Long Haired Chihuahua: Your Complete Guide
Adopting a dog is not a decision to make lightly – after all, you’re adding an entirely new family member to love and grow with. Once you know that you definitely want to bring a pup into your life, you then have the choice of which type of dog to adopt. For those of you that are considering the long haired Chihuahua, we’re here to help you out.
Our complete guide below will tell you everything you need to know about this dog breed, complete with a quick look at basic breed facts, their temperament and trainability, and any health issues you should know about ahead of time. Read on to learn more about this energetic, loyal breed and figure out if this is the dog for you.
A Quick Look at Long Haired Chihuahuas
The quick facts below about long haired Chihuahuas can help introduce you to this breed and get you started understanding their appearance, temperament, and care needs.
| Weight/Height | 3 to 6 lbs/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 | Possibly |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | Between 14 and 20 years |
What Is the History of the Long Haired Chihuahua?
One of the oldest dog breeds around today, the Chihuahua first originated in Mexico. This breed is descended from the Techichi, which was introduced by the Toltecs and then transformed by the Aztecs into the smaller, more lightweight dog that we can recognize as the Chihuahua today. Research and anthropological studies have suggested that the first appearance of a dog similar to the modern Chihuahua was around 100 AD.
The Aztecs had many reasons for breeding Chihuahuas, such as companionship, religious purposes, rituals, and food.The Chihuahua gets its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it is believed that this dog was first bred. It is important to note that long-haired and short-haired (also called smooth coat) Chihuahuas are the same breed, with the only difference being the length of their coat.
Around the 1800s, Chihuahuas started making their way into the United States, with the long haired variety of the dog being more popular; it was believed at the time that the Chihuahua was mixed with another small breed such as the Pomeranian to create this longer coat, but the long hair is in fact a natural variety of the Chihuahua.In 1904, the first Chihuahua was registered and recognized by the American Kennel Club.
A few years later, Chihuahuas became popular in shows and started putting forth champions. In the 1940s and 50s, the Chihuahua breed (both long and short haired varieties) experienced another influx in popularity as they became commonplace in shows and popular culture. This popularity also earned them spots in more modern-day productions like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” and “Legally Blonde.”
Today, the long haired Chihuahua continues to be a popular choice for individuals or families who want an independent, energetic dog that is not too high maintenance and remains fiercely loyal to their owners.
What Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Look Like?
The long haired Chihuahua has triangular ears, round eyes, and a distinctive snout that typically forms an ‘L’ shape by meeting its face at an almost 90-degree angle. Long haired Chihuahuas are small dogs and can come in a variety of colors with the most common ones being black, brown, cream, fawn, and red or a mixture of these.
Their coats can range between very long hair and medium-long hair that is either straight or wavy. They’ve got a fluffy, cute look about them but are also quite feisty and manage to pack a huge personality into a small body.
What Size Is a Long Haired Chihuahua?
Long haired Chihuahuas are one of the smallest dog breeds around today. They stand between 6 and 9 inches in height and typically weigh between 3 and 6 pounds. Males are prone to being taller than the females, though neither gender of Chihuahua will ever weigh much more than 6 pounds if they are healthy.
What Is a Long Haired Chihuahua’s Coat Type?
The long haired Chihuahua’s coat will be silky, with longer fur through their body and on their ears. This fur can be straight or wavy, and some Chihuahuas may have medium-long fur while others have very long coats – all of this depends on genetics.
What Is a Long Haired Chihuahua’s Temperament?
Chihuahuas are known for their spicier temperaments, and this dog breed does have a reputation for being more aggressive and intolerant of other animals or people invading its space. However, despite the Chihuahua’s bark, they are not particularly aggressive or prone to attack, but they are stubborn, full of personality, and quite bossy.
Depending on the individual Chihuahua you adopt, they may be happy surrounded by a large family with other animals or prefer to be the sole object of your affection. This dog is very loyal and bonds easily to its owners, preferring to spend much of their time sitting on or near their loved ones.
Long haired Chihuahuas can be energetic, and even though they may be small, they do need a fair amount of exercise and playtime. They are affectionate and learn very well when rewarded with affection and high-value treats as a part of training. For the most part, you can expect your Chihuahua to be bossy and in charge when in public or surrounded by others but more subdued and cuddly when spending time at home with you.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Affectionate?
Long haired Chihuahuas, and Chihuahuas in general, have earned a reputation for themselves as not being very affectionate. This is because of their tendency to bark at others and the fear or anxiety that this breed is prone to. However, long haired Chihuahuas are quite affectionate to their owners and will enjoy spending time with you whenever possible. They are loving and loyal and prefer to sit on their owner’s lap most of the time.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good With Kids?
Long haired Chihuahuas may not be the best choice to have around younger children or children who don’t yet understand how to safely interact with animals. This is because Chihuahuas are small and tend to be fragile – they can easily be harmed by a child who plays rough with them. Furthermore, a Chihuahua might be frightened by the somewhat erratic movements of small children and start barking or growling, causing stress among all parties.
