Long Haired Chihuahua: A Complete Guide to your Fluffy Friend

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

We’ve all seen the slick-coated, short-haired Chihuahuas. But did you know that Chihuahuas come in a fluffier version?

Meet the long-haired Chihuahua! With a luxurious mane and plenty of ear feathering, this Chi certainly has a regal appearance.

By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need about these downy little dogs. Let’s hop to it!

A quick overview of the long-haired Chihuahua

When we think of Chihuahuas, we usually picture smooth-coat Chis (as they’re sometimes called).

Even though these two Chihuahua varieties have very different appearances, they’re still the same toy breed.

Both types of Chihuahuas descend from Mexico’s ancient Techichi dog. Despite their small size, these pups have deep roots!

Over the centuries, Chihuahuas became a beloved dog breed in the United States. They’ve been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1904!

Sometime during their rise in popularity, short-coat Chis were interbred with long-haired tiny dogs. But don’t think this means your long-haired Chihuahua isn’t a purebred. 

Once breeders settled on a long-haired Chihuahua appearance they liked, these mixes were mated with short-coated Chis.

Eventually, the outside dog breed genes were reduced, but the long fur genes remained.

Appearance: What are the differences between a smooth coat and long coat Chihuahua?

Aside from their lengthy locks, the long-haired Chihuahua is no different than the short-haired.

Also referred to as long coat and smooth coat Chihuahuas, both of these Chi variations fall under the same breed standard.

This breed has triangular ears and round eyes. Their tails might stand up or curl over their backs, almost as if to make a “C” for Chihuahua.

The Chihuahua body is small, yet well-proportioned. Did we mention they have the cutest little paws you’ll ever see on a dog?

You’ll notice that not all Chihuahua heads have the same shape or look.

Whether you have a smooth coat or long coat Chi, they could come from an apple headed or deer headed Chihuahua parent.

No matter if you have a long coat or a smooth coat Chi, an apple head or deer head, all of their other physical characteristics will be the same.

Size: How big are long-haired Chihuahuas?

Regardless of your Chi’s coat length, they’re guaranteed to be a very small dog. In fact, the size and weight of each Chihuahua variety is exactly the same.

Most Chihuahuas stand 9 inches (15 cm) tall or less. The average adult weight range for a full-grown Chi is between 3-6 pounds (1-3 kg).

In fact, the AKC breed standard makes it clear that Chis shouldn’t weigh any more than 6 pounds (3 kg). 

But wait! Chihuahuas get even smaller than this!

Teacup Chihuahuas have gained traction in recent years. You might see some breeders marketing them as specialty Chis. This isn’t necessarily the case, though. 

Teacup Chihuahuas, while a teeny-tiny version of an itty-bitty dog, are often just the runt of the litter.

They frequently come with a host of health problems, too. We’d advise you to proceed with caution if you’re looking for a long-haired Teacup or miniature Chihuahua.

Coat & color: How to know if your Chihuahua is short-haired or long-haired

Long coated Chihuahuas can take a little time to get their full coats, sometimes up to 14-24 months of age.

The texture of the coat is soft and can be either flat or slightly curly with or without an undercoat (although most do have 2 coats).

Interestingly, many long haired Chihuahuas are actually smoother to the touch than shorts. They have soft, fine guard hairs and a downy undercoat, which gives them their fluffy appearance. 

You might be surprised to know that short-haired Chihuahuas can indeed produce long-haired Chis. It all depends on the parent dogs’ genes. 

Your long-haired Chihuahua pup’s parentage determines their coat color, too. You could see fur colors crop up that you don’t see in your puppy’s mom or dad.

Common Chihuahua colors include: black, white, fawn, cream, chocolate/brown, and merle.

Usually, males have a larger ruff around the neck and more hair than the females do. 

Occasionally, male Chi ears are heavier and have a harder time standing up.

Their heavy ears may flop over on the tips, but they can hold them up at will. It’s also possible for their ears to be upright all the time.

Remember that the coat length does not affect behavior, temperament and personality. Speaking of personality, what can you expect from these sassy canines?

