally rich meals daily. While Chihuahuas can have notable differences in size and height from one dog to another, long-haired Chihuahuas tend to stay between three and six pounds. Because of this, their dietary needs are much easier to regulate than other breeds with more variety in their mass.

Exercise

While on exercise, a long-haired Chihuahua will require a fair bit of it. Long-haired Chihuahuas are much smaller than other dogs, which helps owners not have to run marathons or go hiking with the pooch twice a week. They will require daily walks and some time outside, whether in a safe, controlled backyard or a local dog park.

This will not only help the dog behave better throughout the day, but it may also increase the longevity of your dog’s physical and mental health. Inactive dogs that come from breeds with higher exercise requirements have a higher chance of medical ailments in the future. Considering Chihuahuas have a higher chance of obesity, exercise should not be ignored.

Grooming

As with most hirsute animals, the long-haired Chihuahua will require fairly frequent grooming. Owners don’t need to follow their fluffy friends around with a brush and lint roller, but they should try to brush the dog once or twice a week on average. They will have some shedding, though their smaller size will keep your house from becoming the floor of a busy hair salon.

Long haired chihuahua sitting near the window and wrought iron window protection with teddy bear.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Long-Haired Chihuahua As Your First Dog?

The breed will take some getting used for people unfamiliar with looking after dogs, though they are far from an impossible first dog. In fact, they usually make good choices for a novice owner due to their deep loyalty and devotion to their families. That said, they can have some quirks that may be off-putting, which should be handled by their caretakers to avoid future issues.

Training

Because of the high probability of anxiety and stress in adopted Chihuahuas, a good amount of training can go a long way. Not only is the interaction a great way to bond with your new buddy, but it can also help the dog get used to routines, commands, and the layout of a new home. Chihuahuas have a notable intelligence for training, though they can be initially stubborn.

Those looking to train a Chihuahua with little experience with instructing dogs should take the process patiently, as the initial sessions can be arduous. As the Chihuahua gets used to the rhythm of training, however, owners will find that they catch on far quicker than initially expected.

Stimulation Requirements

Because of their notable intelligence and impressive stamina, a Chihuahua will not do well if left unattended for days at a time. Like most dogs, they require a fair bit of attention and play time throughout the week to keep them in good spirits and maintain their physical health. If not, they can become anxious and destructive while they look for other ways to pass the time.

They are not as destructive as larger dogs and do not have the endless batteries of some other breeds, though they should have time to be with their owner while also getting to go outside. Training can bring in a lot of one-on-one time and will also help the dog evolve into a more diligent and attentive companion, effectively downing two birds with one stone.

Living Situation

Because of their size, Chihuahuas are well-suited anywhere. They make wonderful dogs in apartments and can also do well in large houses with ample backyards. For those with noise concerns, trying to train them out of their overly protective (and sometimes paranoid) bark can help keep neighbors happy.

For those living out in the country, a watchful eye will be needed to prevent the dog from coming into contact with any would-be predators. Chihuahua may have the heart of a lion, but they do not have the build. If you are in a very rural area, they should be monitored to avoid any incidents.

adopted long haired chihuahua laying in basket

Adopt the Right Long-Haired Chihuahua for You

Adopting a long-haired Chihuahua can be a pricey, time-consuming venture. They are one of the more popular breeds, and they can get up to a price exceeding 2,000 dollars on the higher end. They must be given a fair bit of exercise, somewhat frequent grooming, and two to three nutritious meals daily.

They are suitable for first-time owners in any living situation as long as the person is aware of their training needs and inclination to bark at new noises and strangers. Training can minimize this issue so they are hardly noticed, though it may be slow going at first. They are a wonderful dog with an incredible temperament, though like any pet, they require some work.


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