With proper training and socialization for both your children and your long haired Chihuahua, you may be able to have your dog around older children, but babies and very young children are not recommended.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good With Other Animals?
Your long haired Chihuahua can be good with other animals, but this depends on both your other animal and your Chihuahua’s disposition. Some dogs prefer to be the center of attention and will cause problems with your other animals, while some Chihuahuas can easily adapt to being in a household full of other dogs or cats. The Chihuahua adapts better to other animals when they are introduced at a young age, but even older dogs can learn to live with other animals as long as supervision is given at first.
Also, don’t be surprised if your long haired Chihuahua starts bossing around the household once they get comfortable, as their personalities usually supersede other animals, even bigger dogs.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Aggressive?
Chihuahuas do have a reputation as being an aggressive dog breed, but this is actually a misconception. They tend to be very protective and loyal to their owners; this can result in excessive barking, teeth showing, and growling, but Chihuahuas are unlikely to attack, bite, or be outwardly aggressive when unprovoked. Most of the time, very aggressive, long-haired Chihuahuas display learned behavior; this behavior can be trained out of the dog to make them happier and less stressed.
If you have concerns about your Chihuahua’s aggression, it is always a good idea to take them to a veterinarian to rule out any underlying problems before undertaking a training regime to reduce this behavior.
Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Bark a Lot?
Unfortunately for your neighbors, the long haired Chihuahua is prone to barking and being vocal. They don’t have a very loud bark due to their small size, but they have a powerful ‘yap’ that they use to get attention, boss around those they live with, or show their excitement. Long haired Chihuahuas may also bark a bit when they get frightened, as displays of fear/nervousness are common in this breed.
With proper socialization and dedicated training, you can decrease the amount that your dog barks due to fear, nervousness, or general protective behavior. This is something that is healthier for both you and the dog. However, you can still expect your long haired Chihuahua to be more vocal than other dog breeds.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Intelligent?
Though long haired Chihuahuas are not often thought of as the most intelligent dog out there, this breed is actually a bit smarter than average. They can pick up on human emotions fairly well, and you can train your Chihuahua to complete basic tasks; they also are easily trained to be housebroken.
However, the problem with Chihuahuas is that their intelligence also brings quite a bit of stubbornness which many can mistake for being unintelligent and resistant to training when, really, your Chihuahua is just letting their wants guide their behavior.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Easy to Train?
This dog breed can be easy to train, but you should keep in mind that they can be quite stubborn from time to time. Long haired Chihuahuas are easy to train when they want to be, and while they can easily pick up simple commands like ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘stay,’ sometimes they won’t follow them for preference of doing their own thing.
You may also have a little bit of difficulty when it comes to house training your Chihuahua, as they may slip off and do their business in your home without you noticing – a consequence of their small size. Just remember to remain patient and consistent with training, and your long haired Chihuahua will be following basic commands in no time.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Energetic?
Long haired Chihuahuas have a moderate to high energy output. They do need several short walks per day to stay healthy and will benefit from visiting a park with other dogs once or twice a week so they can run around and socialize. You should also be providing your dog with enough toys and one-on-one time with you at home to get their energy, and mental stimulation needs met; failure to do this can cause destructive behavior or nervousness in your dog.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good Apartment Dogs?
A long haired Chihuahua makes an excellent choice for an apartment dog. This is thanks to their small size, their simpler grooming needs, and the fact that they only need a few short walks a day plus some toys to stay content. It’s important not to overlook their loud “yapping,” as this may cause a few issues with noise complaints, but if you can get that under control, you shouldn’t have any problems.
As long as they have a dedicated area in your apartment where they can curl up and take some time for themselves, your long haired Chihuahua will be perfectly happy with you in an apartment space.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good Watchdogs?
The long haired Chihuahua is actually a pretty good watchdog. This is due to their nature of being very protective and loyal to their owners, and their keen sense of sight and hearing that allows them to hear strangers or other dogs before most other dog breeds would. They are also quite a vocal breed and aren’t afraid to bark at a stranger, another animal, or really anything that they find amiss on their territory.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good Service Dogs?
Due to their small stature, long haired Chihuahuas do not make good service dogs. However, they do make for a helpful emotional support animal or therapy dog. This is because they are very loyal to their owners and tend to be an expert at picking up on human emotions; they may be a great choice for someone who experiences low moods or anxieties and wants a comforting companion pet.
How to Care for a Long Haired Chihuahua
Your long haired Chihuahua won’t need an overwhelming amount of care, but you will need to make sure that they are fed two to three meals a day, have access to regular veterinary care, and that you meet their weekly grooming requirements.
You should be taking your long-haired Chihuahua on two to three short walks per day, equal to about thirty minutes of daily exercise, and providing them with toys to play with when you’re not around. This breed also loves getting snuggly, so a comfy bed and a blanket are also ideal.
Make sure that you give your Chihuahua their own space to retreat to when they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and work with them to train out any negative behaviors and maybe curb some of their loud barking tendencies. Other than that, you should always give your long haired Chihuahua lots of love and be sure to spend enough time with them; this is one dog breed that loves its owner, is very loyal, and needs lots of interaction and affection to be happy.