Personality: Are Long-haired Chihuahuas good pets?

The Long Haired Chihuahua dog is known for their loving and loyal nature.

They are protective of their owners, loving them with every fibre of their being and are happiest when perched on their owner’s lap.

Like most smaller dogs, Small Dog Syndrome is a possibility for your long-haired Chi.

This breed boasts a big personality, even at a young age. They need consistent training to ensure they mind their manners. 

Early socialization is a good idea, too. Especially if you have children or other pets, you want your long-haired Chi to know how to behave around kids and animals.

Similarly, teach your children how to read canine body language. Since these pups could just about fit in your pocket, you want to ensure that everyone knows how to play gently and safely.

Helping your long-haired Chi be a good citizen shouldn’t be too difficult for experienced owners.

But sweet and cuddly as they can be, Chihuahuas also have a reputation for a stubborn streak.

They’re smart, but almost too smart. Keep training and socialization positive for best results.

Basic Care Guide for a Long-haired Chihuahua

Even with their voluminous fur, long-coat Chihuahuas don’t do well in cold weather. Hot temperatures can be uncomfortable for a long-haired Chi, too.

Keep that in mind as we dive into all things long-haired Chi care!

Grooming: Do long-haired Chihuahuas shed a lot?

You might’ve heard that both short-haired and long-haired Chis are hypoallergenic. The truth is, they do shed, but not nearly as much as other dogs. And since they’re so small, grooming is a breeze!

If you’re hesitant to bring home a long hair Chihuahua, rest assured that their grooming regime is still relatively low-maintenance. 

Once-a-week brushing is usually sufficient, but you might want to ramp this up in the summer months.

To make it even better, long-haired Chi fur grows to a certain length–and then stops growing. Bye bye, regular doggy trims!

This isn’t to say that your long-haired Chihuahua puppy can’t sport an adorable haircut every now and again. They certainly have the coat for it!

Lion cuts and show cuts are popular choices, and for good reason.

Check out this video for more tips on how to groom your long-haired Chihuahua. It’s a little long, but it’s well worth your time!

While you’re at it, don’t forget their nails and ears!

Trim those claws every few weeks, or whenever you can hear them clicking on the floor.

Because those fluffy, fuzzy ears are prone to debris build-up, check them every day. Wipe them with a clean cloth, and alert your vet if you notice any redness or a funky odor.

Feeding your long-haired Chi

How much dog food should a long-haired Chihuahua eat? Not much at all!

Your furry friend only needs about 400 calories, or 1 cup of kibble, each day. You might need to increase this amount if your Chi is particularly rambunctious.

For a more sedentary pooch, you can reduce it slightly.

However much you and your vet determine is best for your Chihuahua, split their dog chow between 3-4 meals. 

Chihuahuas are known for bouts of low blood sugar. By giving them several small meals throughout the day instead of just two large meals, you’ll keep a little pep in their step.

Activity Levels: How much exercise do Long Haired Chihuahuas need?

If you’ve spent even 10 minutes around a Chihuahua, you know that they have energy for days. The awesome thing about these little balls of fire is that they don’t require much activity at one time.

Because they’re so small, Chihuahuas can tire quickly. Walk them around the block for 20-30 minutes, and they’ll be worn out.

In addition to their daily explore-and-sniff, your long-haired Chi will love a few play sessions. Make sure to use Chihuahua-sized toys, and play gently. These pups are more fragile than they appear!

Health: What is the life expectancy of a long-haired Chihuahua?

This may be the #1 question on every dog lover’s mind. You’ll be pleased to know that the long-coated Chihuahua will be around for quite some time–12-20 years, to be exact!

With such a long life span, it’s easy to assume that Chihuahuas don’t have any health issues. There are a few potential medical conditions to be aware of, however.

Patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) are fairly common in both types of Chihuahua, including the long-haired Chi.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (a fancy name for dry eye) is a possibility, as well.

Perhaps the biggest health concerns involve heart diseases, like pulmonic stenosis and heart murmurs.