Do You Need to Groom a Long Haired Chihuahua?
You do need to groom your long haired Chihuahua, as their long fur can easily become tangled or matted if they are left without regular brushing or baths. You can take your long haired Chihuahua to the groomer for a trim and help with deshedding their coat, but you should make an effort to brush them once or twice a week to prevent problems.
Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Shed?
You will find that your long haired Chihuahua sheds about an average amount to a slightly above average amount, depending on your dog and the care routine you have established. They do have longer hair, which can scare off some individuals who don’t want any dog hair around their home, but the shedding of your long haired Chihuahua can usually be controlled with weekly brushing and regular baths.
What Should a Long Haired Chihuahua Eat?
Your long haired Chihuahua should eat a nutritionally balanced diet that consists of four to ten ounces of food per day split up into two or three meals depending on your schedule and your dog’s ideal body weight. High-quality dry food should meet these requirements, and you can occasionally supplement your dog’s diet with healthy treats.
Make sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about any diet regime, and always watch your Chihuahua for fluctuations in weight, as this could be a sign of a medical issue.
What Health Problems Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Have?
There are a few health problems that long haired Chihuahuas may be predisposed to because of their genetics and their smaller size. These conditions include dislocated kneecaps, hypoglycemia, tooth or gum disease, and obesity. You should be meeting with a veterinarian if your dog starts to display concerning symptoms and should always strive to keep your dog happy and healthy.
For more information on spotting certain health conditions in long haired Chihuahuas, you can check out this article.
How Long Do Long Haired Chihuahuas Live?
Long haired Chihuahuas are one of the longer-lived breeds of dogs. You can expect a long haired Chihuahua to live between 14 and 20 years old. Keep in mind that an unhappy lifestyle, excessive stress, or health conditions may shorten this expectation, while a happy, healthy life will keep your long haired Chihuahua living to the upper years of this range.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Expensive?
Long haired Chihuahuas can be expensive depending on the breeder, their coloration, and their size. On average, a long haired Chihuahua puppy will cost you between $500 and $1,500. If you opt for the teacup variety of this breed (everything is the same, except much smaller), you can expect to pay around $2,000 for a puppy.
How to Find a Long Haired Chihuahua Breeder?
If you want to purchase your long haired Chihuahua as a puppy, you will need to find a reputable breeder. You can perform an internet search or use other online or in-person resources to find a breeder. Be careful as you complete this process that you vet the breeder and request a tour of their facilities; this will help you avoid purchasing a puppy from a private breeder that treats their dogs poorly or a puppy mill.
Can You Adopt a Long Haired Chihuahua?
You can adopt a long haired Chihuahua. Because this breed is more common, they are more likely to turn up in shelters or in other rescue organizations. You can search the local animal shelters around you or look for rescue organizations that adopt out long haired Chihuahuas to loving and caring homes as an alternative to purchasing directly from a breeder.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Purebred?
Long haired Chihuahuas are the smallest purebred dog in the world. Their lineage can be traced back directly to the first dogs bred by the Aztecs. If you are adopting your long haired Chihuahua from a breeder, you will likely be given papers that certify your dog’s lineage and their eligibility to participate in dog shows and the like as a purebred dog.
Can You Show Long Haired Chihuahuas?
Long haired Chihuahuas are recognized by the American Kennel Club and are eligible to participate in shows. Make sure to check with the event you are participating in for more information about what papers you will need to present and the tasks that your long haired Chihuahua will need to complete to enter and potentially win the show.
Are Long Haired Chihuahuas Good for New Dog Owners?
This loving and loyal dog can be a good choice for new dog owners. They like to stay by their owner’s side, usually form strong bonds with their families, and are low maintenance enough that new owners won’t feel overwhelmed. As long as any new dog owner keeps in mind that their long haired Chihuahua needs regular exercise and grooming and that they must be socialized and trained out of any poor behaviors that emerge, this breed can make a perfect first dog.
Is a Long Haired Chihuahua the Right Dog for Me?
It is important to make sure that any dog you adopt matches up with your lifestyle and the care level that you are able to provide. Review our list of essential considerations below to help you determine once and for all if the long haired Chihuahua is the right dog breed to be bringing into your life.A long haired Chihuahua might be right for you if:
- You plan to make it the only pet in your home, or you can supervise the introduction of your Chihuahua to any other pets
- You want a small yet sassy dog that will love you fiercely
- You’re willing to brush your long haired Chihuahua at least once a week and give them regular baths to keep their coat in good condition
- You can exercise your Chihuahua regularly and provide them with a safe, structured environment
You shouldn’t adopt a long haired Chihuahua if you:
- Will have very young children or babies in your home at the same time
- Don’t want a dog that tends to be more vocal and might need training to curb barking habits
- Prefer a dog that is less stubborn and easy to train for complex service tasks
- Want a dog with very low energy
As you take into account all of the items that make long haired Chihuahuas fantastic pets, make sure to compare their needs and personalities to your lifestyle. You want to be sure that you can provide the best life possible for your new dog, as this is what will make you both the happiest you can be.