Long-haired Chihuahuas with an apple head are at risk for hydrocephalus, too. Hydrocephalus isn’t always serious, but it can be.

Regular check-ups are essential for maximizing your long-haired Chihuahua’s lifespan.

Pay close attention to your puppy’s appetite and personality. If you notice any changes, call your vet. Better safe than sorry, right?

How much does a long-haired Chihuahua puppy cost?

A purebred Long Haired Chihuahua puppy should cost between $500 to $1,500 USD. 

Expect to pay more for a pup from a smaller litter or with a rarer coat color. Merle Chi puppies, for example, tend to be a bit pricier.

When dealing with long-haired Chihuahua breeders, it’s important to choose the most trustworthy breeder available.

Puppies from responsible breeders are more likely to be healthier and better socialized. Make note of these do’s and don’ts for choosing a breeder:

1. Schedule time to meet your breeder, her breeding stock, and her puppies.
2. Look for a breeder whose puppies are kept near the family and get lots of cuddles from their humans.
3. Ask for health guarantees and medical clearances.

Keeping those points in mind, you should be able to weed out not-so-great breeders and pick just the right pup. But where can you buy a long-haired Chihuahua puppy?

Long-haired Chihuahua breeders & kennels

You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a long-coat Chihuahua breeder. You’ll notice that some breeders specialize in long-haired Chis, while others carry both varieties. 

As you start researching breeders and kennels, make any color or coat preferences known ahead of time.This way, breeders can let you know right away if they have what you’re looking for.

Here are a few breeders to kick off your search:

• Texas Long Coats (Hubbard, Texas)
• Brislin Chihuahuas (Dunmore, Pennsylvania)
• Pooh Corner Chihuahuas (Carlisle, Pennsylvania)
• Teresa’s Chihuahuas (Riverside, California)

Long-haired Chihuahuas for Rescue/ Adoption

Adopting your long-haired Chihuahua comes with several benefits. For starters, you’re giving a needy pet a loving forever home.

Furthermore, because many rescue dogs are past the puppy stage, you’ll have a better idea of their appearance and personality. 

Ready to adopt the pooch of your dreams? Check out these rescue organizations to see what’s currently available:

• Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
• Long Island Chihuahua Rescue (Mastic Beach, NY)
• Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue (Phoenix, AZ)

Long-haired Chihuahua mixes

The long-coated fluff doesn’t stop with the Chihuahua! You can find long-haired varieties of just about any Chihuahua mix. 

Combined with the Pomeranian’s cloud-like coat, the long-haired Chihuahua Pomeranian mix (aka the Pomchi) is about as cute as it gets!

Or perhaps a long-bodied, long-haired Chihuahua Dachshund mix is what makes your tail wag. Check out the Chiweenie for a precious mixture of two small breeds.

Prefer something with a little octane than a purebred Chihuahua? Any long-haired Chihuahua Terrier mix should do the trick!

5 Quick Facts about Long Haired Chihuahua

1. It takes a little over two years for a Long Haired Chihuahua to grow a full coat.
2. They are the smallest purebred dog in the world.
3. Puppies are born with a molera (a soft spot on top of their head).
4. You can train them to use a litter box to go to the bathroom. Talk about convenient!
5. They are recognized by the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club and The Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.

Is a Long Haired Chihuahua Right For Me?

Long-haired Chihuahuas are both sweet and spicy. Cute as they are, however, you might still be wondering if they’re the right fit for your pack.

• Pros: manageable size, fluffy coats, spunky spirit
• Cons: require slightly more grooming than short-coat Chis, not always good with kids

So, what are you going to name your Chihuahua? Tell us in the comments!

Similar Breeds:

Perhaps you aren’t sure if the Chihuahua breed is right for you. But don’t worry! There are plenty of other small breeds that you might want to consider instead.

Some of them have long hair too! Take a look at a few of our guides below for more inspiration.

• Pomeranian
• Papillon
• Yorkie
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Poodle

Reference

• https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/luxating-patella-in-dogs
• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_pulmonic_stenosis